June 23
I never intended to start sorting out a plot of land, yet here I am, scribbling thoughts about it in this diary.
This again? I asked, looking at George with a bewildered stare. We just visited your mother a few weeks ago and helped her out. I dont want any more Lets have a quiet weekend, just the two of us.
My pleading eyes met his, but his resolve was unmoving.
Blythe, you know my mothers been struggling lately. Her husband passed, and she cant manage everything on her own. Im the only son, so I have to step in, he said.
Fine. Why is your mother turning up at our flat this time?
I told her she needs new wallpaper a soft cream colour and a few other small things.
Cant she order it herself?
She doesnt know how. Well all go out together this weekend, take a walk, get some fresh air.
Strolling through a DIY megastore as entertainment? I snapped, feeling the sting of irritation.
I didnt want to ruin my weekend, so I placed every item on the list, chose the fabrics myself, and paid for the delivery. All that was left for my motherinlaw was to accept the packages. She no longer had any reason to come over to our city flat.
The delivery was slated for Friday night, so I assumed no hiccups would arise. My confidence was shattered when Nora Harper arrived on Saturday morning, lugging the parcels herself.
You wanted me to carry this weight. Why? George, didnt you tell her?
Its a surprise, Mrs. Harper, I muttered, still in my pajamas, trying to smooth things over.
She measured me with a disdainful glance, then turned to her son. What, are you speechless? Got something stuck in your throat? Tell your wife about our little surprise.
What surprise? I asked George, feeling that something was being hidden from me.
Im moving in with you for a few months, Nora declared, slipping off her coat.
I barely registered the shock before another blow landed.
And youre coming to my house.
Nora drifted into the kitchen while I grabbed Georges hand and whispered, halfangry, halfconfused: Whats going on? Why these sudden moves? We never talked about this.
Sorry, I didnt get a chance to explain. Mum suggested it. Dont worry, we wont go right away, George shrugged, as if nothing had happened, and walked toward his mother.
I retreated to the bedroom, unwilling to confront Nora directly.
As evening fell, the situation cleared a bit. George finally found the words.
Blythe, you have an opportunity. Think it over. Well do a renovation in the house, however you like. Itll look great in your portfolio, and all the clients will notice.
Well live there while we work. Mum isnt old enough to breathe the dust, but well need to keep an eye on the workers.
Do I have to manage all that? I asked, even more baffled.
You need a job, love; were looking after you, he replied.
This is absurd moving me to a rural cottage for months. I love my flat.
Were not moving right now. The wallpaper you ordered will arrive. Well refurbish just one room, enough for Mum to feel at home.
How will she cope with construction dust?
Well open a window; she wont even notice. Shell just supervise.
Besides, we cant dictate her conditions. The flat is hers, the house is legally mine.
But its hers only because you never claimed your inheritance!
Why are you meddling in our family affairs? Weve agreed on everything. Im the sole heir after Mum.
Dont worry, everything will end up ours eventually.
If the flat were in your name, your mother wouldnt have sent us away for months. Now, because of your naïveté, were stuck in the countryside!
Nora lingered by the doorway, listening. When I let my frustration spill, the bedroom door swung open.
Youd better keep quiet, Nora interjected, defending her son. You never had anything in your heart when you chose him.
Chosen? I echoed.
Of course, I chose him. Without him Id be lost! Now youre eyeing the inheritance?
I think its only fair. Youve shortchanged my husband.
Youre after justice, Nora said, eyes fixed on George. And why are you silent? Do you agree with her?
George stayed mute, unwilling to pick a side.
I do, I said, standing my ground. It feels like youve stripped my husband of everything. What if you get married?
What? Me? Nora laughed. Married? she asked, suddenly brighter. Fine, youll renovate the house and Ill transfer the flat to my son. Happy?
She added, Just make sure the houses title ends up in my name.
I felt a flicker of satisfaction. George looked a little down, having argued with his mother, but tried to hide it.
Its still awkward dealing with Mum, he muttered later, back in the car.
We finished the singleroom renovation quickly, and a week later we were packing for the Cotswolds.
Shes coming with us wholeheartedly, and we
just taking whats ours, George replied. Well finish the work and the flat will be ours. Imagine that!
I dreamed of owning a threebedroom flat, and that dream seemed close to reality.
The country house was a sobering sight: dull walls, a massive amount of work, and a price tag that made my stomach drop.
Nothing, George said, well take a loan and eventually have the flat.
I agreed and threw myself into the project. Though I fretted about living in a house without the comforts of the city, the vision of our own place kept me going.
Every private house needs a garden, perhaps a small plot with flowers, I mused.
I moved forward with buying a plot of land, even though it hadnt been in my plans.
Each night I bragged to George about the progress.
Im ordering rose bushes.
Blythe, thats beyond our budget. We cant afford it. Mum will move in and plant them herself.
Something inside me stirred; I poured my heart into it.
George, what if we stayed here? I love it. The house is already ours, no paperwork needed.
Dont you want a flat?
Whats the point? Its cramped, stuffy. Here theres space!
Ill talk to Mum.
I felt a surge of happiness. I was now handling both home and garden, and life seemed settleduntil my motherinlaw turned up again.
Good afternoon, Nora Harper. Why show up unannounced? I greeted, ready to show her the renovation, though something about it seemed to irk Georges mother.
What am I supposed to announce when Im heading home? Youve delayed the work, so Im here to see whats become of it.
Home? Oh, George hasnt told me yet; were staying.
Where? Im home now, Im speaking. If you dont like it, you can go back to the flat.
Nora, you misunderstood. Were staying in the house. It belongs to George, and theres no need to retitle it.
She sat down at the sound of that, her tone sharp.
You selfish thing, taking my home, is that it? I came to meet you, and youve snatched me out?
Ill stay here! Besides, George is fully on my side. Dont force a fight, pack your things.
I was taken aback. I hadnt expected her to like the house. She had always praised our city life, saying how lucky we were to be in civilization while she was out in the sticks.
George and I sat in silence for an hour, each lost in our own thoughts, both hoping the other would make the first move.
Finally, George broke his gloom. Our company went bust, Ive got no job. Looks like well have to stay here, Blythe. The garden could save us.
My mother looked at her son, silent. Inside, I felt a quiet triumph. I didnt have to force George into a choice; he made it himself.
My wifes doubts lingered, though; George often bowed to his mothers wishes.
Mother, forgive us, but staying here will be easier. Well repay the loans and get back on our feet.
Time is short, and life in the village is simplerno expensive shops, just the essentials.
Nora agreed with her son, unable to deny his resolve.
She said goodbye and left. George smiled broadly at me.
So, am I an actor now?
What do you mean?
I know Mum wanted to return home, and I saw how happy you are here.
I didnt want to argue over property. I wrapped my arms around George and thanked him.
