29April Ive found myself signing papers for a plot of land, something I never imagined at the start.
Again? I asked, staring at James with disbelief. We just helped your mum yesterday. I dont want any more Lets at least have a quiet weekend, just the two of us.
My pleading look met his unyielding stare.
Emily, you know how hard its been for my mother lately. Fathers gone, she cant manage everything alone. Im the only son, so I have to look after her.
Fine. Why is your mum coming over this time?
I told you she needs new wallpaper plain cream, plus a few small bits of material.
Cant we order it?
She cant order anything herself. Lets all go out this weekend, get some fresh air.
Strolling through a DIY megastore for fun? Thats absurd, I muttered, though I didnt want to ruin the weekend. I placed the order for everything on the list, chose the items, paid for them myself. All that was left for my motherinlaw was to receive the supplies, so there was no need for her to visit our flat in London again.
The delivery was due Friday night, so I convinced myself there would be no problems.
My surprise was total when Eleanor burst in on Saturday morning, lugging every purchase with her.
You wanted me to carry all that weight. Why? she shouted at James.
I thought it was a surprise, Eleanor, I said, still in my pyjamas, trying to explain.
Right, she measured me with a disdainful glance, then turned to her son. Speechless? Got a mouthful? Tell your wife about our surprise.
What surprise? I asked James, realizing they were hiding something.
Im moving in with you for a few months, Eleanor declared, pulling off her coat.
I hadnt even processed that when the next shock arrived.
And youre coming to stay with me.
Eleanor slipped into the kitchen while I clutched Jamess hand, whispering in irritation, Whats this about? I never agreed to any move.
Sorry, I didnt get a chance to say it. Mum suggested it. Dont worry, we wont go just yet, James shrugged, as if nothing had changed, and walked toward his mother.
I retreated to the bedroom, unwilling to confront Eleanor directly.
By evening the situation cleared a bit. James finally explained.
Emily, you have an opportunity. Think about it. Well refurbish the house the way you want itll look great in your portfolio, and all the clients will come to you!
Well live there while the work is ongoing. Mum isnt old enough to breathe in construction dust, and well need to keep an eye on the workers.
Do I have to do that? I asked, more baffled.
You need a job, and were looking after you, dear.
The idea of being shipped off to the countryside for months horrifies me! I like our flat.
Were not moving now, thats the first thing, James reassured. You just ordered the cream wallpaper. Well do the renovation in one room, so Mum will like living there.
How will she avoid the dust?
Well open a window; she wont even notice. Shell just supervise.
Besides, we cant dictate her conditions. The flat belongs to her, and the house is legally mine.
Its yours only because you didnt inherit it! Eleanor snapped.
Why are you meddling in our affairs? Weve settled everything. Im the sole heir after my mother.
Dont worry, everything will end up with us eventually.
If the flat were in your name, Mum wouldnt have driven us out for months. Because of your naivety were stuck in the village! Eleanors voice echoed from behind the door. The bedroom door swung open, and she lunged at me.
Youd better keep quiet, she warned James. You never had a soul when you chose him.
Chose him? I echoed, stunned.
Of course, chose him. Without him shed be lost! And now youre eyeing the inheritance?
I think its fair. Youre shortchanging our son.
You want justice, Eleanor said, staring hard at James. And why are you silent? Do you agree with her?
James stayed mute, unwilling to take sides.
I do, I said firmly. It seems youve stripped our son of everything. What if you got married?
Me? Eleanor laughed. Married? Youre not old yet, dear. She softened for a moment, grateful my words didnt label her as ancient. Fine, you can remodel the house and Ill transfer the flat to our son. Satisfied? Ill just have the house reregistered in my name.
I felt a brief relief. James looked a little down, having argued with his mother, but he hid it.
Still awkward in front of Mum, he muttered in the car later.
We finished the oneroom renovation quickly, and within a week we were packing for the village.
Shes with us wholeheartedly, and we
And were just taking whats ours. Once the work is done, the flat will be ours! Imagine that, James said, his eyes bright.
I dreamed of owning a threebedroom flat, and soon that dream seemed within reach.
The village house greeted us with dull colours and a massive workload the scale of the job matched the looming cost.
Nothing, well take a loan, James thought aloud. In the end well have the flat.
I agreed and threw myself into the project. Though nervous about living in a solitary house without amenities, the vision kept me going.
Work progressed slowly but solidly. I supervised every stage, and, surprisingly, I began to love the whole process and the building itself.
A private garden is essential. Even a small plot with a few flowers, I told myself.
I moved on to securing the plot, something I hadnt planned at all. Every evening I excitedly recounted the days progress to James.
Well plant roses; Ive already ordered them.
Emily, thats beyond our budget. We cant afford it. Mum will move in and plant herself.
Something inside me stirred, and I poured my heart into it.
James, maybe we should stay here? I love it. The house is already mine; we wont need any paperwork.
Dont you want the flat?
Whats the point? Its cramped, stifling. Here theres space.
Ill talk to Mum.
Happiness settled over me. I was now juggling the house, the garden, and the plot. It was a new life I liked until my motherinlaw arrived.
Good morning, Eleanor Clarke. Why show up unannounced? I greeted her, intending to show off the renovation, though something about Jamess mother seemed off.
What am I supposed to warn you about when Im coming home? Youve delayed the work, so Im here to see whats happening.
Home? Oh, James hasnt told me yet, were staying.
Where? Im home now, Im telling you, you can go back to the flat if you dont like it.
Eleanor, youve misunderstood. Were staying in the house. It belongs to James, no reregistration needed.
She sat down abruptly, furious.
You selfish woman, stealing my home! I came to meet you, and you decide to cheat me?
Im staying here! James is fully on my side. Dont push this to a fight, pack your things.
I was taken aback. I never imagined Eleanor would enjoy living in the house. Shed always praised the flat and the comforts of city life, far from the countryside.
James and I sat in silence for an hour, each lost in thought. He seemed to think the house was his anyway.
Eventually James, looking dejected, said, Our firm has gone bust; Im out of work. Well have to stay here, Emily. The garden could help us save money.
Mum stared at her son, silent. Inside, I felt a strange triumph; James didnt even need to choose hed already decided.
My wife still had doubts; James often did what his mother wanted.
Mum, sorry, but itll really be easier for us here. Well pay off the loans and get back on our feet.
Life in the village is slower, there are no pricey shops, well live on the essentials.
Eleanor agreed with her son, unable to oppose him.
Mum said goodbye and left. James flashed a wide smile at me.
So, what now, my actress?
What do you mean?
I know Mum wanted to return home, and I saw you liking it here. I figured she wouldnt say no.
I didnt want to argue about property any longer. I hugged James and thanked him.
