Hey love, listen up, Ive got a story for you about Eleanor and James thats been stuck in my head.
So sorry, love, Eleanor was hurrying to say, apologising to the wouldbe motherinlaw whod never quite settled into the role. I didnt mean those harsh words. Maybe you could pop round sometime? Jamies still on his own after you two split, and hes buried in video games.
Eleanor and James had been together for almost two years. From Eleanors point of view the thing felt pretty serious: she was often at the Clarke family home, where they welcomed her politely, if not warmly. She imagined a solid future together. James, though a bit carefree, had charm and could be quite driven when he wanted to be.
Their little idyll crashed when James failed his crucial English exam. It was down to his own slackness during the lockdown hed been glued to his gaming console, neglecting his studies. He now faced the very real threat of being expelled.
In the heat of the crisis Eleanor snapped at Jamess mum:
I dont want a man who isnt pulling his weight. I need someone who can stand on his own. Im not going to be anyones housekeeper; I want us to share the chores and the earnings!
Those words hung heavy in the air and instantly threw their future into doubt.
Mrs. Clarke took it as a personal insult. Shed spent her whole life looking after her husband and son, believing her role was to care, not to demand results. Now she expected Eleanor to behave the same way.
Honestly, love! A ladys first duty is to keep the hearth warm, and a mans to be the head of the house! she muttered. Eleanor kept quiet, not wanting to make things worse. After that, the doors started closing on her. She and James were reduced to secret texts, occasional calls and brief meetups in neutral spots. He was miserable not being able to see her, but instead of opening up he fell back on manipulation.
Eleanor, we need to talk to my mum, James pressed over the phone. Youve got to tell her you dont feel that way. Im tired of hiding. Patch things up with the family, yeah?
Why should I prove anything to your mother? She didnt raise me. Those are your problems, not mine. Why should I bend over backwards? Eleanor snapped back.
Because you love me and I love you. Thats the only way we can fix this. If you dont, well lose each other forever
With a heavy heart, Eleanor agreed for loves sake she was ready to take the humiliating step of confronting a strangers mother.
But things didnt go as shed hoped.
When she arrived, James let her into the hallway, and at that very moment Jamess father stormed down:
James, whats this girl doing here? he barked.
James was caught off guard. Eleanor felt her cheeks go cold. It sounded as if the man was looking at a random acquaintance, not his sons girlfriend.
Dad, Eleanor, we were James started, but his father cut him off.
I see who she is. Get her out, now!
From the living room, Mrs. Clarke called out, Whos making all that noise? Jamie, whos with you? Their father, ignoring Eleanor, shouted, The one who taught you how to live, thats who.
Eleanor realised she wasnt welcome at all. Humiliation and anger surged, and she acted on instinct.
Im leaving, and you stay here, you pathetic, goodfornothing son of mum! she hissed, storming out and slamming the door behind her.
James was too stunned to even try stopping her.
Right after she stepped outside, her phone rang. Jamess voice was all fury, no remorse.
What did you say?! Youve ruined everything! he shouted.
What have I ruined? Your dad just turned me into a callgirl! he retorted. Doesnt matter who he put me where! You caused a scene! Now Mums furious and Dad wants me to never see you again!
Then he delivered the final blow.
And you know whats the worst part? I wont get to sit at my computer any more.
Eleanor felt the sting turn into cold resolve.
You blame me for not being able to game? Your familys problems are yours to sort, not mine. You should have dealt with them yourself instead of dragging me into it.
It was clear he hadnt changed still the immature lad looking for someone to blame. He hadnt stood up for her.
I cant put up with this any longer, James. This is over, Eleanor said firmly. She blocked him everywhere. The breakup was sharp but necessary. His familys drama was his cross to bear, not hers.
A year later Eleanor had pulled herself together, started fresh, and was seeing a new bloke. Theyd been dating for three months and things were heading toward a wedding.
One afternoon she ran into Mrs. Clarke at a shop.
Eleanor! My dear, hello there! Mrs. Clarke beamed, hugging her.
Hello Eleanor managed.
Mrs. Clarke peppered her with questions: Its been ages! How are you? Hows life? Its such a shame you and James split. Hes gone off the deep end with his games! He wont work, just sits at his computer. When you were together, he seemed much more responsible Come over for tea sometime!
Sorry, Mrs. Clarke, Im swamped. Work, home Eleanor replied.
Mrs. Clarke noticed a ring on Eleanors finger.
Whats that? Married already? she asked.
No, were just engaged. The weddings this summer.
The fake motherinlaws smile wilted instantly.
Well, there you go! Good thing James dumped you! We dont need someone like you around!
Eleanor shrugged and turned back to the shelves. One of Mrs. Clarkes points was right it was probably for the best that James let her go. Too bad shed wasted time on him, but shed moved on.
Take that, love. Cheers.
