Hey love, listen upso Ive got this story to tell you, just like were chatting over tea.
Sorry, love, for snapping at you earlier, said the wouldbe motherinlaw in a rush. I didnt mean it, really. Maybe you could pop by sometime? Jamies still on his own after you two split, and hes buried in video games
Emily and James had been together for almost two years. From Emilys point of view, their thing felt pretty serious: she was often invited over to the Harpers house, where they treated her politely, if not warmly. She thought they had a solid future. James, a bit carefree, had charm and could be quite determined when he wanted to be.
The fairytale cracked when James flunked his crucial English exam. It was down to his laziness: during the lockdown he spent every spare minute glued to his computer, neglecting his studies, and suddenly he was facing expulsion.
In the heat of the crisis Emily let rip at Mrs. Harper:
I dont want a man who achieves nothing. I need a selfsufficient bloke. Im not going to be anyones maid; I want us to share the chores and the earnings!
Those words hung in the air and instantly threw their future into doubt.
Mrs. Harper took it as a personal affront. Shed spent her whole life looking after her husband and son, believing her role was to care, not to demand results. Now she expected Emily to behave the same way.
Good grief! she snapped. A ladys first duty is to keep the home hearth, and a man is the head of the family!
Emily kept quiet, not wanting to fuel the fight. After that, the door stopped being opened for her. Their contact was reduced to secret texts, rare calls, and brief meetups in neutral spots. James was miserable not being able to see her, but instead of being honest he fell back on manipulation.
Emily, we need to talk to my mum, James urged over the phone. Youve got to tell her you dont feel that way. Im tired of hiding. Make peace with the parents, yeah?
Why should I prove anything to your mother? She didnt raise me. This is your problem, not mine. Why should I bend over backwards?
Because you love me and I love you. Its the only way to fix things. If you dont, well lose each other forever
With a heavy heart, Emily agreedshe was ready to take the humiliating step of trying to explain herself to a strangers mum.
But things didnt go as shed imagined.
When Emily arrived, James let her into the hallway. Just then his father came down the stairs.
James, whats this girl doing here? he asked sharply.
James froze. Emily felt her face go cold; the question sounded as if she were a random acquaintance, not his girlfriend.
Dad, Emily, we were James started, but his father cut him off:
I see who she is. Get her out!
From the living room, Mrs. Harper shouted, Whos making all that noise? Jimmy, whos with you?
Ignoring Emily, her father barked, The one who taught you how to live.
Emily realised she wasnt welcome. Hurt and humiliated, she acted on instinct.
Im leaving, and you stay, you pathetic, goodfornothing son of mum! she snarled, storming out and slamming the door behind her. James didnt even try to stop her.
As soon as she stepped into the stairwell, her phone rang. Jamess voice was not apologetic at alljust raw anger.
Why did you say that?! Youve ruined everything!
What did I ruin? Your dad just turned me into a callgirl!
Whatever you think hes done, you caused a scene! Now Mums furious, and Dad says I shouldnt see you again!
Then he dropped the final blow:
And guess what? I wont be allowed near my computer any more.
Emily felt the sting turn into cold resolve.
Youre blaming me because you cant play your games? Your familys problems are yours to sort, not mine. It became clear he hadnt changeda childish bloke still hunting for someone to blame, offering no protection.
I cant put up with this any longer, James. Its over, she 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, Emily had healed and started fresh. Shed met a new guy, theyd been dating three months, and wedding talk was already in the air.
One afternoon she ran into Mrs. ClarkeJamess motherat the supermarket.
Emily! My dear, hello! she shouted, hugging her.
Emily winced.
Hello
Mrs. Clarke peppered her with questions:
How long has it been? How are you? I heard you and Jimmy broke up. Hes gone mad with his games, wont work, spends all day at the computer. When you two were together he was actually responsible
Come over sometime!
Sorry, Mrs. Clarke, Im busywork, home
Mrs. Clarke then noticed a ring on Emilys finger.
Is that youre married?
No, were only engaged. The weddings this summer.
Instantly, the former motherinlaws smile vanished.
So thats why! Good thing Jimmy dumped you. We dont need someone like you!
Emily shrugged and turned back to the shelves. In a way, Mrs. Clarke was rightshe was glad shed left him early. Too bad shed spent so much time on him.
Thats the whole saga. Hope it gave you a good chuckle. Talk soon!
