You should help your sister, declared the mother-in-law.
Thats enough! snapped Margaret. Chloe is my daughter. And you you only ever complain.
Go, Claire, just go. My blood pressure is sky-high because of you. Call Edward for meI need to speak with him. Alone!
And where is it? Claire, Im asking you, wheres the food processor? You saw me put it right here, cleared a space and everything!
Claire stood in the middle of Margarets cramped kitchen, clutching a carrier bag of groceries.
Where the expensive food processora birthday present from her husband to his motherhad sat last week, now there was just a pile of old papers and a worn oilcloth, buzzing with flies.
Mrs. Britton, what on earth do you mean? Claire set the bag down carefully. Ive only just arrived.
What do I mean? You know perfectly well! Margaret bustled about, banging cupboard doors. It was here this morning. And now its gone.
Maybe Chloe took it? She popped in for some salt Yes, that’s it Of course, my daughter took it!
Claire exhaled slowly through her nose. The moment Margaret started feigning forgetfulness, it always meant the same: the item had been relayed to the eldest daughters flat.
Chloe came in for salt and managed to lift a twelve-kilo processor? With all the attachments and dough bowl? Claire sat down on a kitchen stool, still in her coat.
So what if she did? Margaret stopped suddenly, pressing her lips together. Shes got children. They need fresh juice and vitamins.
And me? Im too old for those smoothies of yours; they just give me heartburn. Chloe needs it more. Single mum, you knowits tough on her.
Mrs. Britton, Edward paid off that processor for three months, Claire said quietly. It was a gift, just for you. So you wouldnt have to grate carrots on that rusty thing, so you could look after your hands.
Oh, here she goes! Margaret threw up her hands. Counting every penny! Edwards a man; hes duty-bound to help his sister.
And you, Claire, youre always hovering, looking for scraps. Stingy, the pair of you. Its just a kitchen gadget
Were not penny-pinching, Claire felt her temples throbbing. We just want our gifts to stay with the people they were meant for.
Remember the vacuum cleaner last Christmas? Where is it? Chloes.
And the steam mop? Chloes.
Even that Italian dinner set we brought back from holiday
Thats enough! Margaret snapped loudly. Chloe is my daughter. And youyou just love to reproach.
Go, Claire, just go. My blood pressures up. Get Edward. I need a word, privately.
Claire left the flat. Soon Margaret would ring Edward, weep a little, say Claire had pushed her to the brink, and then, driven by guilt, hed buy his mother some expensive new gift.
And Chloe would collect it within days.
***
Edward sat hunched over his laptop, struggling with a report, as Claire entered the room.
Again? he said, not looking up.
Again. Claire slung her bag onto the sofa. The food processors at Chloes. Margaret pretended it had gone missing, then finally admitted it.
Edward rubbed his eyes. He was juggling two jobs so they could pay down the mortgage fasterand still support his parents.
Its Chloe, Claire. What am I supposed to do? Go round and snatch it back? Mum rang in tearssaid Chloes drowning in debt, the kids need new shoes, now the processor Shell probably sell it.
Sell it? Claire stopped dead. Edward, we gave your mother something worth eight hundred pounds so your sisterwho refuses to work more than four hours a daycan flog it for next to nothing?
Dont start, Claire. Mum says if were going to be this petty, she may as well disown us.
Claire rolled her eyes. Typical! Chloe is the poor, tragic one, and theyre the greedy, lucky couple.
***
Two days later, it exploded. Margaret and Chloe fell out spectacularly. The reason was simple: Chloe demanded money, and Margaret refused.
Edwards phone was ringing off the hook.
Edward! his mother shrieked so loudly Claire overheard from the next room, She cursed me! Said Im not her mother anymore!
Can you imagine? She threw a tea towel at me, stormed out, and even grabbed the groceries you dropped round yesterday. So ungrateful!
Mum, just calm down, Edward sighed.
No, you have to listen! She hasnt brought so much as a penny home. She lives off my money, your presents.
Claire was right, Edward. You and she are so good to Chloe, and for this Oh, my hearts pounding. Will you both come round tonight? I feel so ill, so alone
That evening, Claire scrubbed the floors while Edward fixed the leaky kitchen tap.
Margaret sat in her armchair, clutching a handkerchief, unloading every complaint about Chloe.
What did I do to deserve her? she moaned. I gave her everything. The best of everything went to little Chloe. And what does she do now? So cold, so heartless, that girl
She turned to Claire, voice softening. But you two, youre my rock. Claire, your soup is a godsend. Edward, youre the only one who stands by me
Times like these, Claire felt uneasy. The peace would last just long enough for the next reconciliationthen, once again, she and Edward would be cast as the villains.
***
Three weeks later, Claire ran into Chloe at the shopping centre.
Chloe looked radiant: brand new jacket, glossy salon hair, several upmarket carrier bags.
Oh, Claire, hey! Chloe gave a wide grin, Hows life? Still working Edward to the bone?
Claire eyed her sharply.
Your mum said you couldnt even afford shoes for your kids.
Oh, Mum always exaggerates. Chloe waved it away. Were all right nowsorted things out this week.
Shes a dear, really. Helped me out with a bit of cash.
By the way, you coming to Mums birthday tomorrow? Shes planning some huge do.
You made up? When?
Oh, Thursday. Mum popped over, brought some money, apologised. We had a bit of a cry together. She also said Edward will help with my bathroomhes coming into some bonus, isnt he?
Claire turned on her heel and left.
At home, she caught Edward wrapping a boxanother present for his mother. A brand new laptop, bought on finance, naturally.
The old one they gave her three years ago had mysteriously broken. Though Claire suspected it had walked off to Chloes, too.
Edward, dont even think about it, she said, standing in the doorway.
What? I just thoughtsurprise Mum with a new one. Hers is buggered.
Theyve already patched things up, your sister and mother. Together, theyre plotting how to spend your bonus.
Edward froze mid-wrap.
Theyve made up? But Mum called last night crying, said Chloe wont even text her.
Shes lying to your face, Edward, so youll keep forking over money. Chloe is already splashing it down the shops!
Claire told him everything. The look on Edwards face changed at once. Finally, he got it.
***
Chloe, her children, and Margaret sat at a table laden with food. When Edward and Claire appeared in the doorway, the birthday girls face dropped for a heartbeat.
Oh, Edward, Claire She shot a glance at Chloe. Didnt expect you, darlings, what a surprise.
Happy birthday, Mum, Edward entered. Sorry, things are tight at the momentinterest on the mortgages up. Here, have some flowers.
Chloe sniffed, inspecting her nails with theatrical disdain.
Short on money? Mum said you were upgrading your car.
People say a lot, Chloe, Claire cut in crisply. Were saving.
Margaret pursed her lips. Well, sit then, since youre here. Chloe, make room for the poor relations, would you?
Edward and Claire sat in silence all evening as Margaret and Chloe gabbed away.
Mum, didnt Edward promise to sort my bathroom? Chloe suddenly blurted out. Whens that happening, eh, bro? The tiles are falling off, cant even have people round, its so embarrassing.
I never agreed, Chloe, Edward replied calmly. I dont have spare money for your refurb. Or a spare minute, for that matter.
What do you mean? Margarets fork clattered onto her plate. Edward, I already told Chloe youd do it! Dont embarrass me! I know youve got savings. Claire, is this your doing?
I havent done anything, Claire shrugged. Were just not propping you both up anymore.
We give you presentsthey end up with Chloe. We give you moneyit all goes to Chloe. If you two argue, we get to be the good ones, until you patch things up and were the villains. Were finished.
How dare you! Chloe shot to her feet. You dont belong in this family! Manipulated your way in, jealous cow!
Belong? Claire stood up too. Edwards spent more on this flat than your kidneys worth, Chloe.
Windows, doors, appliancesall bought with his hard-earned money.
Get out! Margaret screeched, pointing a shaking finger at the door. Both of you! Dont come back till youve apologised! And sorted out what you owe!
Edward was last to leave. They went without a word. Claires heart squeezed as she looked at her husbandhe looked utterly defeated.
***
For two months life was unusually peacefulthe phone silent, no requests for money. Then Margaret showed up on their doorstep, unannounced.
Edward she began from the hallway. Let me in, will you?
He stepped aside. Margaret shed her shoes, tramped to the kitchen.
Claire looked her up and down.
What brings you round, Mrs Britton?
Chloe she Margaret hid her face in her hands. Shes gone. Packed her things and took the kidsleft for some man in Manchester.
And thats good, isnt it? New start for her.
Good? Margaret lifted teary eyes to her daughter-in-law. She robbed me! Took all my savingsevery last penny!
When I protested, she called me a ball and chain, told me never to ring again. Took all the gadgets too. Even your microwave, Edward
Edward sat through the sobbing with icy composure.
So, what is it you want, Mum?
Love, I cant pay the flats bills The fridge is empty. The tap in the bathroom burst, neighbours want compensation for the leak
Chloe wont answer her phone.
Help me, wont you? Youve always got a bit put by
Edward looked over at Claire, who gave the slightest shake of her head.
Mum, he sighed, were not richweve our own plans. Were buying a bigger place, so theres nothing sparetruly.
What do you mean, nothing? Margarets voice sharpened. Im your mother! Youre obliged!
Ill bring groceries, Edward answered. Once a weekthe basics: rice, bread, milk. Ill pay the bills straight into the utilities. But I wont give you cash, and therell be no more expensive gifts. Because I knowfirst time Chloe calls, youll just sell it off or hand it to her.
Youd leave your mother with nothing but bread and water?
Ill pay the bills and buy food. Thats all.
The ensuing row was disgraceful. Margaret let rip at her son, at Claire, accusing them both of being heartless.
Edward didnt wait for her to finishhe showed her out. That evening, his mother called again and, through gritted teeth, accepted his terms.
