The cake at the birthday party finally sealed the deal.
I watched as Margaret Turner carefully smoothed the trembling napkin beneath the vase of flowers and glanced again at the clock. Less than an hour remained until the guests arrived, yet she still couldnt settle down. A 60th birthday was a big milestone, and she wanted everything to be perfect.
Emily, are you almost ready? she called toward the kitchen, where the clatter of dishes could be heard.
Yes, Mum, just finishing the salads! her daughter replied. Youd better check on Kevin; he was supposed to pop out for some sparkling water.
Margaret let out a sigh and headed toward her soninlaws room. After ten years of living under the same roof, she still couldnt get used to his leisurely pace. Everything for him was in a minute and on the way. Right now, Kevin was perched at his desk, absorbed in whatever was on the screen.
Kevin, you said you were going to the shop, Margaret tried to keep her tone gentle, though irritation slipped through.
Yeah, yeah, Im about to go, he said without even turning his head, his fingers still clicking the mouse.
The guests will be here any minute.
Ill be back, dont worry.
When she left the room, Margaret clenched her teeth. The same old story, day after day. If it werent for Emily, she would have already told Kevin to leave. Ten years together and still the same promises about saving for their own place, yet no end in sight. At least they had the granddaughter, Lucy, to brighten things up.
Grandma, is the cake coming? Lucys voice floated down the hallway, as if shed read her mind.
It will, love, it will. Your dad is supposed to pick it up from the bakery.
Lucy frowned. Will he forget? He missed my swimming lesson yesterday, even though he promised to give me a lift.
Margaret stroked Lucys hair. Dont worry, Ill remind him. Now put on that pretty dress we bought last week.
When Lucy disappeared, Margaret returned to Kevin. Dont forget the cake. I ordered it from Sweet Corner on High Street.
I remember, I remember, he brushed off. First the water, then the cake. Itll all be fine.
Fifteen minutes later Kevin finally stood up, threw on his jacket and headed for the door.
Kevin, have you taken the money for the cake? Margaret called after him.
Isnt it already paid? he halted at the doorway.
No, I only placed a deposit. The balance is due on collection.
Emily peeked out of the kitchen, a towel in her hands. Mum, the cards on the table. Grab it, please. Kevins always short on cash. She gave a sheepish smile.
Kevin was always a bit tight with money, but Margaret kept quiet. She didnt want to start the celebration with a quarrel. She pulled the required amount from her purse and handed it to him.
Dont be late, she warned. And remember the water!
When Kevin shut the door behind him, Margaret turned back to setting the table. Everything had to be flawless. Not only family would be there, but also former colleagues. Shed spent thirtyfive years teaching English literature at the local school, retired five years ago, and still commanded respect. She didnt want to embarrass herself now.
Dont worry, Mum, Emily said, hugging her shoulders. Itll be fine.
Im not worried, Margaret lied. I just want it to be proper.
Emily nodded reassuringly. It will, Mum. Youre the best host.
The doorbell rang. First to arrive were Margarets brother Nigel and his wife Sarah.
Happy birthday, Val! Sarah kissed her cheeks and handed over a large gift bag. You look wonderful! Sixty is the new forty!
Thank you, loves, Margaret said, touched. Come in, make yourselves comfortable.
Soon other guests filtered in: two former teachers, neighbour Susan Clarke with her husband, a cousin from the suburbs. The flat filled with chatter, laughter, and congratulations. Yet Kevin still hadnt returned.
Emily, call him, Margaret whispered to her daughter as the guests settled at the table. Hes taking forever.
Emily slipped away with the phone, came back with a strained smile. Hes on his way, Mum. Said there was a queue at the shop.
Margaret merely shook her head. She knew those queues all too wellprobably another excuse, perhaps a chat with friends or a phone call.
Never mind, lets get on with the meal, she said, trying to sound upbeat. Lets eat!
The guests digested the feast with gusto. Margaret had prepared a spread that would make any British household proud: a classic chicken and egg salad, smoked salmon, roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, pickled mushrooms, and stuffed peppers. The table was a cornucopia.
Time passed, and Kevin was still nowhere. Emily kept stepping out to call him, each time returning more anxious. Margaret saw her daughters worry and tried to distract the guests with conversation.
Remember that trip to Brighton, Val? Sarah joked. Back when the union used to sponsor holidays?
How could I forget! You and that swimming instructor, remember?
Shut up! Sarah laughed. Nigel still gets jealous over that!
Everyone burst out laughing, and Margaret felt her tension ease for a moment. Then a knock sounded at the front door.
Finally! Emily shouted, rushing to answer.
She disappeared into the hallway, her face pale, and returned alone. Mum, can I have a word?
Apologising to the guests, Margaret stepped out. A man she didnt recognize stood there, a large box in his arms.
Good afternoon, Im from SweetCorner. Did you order a cake?
Yes, Margaret replied, bewildered. Didnt Kevin pick it up?
No, the delivery man shrugged. The shop is closing and the cake was still here. I thought Id bring it myselfsomeones birthday after all.
A lump rose in Margarets throat. Where was Kevin? What had happened to him?
How much do I owe you? she asked, pulling out her wallet.
After paying the courier and placing the cake on the kitchen counter, Margaret turned to Emily.
Wheres your husband?
I dont know, Mum, Emily said, tears welling. His phones been dead for half an hour.
Right, Margaret said, gathering herself. Go mingle, Ill sort the cake.
When Emily left, Margaret sank onto a stool, the weight of ten years of Kevins unreliability pressing down. She had endured his broken promises for Lucys sake, but today he finally crossed the line.
Summoning her strength, she lifted the beautiful sponge cake, adorned with creamy roses and the inscription Happy Birthday! and set it on a large platter. At that moment Lucy peeked into the kitchen.
Grandma, wheres Daddy?
I dont know, love, Margaret answered honestly. But look at this cake!
Lucy’s eyes lit up. Can I carry it to the living room?
Sure, just be careful.
Lucy took the platter, stuck out the tip of her tongue in concentration, and trotted into the dining room. Margaret followed, ready to catch it if needed. Lucy managed perfectly; the cake arrived on the table to a chorus of delighted applause.
Now, dear Margaret, the neighbours husband declared, raising his glass, let us toast you on this wonderful milestone
A sudden slam of the front door interrupted him. Kevin staggered in, reeking of cheap whisky.
Here I am! he announced cheerfully. Happy birthday, everyone!
Awkward silence fell. Margaret felt a chill as she saw the look in Emilys eyespain and resignation.
Kevin, Emily whispered, where have you been?
Whats it to you? he shrugged, heading for the table. Met a mate, had a few drinks and look, the cakes already here! See? I got it sorted!
The cake was delivered by the bakery, Margaret said coldly. Because you didnt fetch it.
Whatever, Kevin slumped into an empty chair. Now Im here! Fill my glass!
The guests exchanged uneasy glances. The festive atmosphere was ruined. Someone coughed delicately, Sarah began gathering her purse, clearly ready to leave.
Thank you all for coming, Margaret announced loudly, standing from behind the table. Im grateful youre here to share this day. I have an announcement.
Everyone fell silent, even Kevin stopped reaching for the bottle.
For ten years my daughter and soninlaw have lived in my flat, I never interfered in their marriage. I tolerated disrespect, irresponsibility, and lazinessall for Emily and Lucy. But today is my birthday, and Im giving myself a gift.
She turned to Kevin. Kevin, from tomorrow you are no longer welcome here. You have 24 hours to pack your things and find somewhere else to live.
What? You cant
I can, Margaret replied calmly. This is my home, and I decide who stays.
Emily turned to her husband, pleading. Say something, love!
Kevin stared at his wife, mute. Only her fingers, gripping the napkin, turned white with tension.
Mum, Emily finally whispered, are you sure?
Absolutely, Margaret affirmed. Its decided.
Enough of this! Kevin banged his fist on the table, making the china clatter. Ill leave, I wont be back!
He rose abruptly, almost toppling his chair, and staggered toward the door. Something crashed in the hallway, then the front door slammed shut.
Silence settled until Lucys small voice broke it. Can I have the cake now?
Everyone laughed nervously, the tension easing a little. Margaret began slicing the cake, trying to hide the tremor in her hands. She wasnt certain shed done the right thing, but she felt there was no other way. That cake truly put a full stop on the years of Kevins neglect.
Guests gradually filtered out, understanding the celebration was over. Soon only Margaret, Emily, and Lucy remained.
Mum, Emily said softly, sitting beside her, I need to tell you something
Dont bother, love. I understand.
No, you dont. Ive wanted a divorce for ages but was scared youd oppose it. What do you thinkshould I stay for the kids?
Margaret pulled Emily into a hug. Sweetheart, I see how you suffer. Lucy sees it too. She needs a happy mum, not a staged family.
But what now? Emily whispered, clinging to her mother like a child.
Now everything will be alright, Margaret assured. Well get through this together.
By evening Kevin returned, sober and quiet, packing his belongings while casting pleading glances at Emily. She remained resolute. Ten years of empty promises had hardened her heart.
Maybe you could pass me the TV? he muttered as he zipped his suitcase. I bought it, you know.
Its mine, Emily replied evenly. Just go, Kevin. Just go.
When the door closed behind him, Margaret embraced Emilys shoulders. You know, I have some savings. Not much, but enough for a deposit on a flat for you and Lucy. The rest you can mortgageafter all, youre a department head now; the bank will approve.
Emilys eyes widened. Youre serious? I thought wed keep living together
Well stay until you have your own place, Margaret smiled. Then Ill visit, bring tea, and help Lucy with anything she needs. Maybe even a neighbour or two.
Mum!
At thirtyfive you can still have another baby for Lucy, if you wish. Just pick a good husband this time.
Emily laughed through tears. Youre impossible!
I just want you both happy, Margaret said earnestly. And you know what? This birthday turned out better than I expected, because it marks the start of a new life.
They stood in the kitchen, arms around each other, while the sun set over the gardenthe last sunset of the old life. On the table sat the untouched birthday cake, its creamy roses spelling Happy Birthday!a cake that truly put an end to the past.
Six months later Emily and Lucy moved into a tiny but cosy twobedroom flat in a new development. Margaret visited often, helping with repairs and offering décor advice. A year after that, a new physics teacher named Simon Harper knocked on her door, holding a bunch of daisies and theatre tickets.
Folks say you love Chekhov, he said shyly. The theatre is showing The Cherry Orchard tonight.
Margaret smiled, ushering him in. Come in, Simon. I was just about to have tea with a slice of cake. Join us.
