When can we move into your new house? asked the in-laws bluntly. Pardon? Emily tensed up. Well, since youve finished everything, we assumed youd invite us soon.
Nathan, do you realise how out of line this is? Emily could no longer hold back her frustration, especially since her husband pretended not to understand why she was so upset.
Or perhaps theyd planned it all alonglet her pour years of her life into this build, sink every penny shed earned into it, only to leave her with nothing?
Unlike their peers, the young couple hadnt followed the trend of buying tiny flats at outrageous prices. Back when Nathan and Emily were still dating, theyd decided to build a house instead. It was cheaper, quicker, and far more practical. Instead of thirty square metres, theyd get a hundred and thirty for the same money.
Plenty of room for children and pets, Emily had said happily.
Luckily, they already had the land. It belonged to Emilys aunt, who transferred it to her niece after hearing about the couples serious plans.
I never gave you a proper wedding gift. Consider this my presentsomewhere to actually raise a family, her aunt had said. That plots been sitting idle for twenty years. Might as well put it to good use.
Even so, it wasnt easy. To save money, the couple took on some of the work themselves, labouring after their day jobs, on weekends, even in bad weather.
Emily dipped into her inheritancemoney from the sale of her grandmothers flatand poured it into the build.
But when the house was finally finished, they knew every minute had been worth it.
Of course, it wasnt entirely done. There were still finishing touches left, inside and out. But the fact they could live there properly left them overjoyed.
Theyd already started spending nights there and hosting friends. The only thing Emily regretted was that Nathans parents hadnt lifted a finger to help, despite being asked repeatedly.
His parents always had some pressing excusetoo busy to help with the fence, the trees, even delivering the fridge. And they had a spacious 4×4 with a trailerthe exact vehicle needed for a countryside move. In the end, the couple had to pay for delivery.
Are they really that busy? Theyre retired! Emily muttered.
Well, they wouldnt lie, Nathan shrugged.
Emily told herself they must genuinely be occupied and that their requests just never lined up. But a worm of doubt gnawed at her.
Em, the new tellys being delivered today. Can you take it? Nathan was rushing out for work, munching toast in their bright new kitchen.
Sure. What time?
Said between three and eight. Gave them your numbertheyll ring an hour before.
Got it. Heres your lunch.
Cheers. Right, off I go. He pecked her cheek and dashed for the door.
Around four, there was a knock.
Emily assumed it was the deliveryodd they hadnt called first.
She opened the door. Nathans parents, Margaret and David, stood there.
Oh! Emily floundered, too startled to manage more than that.
Hello, love! Didnt expect us? Margaret beamed.
Sorry, of course I recognised youjust surprised, thats all.
Going to let us in? David winked.
Oh! Yes, come in.
They stepped into the spacious open-plan living area, eyes sweeping over it.
My, this is lovely! Margaret marvelled. So much better than a poky flat. A proper houseroom for everyone!
Mm-hmm, Emily nodded.
So, when can we move in? David cut straight to it.
Excuse me? Emily stiffened.
Well, now youre settled, we thought youd want us here soon, David reasoned.
We didnt design this house for four, Emily said, thrown.
Were not royalty! One rooms plenty for us, David chuckled.
Weve decided to top up our pensions by renting out our flat, now theres somewhere for us to live, Margaret explained.
Have you discussed this with Nathan? Emily did not like this idea one bit.
Not yet, but he wont mind, Im sure.
Emily was speechless at their audacity. Not once had they helped, and now they wanted to move inand profit from it?
She couldnt bring herself to refuse outright but prayed Nathan would stand firm.
What, no tea for your own family? David huffed.
Right, of course, Emily said meekly.
They lounged at the dining table, sipping tea, when the phone rang.
The delivery driver apologised for forgetting to call and said he was outside.
Emily went to handle it. The men helped carry in the massive box before bidding her farewell.
Blimey, thats huge! David said. Wheres it going?
There. Emily pointed to a bare wall.
Brilliant! Well watch the news there tonight.
We werent planning to get an aerial.
What? Watch a blank screen?
No. Streaming films, shows. No one watches telly like that anymore. Maybe your generation.
Guess thats us! Margaret laughed. Ill have Nathan sort an aerial.
Emily counted the minutes until Nathan got home. Thankfully, he arrived on time.
There you are! she said, hearing his car.
She rushed to meet him.
Your parents are here. They want to move in, she whispered, arms around his neck.
What?!
Shh, theyll explain.
Since when? Nathan asked.
Just came to see your palace. Smashing job! David said.
Palace? Once weve kids, spacell be tight, Nathan said pointedly.
Nonsense! Youve two spare rooms upstairs! Margaret cut in.
Ones a nursery, ones for guests. We host friends oftenparties. Were young, after all.
Oh, we dont like noise, Margaret said, glancing at David.
Right. Youd have to keep quiet, he agreed.
Whys that? Nathan frowned.
Weve told Emily. Were moving in, renting our flat for extra income, David stated.
No room here. Nathan shrugged.
Son, surely youve space for your own parents? Margaret pleaded.
Did you ever have time to help us? Couldnt even deliver a fridge! Not once did you show up, and now you want to profit off our home? No. I love you, but its not happening.
Margaret and David exchanged glances.
Come on, love. Time to go, David said stiffly.
They stood and marched out in silence.
Once theyd left, Emily threw her arms around Nathan.
Thank you! I was terrified youd side with themtheyre your parents!
Why would I? I saw how hurt you were every time they refused to help. Why should they live here over some rental scheme?
Thank you! She hugged him tighter.
Dont mention it. Now, how about dinner?
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