Emily had started sorting out the plot of land, even though that hadnt been in our plans at all.
Again? I heard her say, eyes wide with surprise. We just visited your mothers place and helped her a few days ago. I dont want more Lets at least have a quiet weekend, just the two of us.
She looked at me with a pleading look, but I was firm.
Emily, you know my mums been having a hard time lately. Dads gone, she cant manage everything on her own. Im the only son, so I have to look after her.
Fine. Why is your mother coming over this time?
I told you she needs new wallpaper something milky and a few other small bits of material.
Cant we just order it?
She cant place an order herself. Well all go out together at the weekend, get some fresh air.
Strolling through a DIY megastore for a bit of fun, Emily snapped, a little hurt.
She didnt want to ruin the weekend, so she ordered everything on the list herself, chose the items, paid for them. All that was left for my mother was to receive the supplies, and there was no longer any need for her to come to our city flat.
The delivery was due Friday night, so I thought there would be no problems. At least, thats what Emily assumed.
She was stunned when my mother turned up on Saturday morning with all the purchases in tow.
You wanted me to haul all that weight. Why? James, didnt you tell her?
It was a surprise, Margaret, I said, standing in my pyjamas in the hallway, trying to explain to my motherinlaw.
Myself, Ive judged you, she said, casting a disdainful glance at Emily before turning to me. Whats with the silence? Got something to say to your wife about our surprise?
What surprise? Emily asked, turning to me, sensing that something was being hidden.
Im moving in with you for a few months, my mother declared, slipping off her coat.
Emily didnt have time to react before another surprise followed.
And youre coming to my place.
My mother drifted into the kitchen while I took Emilys hand and whispered, irritated, Whats this about? A move? I never planned this, we never discussed it.
Im sorry, I didnt get a chance to say. Mum suggested it. Dont worry, we wont move just yet, I shrugged, as if nothing had happened, and walked over to my mother.
Emily retreated to the bedroom, unwilling to start an open argument with my mother.
As evening drew nearer, the situation cleared up for her. I finally managed to explain.
Emily, you have an opportunity here. Think about it. Well refurbish the house the way you want. Itll look great in your portfolio, all your clients will love it.
Well live there while the works going on. Mums not at the age to breathe construction dust, and well need to keep an eye on the workers.
Do I have to do that? Emily asked, even more surprised.
Its our job to look after you. Mum and I are taking care of you.
This is caring? Moving me to the countryside for months? I dont want that! I like our flat.
Were not moving right now, first of all. You just ordered the wallpaper. Well do the renovation in one room, so Mum can enjoy living there.
How will she cope with the dust?
Well open a window, she wont even notice. Shell just supervise.
In any case, we cant set conditions for her. The flat belongs to her, the house is legally mine.
It belongs to her only because you didnt inherit it!
Why are you meddling in our family affairs? Weve already agreed everything. Im the sole heir after my mother.
Dont worry, everything will end up with us anyway.
If the flat were in your name, Mum wouldnt have evicted us for months. Now, because of your naivety, we have to live in the village!
Mrs. Margaret overheard us at the door. When Emilys temper flared, the bedroom door swung open.
Youd be better off staying quiet, my mother said, defending her son. You never had the right to pick a husband for me.
What? Pick a husband? Emily was taken aback.
Of course. Without me, youd have been lost! And now youre eyeing the inheritance?
I think thats fair. Youve shortchanged my brother.
Want justice? she asked my mother, who stared at my brother. Why are you silent? Do you agree with her?
James kept his mouth shut, not wanting to take sides.
I do, Emily said, standing her ground. I feel youve stripped my brother of everything. What if you got married?
Me? my mother laughed. Married? Margaret immediately brightened. Its nice that you dont think Im old. Alright, well redo the house and transfer the flat to my son. Satisfied? Then Ill have the house reregistered in my name.
Emily seemed pleased. James felt a pang at having to argue with his mother but tried to hide it.
This is still awkward in front of Mum, he muttered in the car.
We finished the oneroom renovation quickly, and within a week we were packing for the village.
Shes coming with all her heart, and we
And were just taking whats ours. Once the works done, the flat is ours. Imagine that!
Emily dreamed of owning a threebedroom flat and, soon enough, her dream seemed within reach.
The countryside house wasnt a happy sight. The colours were dull, the amount of work massive, and the cost enormous.
Nothing, well take a loan, James thought. In the end well have a flat.
Emily agreed and threw herself into the work. Though she was nervous about living in a house without modern comforts, the vision kept her going.
Work went on slowly but properly. Emily supervised every stage, and she soon discovered she loved the whole process and the house itself.
A private house must have a garden, or at least a small plot with flowers.
Emily moved on to securing the plot, something that hadnt been in the original plan. Every evening she proudly told me about the progress.
Well plant roses; Ive already ordered them.
Emily, thats beyond our budget. We cant afford it. Mum will move in and plant them herself.
Something inside Emily sparked, and she gave it her all.
James, what if we stay here? I like it. The house is already yours, we wont have to reregister anything.
Dont you want the flat?
Whats the point? Its cramped, stuffy. Here theres space!
Ill talk to my mother.
Emily was happy. She now tended both the home and the garden. Life was fitting together nicelyuntil my mother arrived.
Good morning, Margaret, Emily greeted, ready to show her the renovation, though something about my mothers visit had unsettled her.
Whats this, arriving without warning?
How could I warn you when Im heading home? Youve dragged the renovation on, so I came to see how things are.
Going home? Oh, James hasnt told you yet were staying.
Where? Im home now, you can go back to the flat if you dont like it.
Margaret, you dont understand. Were staying in the house. It belongs to James, theres no reregistration needed.
My mother sat down the moment she heard that.
Oh, you selfish thing, youre taking my house, is that it? I came to meet you, and you decide to cheat me?
No way. Ill stay here! Besides, James is fully on my side. Dont push this to a fight, pack your things.
Emily was shocked. She hadnt imagined my mother would enjoy the house. Shed always visited us in the flat and praised how well we lived in civilisation, far from the countryside.
James and I waited together, sitting in silence for an hour and a half, each lost in thought. Both of us knew James would back her up; after all, the house was his.
James arrived in a sour mood, seeing his mother and wife together, and he grew even more upset.
What happened? both women asked, making him even more uncomfortable.
Our company went bust, Im out of work. Well probably have to stay here, Emily, and make do with the garden to save money.
Mum stared at her son, silent. Emily felt a quiet triumph inside. She didnt need to force James into a choice; he made it himself.
Still, Emily had doubts, as James often did whatever his mother wanted.
Mum, sorry, but staying here will be easier. Once we clear the loans, well be on our feet.
Time wasnt on our side, but life in the village would be simpler: a garden, no pricey shops, just the essentials.
Margaret agreed with her son; she couldnt help but support him, especially in his low spirits.
Mum said goodbye to us and left. James gave me a wide grin.
So, am I an actor now?
In what sense?
I know Mum wanted to get back to her home, and I saw how you liked it here. I figured she wouldnt refuse.
I didnt want to argue over property.
Emily hugged James and thanked him.
