Hey love, you wont believe the drama thats unfolded at our place. Emilys suddenly taken on sorting out a plot of land, even though that never featured in our plans at first.
Again? she asked, looking at Tom with that puzzled stare. We just helped your mum the other day. Im exhausted Can we just have a quiet weekend, just the two of us?
She gave Tom that pleading glance, but he was firm.
Emily, you know Mums had a tough time lately. Dads gone, she cant manage everything on her own. Im the only son, Ive got to step in.
Alright, fine. Why does your mum need to swing by us this time?
I told you, she needs new wallpaper something milky, plus a few other small bits of material.
Cant she order it herself?
She doesnt know how. Well all go together over the weekend, take a walk, get her mind off things.
Emily bristled at the idea of strolling through a DIY megastore for fun, but she didnt want to ruin the weekend. She ordered everything on the list herself, paid for it, and that left Mum just to receive the supplies. No need for her to come back to our city flat.
The delivery was set for Friday night, so Emily thought thered be no hiccups. Then, to her shock, Mum turned up Saturday morning with all the parcels in tow.
Whats this heavy load for? Why? Emily muttered, halfinpajamas, trying to explain to her motherinlaw.
Mrs. Margaret Clarke gave her a dismissive glance, then turned to Tom. Whats the silence? Got something to say? Tell your wife about our little surprise.
What surprise? Emily asked, sensing something was being hidden.
Im moving in with you for a few months, the smug motherinlaw announced, shrugging off her coat.
Emily barely recovered from that when another bomb dropped.
And youre coming over, too, she added.
Mum shuffled into the kitchen, and Emily grabbed Toms hand, whispering in annoyance, Whats going on? I never signed up for this. We never talked about it.
Sorry, I didnt get a chance to tell you. Mum offered. Dont worry, we wont go straight away, Tom shrugged, as if nothing had changed, and headed to his mother.
Emily slipped to the bedroom, avoiding a direct clash with Margaret. By evening the picture cleared a bit. Tom finally explained.
Emily, you have a chance here. Think about it we could remodel the house the way you want. Add it to your portfolio; all the clients will love it. While were working, well live there. Mum isnt the age to sniff construction dust, but well need to keep an eye on the workers.
So Im the one doing the overseeing? Emily asked, more bewildered.
Exactly. You need a job, and were looking after you, right?
The care is hauling me off to a village for months, away from civilisation. I love our flat.
Were not moving tomorrow, first thing. You already ordered the wallpaper. Lets do one rooms renovation so Mum feels comfortable.
How will she breathe when theres dust?
Well open a window; she wont even notice. Shell just keep an eye on things. Besides, we cant set conditions for her. The flat belongs to her, the house is legally mine.
Only because you never inherited it, isnt it? Margaret snapped.
Why are you meddling in our affairs? Weve already agreed. Im the sole heir after Mum. Tom tried to reassure her. Dont worry, everything will end up with us eventually.
If the flat were in your name, Mum wouldnt have kicked us out for months. Now, because of your naivety, were stuck in the village!
Margaret lurked by the door, and as Emily flared up, the bedroom door swung open.
Youd better keep quiet, Margaret interjected, defending her son. You never had a heart when you chose him.
Chose him? Emily was taken aback.
Of course, chose him. Without him Id be lost! And now youre eyeing the inheritance?
I think its fair. Youve shortchanged my brother.
Seeking justice? Margaret stared hard at Tom. And why are you silent? Do you agree with her?
Tom said nothing, not wanting to pick sides.
I want whats ours, Emily pressed. It feels like youve stripped my brother of everything. What if you get married?
Me? Margaret laughed. Marry? Oh, dear, youre flattering me, she replied, instantly brightening. Fine, remodel the house and Ill transfer the flat to my son. Happy? Then Ill put the house in my name.
Emily felt a strange relief. Tom was a bit down about arguing with his mum, but he hid it.
Its still awkward with Mum around he muttered in the car.
They knocked the oneroom renovation together, and within a week they were packing for the village.
Its all about us now, Tom said. Soon the house will be ours, and the flat will be ours too. Imagine that!
Emily dreamt of owning a threebedroom flat, and that dream seemed close.
The village house wasnt exactly welcoming. Faded walls, a massive amount of work, and the price tag was huge.
Nothing, well get a loan, Tom reasoned, and in the end well have the flat.
Emily agreed and threw herself into the work. Even though she was nervous about living in a country house without all the comforts, the vision kept her going.
She oversaw every stage, and before long she found herself actually enjoying the process and the place itself.
Every private house needs a garden, even a tiny one with flowers, she mused.
So she moved on the paperwork for a plot, even though it hadnt been in the plan.
Every night she excitedly told Tom about the progress.
Well plant roses; Ive already ordered them.
Emily, thats over the budget. We cant afford it. Mum will move in and plant them herself.
Something inside her clicked, and she poured her heart into it.
Tom, maybe we should stay here? I like it, and the house is already in your name, no need to reregister anything.
Dont you want the flat?
Its cramped, stale. Here theres space!
Ill talk to Mum.
Emily felt happy, juggling the house, the garden, and the plot. The new life was fittinguntil her motherinlaw turned up.
Good morning, Mrs. Margaret. Why show up unannounced? Emily greeted, ready to show the renovation, but Toms mum seemed displeased.
What am I supposed to announce when Im heading home? Youve delayed the work, Ive come to see how things are.
Home? Oh, Tom hasnt told you were staying.
Where? Im here, Im staying. You can go back to the flat; I dont like it there.
Mrs. Margaret, youve got me wrong. Were staying in the house. It belongs to Tom, no paperwork needed.
Margaret sat down hard, fuming. You selfish thing, taking my house! I came to help, and youre pushing me out?
No, Ill stay here! Toms fully on my side. Dont make a scene, pack your things.
Emily was stunned. She never imagined Margaret would like the house. Shed always bragged about the city flat and how lucky they were to be in civilisation, far from the countryside.
Tom and Emily sat in silence for a good hour, each lost in thoughts, both hoping the other would back them up.
Tom came back in a sour mood, seeing his mum and wife, and sighed heavily.
What’s happened? they both asked, making him even more uncomfortable.
My firm went bust, Ive got no work. Looks like well have to stay here, Emily. The garden could save us a bit.
Mum watched Tom silently. Emily felt a quiet triumph inside; Tom didnt even have to choose, hed already decided.
She did have doubts, since Tom often did what his mum wanted.
Mum, sorry, but staying here will be easier. Well pay off the loans and get back on our feet.
Life in the village is cheaper, no fancy shops, just the basics.
Margaret agreed with her son, unable to disagree. Shed seen how downcast he was.
Mum said goodbye and left. Tom gave Emily a wide grin.
Seems like an actors role, huh?
What do you mean?
I know Mum wanted to go back home, and I saw how happy you are here. So I figured she wouldnt say no.
He didnt want to argue about the property.
Emily wrapped her arms around him, thankful.
