The Grey Mouse
At precisely two oclock in the afternoon, Emily arrived at her parents house.
Oh, Emily love! her mother exclaimed, flinging her arms around her.
Finally graced us with your presence, have you? her father grumbled. Lets get on with lunch.
Emily followed them to the dining room, pondering why on earth her dad wanted to see her so urgently. Most likely something trivial, she thought some new complaint or another.
Everyone sat down. Her mum served the roast; cutlery clattered as they tucked in. Aside from an occasional request for the salt or the pepper, the table was hushed.
Why are you picking at your food? her father asked, eyebrows raised. Your mothers gone to all this trouble, and you just push it round your plate
Victor! Emilys mother cut in.
What? She barely eats a thing. You worked so hard for her, didnt you?
Victor. Her mums voice again, like a warning.
Emily shrank in her chair. Shed never enjoyed being the target of her dads moansor worse, someone else being on the receiving end. It usually meant he had butterflies of some kind and was spoiling for a reason to fuss.
Why does he even want to talk to me, anyway?
Mum, honestly, that was delicious, Emily said, smiling sweetly. Could I take some leftovers?
Of course, darling, help yourself, her mother replied.
Silence fell once more.
Fifteen minutes later, Victor shoved his plate away and jerked his chin at Emily: Ill be in the study. Come along.
He marched out.
Emily wasted no time sidling up to her mother.
Mum, what does he want? she whispered. Whats happened?
Her mother merely shrugged. No idea, love. Are you all right?
All fine. Still working away
Maybe he wants to offer you a job at his firm?
Emily stifled a laugh. Mum, dont tease. Dad thinks Im hopeless, remember? Anyway. Ill find out and report back.
She kissed her mother on the cheek, winked, and marched towards the study.
***
Emily hesitated at the study door, then knocked and entered.
Why the study, of all places? Why not the garden, or the lounge? No, it had to be the studyit always felt like being summoned to the headmasters office.
Her father was glaring out of the bay window, hands behind his back.
Dad? Emily ventured softly.
He spun around. What took you so long?
Emily resisted answering and instead shrugged.
He stared at her so intently she felt she might shrink into her cardigan. After a moments awkward silence, she decided to break it.
Well, then, what is it you want, Dad?
He looked genuinely surprised. Me? I should be asking you thatwhats going on, Emily?
Im fine, she replied in a flash.
Well, Im not!
Her dad paused, then asked, How long do you reckon your mother and I should wait?
Emily blinked. She licked her lips. Wait for what?
For whom. Grandchildren! Were waiting for grandchildren.
Emily barked with laughter.
Dad, really. I dont even have a boyfriend!
Exactly! he thundered. Precisely!
Suddenly, Emily realised where this was headed: Dad was yet again trying to set her up.
I see your social media postshonestly, its tragic! At work youre a grey mouse, completely invisible. Even nowlook at yourself. Compare yourself to your mother! Shes the very picture of femininity, always so elegant. You
Dad, with all due respect, its up to me how I dress, Emily protested.
Not entirely. Your mum and I have a say as well. Youre a beautiful girl, but you go out of your way to hide it.
Dad!
What, Dad? Cant a father worry?
Emily narrowed her eyes. Lets not pretend this is just chit-chat. I know youyoure dying to introduce me to some accountant or solicitor, arent you?
And what if I am? Victor shrugged. I want you to marry someone financially stable, and finally bless us with grandchildren.
No. Now Emily was annoyed. Thats my private life. Ill marry whom I want, when I want!
Ah, Emily, Emily We gave you such a lovely name Thought everything would turn out perfectly, but youre so contraryalways defending your own way! As if I want ill for you!
Dad, can we drop it?
How old are you now
Im only 24. Marriage is not on my agenda.
Emily! he gasped, flustered. Who will inherit my business?
Ill take over. Ill manage just fine.
You? He snorted. Youre a woman! Women dont belong in business.
But I do understand, Emily replied crossly.
Do you, though? grumbled her father. I said you should have studied something elseart, journalism, design. But you never listen.
I pursued what I enjoy.
You, in business! The world will eat you alive. Time to get married, love. Ive already
No! Emily practically screamed and bolted from the room.
***
Emily was shaking. She couldnt get the conversation out of her head.
Honestly! Already picking a husband for her, insisting she lived wrongly and looked like a grey mouse.
Though, if she was honest, there was truth in that. Her wardrobe consisted entirely of grey and black suits that made her utterly invisible. Maybe she ought to try colours? Was her grey mouse style the reason she hadnt met anyone yet?
No. Emily stuck out her chin. If she was going to meet someone, hed have to spot her even in the blandest blazer, not be dazzled by bright frocks and garish lipstick like a moth to a flame.
***
Oh, look, our little workhorse is in at last! Natasha called from reception. Late again, young ladywere you waiting for the lights to change all morning?
Emily glared at the receptionist, who today, for reasons unknown, had claimed the spot behind the desk. Utterly hilarious, Emily muttered.
I think so. And honestly, with a name like yours, youre just asking for it, Natasha yawned.
Emily scowled and made for her office.
What a cow, she thought. Until now, no one had ever taken the mick out of her namebut Natasha was something else.
Dont let her wind you up, cooed her colleague, Mary, catching up. Shes jealous, you know. Remember how you ditched her brother?
Ignore Natasha, chimed in Alice, passing by with a coffee. Shes having a go at everyone today. Our usual receptionists off sick and shes stuck up front. Ohand, rumour has it, shes finally given her Volodya the elbow when he refused to leave his wife. She cant manage her wish list on her measly salary, so shes in a right mood.
***
Emily settled at her desk and booted up her computer. The phone immediately rang.
Emily, could you pop in to see me? That was her boss, Mr. Allen.
So it begins, she thoughtbarely arrived, already summoned by the brass. She trudged to his office.
***
Inside, she found Mr. Allen and, standing beside him, a young man.
Hello, said Emily.
Hi, Emilymeet Tom, our directors son. Tom, this is Emily. Frankly, my best employee. Tom will shadow our department for the next couple of days. Emily, show him the ropes.
Emily gave Tom a withering look. Another spoilt rich kid. Her dad had tried to hook her up with boys like this before. Was Tom here to scout for a future promotion? Was he the heir apparent? Nightmare.
All this flashed through her mind. Professionally, she said nothing.
***
Tom was boreda rare feeling for him. Sure, observing an office tick along, seeing how each cog contributed to the firms impressive profits, was slightly interesting but this wasnt his world. He wanted to be a developer, code until midnight, not learn to lead a company he had no passion for. But his father? Not a chance. All he heard was You didnt go to Oxford to hide behind a monitor! You must run the business!
Why did everyone have these grand plans for him?
Tom envied the likes of Nick from sales, radiating enthusiasm for every deal. Or Emilyshed just explained, with unfeigned excitement, her tricks for boosting numbers. Even Nancy in marketing seemed to adore her work. And him?
Tom! someone purred. Natasha had sidled up, launching her best look at me smile.
Why is it, Tom wondered, that women think men only want to talk about cars?
Hi, Natasha.
Are you bored? Fancy some company? She plopped down beside him, cleavage on display.
Im eating, Tom replied, desperately scanning for an exit.
You dont mind if I stick around?
Tom gulped his tea. Sorry, NatashaI need a word with Nick, he said, bolting away.
He didnt see the sour look Natasha shot his retreating back.
***
That evening, Emily stayed late at the office. By the time she left, it was dark. Odd, given they were downtownusually, thered be people everywhere, but the deserted streets and unlit lamps made her uneasy. She started to walk faster.
What is this? Ive walked this route at every hour before, never gave it a thought.
Suddenly, she was surrounded by a group of lads.
Going somewhere, darling? one jeered.
Home, Emily replied, striving for calm.
Come with us. One grabbed her arm.
Just then, a familiar voice called out: Emily! Wait up!
Emily turned and saw Tom, jogging up.
There you are! Sorry, lads, shes with me.
With some mysterious combination of genuine concern and public spectacle, Tom deftly drew Emily out of the circle and across to the main road, where they both broke into a run.
***
It was happening again, Tom thought. Second time hed helped a woman out of a mess.
The last time, shed legged it and hed gotten a black eye for his troublesthough, all things considered, that was getting off lightly. Maybe luck would hold tonight.
That’s them! Emily said, pointing to the group as she reappearedthis time with a pair of bobbies in tow. The lads melted away like mist before the law.
***
After the ordeal, Emily and Tom ended up in a cheery café.
You know, I didnt think youd come back! Tom admitted.
Really? I couldn’t just leave you to it! Emily grinned.
Howd you find the police?
Pure luck. Turned the corner and there they were.
They waffled on about everythingwork, films, the best sausage rolls in east Londonand Tom walked her to her door.
You’re nothing like the stereotype, you know, Emily said at last.
What stereotype? Tom smiled.
You know. Rich kids are supposed to be entitled snobs. Youre… normal.
As if youre an expert on Londons posh boys! Tom chuckled. Emily blushed, hidden by the night.
No, of course not, Emily said hastily. Er, are you staying long at the company?
Tom shrugged. I hope not, really. Its not for me.
Not for you?
Im a software developer.
So why not tell your father?
Tom snorted. You think I havent? Ive told him a hundred times! He doesnt listen. But, oh well Thanks for the company. See you tomorrow.
He dropped a quick kiss on her cheek, watched her safely inside, and headed off for the Tube.
***
Emily was running late the next morning. Blasted alarm clock!
She crashed into the office, nearly careening into Natasha, who was gossiping with the admin.
Oh, look whos late! Natasha smirked, peering as Emily signed in. Guess who I spotted last night with Tom? Emily and Tom, together! Arent they an odd couple?
Emily gave her a look. She supposed the story of her and the directors son would soon be office legend.
So what? Ill see who I like, Emily said flatly.
I just wonder what a plain grey mouse like you could possibly have to offer a wealthy guy? Natasha sneered.
Maybe my brains? Emily quipped, breezing past her.
Before she could reach her desk, Mr. Allen intercepted her, as if hed been lying in wait.
Emily! Thats another late mark. Come to my office for a word.
Emily felt her heart thump ominously. Is everything all right?
Just come in.
He sat down, looking grave; she perched on the edge of her seat. He paced a bit, stared out the window, and finally turned.
Emily, its nothing, reallyother than you dating the wrong person. Youre fired.
What?!
Ill have HR address the paperwork.
***
Half an hour later, Emily strolled out of the office.
Well. Thats that.
She wasnt sure whether to laugh or cry.
Emily! Emily! A breathless Tom hurried up.
She stopped. Where to, then? Tom asked.
Home. Where else? Emily shrugged.
Chin up, Tom said, trying to rally her. Mr Allen said hed give you a glowing reference and mention your name to friends.
Well… I suppose something better might turn up. Everything happens for a reason. You should get back to work.
No, Tom grinned. I wont be going back, either. Was only sticking around because you were there. Now youre not, neither am I.
Tom! Emily gasped. Are you mad? Your dad will cut you off!
Tom shrugged. So what? Ill just go full-time as a programmer again. No trouble. Besides, Ive got a small flat in the citymy own place. You can come stay.
***
Victor and his wife strolled towards the hospital.
Its all your fault, Victor was muttering. Spoiling her rotten all her life, siding with her every time, and just look at the outcome!
His wife beamed. Yes, its wonderful! She carved her own career, found her own soulmate, married him, and now shes had a baby girl! Who could wish for better?
Yes, but we never even got invited to the wedding!
Well, at least we were told about the birth and asked to the hospital! Dont sulk, Grandad! She laughed.
Other families pottered about the entrance.
Victor blinked, recognising a familiar faceit was one of his biggest suppliers.
Morning! Victor shook hands with the man as the women exchanged measuring glances.
Victor! What brings you here?
The daughters had a babya girl! Victor said, swelling with pride.
Congrats! Ours tooa daughter. Waiting for my lad and his wife to come out. Can you believe he got married and didnt even invite us to the wedding? Youth these days!
The doors swung open. Out came Tom and Emily, Emily cuddling a little pink bundle.
Oh, there they are! Victor hurried towards them, his supplier trailing.
Hang on, the supplier said, Emilys yours?
Yes, my daughter. And her husband is your son?
His supplier nodded, both men slack-jawed.
Unbelievable! I almost worried my girl would marry a pauper
And I gave my boy a right earful for dating, what I thought, was some waif with no prospects! Had no idea she was your daughter.
Money finds money, eh? Victor mused.
Oh, nonsense! Victors wife interjected. Our children made their own way, started from scratch. The only thing bringing them together is fateand perhaps a love of tea.The two women glanced at each other, both cradling their newborn daughters, and grinned as only new mothers can.
Emily looked up at her parents, her eyes shining. Wed have invited you sooner, but well, we wanted to do some things our own way.
Victors frown melted. He reached out, awkwardly at first, then more certain, and brushed a gentle hand against his granddaughters cheek.
Shes beautiful, he whispered.
Toms mother laughed, dabbing at her eyes. Ours is, too. Must run in the families!
The babies wriggled, small hands finding each other as if by fate. Around them, the laughter of generations mingled.
Emily squeezed Toms hand and, glancing at both sets of parents, said softly, Dont worry. Were not grey mice anymore.
Victor caught her eye andjust this oncelet himself smile, proud and surprised all at once.
The hospital doors slid closed behind them as they stepped into the sunlight, the little family leading the way, two baby girls already forging a new futurebright, bold, and entirely their own.
