Poppy was suddenly swept into the paperwork for a garden plot, even though that hadnt been on her agenda at all.
Really? Again? she asked, staring at Simon with a puzzled look. Just last week we were at your mums, helping her out. Im not keen to Lets just have a quiet weekend, just the two of us.
Her pleading eyes met his, but Simon was unmoved.
Poppy, you know Mums had a rough time lately. Dads gone, and she cant manage everything on her own. Im the only son, so I have to step in.
Fine. Why is your mum turning up at our place this time?
I told her she needs new wallpaper milkcoloured and a few other bits of building material.
Cant she just order them?
She doesnt know how to order things. Well all go together at the weekend, take a stroll, get some fresh air.
Strolling through a DIY megastore for fun, Poppy muttered, a little hurt. Still, she didnt want to ruin the weekend, so she ordered everything on the list, picked the items herself, and paid in full.
All that was left for Margaret, the motherinlaw, was to receive the delivery. No longer did she need to visit their city flat. The delivery was scheduled for Friday night, so Poppy assumed there would be no hiccups.
Her surprise was total when Margaret turned up on Saturday morning, lugging all the boxes herself.
You wanted me to haul all that weight. Why? Simon, didnt you tell her?
Its a surprise, Mum, Poppy said, still in her pyjamas, trying to smooth things over in the hallway.
I see, Margaret said, assessing her daughterinlaw with a disdainful glance before turning to her son. Why so quiet? Got a drink in your mouth? Tell your wife about our surprise.
What surprise? Poppy asked Simon, sensing something was being hidden.
Im moving in with you for a few months, Margaret announced, slipping off her coat with a satisfied smile.
Before Poppy could process that, another surprise followed.
Youre coming to us, Margaret added, heading to the kitchen. Poppy grabbed Simons hand and whispered, halfirritated, Whats happening? We never talked about any of this.
Sorry, I didnt get a chance to say it. Mum suggested it. Dont worry, were not moving right now, Simon shrugged, as if nothing had changed, and walked off to his mother.
Poppy retreated to the bedroom, unwilling to confront Margaret directly. By evening the picture started to clear. Simon finally explained.
Poppy, you have an option. Think about it. We could refurbish the house just the way you like. Add it to your portfolio all the clients will love it!
Well live there while we work. Mums not old enough to be breathing dust, but well need to keep an eye on the workers.
So I have to do that? Poppy asked, more baffled than ever.
Exactly. You need a job, and were looking after you!
This is care? Shipping me off to a village for months? I dont want that! I love my flat.
Were not moving yet, first things first. You just ordered the wallpaper. Well do the renovation in one room, so Mum feels comfortable.
How will she breathe that construction dust?
Well open a window; she wont even notice. Shell just supervise.
Besides, we cant dictate her terms. The flat belongs to her, and the house, on paper, is mine.
Its yours only because you didnt inherit it!
Why are you meddling in our family business? Weve already agreed everything. Im the sole heir after Mum.
Dont worry, everything will end up with us eventually.
If the flat were in your name, Mum wouldnt be kicking us out for months. Now, because of your naïveté, were stuck in the village!
Margaret, eavesdropping by the door, burst into the bedroom as Poppys frustration peaked.
Youd better have kept quiet, the motherinlaw said, defending her son. You never had a soul when your son picked you up.
Picked me up? Poppy echoed, bewildered.
Of course. Without him Id be lost! And now youre reaching for the inheritance?
I think its only fair. Youve shortchanged our son.
Want justice? Margaret stared at Simon. And why are you silent? Agree with her?
Simon said nothing, not wanting to side with either.
I do, Poppy insisted. It seems youve taken everything from our son. What if you get married?
What? Me? Margaret laughed. Marry? Im not old yet, she retorted, her tone softening a bit. Fine, you renovate the house and Ill transfer the flat to our son. Happy?
Only if you retitle the house to my name, Margaret added.
Poppy felt satisfied. Simon was a little down that hed argued with his mum, but he tried to hide it.
This whole thing is awkward, he muttered in the car.
They quickly redid one room in the flat, and within a week they were off to the village.
Shes all in, and we
just taking whats ours. Once the works done, the flats ours! Imagine that.
Poppy dreamed of owning a threebedroom flat, and soon that dream seemed within reach.
The village house was far from welcoming. Dull colours, a massive amount of work, and a price tag that made Simons head spin.
Nothing we cant handle, well get a loan, Simon reasoned. In the end well have the flat.
Poppy agreed and threw herself into the project. Though she fretted about living in a countryside house without city comforts, the vision of her own place kept her going.
The work went slowly but well. Poppy supervised every stage, and before long she was actually enjoying the process and the house itself.
Every private house needs a garden, she declared. At least a little patch of flowers.
Poppy moved forward with the plot registration, even though it hadnt been in the plan. Each evening she excitedly recounted the days progress to Simon.
Well plant roses; Ive already ordered the seedlings.
Poppy, thats beyond our budget. We cant afford it. Mum will move in and do the planting herself.
Something inside Poppy stirred, and she poured her heart into the idea.
Simon, what if we stay here? I like it. The house is already in your name, so no paperwork needed.
Dont you want the flat?
Whats there to do? Its cramped, stifling. Here we have space!
Ill talk to Mum.
Poppy was happy. She now tended the home, garden, and the plot. Life was perfectuntil the motherinlaw showed up again.
Good morning, Margaret, Poppy greeted, ready to show the renovation, but Simons mother seemed displeased.
What am I supposed to announce when Im coming home? Youve dragged this renovation on forever, and Ive come to see how things are.
Home? Oh, Simon hasnt told you yet, were staying.
Where? Ive arrived, I can go back to the flat if I dont like it.
Margaret, you dont get it. Were staying in the house. Its Simons, no retitle needed.
The moment Margaret heard that, she swooped in.
You ungrateful woman, stealing my home! I came to meet them, and you betray me?
No, Ill stay here! Besides, Simons fully on my side. Dont push this to a fightpack your things.
Poppy was shocked. Shed never imagined Margaret enjoying the house. Shed always bragged about how lucky they were to be in civilization, far from the countryside.
Simon and Margaret sat in silence for what felt like an hour, each lost in their own thoughts.
Simon finally spoke, his mood dark. Our company went bust, Im out of work. Looks like well have to stay here, Poppy, at least for a while. The garden could help us save some money.
Mum stared at her son, silent. Inside, Poppy felt a small triumph. She didnt have to force Simons hand; hed made the choice himself.
Still, Poppy had doubts because Simon often did whatever his mum wanted.
Mum, sorry, but it really will be easier for us here. Well clear the loans and get back on our feet.
Time isnt fast, and village life is simplerno pricey shops, just the essentials.
Margaret agreed with her son, unable to refuse.
Mum said goodbye and left. Simon flashed a wide grin at Poppy.
Well, whats the verdict?
In what sense?
I know Mum wanted to go back to the city, but I saw you liking it here.
I figured that out, she wont say no.
He didnt want any more property drama.
Poppy hugged him and thanked him.
