At the age of twenty-six, Emily married Nicholas, and two years later, they welcomed a lovely baby daughter into their lives. The young family lived in a flat that Emily had inherited from her grandmother.
One spring, Barbara, Nicholass mother, decided to have her own flat completely refurbished. Not wanting to live amidst the fumes of paint and general chaos, she asked if she could stay with her son and daughter-in-law during the renovation. Although Emilys relationship with her mother-in-law had always been a bit strained, she agreed to take her in. A big part in her decision was Nicholass heartfelt request, as well as Emilys natural aversion to conflict, which Barbara took as a sign of docility and lack of spirit.
That probably explained why Barbara rather enjoyed living with her son and his family. She didnt act like a guest in someone elses home but rather as if she were the lady of the house herself.
What on earth is this nonsense youre serving my son for breakfast? You wouldnt feed this to your own daughter, yet youre giving it to him! Barbara grumbled from the very start of the day.
He chooses for himself what he wants for breakfast. Yesterday he asked for scrambled eggs with sausage and freshly brewed coffee. Hes thirty-one, hardly a child anymore, Emily reminded her, gently appealing to Nicholass age and independence.
Left to himself, hell always pick the wrong thing. Hes never made a sound choice in his life, Barbara retorted sharply, eyes fixed on Emily.
Her son sat in silence, quietly listening as the two women bickered. Emily glanced at Nicholas but decided not to say anything further. After all, if he wanted to defend his breakfast choices, he could do it himself.
Barbara pushed the plate aside and set about making her son some porridge with milk. Emily just smiled, exchanged a quick look with Nicholas, and happily ate the scrambled eggs with her coffee. The only boundary she firmly upheld was regarding her daughters upbringingBarbara never interfered there, fully aware that Emily wouldnt allow it.
A month passed before Emily eventually worked up the courage to ask when Barbara might be heading back to her own home.
Hows the renovation going? Any idea when its supposed to finish? Emily asked one evening.
Oh, those builders! Completely useless. I told them to paint the wall a lovely peach and theyve gone and slapped bright yellow all over the room. Now they have to start all over again, Barbara moaned.
So, did they give you any sort of completion date? Emily pressed on.
A month, perhaps two, Barbara shrugged, clearly uninterested in the topic.
Another two months slipped by, and Emily, now simply exhausted by her overly comfortable house guest, broached the subject once more.
So, is the work ever going to end? Will it even finish this year, do you think?
Theyll manage. Once the plumbers done, itll all be sorted, Barbara replied, barely giving her a glance.
Will that take another month? My instincts say otherwise, Emily quipped with a faint smile. By now, it was obvious Barbara was simply enjoying her stay with them and using the renovation as an excuse.
Barbara didnt do much around the house except occasionally babysit her granddaughter or cook when she felt like it. To top it off, she was saving nicely by letting Nicholas and Emily foot the grocery bills.
You dont know how lucky you are to have me! Compared to my mother-in-law, Im a saint! Nicholass grandmother, Edith, made my life miserable. She criticised absolutely everything I did. Take note, I never nag you like that! Barbara tried to defend herself.
Oh, hardly ever. Except for mocking my breakfast every other morning and sniping whenever you find an opportunity, Emily reminded her.
Oh, dont be so sensitive! Im just teasing you; you lot eat such dreadful food. Someone needs to knock some sense into you! Barbara laughed, heading for her room.
It was then Barbara inadvertently planted an idea in Emilys mindto invite over her own mother-in-laws mother-in-law. Maybe having Nicholass grandmother back in the house would remind Barbara just how uncomfortable someone else’s presence could make you feel in your own home.
That very evening, Emily rang up Edith and invited her over. Edith had always wanted to spend time with Nicholass daughter and gladly accepted.
The next morning, everything was as usual. Nicholas quietly pushed his porridge around his bowl and headed off to work, while Barbara continued lecturing Emily on the finer points of looking after a husband. Emily, now tuning out the lectures, became alert as the intercom buzzed.
Emily hurried down the hallway, answered, and buzzed someone in.
Whos popping round at this time, eh? Remember, youre a married woman! I wont tolerate just anyone marching in here! warned Barbara sternly.
Dont worry, its family, Emily replied slyly, anticipating the surprise Barbara was about to receive.
A few minutes later, the door opened and Edith appeared. Good morning! Lovely to see you. Nicholas will be so pleased when he comes home and finds his favourite grandmother here, Emily chirped sweetly.
Hello, dear! Oh, Barbara, youre here too, are you? I was just walking past the bins thinking of you. If it werent for my son, youd be rifling through them right now! Edith exclaimed with a cackle.
Barbara bristled at such a warm welcome and her good mood vanished instantly.
And what brings you here? Barbara asked with a hint of sarcasm.
I invited Edith over, Emily interjected quickly. Shes never seen her great-granddaughter.
Oh, invited, have you Barbara muttered, clearly displeased.
Whats wrong, not glad to see me? I thought youd have missed me terribly since last time, Edith laughed, continuing to tease her former daughter-in-law.
Barbara just bowed her head and slipped off to the kitchen without another word.
Come in, Ill introduce you to your great-granddaughter, said Emily, bustling about. And here, have some homemade pies to go with your tea. I suspect Barbaras been tormenting you with her culinary experiments, Edith said, rummaging in her bag.
All day long, Edith cracked jokes and made sharp quips at Barbaras expense, until finally Barbara had had enough and picked up her phone.
Good newsmy flats finished now. All the works done. I can finally go home, she suddenly announced to Emily, entirely ignoring her grandmother-in-law.
Ill book a taxi right away. I cant wait to see how the flats looking! Barbara declared, quickly gathering her things.
As soon as she left, Emily breathed a sigh of relief. Nicholas wondered, slightly puzzled, why his mother had suddenly gone without telling him, but he couldnt hide his own relief. Edith didnt linger long either; the next day she headed home, well aware of the real reason why Emily had invited her over.
