He couldnt just walk away
Emily and James had married, despite the fierce disapproval of Emilys mother, Margaret Whitmore.
Darling, you dont need a man like that, Margaret snapped, eyes flashing. What do you see in your James? He was raised by his grandmother, his parents died when he was a baby. He works in a garagejust a mechanic, nothing more.
Mother, James isnt to blame for losing his parents, Emily retorted, tone sharp. He finished college, his hands are strong, he can fix anything.
Whatever he can fix, its still tinkering with metal, Margaret retorted. How will you survive on his wages? Youre only in your final year at universityyou must finish your degree. We wont be there to bail you out.
Emily heard these tirades day after day, while James left for work oblivious to the venom. Margaret plotted, hoping to drive a wedge between the newlyweds. She could not stand her soninlaw.
James was a steady fellow, a former soldier who loved Emily with a quiet devotion. Before the wedding he had begged her:
Lets live with my grandmother. Its only a twobedroom flat, not the fourroom house your parents own, he said, knowing full well that Margaret loathed him. He got on well with Emilys father, but in the Whitmore household Margaret ruled with an iron fist.
If Margaret decided something, she would see it through, no matter the cost. Emily understood that, and she held fast to her own choices, refusing to be swayed by her mothers temper. Margarets irritation at Emilys independence only confirmed the stubborn streak shed passed down.
Emily knew James irritated her mother, yet she persuaded him to stay with her parents for a while.
James, Im still studying, youre the only breadwinner. We cant live on one salary, but Mum will help, she pleaded.
Alright, well see how it goes, James agreed.
One payday, James stopped at a supermarket before Emily returned from lectures. Margaret met him at the door, eyes wild.
Who asked you to buy that? she shouted.
I decided myself, James replied calmly. Emily likes that cheese, and this as well
Who are you, anyway? Youre no one in this house. I tolerate you only because of my daughter, who chose you, Margaret snarled, leaving James stunned.
Margaret, why insult me? Im speaking to you respectfully, James said, his voice steady.
She glared. Listen, youll hand over every pound you earn to me from now on. Ill decide how its spentfood, everything. Understand?
Why should I give you my wages? We have a family of our own, James said.
There is no family here, only my daughter, Margaret retorted. Give me the money.
No, Margaret, I earned it and Ill give it to my wife, James declared.
Then leave my flat this instant. I never want to see you again, she hissed.
James stormed out. For three days he vanished, his phone silent. Emily waited, terrified, knowing she was pregnant and that James had not left without reason.
He hasnt even called, she thought, He must be at his grandmothers, Nancy.
Margaret gave Emily a truncated account, painting James as the aggressor. She omitted the demand for money and the eviction.
Mother, youve told me everything honestly? Emily asked, suspicion tinging her voice. James wouldnt just abandon me.
Would I lie to you? Margaret replied, offended.
On the fourth day Emily decided to drive to Nancys house. James still ignored her calls.
Im heading to James, she told Margaret.
Where to? Margaret asked.
To his grandmothers. He must be there, Emily replied.
Then perhaps he doesnt need you, Margaret sneered.
Impossible, Emily protested. I dont know whats between you two, but youre hiding something. He couldnt just walk away.
You put James on a pedestal, yet you ignore me. I pour money and effort into you both, and youre both ungrateful, Margaret spat.
Mother, Im grateful for your support, but I know you cant stand James. You grind him down, its like a stone lodged in his throat, Emily said, tears welling.
She grabbed her bag, fled the flat, her mind racing with what to say to her husband.
Dont behave like a petulant child, she reminded herself. Whatever mother says, I must stay composed. Hes an adult, after all. Im caught between two firesstudying and caring for us.
She convinced herself James had left because of a careless remark from Margaret and would soon return. She would speak her heart and then forgive him.
When Emily finally reached Nancys cottage, the sight that met her was shocking. Nancy opened the door, her face a mixture of sorrow and guilt, and ushered Emily in. James sat at the kitchen table, a halfempty bottle of whisky beside him. Emily gasped. James, who had never smoked or drank, had taken a sip and stared at the empty chair opposite.
He didnt seem surprised by her arrival. He nodded toward a chair, and she sat, eyes locked on his. All the words she had rehearsed evaporated, her heart clenched with pity.
What could my mother have said that drove James to the bottle? she thought, then whispered, James, lets go home.
No, he answered loudly.
Why?
I cant live with your mother. She controls everything I dowhat I eat, how I speak, even how I breathe. She wants all the money I earn, and I wont hand it over. Were a family, not hers.
Emilys voice softened. So thats why she turned you against me.
James sighed. I dont know what to do. Stay here with my grandmother?
We need money, James. The baby is coming, and theres a lot to provide, Emily urged.
I can work tenhour shifts; the pay is decent, James said. But with my studies and your work, we wont be able to raise a child properly. I cant abandon my education.
Then maybe we should go back to my parents until the baby is born, Emily suggested.
No, I wont return to that house, James declared firmly.
Maybe we should divorce, Emily blurted, her voice trembling with fear.
If you cant live with me, cant give up your parents comfort, then perhaps divorce is the only answer, James replied coldly.
Emily sprang up, ready to storm out, when Nancy placed a gentle hand on her arm.
Sit down, love. Ive been listening. Ill help you. You dont have to quit your studies. I dont have a fortune, just a modest pension, but Ill share what I have. Ill cook, look after the grandson, and Ill ask you not to think of divorce. Move in with us.
Emily considered the offer. The security of her own parents was tempting, yet love for James won out. She accepted.
James watched his wife, tension evident on his face, as she finally smiled.
Alright, Ill stay, she said, Where else would I be, James? He leapt up, embraced her, kissing her fiercely, while Nancy smiled and whispered a prayer.
The next day, as Emily packed her things to join James, Margarets shrieks echoed from the flat.
Youll starve with that James! Youll live in poverty, and I dont want that grandson. Hell grow stubborn like his father. Leave! she ranted, her words sharp enough to make Emilys hair stand on end.
Emily walked out with a suitcase, placing a large bag on the landing. James hurried down, grabbing her belongings, and the curses flew like arrows.
Lord, even my mother Emily muttered, horrified. Now I understand my husbands pain.
Life settled for James and Emily at Nancys cottage. The grandmother took charge of the household. Emilys pregnancy progressed smoothly, and she gave birth to a healthy boy they named Arthur. Nancy, James, and Emily were overjoyed. Margaret cut off contact, claiming she didnt need a grandson, though her husband called in secret, asking about Arthur, and Emily sent photos that brightened his day.
When Arthur turned three, he started nursery school, despite Nancys protests that she could look after him. Emily returned to work.
Grandma, Arthur needs to be with other children. Nursery will help him grow faster. Youll be nearby to pick him up, and you still need rest. Were planning another child, a daughter, Emily laughed, her eyes shining.
