Hey love, so you remember how I was trying to sort that massive feast for the guests? Tom was sniffing the air in the kitchen, totally grossed out. The whole place reeked of a tomato roast and last year’s cabbage you know, the sort of stuff they always order when theyre out at the burgers and bistros around London. Whyd you bother with borscht? Bring something nicer! he muttered.
Meatballs are still on the way, a mayoladen salad, pancakes, and a proper cheese board, I snapped back, feeling a bit bruised. Just leave me be, you old fool, Ill manage without you. Get out before you get a ladle on the head. Wait actually, stay. Turn the pot off in five minutes, Im heading out, I changed my mind on the spot and ripped off my apron.
Where are you off to? Tom asked, looking bewildered, tugging at his trousers and giving the stove a nervous glance.
To the meeting, they said theyll be here in ten minutes. Ill grab some extra bread someone always comes hungry.
I stood in front of the mirror, trying to fix my short, curled hair. It was the right length for a woman my age, but I wasnt happy with it any more. Those days when I felt like a blooming beauty are long gone; now Im just watching the colour fade, and nothing seems to stop it.
What, theyre little? Theyll get up on their own, Tom said, surprised.
Enough, Tom, stop flickering about. Ill sort it without you. Dont forget the pot and put something on, for heavens sake youre walking around in just your boxers.
Why are you so cross today? he tried, a hint of hurt in his voice.
I dont know! Youll never get it, dear, I snapped, and waddled toward the lift, hips swaying.
Honestly, can you imagine how I feel when my son shows up every year or two with a new girlfriend? All of them are proper posh, a bit snobby, never knowing whats right for them ones vegetarian, anothers on some diet, some think everythings too salty, some think its too greasy, and they never even have a decent cutlery set for a restaurant meal. Its like theyve never seen a proper kitchen knife!
These girls sit there, turning up their noses, never liking anything I cook. So I thought, why not just make something simple, enough to fill bellies.
The street greeted me with a fresh May breeze, and as I breathed in the clean air, I barely noticed my sons silver car pulling up. Charlies already thirtyseven, still drifting between freelance gigs and some odd programming projects. Hes always in a rush, dreaming of a proper family and a little one of his own. Id love a grandchild; all my mates have their kids, and here I am, still waiting. And his girlfriends? They all seem to be stuck in the same old loop, not wanting to start a family.
Mum, why did you come out? We couldve come up ourselves, Charlie said, giving me a hug, Meet Emily.
Hello! Emily replied with a bright smile.
Oh hello I stammered, relieved that at least one person seemed normal, not trying to be all fancy. I thought, Finally, someone I can actually talk to.
Come on, lets eat, Charlie said. Theres a bag of drinks in the boot and a little present for you from Emily.
What?! I asked, intrigued, while Emily beamed.
Yeah, shes into ecofriendly stuff, a bit of a green activist, so the gift fits. Check it out at home.
I rolled my eyes, thinking she was just another one of those overthetop types. Mum, could you carry the bag? Ill take the box Emily cant lift heavy things, Charlie said, struggling with a bulky parcel.
We barely noticed the weird look they exchanged. I already decided to keep my distance from any new family drama, so I snatched the bag like a robot and trudged upstairs.
After the usual flurry of greetings, we all sat down. Emily wasnt shocked by the borscht; she grabbed a spoon and started eating. She talked shyly about her job, barely getting a word out. She seemed to be some lowlevel assistant in an environmental watchdog agency, but I didnt catch all the details.
Is it a proper job? I asked.
Yes, Im officially employed.
Look at you, Charlie, still no proper paperwork, your employment record gathering dust. What if you get sick? What about a pension? Time flies, and youre already thirtyseven.
Id been chewing on that thought for ages.
Mom, I wont live to see my pension, dont worry.
Dont be so sure, love. One day youll be sitting on your arse, Ill be right there, I warned.
Enough, stop ruining my stomach. Dad, pass the pancake and cheese, please.
Charlie tried to raise a toast, but his dad kept interrupting, shouting his own wishes.
This borscht is brilliant, Margaret, Emily said, blushing, Let me help clear the table.
The women started stacking dishes back into the kitchen. Seeing the mess and the notsoclean stove, Emily clapped her hands.
Thats your gift, almost forgot! she exclaimed, pulling out a box and laying out some cleaning products.
These are ecofriendly kitchen cleaners, all biodegradable, made from fruits and veg. They dissolve in water and dont hurt the planet, she explained, eyes shining. Want to try them now?
I backed away from the stove. No, love, I havent cleaned it in three days, Im embarrassed.
Come on, I grew up in the countryside, seen every type of stove, Emily laughed, Just spray a bit, Ill finish with the sponge.
She worked quickly, while I tossed bits of bread around, peppering her with questions about where she studied, her family, how she met Charlie. Her answers were decent, and I was satisfied. She easily wiped the stove clean, the grime disappearing.
Thanks for the lovely gifts, Emily, I admitted, still halfexpecting a trick.
Just then, Charlie rattled his glass, calling everyone back to the sofa. He wrapped his arm around Emily, placed his hand gently on her belly and announced, So, mum, dad Emily and I have decided to get married.
Oh my!
And thats not all he paused, then giggled, Were expecting a baby, so youll have a grandchild by winter.
What a blessing, God! I exclaimed, waving my arms, The Virgin Mary heard my prayers, the heavens have been kind!
Emily, my dear sunshine, my angel, Ill give you a big hug, I said, pulling her close and shushing a jittery Charlie. Take it easy, love, I know how to handle a pregnant lady.
Margaret, Emily whispered, tears in her eyes, Could you share some of your recipes? I cant cook like you, especially the borscht.
Oh, Emily! I cried, losing my mind with joy, Its been my dream to pass on my cooking secrets, to give love to my future grandchild!
And that, my friend, is the simple dream I finally get to live thanks to you.
