Emily was gathering her things and heading for the door.
Where to? Victor asked, halfasleep over his pint.
Does it matter to you? she shot back. Youre moving out too; the flat is mine and Dads. Im letting it out, so we dont need your drunken shenanigans here. Find somewhere else to live.
Emily had just walked in from the office when she saw Victor in the living room, a few pints in, surrounded by his mates. At the table sat Peter, the nextdoor neighbour, and his brother Michael, whod turned up for a visit. Michael was on holiday, and they were already on day three of the celebration.
Victor was a rare drinker usually only on special occasions but today hed let the whole gang in. He knew it was a bad idea, yet he couldnt turn his friends away.
Are you a friend or not? Michael kept pressing.
Victor, see your guests out and get them to bed. Theyre barely standing.
Shut up, love! Michael barked.
Emily, were leaving now, Peter said quietly, sliding from his seat.
How dare you speak to my wife like that? Victor snapped.
Calm down. Everyone home. Its time to go.
Emily nudged the guests toward the door, coaxed Victor onto the sofa, and set to work tidying. She knew her motherinlaw, Susan Whitmore, was due any minute, and she wanted to see what kind of mess her son was making of the house.
By the time Susan arrived, Emily had everything spick and span. She even whipped up a quick dinner, because the guests had already polished off the prepared dishes. The leftovers were tossed straight into the bin.
Susan Whitmore, dear, how Ive missed you! Emily greeted.
Sweetheart, my fathers cat is here a ginger mischiefmaker he calls Fussy.
Fussy!
Wash your hands, were about to eat and have tea.
And wheres Victor? I called him, but no answer.
Hes asleep. Hes been on a threeday binge with the neighbour. Im home from work, shoo him out, and the next morning it starts all over again. Maybe lock the front door and leave the keys outside in the morning. Before Michaels brother came over, everything was fine. Turns out they share a flat with Peters brother. Peters wife wont let them roam the house kids everywhere, so theyve taken refuge with us.
Theyre schoolmates from first grade. When we moved here we became friends. Its a mess to stop now. You really need to move.
Where to? The house isnt finished yet only a few bits left. We have to go and have a look. How can we leave it?
Hell come round himself.
Whos that? Victor appeared in the kitchen doorway.
You.
Who else? Hes already here the smell of food or something else must have drawn him.
I dont want anything.
Thats fine. Emily, pack your things and get out.
Where?
Whats it to you? Youre leaving the flat too; its ours with Dad. Im renting it out. No more drunken messes. Find somewhere else.
What sort of place, Mum? Michael stammered, stunned. Our house is still being built.
A house? Think about whose house it is. Who paid for it? Right you and Emily. But you poured in our money. Emily and little Emma will live in it. Emily, stop standing there, pack your stuff and Emmas.
I wont give you my daughter!
Whoa, that scared me.
Shes mine. Emily has nothing to do with her.
And when she replaced her mother, what then? Shame on you. Shes a mother! Dont say a word to the child. Pack your things.
Mum, Im your son. And I
And what? The flat will be empty tomorrow. The girls and I are leaving.
Where to?
To check out the new house and get the builders moving. Its almost done. Well order the furniture at the same time.
And me?
What, youre still worrying? Youve got friends wholl take you in.
No, thats not right.
Ive told you everything. Emily, got everything packed? Then lets go. Take the car keys.
On my car?
Do you want us to walk? You cant drive.
Well head back to our place and tomorrow see whats happening with the house, Susan said. Weekends coming, well air it out, have a rest. Let him think about it.
The next morning Victor stood on the doorstep of his parents flat, a suitcase in hand. His mothers jokes were always a bit sharp, but she got her way.
What do you want?
Mum, you asked me to clear the flat. Its empty now. Ill stay with you for a bit, then find a place. Ill take Emma and Emily. Where are they?
Theyre here for now, but well soon go look at the new house.
Ive been looking for them. Mum, can we talk? Im sorry. Its all because of Michael and Peter you cant shake them off.
Thats why you wont be living there any longer.
Emily and Victor patched things up. Emily was still hurt, but she believed Victors promises.
Enough. No more neighbours, no more friends.
Watch out, otherwise you wont see Emma. The daughter will stay with me, and the son too
A son? A son! We need to finish the house faster. Tell mum!
Dont shout, she knows. Maybe its not a son but another daughter. Times short.
Fine. Daughter or son youre my Emily! Victor spun his wife around the room.
Careful! Put me down gently.
The family moved into the brandnew cottage on the outskirts of Kent. Emmas little brother arrived just after the housewarming.
Emma, go have a look at your baby brother, Gran Ethel cooed.
Hes tiny. Mines bigger. Mum gave it to me. Now we have two mums, right, Gran?
Yes, love.
Im not the tiny one, he is. And Mum promised wed get a clever, fluffy dog. Maybe
Emma!
Granddad always says
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