Where are you going? he asked. Were here to see you!
I cant stand your sister! Galine snapped, grimacing. She drives me crazy!
Youre not the only one, Maxime replied, defending his wife.
She meddles in everything and thinks shes smarter than everyone. You should see the smug look she gets when she manages to embarrass me, Galine muttered through clenched teeth. One minute my upbringing is wrong, the next my makeup is outdated
Shes always been like that, Maxime shrugged. Its all my mothers fault; she spoiled her and let her get away with anything.
Good thing we live a hundred kilometres away from your family, Galine said, rolling her eyes.
His mother, Françoise, and his sisterinlaw, Aline, lived in the city, while Maxime and Galine resided in a small village not far away.
Both women were widows sharing an apartment, so whenever Maxime and Galine visited his mother they also found themselves at Alines place.
Maximes sister could not tolerate her sisterinlaw, making quarrels between them inevitable.
During the first visits Galine clenched her teeth in silence, then decided to answer Aline when, sensing Françoises growing criticism of her daughterinlaw, she began to attack her as well.
Every trip to his mother turned into a scandal, and the couple finally stopped visiting Maximes family.
Françoise soon noticed the change and began calling her son for explanations.
Why havent you been coming? Its been two weeks already. Dont you think your mother and sister are getting bored? she scolded.
Were busy, no time, Maxime answered curtly, refusing to elaborate.
What are you up to? Is your wife forbidding you? Françoise asked suspiciously. Last time she left with a sour expression, as if shed swallowed a sack of lemons.
I told you, we have matters to settle, Maxime replied, ending the call quickly.
An hour later Françoise called back, saying she and Aline would stop by the village.
Why? Maxime asked, puzzled.
To see an old friend and, since you arent coming, to see you, Françoise replied confidently.
Maximes expression changed instantly. He hadnt planned to let his parents show up at his house.
We probably wont be home, he said, hoping to discourage them.
Where are you going? Françoise asked irritably. I guess you just dont want to see us. If thats the case, just say so.
Were heading to a birthday, Maxime improvised.
Fine, go ahead. Even if your mother and sister dont visit every day, you know, she said bitterly before hanging up.
He felt guilty toward his mother and sister, but remembering how they behaved toward Galine during past visits, he stopped worrying.
He didnt tell his wife that his mother and sister wanted to come, sparing her unnecessary stress.
Three hours later he realized his mistake. When the doorbell rang, Galine opened it.
Seeing the mocking faces of her motherinlaw and sisterinlaw, she was taken aback; she hadnt expected this visit.
Remembering his mother and sister, Maxime rushed to the hallway.
Galine, are you ready? Still not dressed? he teased, pretending not to notice the unwanted guests.
Ready for what? Galine asked, confused.
For the birthday. Forgot? Maxime said with a strained smile. Oh, Mom, Aline, what are you doing here?
We came, I told you, Françoise replied calmly. Maybe you could let us in instead of keeping us on the landing?
No, we cant. Were leaving. Galine, change your clothes, Maxime ordered, grabbing her hand.
Galine gave him a puzzled glance; when he winked, she understood he was trying to chase the unwelcome visitors away.
Where are you going? We came to see you! Aline said, arms crossed. Isnt it a bit late for a birthday?
No, we have to be there by eight, Maxime cut in. We need to be there in half an hour.
Going in houseclothes? Françoise mocked, noting his outfit.
Damn, I forgot to change, Maxime blushed and ran to the bedroom.
Aline and Françoise exchanged skeptical looks, doubting the couple would actually leave. They were convinced the birthday excuse was a ploy.
Cant you cancel your outing for us? Françoise asked when Maxime returned dressed.
No, its impossible, Maxime replied firmly, adjusting his collar. Weve been expected for a long time, and the dinner is paid for each guest. We must go. Come back next week, he added, knowing his mother would be offended.
Maybe we should stay here until you return? Aline suggested, scanning the room. Wait, essentially.
No, why would we? Maxime refused. You have somewhere else to be, dont you?
Well, at your place is always better than at an old friends, Françoise chuckled. Besides weve already been there and she wasnt thrilled to see us.
Shall I drop you at the bus station? Maxime offered, trying to get them to leave.
There are no more buses to the city, and you cant drive us there, Aline replied slyly.
I can book you a hotel room for the night, Maxime suggested. Unfortunately, I cant do more.
Françoise frowned, disappointed. She had hoped Maxime would let them stay.
So a hotel? Aline answered, offended. Are you scared to leave us in your flat? Think well steal from you?
No, we just dont want to, Galine interjected. What would you do here alone?
I could take you to the hotel, Maxime insisted, trying to smooth things over.
No need, Françoise said, leaving the apartment.
Aline followed, spewing complaints at her brother and sisterinlaw.
Watching them depart through the window, Maxime and Galine breathed a sigh of relief.
The birthday pretext was now useless.
Françoise and Aline ordered a taxi and returned to the city, deciding to cut off contact with their troublesome relatives.
Maxime thought of his family only when he had a medical appointment in town and needed a place to eat.
Aline opened the apartment door for him. Seeing her brother, she told him bluntly they were leaving and didnt want a stranger left alone in their home.
Maxime bitterly realized his mother and sister were deeply offended.
After that encounter, the relationship between Maxime and his relatives withered permanently.
Where Are You Headed? We’ve Come to Pay You a Visit!
