I’m sorry, Victor dear, for my harsh words, the wouldbe motherinlaw rushed out, trying to smooth things over. I didn’t mean them maliciously. Perhaps you could drop by sometime? Vick is still on his own, still hasnt found his own destiny since the split with you. Hes buried in video games
***
Emily and Victor had been together for almost two years. To Emily it seemed a serious relationship: she was often at the Hughes household, where she was received politely, if not warmly. She imagined a solid future for them. Victor, though a little carefree, had charm and could be quite determined when he wanted to be.
The idyll cracked when Victor failed a crucial English exam. It was a direct result of his negligence: during the lockdown he spent endless hours on his computer, abandoning his studies. The university threatened to expel him.
In the midst of the crisis Emily lost her temper and blurted to Victors mother:
I dont want a man who achieves nothing. I need a selfsufficient bloke. Im not going to be anyones housekeeper; I want us to share the chores and the earnings!
Her words hung in the air, instantly throwing their future into doubt.
Victors mother took it as a personal affront. She had spent her whole life providing for her husband and son, believing her role was to care, not to demand results. Now she expected Emily to behave the same way.
Oh, really? She doesnt want to be a housemaid? A womans first duty is to keep the hearth cosy, and a man is the head of the household! she snapped.
Emily stayed silent, not wanting to fan the flames. After that, the door was no longer opened for her. Communication with Victor dwindled to secret texts, occasional calls and brief meetings in neutral cafés. He suffered the lack of facetoface time, but instead of being sincere he resorted to manipulation.
Emily, we have to talk to my mum, Victor pleaded over the phone. You need to explain that you dont really feel that way. Im tired of hiding! Make peace with my parents, will you?
Why should I prove anything to your mother? She didnt raise me. Those are your problems, not mine. Why should I bend over backwards? Emily retorted.
Because you love me and I love you. Its the only way to fix this. If you dont, well lose each other forever Victor begged.
With a heavy heart, Emily agreed love made her consider a humiliating step: trying to reason with a strangers mother.
But things went very differently from what shed imagined.
When Emily arrived, Victor let her into the hallway. At that moment his father descended the stairs:
Victor, whats that girl doing here? he demanded sharply.
Victor froze. Emily felt the colour drain from her face. The question sounded as if the man standing before him wasnt his sons beloved, but some random acquaintance.
Dad, Emily, we were Victor started, but his father cut him off:
I see who she is. Get her out of here!
From the living room his mother emerged:
Whos making all that noise? Vick, whos with you?
Unperturbed by Emily, the father shouted:
The very one who taught you how to live, thats who!
Emily realised she was not welcome. Humiliation and anger drove her to act on instinct.
Im leaving, and you can stay, you pathetic, useless little lad! she hissed, storming out and slamming the door behind her.
Victor, stunned, didnt even try to stop her.
Almost instantly Emilys phone rang. Victors voice was bereft of remorse it was raw fury.
Why did you say that? Youve ruined everything!
What have I ruined? Your father just turned me into a callgirl level!
It doesnt matter who he placed me with! Youve caused a scene! Mums furious, and Dad wants me to stay away from you!
Then he added the final blow:
And guess whats the worst part? Im definitely not getting my gaming time back.
Emily felt her hurt morph into cold resolve.
Youre blaming me for not being able to game? Your familys problems are yours to sort out, not mine. You should have dealt with them yourself, not turned me into a scapegoat.
Everything became clear: he hadnt changed. He remained an immature lad looking for someone to blame. He hadnt protected her at all.
I cant put up with this any longer, Vick. Were done. This is the end! Emily declared firmly.
She blocked him everywhere. The breakup was abrupt but necessary. His familys drama was his cross to bear, not hers.
A year later Emily had recovered from the split and started a fresh chapter. She met a new boyfriend; after three months they were already talking about wedding bells.
One afternoon, while browsing a shop in Manchester, she ran into Irene Hughes.
Emily! My dear, how lovely to see you! the former motherinlaw exclaimed, rushing over.
Emily flinched.
Hello she managed.
Irene wrapped her arms around Emily and bombarded her with questions:
Its been ages! How are you? Hows life? Its a shame you and Vick broke up. Hes gone completely bonkers with his games! He wont work, just sits in front of the screen. When you were together he seemed much more responsible Come over for tea sometime!
Im sorry, Mrs Hughes, Im busy. Work, home Emily tried to decline.
Irene noticed a ring on Emilys finger.
Whats that? Are you married?
No, were only engaged. Well have the wedding this summer.
A smile spread across Irenes face, but it quickly turned to a sneer:
Ah, that explains everything! Good thing Vick dumped you! We dont need someone like you anyway!
Emily shrugged and turned toward the shelving unit. As much as she disliked Irene, she could admit one thing: it was probably for the best that shed left Vick when she did. Too bad shed wasted those years on him.
