When can we move into your new house? asked the in-laws point-blank. Im sorry? Emily tensed up. Well, now that youve finished everything, we assumed youd invite us soon.
Nathan, do you realise this is beyond ridiculous? Emily could no longer hold back, especially since her husband was pretending not to understand why she was so worked up.
Or maybe theyd planned it all alonglet her pour years of her life and every penny shed saved into this house, only to leave her with nothing.
Unlike their peers, who scrambled to buy tiny flats at eye-watering London prices, Emily and Nathan had decided early on that theyd build their own home. It was cheaper, faster, and far more sensiblewhy settle for thirty square metres when you could have a hundred and thirty for the same money?
Plenty of room for kids and pets, Emily had cheered.
Luckily, the plot of land was already sorted. It belonged to Emilys aunt, who transferred it to her niece after hearing about the couples plans. Never got you a proper wedding gift, shed said. Consider this my contribution. Better it goes to you than sits unused for another twenty years.
Still, it wasnt easy. To save money, they took on some of the work themselveslate nights, weekends, even in the rain. Emily dipped into her inheritance from her grandmothers flat sale, pouring every last pound into the project.
But when the house was finally finished, every drop of sweat felt worth it.
Well, *almost* finished. There were still bits to tweakwalls to paint, fittings to adjustbut it was livable, and the sheer joy of that kept them grinning. Theyd already started sleeping there and hosting friends. The only nagging disappointment? Nathans parents hadnt lifted a finger to help, despite multiple pleas.
Always some «urgent» excusenever free to help with the fence, the trees, or even delivering the fridge. Never mind that they had a massive 4×4 with a trailerexactly the kind of vehicle youd want for a countryside move. In the end, the couple had to pay for delivery.
How are they *that* busy? Theyre retired! Emily huffed.
Well, they wouldnt lie, Nathan shrugged.
Emily tried to convince herself they just had bad timing, but a little worm of doubt kept gnawing.
Em, the new tellys arriving today. Youll be in, yeah? Nathan, halfway through his toast, was already rushing out the door.
Sure. What time?
Sometime after three. Theyll call an hour before.
At around four, there was a knock.
Emily assumed it was the deliveryodd they hadnt called, though.
She opened the door. Nathans parents, Margaret and Robert, stood there, beaming.
Oh! Emily blinked, too surprised to muster a proper greeting.
Hello, love! Didnt expect us, did you? Margaret chuckled.
Sorryyes, of course! Just wasnt prepared.
Going to let us in, then? Robert winked.
Right! Come in, please.
They strode into the open-plan kitchen-living area, eyes sweeping approvingly.
Look at this place! Margaret marvelled. So much better than a poky flat. A proper *house*room for everyone!
Er yeah.
So, when can we move in? Robert cut straight to the point.
*What?* Emily stiffened.
Well, now its done, we thought youd want us here, Robert reasoned.
We didnt exactly design it for four, Emily said, baffled.
Oh, were not fussy! Just a spare roomll do, Robert laughed.
Weve decided to rent out our flat, love, Margaret explained. Extra pension money, now weve got somewhere to stay.
Did you discuss this with Nathan? Emilys voice was dangerously calm.
Not yet, but he wont mind.
Emily was speechless. Not a single favour in all these years, and now they wanted to *move in*and profit from it?
Are we strangers now? Robert huffed. Least you could do is offer tea!
Right. Of course.
They lounged at the dining table, sipping tea, when the doorbell rangthe TV delivery, apologising for forgetting to call.
Emily ushered the delivery men in, directing them to the empty wall.
Blimey, thats massive! Robert grinned. Wheres it going?
Here.
Brilliant! Well watch the news together tonight.
Actually, we werent planning on getting a telly aerial.
What, just stare at a blank screen?
No. Streaming films, shows. Nobody watches live telly anymore. Well, except She stopped.
Thatd be us, then! Margaret cackled. Ill have a word with Nathan about the aerial.
Emily counted the minutes until Nathan got home. Mercifully, he was on time.
Nathans back! she announced, bolting to the door.
Your parents are here. They want to *move in*, she whispered as he hugged her.
*What?!*
Shh, theyll explain.
Since when? Nathan demanded, stepping inside.
Oh, just popped by to admire the place! Robert said cheerfully.
Admire? Wait till we have kidsno space left then, Nathan said pointedly.
Nonsense! Youve got two spare rooms upstairs! Margaret chimed in.
Ones for guests. We have mates over all the time. Parties. Were young, you know.
Oh, we *hate* noise, Margaret said, glancing at Robert.
Right. Youd have to keep it down.
*Excuse me?* Nathans eyebrows shot up.
Weve told Emily. Were moving in, renting out our flat. Bit of extra income, Robert declared.
No, youre not.
Nathan, love, surely theres room for your own parents? Margarets voice turned pitiful.
Was there time to *help* your own son? Nathan shot back. You couldnt even bring the fridge! Not once did you show up, and now you want to *profit* off our home? No. Love you, but no.
Robert and Margaret exchanged glances.
Come on, love. Time to go, Robert muttered.
They stood, stiff-backed, and marched out without another word.
The moment they were gone, Emily threw her arms around Nathan.
Thank you! I was *terrified* youd side with them!
Why would I? I saw how gutted you were every time they brushed us off. Extra income? Please.
Youre the best. She squeezed him tighter.
Dinners thanks enough, he grinned.
And with that, the drama was shelvedalong with any notions of uninvited houseguests.
