Family Borscht.
Honestly, love, youve really outdone yourself feeding the guests with borscht, George sniffed disdainfully, wafting the kitchen air with his nose. The room reeked of fried tomatoes and last years cabbage the sort of scent you get when people spend their weekends hopping between fastfood joints and gastropubs in London. Why not whip up something a bit more exciting? This borscht. Ugh!
Ill have the meatballs ready, a salad with mayo, and pancakes, snapped Evelyn, arms folded like a bruised bear. And the garnish, too but honestly, you can leave me alone, you old fool. Ill manage without you. Get out of here before I lob a ladle at you. Waitstay. Turn the pot off in five minutes, Im going, she blurted, yanking off her apron in one dramatic motion.
Where are you off to? George asked, adjusting his trousers and casting a wary eye toward the stove.
To the meeting. They said theyd be here in ten minutes. Ill grab a loaf of bread someones bound to go home hungry. He shuffled off, peering nervously at the oven.
In front of the hallway mirror Evelyn fussed with her short, bobcut hair. It was the sort of practical length women in their forties kept, but she hated it. Shed once been a blooming beauty, holding onto that glow for far too long; now she felt like a wilted flower that nobody could revive.
Are they really that tiny? Theyll get up by themselves, George muttered, genuinely puzzled.
Stop fluttering about, George. Ill sort this without you. Dont forget the pot and dress properly, for heavens sakestop roaming around in just your underwear, Evelyn retorted.
Why are you in such a foul mood today? he asked, a hint of hurt in his voice.
Dont ask. Some things just dont make sense to a man, she snapped, then stomped toward the lift, hips swaying with each step.
She was fed up. Every year her son, Pasha, turned up with a new girlfriendeach one more pretentious and highmaintenance than the last. Some were vegans, some were on some detox diet, some complained the food was too salty, others that it was too greasy, and a few even muttered about lacking a proper restaurant knife. Apparently, theyd never owned one in their lives and survived just fine.
These ladies sniffed at everything Evelyn cooked, never finding a single thing to their taste. So this time she decided not to overthink it. Shed simply make the staple, everyday fare and be done. If they were hungry, theyd eat; they wouldnt leave starving.
The street welcomed Evelyn with a gentle May breeze. She inhaled the fresh air, feeling a bit revived, just as a sleek silver Mini slipped pastthe car belonging to her son.
Pasha, now thirtyseven, still floated between his online gigs, tinkering with apps and chasing deadlines. One day Ill have a proper family and a child of my own! he muttered to himself. Evelyns heart ached for a grandchild; all her friends kids already had nannies, while she felt left out, roaming the world with an empty nest. And Pashas girlfriends? All of them seemed content not to have children.
Mum, why are you out here? We could have brought the pot up ourselves, Pasha said, hugging his mother tightly. This is Charlotte, he introduced, gesturing to a brighteyed woman in a floral dress.
Hello! Charlotte replied cheerily, nodding.
What a relief, Evelyn breathed, a smile spreading across her face. At last someone who looks like a regular person, no pretensions. She even reminds me a bit of a Yorkshire farm girlsimple and downtoearth. Lets hope she fits in.
Shall we go? Pasha asked.
Hold on, Mum. Theres a bag of drinks and a gift box for you in the boot, Charlotte said, winking.
Really? Evelyns curiosity flared. Whats the gift?
Charlotte works in environmental consultancy. Shes brought some ecofriendly cleaning suppliesperfect for the house, she explained, pulling a modest box from the car.
Evelyns eyes rolled. Oh, great, another green gadget.
Could you grab the bag, Mum? Ill take the boxCharlotte cant lift heavy stuff, Pasha offered, hoisting the box with a grin.
Evelyn, already resigned to the idea of another daughterinlaw, snatched the bag robotically and ushered the couple into the hallway.
They all settled at the table after the usual flurry of greetings. Charlotte didnt flinch at the borscht; she ladled it in with a polite smile. When she tried to explain her job, she stumbled over the jargon, sounding as if she were a tiny cog in a massive environmental watchdog agency.
Is it an official job? Evelyn asked.
Its a contract, Charlotte said.
See, Pasha? Youve been without a proper contract for ten years, your work record gathering dust. What if you fall ill? What about a pension? Time flies, and youre already thirtyseven, Evelyn pressed, finally voicing the worry that had nagged her.
Oh, Mum, I wont live to see my pension, dont worry, Pasha laughed.
Dont be so sure. One day youll be sitting on the sofa wondering where your pension went, Evelyn replied, deadpan.
Enough, Mum, youre ruining my stomach. Dad, pass the pancake and the cheese, please, Pasha said, attempting to raise a toast but getting cut off by his fathers booming interjection.
The borscht is delicious, Evelyn Harper, Charlotte said, blushing slightly. May I help clear the table?
The women began stacking dishes, and Charlotte, spotting the untouched kitchen countertop, exclaimed, I almost forgot! Heres your gift. She unpacked the box, laying out bright bottles of biodegradable cleaner, explaining, These are made from vegetables and fruits, dissolve completely in water, and wont harm the environment. Want to try them now?
Evelyn, eyes widening, backed away from the stove. No, love, I havent cleaned that stove in three daystoo embarrassed.
Come off it, I grew up in a village and have seen every sort of stove, Charlotte laughed. Just spray it, Ill finish with a sponge, and itll be spotless.
While Charlotte polished the dishes, Evelyn tossed bits of stale bread across the table, peppering her companion with questions about her schooling, family, and how she met Pasha. The answers were respectable, satisfying Evelyns curiosity.
Charlottes sponge work made the grime vanish effortlessly. Thanks for the lovely gifts, dear Charlotte, Evelyn admitted, still on edge for some hidden catch.
Just then, Pasha clinked his glass, calling everyone back to the sofa. He wrapped his arm around Charlotte, placed a hand gently on her belly, and announced, So Mom, Dad Charlotte and I have decided to get married.
Oh! Evelyn gasped.
And theres more Pasha paused, eyes twinkling. He nudged Charlotte, who blushed brighter than a sunrise, Were expecting a baby. Expect a grandchild this winter.
Good heavens! Evelyn swooned, arms flailing. The Almighty has heard my prayers! The heavens are smiling upon us!
She threw her arms wide, embracing Charlotte, while gently shushing Pasha, who made a sudden, unnecessary move. Hold still, love. I know how to handle a pregnant lady, she warned, halfserious, halfteasing.
Evelyn, Charlotte whispered, tears glistening, could you share your recipes? I cant cook a borscht to save my life.
Charlotte! Evelyn shrieked with delighted madness. Its my dreamto pass down my cooking secrets, my love, to my future grandson! Thats the modest dream Ive been nursing, and now youve made it possible.
And with that, the Harper household felt a little more complete, a little louder, and a lot more hopeful for the future.
