Hey love, grab a cuppa and settle in Ive got a story for you, and its a proper mess.
So, remember that time I was dating Victor for almost two years? We thought we were solid. Id spend weekends at his familys flat in southLondon, and theyd always be polite, just a bit stiff. I genuinely believed we had a bright future. Victor, a bit of a carefree bloke, had charm and could be pretty determined when he wanted to be.
Everything went pear-shaped when he flunked his crucial English exam. Hed been slacking off during lockdown, glued to his PC, playing games all day and neglecting his studies. Suddenly he was facing expulsion.
In the heat of that crisis, I lost my cool and told Victors mum, Margaret, straight to her face:
I cant be with a man who doesnt achieve anything. I need a selfsufficient bloke. Im not going to be anyones housemaid I want us to pull our weight together, both at home and with the money!
Those words hung in the air and instantly threw our future into doubt.
Margaret 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 me to behave the same way.
Honestly, love! She doesnt want to be a housemaid? A proper ladys first job is to keep the hearth warm! And a man should be the head of the household! she scoffed.
I kept quiet, not wanting to make things worse. After that, the doors started closing on me. Victor and I were reduced to secret texts, rare phone calls, and quick meetups in neutral spots. He was miserable about not seeing me, but instead of being honest he fell back on manipulation.
Emily, we need to talk to your mum, Victor begged over the phone. You have to explain that you dont actually think that way. Im tired of hiding! Make peace with your parents, okay?
I snapped back, Why should I prove anything to your mum? She didnt raise me. This is your problem, not mine. Why should I bend over backwards?
He pleaded, Because you love me and I love you. Thats the only way to fix things. If you dont, well lose each other forever
With a heavy heart, I agreed love made me willing to take the humiliating step of trying to smooth things over with his mother.
But it didnt go as Id hoped.
When I arrived, Victor let me into the hallway. Just then his father, Alan, stormed down.
Victor, whats that girl doing here? he barked.
Victor froze. I felt the colour drain from my face. It sounded as if he thought I was some random acquaintance, not his girlfriend.
Dad, Emily, we were Victor started, but Alan cut him off.
I see who she is. Shes out! he snarled.
From the living room, Margaret shouted, Whos making all that noise? Victor, whos with you?
Alan ignored me completely and added, The very one who taught you how to live.
I realised straight away I wasnt welcome. Hurt and humiliation surged, and I reacted on instinct.
Im leaving, and you stay, you pathetic, goodfornothing lad! I hissed, storming out and slamming the door shut.
Victor didnt even try to stop me.
As soon as I got out of the building, his phone rang. His voice wasnt apologetic at all it was angry.
What the hell did you just say?! Youve ruined everything!
What have I ruined? Your dad just put me into the callgirl category! I snapped back.
It doesnt matter who he put me where! You caused a scene! Mums furious and Dad wants me to never see you again!
Then he dropped the final blow.
And the worst part? Hes not going to let me sit at my computer any longer.
I felt a cold resolve settle over the hurt.
Youre blaming me for not being able to play games? Your familys problems are your own. You should have dealt with them yourself, not dragged me into it.
It was crystal clear: he hadnt changed. He was still that immature kid looking for a scapegoat, never standing up for me.
I cant put up with this any longer, Vic. Were done. This is the end, I said firmly, blocking him on every platform. The split was sharp but necessary. His familys drama was his cross to bear, not mine.
A year later, Id finally moved on. I met someone new, and after three months we were talking about tying the knot.
One afternoon, while browsing a shop, I ran into Margaret again.
Emily! My dear, hello! she shouted, rushing over.
I flinched. Hello
She threw her arms around me, bombarding me with questions.
How long has it been since we last saw each other! How are you? Hows life? Im so sorry you and Victor split hes gone off the deep end with his games! Wont work, always glued to his computer. When you two were together he seemed far more responsible Come over for tea sometime!
I managed, Sorry, Margaret, Im busy. Work, home
She noticed a ring on my finger.
Whats that? Are you married?
No, were just engaged. Well have the wedding this summer.
Her friendly façade melted instantly.
So thats it! I get it now. Good thing Victor left you! We dont need someone like you around!
I shrugged and turned toward the shelves. She was right in one way thank goodness Victor walked away from me in time. A pity Id wasted those years on him, though.
Anyway, thats where I am now. Hope you enjoyed the drama! Catch up soon.
