Emily Clarke is now handling the paperwork for a plot of land, even though she never intended to.
Again? Emily looks at James Harris with a puzzled stare. We just visited your mother and helped her yesterday. I dont want any more of this Lets spend this weekend alone, just the two of us.
Emily pleads with him, but James remains unmoved.
Emily, you know Mom has been struggling lately. Dad passed away, and she cant manage everything on her own. Im her only son, so I have to help.
Fine. Why is your mother coming to us this time?
I already told you she needs new wallpaper, but only a creamy colour, plus a few other small things.
Cant she just order them?
She doesnt know how to order. Well all go together at the weekend, take a walk, and shell get some fresh air.
Going for a stroll at a building supply store isnt a holiday, Emily snaps, but she doesnt want to ruin the weekend. She orders everything on the list, picks the items herself, and pays for them.
All thats left for Margaret Harris, Jamess mother, is to receive the materials. She no longer needs to come to their city flat. The delivery is due on Friday evening, so Emily thinks there should be no problem.
She is shocked when Margaret arrives on Saturday morning, lugging all the purchases herself.
You wanted me to carry all that weight. Why? James, didnt you tell her?
Margaret, its a surprise, Emily, still in her pyjamas, excuses herself in the hallway.
The mother sizes up her daughterinlaw with a disdainful glance, then turns to her son. Whats the silence about? Got something to say? Tell your wife about our surprise.
What surprise? Emily asks James, realizing something is being hidden.
Im moving in with you for a few months, Margaret says, shrugging off her coat.
Emily barely registers the shock before another surprise hits.
And youre staying with me, Margaret adds, moving toward the kitchen. Emily grabs Jamess hand and whispers irritably, Whats going on? Why are we moving? I never planned this; we never discussed it.
Sorry, I didnt get a chance to explain. Mum suggested it. Dont worry, we wont move right away, James shrugs as if nothing has happened and walks toward his mother.
Emily retreats to the bedroom, unwilling to confront Margaret directly.
Later that evening, the situation clears up. James finally explains, Emily, you have an opportunity here. Think about it. Well renovate the house the way you want. Itll look great in your portfolio; all your clients will love it.
Well live there while we work. Mum isnt old enough to breathe construction dust, but well need to supervise the workers.
Do I have to do all that? Emily asks, more bewildered.
You need a job, and were looking after you, James replies.
Moving to a village for months? I dont want that! I like the flat.
Were not moving yet. First, youve already ordered the wallpaper. Well do the renovation in one room so Mum feels comfortable.
How will she avoid the dust?
Well keep a window open; she wont even notice. Shell just keep an eye on things.
Besides, we cant dictate terms to her. The flat belongs to her, the house is mine on paper.
It belongs to her because you never inherited it!
Why are you meddling in our family affairs? Weve already settled everything. Im the sole heir after Mum.
So dont worry, everything will end up with us.
If the flat were in your name, Mum wouldnt kick us out for months. Now, because of your naivety, we have to live in the village!
Margaret overhears from the doorway, and when Emilys frustration erupts, the bedroom door bursts open.
Youd be better off staying silent, Margaret says, defending her son. You never had a heart when you chose him.
Chosen? What are you talking about? Emily asks, bewildered by the phrase.
Of course I chose him. Without me, hed be lost! Now youre eyeing the inheritance?
I think its fair. Youve shortchanged my son.
You want justice, Margaret says, staring intently at James. And why are you quiet? Do you agree with her?
James remains mute, unwilling to take sides.
I do, Emily says firmly. It seems youve taken everything from my husband. What if you marry?
What? Me? Margaret laughs. Marry? Oh, Margaret Harris, youre flattering yourself. She softens immediately, pleased that Emily isnt calling her old. Fine, youll finish the house renovation and Ill transfer the flat to my son. Satisfied? Ill just reregister the house in my name.
Emily feels relieved. James sighs, a little upset that he had to argue with his mother, but he hides it.
Its still awkward with Mum around, he mutters in the car.
They complete a quick refurbishment of one room, and a week later they move to the village.
Its all for her, and we
And were just taking whats ours. Once the renovation is done, the flat is ours! Imagine that
Emily dreams of owning a threebedroom flat, and soon that dream seems within reach.
The village house greets them with dull colours and an enormous amount of work, plus a hefty price tag.
Nothing, well take a loan, James muses. In the end well have a flat anyway.
Emily agrees and throws herself into the work. Though she worries about living in a rural house without comforts, the vision of a better future keeps her going.
The work proceeds slowly but well. Emily monitors every stage, and she unexpectedly enjoys the process and the house itself.
Every private house should have a garden, even a small plot with flowers, she decides.
She now deals with the land paperwork, even though it wasnt part of her original plan. Every evening she proudly tells James about the progress.
Well plant roses; Ive already ordered the seedlings.
Emily, thats beyond our budget. We cant afford it. Mum will move in and plant them herself.
Something inside Emily snaps, and she pours her heart into it.
James, what if we stay here? I love it. The house is already yours, no need to retitle anything.
Dont you want the flat?
Whats the point? Its cramped, stuffy. Here theres space.
Ill talk to Mum.
Emily feels happy. She now tends to the house, the garden, and the plot. The new life suits her, until her motherinlaw arrives.
Good morning, Margaret Harris. Why show up unannounced? Emily greets her, ready to show the renovation, but something about Jamess mother displeases her.
How am I supposed to warn you when Im heading home? Youve delayed the work, so Im here to see whats happening.
Going home? Oh, James didnt mention were staying.
Where? Ive come home, you can go back to the flat if you dont like it.
Margaret, you dont understand. Were staying in the house. It belongs to James, no reregistration needed.
Margaret suddenly sits down, outraged.
You heartless woman, taking my house! I came to help, and you betray me?
No, Ill stay here! James is fully on my side. Dont make a scene, pack your things.
Emily is stunned. She never imagined Margaret would like the house. She always praised the city flat, saying how lucky they were to live in civilization, far from the countryside.
James and Emily sit in silence for an hour, each lost in thought, both hoping the house will belong to James.
James returns home in a sour mood, seeing his mother and wife, and he feels downcast.
Whats going on? they both ask, adding to his discomfort.
Our company has gone bust; Ive lost my job. Well probably have to stay here, Emily, and try to save money with the garden.
His mother watches him silently. Inside, Emily already feels triumphant. She doesnt need to force James to choose; he decides on his own.
Emily still has doubts because James often does what his mother wants.
Mum, sorry, but it really will be easier for us here. Well pay off the loans and get back on our feet.
Time is short, and the village life is simpler; there are no expensive shops, only necessities.
Margaret agrees with her son, unable not to support him, especially in his sour mood.
His mother says goodbye and leaves. James smiles widely at Emily.
So, am I an actor now?
In what sense?
I know Mum wanted to go back home, and I saw you liked it here, so I figured she wouldnt say no.
He didnt want to argue about property.
Emily embraces James and thanks him.
