Poor Relations
Mum, Aunty Vera called. Shes asking if they can stay for a week. Shes bringing her grandson in for some medical testshis backs troubling him. What should I say to her? Katie set her mothers tea cup on the table and started dusting the sideboard.
Cleaning her mothers flat once a week had been Katies job since she was thirteen. Her mother handed her the responsibility when she went back to university to finish the PhD shed once put asideback then she needed to focus on raising a child.
Those responsibilities cost Katie dearly. Her mothers never-ending oversight and strict schedule of clubs and activities left Katie with barely a moment to herself. While her friends played hopscotch in the street, Katie was learning music scales or sketching dreary still lives, convinced freedom did existit just wasnt for her.
It was hardly surprising that the strain led to Katie being ill more than most. She almost cherished those sick days, despite the aches and sniffles. She could lie in bed with her book, while her mother would pop in with an orange and some squash, lay a cool hand on Katies brow, and mutter with concern,
Now, I cant have you giving that to me, Katya! I really cant! I have work to do!
Katie would breathe a silent sigh of relief when the door closed behind her mother, and reach back for her favourite Gerald Durrell. She could read all day if she liked, and her mother wouldnt raise an eyebrow and say,
There are other things in life, Katya! You must broaden your interests!
Maybe thats why, when her mother decided Katie should learn to run the household, Katie didnt protest. It meant more time at home instead of racing between activities. More often than not, though, shed pause her cleaning, sit among the half-done Hoovering, a book in hand, so lost she forgot the vacuum was still running. Time slipped by so fast, her mother would sometimes come home to chaos.
Katie! What on earth? Why havent you tidied? Whats all this? Mrs. Helen Preston would stumble over a bucket in the hallway. Honestly, love, you have to learn to be more responsible!
Katie would snap to attention, finish as best she could, the verses of Keats or Byron still turning in her head.
Poetry was her escape, however much her mother thought it a pointless indulgence.
Another part of Katies duties was to host those inconvenient relatives her mother secretly despised but tolerated for the sake of family. With her steely will, Helen never dared defy her own kin openly.
Poor relations! How long can this go on?
Katie had overheard those words more than once, though only when her mother thought no one was listening. It was only later Katie realisedif Aunty Val, her mums older sister, ever caught wind of those complaints, thered be hell to pay. Valerie Preston took no nonsense where her family was concernedfiercely believing family was the only thing in life worth defending.
Valerie told Katie all about the family history on Katies sixteenth birthday. Her mother had forgotten to organise a celebration, vanishing on another work trip. Katie wasnt upsetshed been longing for a few days freedom to celebrate her way. No boring restaurant get-togethers or awkward speeches; just her friends, some cakes, and a bit of music. Valerie gave her some money, promised to keep mum, and winked:
Im trusting you, Katie. Dont give me any reason to regret it, eh?
Aunty Val!
Oh, dont be daft! Youre practically grown up! Got yourself a boyfriend yet? Oh, blush all you like! I thought girls had forgotten how. You should see some of the stories I hear at the surgery. Just last week, a mum brought in her little angelblue eyes, gold ribbons. Not even your age and already expecting, if you can believe it.
Blimey!
So be careful, Katie. If anything happens, well manage, but you dont want all that so young. Got it?
Alright, Aunty Val
Could Katie betray her aunts trust? Of course not!
Her mother never did find out about the party. Katie scrubbed the flat the next morning until even the old parquet gleamed. Mum was so pleased she made up her mind right then: no one kept house as well as Katie, so best let her do it.
And so Katie didfor all her school years, through university, and even after she married. Every week, she returned to her mothers vast, echoing flat to do the shopping and put things in order; youd lose your way if you didnt know those dark corridors lined with bookcases.
The flat had belonged to her paternal grandparents. The family had wanted a match for their scholarly son, pairing him with a bright country girl. Though, calling Katies mother provincial was unfairHelen was raised in London by her grandmother, after her own mother was left a widow when Helens father disappeared in the Scottish Highlands with his archaeological team.
It was years before anyone learned what happeneda ranger stumbled across some old bones and dog-eared documents near the ruins of a bothy. The team had clearly lost their way and stopped there for the night. Some terrible argument broke out, and in the aftermath, all hope was lost. No one survived.
Helens mother, whose own life could fill a novel, sent her youngest to be raised by Helens grandmother, believing life in London was best for the child.
Credit where it’s due, Gran did a great job. Helen had ballet lessons, wore smart dresses, and spoke French. She only saw her mother a few times a year on holiday visits, when Gran would say,
Your family’s here, dear! Theyre just relatives up there. Listen to your mother but remember, this is your home!
Helen understood perfectly. She saw her sisters’ rougher lives and wanted none of it. Even when her elder sister Valerie came to London to study, Helen kept her distance. Valerie refused to stay at Grans, camped out in her college lodgings, but always demanded she be allowed to see the baby, which Gran allowedby then, she and Helen were often at odds.
Stubborn, ambitious, always with her own plans, Helen sworeat not quite fifteenthat shed do things differently.
I wont make Mums mistakes, Gran. My children will have the best father I can find. And only one child, thank you!
Thats what you say now, but just wait till you fall in love
Love? Thats not how things should be done. You marry with your head first. I wont have my children pay for my foolishness. Ill build my life another way. Youll see!
And Helen stuck to her linerelentlessly. She spotted her future husband in her second year at university and made sure there was no question about getting married. With Grans dignified presence at the family meeting, resistance was futile.
You have such a darling girl! Raising a child like Helen in this day and ageits remarkable! And your parents, Helen, what do they do?
My father was an archaeologist. Sadly, his life was cut short.
And your mother?
She devoted her life to bringing up my sisters. An extraordinary woman!
And your sisters?
The eldest is to be a doctor. The youngest is still in school.
What an amazing family, my dear!
Gran raised me, really.
Of course! A guardian angel! Her help to your mother is priceless.
Helens mother didnt attend the wedding, nor did the younger sister, Verajust Valerie, tucked into a remote corner by Helen herself for fear of embarrassment.
Valerie poked at her salad, eyeing the guestsmost were important people invited by Helens new in-laws.
What surprises you, Val? Helens mother-in-law glided through the hall, greeting guests with her lace handkerchief. One must prepare for the future in advanceyesterday if possible! Otherwise, its too late!
After the lavish party, Helens in-laws retired to their country house and left the city flat to the young couple.
Make yourselves at homeand please, grandchildren soon!
Helen was in no hurry there. She planned everything years in advance, but fate had its own ideas. When she found herself expecting, she was furious with her sister.
I cant! Not yet! I have so many plans! she sobbed.
So dont, Valerie shrugged. But you know the consequences. And frankly, it’s better managing nappies sooner than all the trouble that comes with certain solutions.
But everyone says its safe these days!
People say all sorts, Helen. Honestly, as a doctor, Im telling you: nothing is risk-free!
After much agonising, Helen saw there was nothing for it but to go ahead.
She took the perfect mother-in-law routine seriously; she would raise her only daughter herself.
Her parents-in-law doted on Katie; her father adored his wife and child, and Katie blossomeduntil the day she lost her father. Quiet, undemanding, he passed so gently that when Helen and Katie came home one sunny afternoon, Helen thought hed nodded off over his lecture notes. She tucked a blanket around him and went to make tea. Only when Katie, frustrated she couldnt get Dads attention, started howling did Helen realise something terrible had happened.
Helens in-laws handled everything. They told her nothing would change: Helen and child would stay in the city, theyd keep to their country retreat. Helen was content.
She cared for her in-laws in old age and later managed the inherited property without fuss.
Katie, I have no business with that old cottage! I hate gardening and the house is ancient. Well sell it and get you a flat!
Mum, do we have to?
Why not?
Gran and Grandpa adored that place
Katie! Youve got to live in the present! Youre too young to own a house, and I dont have the time nor money for it. So thats final.
Katie gave up. She visited the cottage, said her tearful farewells to every tree, every bush. She sat for hours on the veranda, cradling her tea and weeping. When she left, she took her grandfathers ash pipe and her grans favourite tea cup. She guarded them jealously, not even letting her husband touch them.
Katie married for love, unlike her mother, and only her aunts approved the match.
Hes a decent lad! Valerie declared, rinsing dishes at Helens after the engagement. Hes clever, ambitious, adores Katie! So what if hes young? Theyll grow up together, thats no bad thing.
What are you thinking, Val?! Helen hissed, Katie has her own flat, a car, some savings, modest but still something! Ive made sure she wants for nothing! And him? Nothing but a first-class degree and dreams! You cant put ambition on your dinner plate!
Valerie slammed a plate down. Are you marrying off your daughter or her dowry? What do you wanther happiness or wealth? Go on then, ask her!
Oh dont be dramatic, Valerie! Helen swept up the broken pieces. I know what Katie wants, but that doesnt mean its best for her. ‘Love in a bedsit’ only works in cheap novels. Life takes more.
Valerie didnt forget that barb, sought Katie out, and gave her own motherly advice. Katie listenedshe and her husband delayed having a child, took out a sizeable mortgage too, but enjoyed their independence. Their flat was smaller than the one Helen bought for Katie long ago, but at least they didnt have Helens constant opinions looming over them.
Why this drastic move, Katie? Why? Helen genuinely seemed baffled.
Because, Mum! You know perfectly well. I dont want to argue, but Alex doesnt suit you, and I dont need you interfering. Lets agree: you live your life, I love and respect you, and will help when I can. Is that fair?
What else could Helen do but agree?
Thus, Katie visited weekly for groceries and cleaning. And catch up on family gossip.
Today, Mrs. Helen Preston lowered her glasses and eyed her daughter.
So, what will you say to Vera then? Dont you know?
Of course not! I wanted to check what you had planned.
You could have just told her Im not here and wont be!
Mum! How can you say that?
I say whats needed! Im tired of it! This isnt a flat, its a thoroughfare! Since your father died, Ive had endless visitors with their endless problemsunlike me, obviously!
Mum, be fairwhat exactly have you got on now? Youre not working or minding your grandchildren.
Katie! Really!
Well? I asked you to look after Aria last week, and you were far too busy. I had to drag her along to clinic with mewhich Im sure was highly educational for a seven-year-old in a gynaecologists office. At least Aunty Val didnt mindjust asked how you sleep at night.
Oh, shes one to talk!
She says what she wants. She is the eldest, after all, you made her head of the family when Gran fell ill, didnt you?
Nonsense! That doesnt give her the right to judge us!
Doesnt it? Funny, you feel qualified to judge herand Aunty Vera too, apparently.
Poor Vera? If you call her poor! Shes loadedestate and all! Youve seen her placereal lady of the manor
Mum, she built that place herself. I dont envy her for a moment, I couldnt keep that pace.
Lucky for you, your health wouldnt let you!
But Veras manages, and she looks after Gran too! Even Val left Gran with her, though Londons got much better healthcare.
Are you criticising, Katie? Helen frowned, putting down her untouched sweet.
No, not at all. You help them out financially! No one expected you to do the caring for Gran. To be honest, mum, family connections have never been high on your list. You like your own company, and the restsisters, nephews, grandchildrenare just extras. Am I right?
Katie!
Oh, come off it, Mum. I didnt ask you to host Aunty Vera and her grandson. I only wanted to find a date for us all to get togethera catch-up for a change. You just assumed they’d be coming to yours.
Wont they?
No, Mum. Vals flat is tiny, true, but Ive room, and Im happy to host. Aunty Val will help manage too. Well be fine.
Well, lovely! So its all me, me, me
Mum, dont start. Katie gathered up the tea things and shook her head. Be honest, when did you last host anyone here? Youre alone, Mum! Totally alone! You dont even realise.
I have you, Katie!
Yes. You do. And you always will. But you always wanted me to live by your rules. How many times did you tell me these people are virtually strangers? That family is just you, me, andmaybeAlex and Aria. You barely see Aria as your granddaughter, more an occasional nuisance to entertain for my sake.
Whats got into you?!
“Nothing, Mum! I’m just saying: you wanted me to have no family because you didn’t want one. But just because you don’t want family doesn’t mean I don’t. Stop! I know everything you’ll say, word for word. That I don’t need these ‘burdens.’ That I should focus on myself and my child. But see, that’s exactly why I want Aria to know her aunts, uncles, cousins! She knows Nik, Aunty Veras grandson, is brilliant at chess and can draw stories like no one else. He sends her picturesshe loves getting them! Shes picking toys to give him as gifts because she cares about him.
Love? Shes met him twice!
And? Does that mean its meaningless? Out of sight, out of mind for you? Family just stops existing if they live more than a bus ride away? You know what? Thats how you end upwhen no ones needed, just a lone grave in some cemetery. I dont want that, Mum.
Katie paused in the doorway, looking back at her mother.
Think about what I said. Call me if you change your mind. If not, I know what excuses to give the aunties. Your migraine scares away even the nosiest of relatives, doesnt it?
With that, Katie left, and Helen was left to think in silence.
She sat in the dim, empty sitting room for ages that evening, reflecting on her life and all she really knew about her family. The truth was, they all knew far more about her than she did about any of themexcept perhaps Katie. Not even certain of that, now.
Cheeky girltelling her off like that! As if Helens love wasnt enough.
But in her heart, Helen knew her daughter was right. People dont live forever. Who would Katie have when Helen was gone? Those very poor relations? Perhaps she shouldnt be so quick to send them packing.
She watched as the streetlights flickered outside, the city winding down, people with their own lives and problemsso important to themselves.
By the time she looked at the clock, the roads were empty, and it was too late to ring. Let Katie rest.
Tomorrow, Helen resolved to ring her daughter, arrange a gathering, and ask for help choosing presents for her many nieces and nephews. Perhaps something for Aria, too. Katie was rightHelen was no good at being a grandmother, but maybe she could improve, even if only a little. After all, changing completely at her age wasn’t likelybut every effort counted.
Her granddaughter was so like Katie, and that meant shed have a good heart. Shed appreciate whatever Helen could give.
And the next time, that lively little girl would drag Nik by the hand, hand him a pencil, and ask,
Draw her! Draw Granny! Shes so pretty, and I dont get to see her much. I want a picture to remember her by!
Valerie would rush to the brandy, Katie would shoo the children out, and the sisters would sit together, all talking at once, arms flying with their laughter.
Katie would smile at her husbands surprise and say,
Dont even ask. Sometimes age sneaks up on peoplebut Im glad it hasnt quite caught us yet.Katie watched her mother through the rain-speckled window as she left, her footsteps fading down the corridor. For a moment, Helen seemed smaller than usuala slight, solitary silhouette in the golden lamplight. But then she straightened, and Katie recognized, beneath all her mothers sharp corners, an inkling of hope.
In the weeks that followed, something shiftedfirst in small ways. Helen called with genuine questions, not just instructions. She listened more, even as she sometimes resisted. On Sunday, she appeared at Katies door, arms awkwardly laden with sweets, paper, a battered chess set. When Nik greeted her, hesitating, Helen surprised them all by kneeling to his level, explaining how his grandfather once taught her the same opening moves hed taught Katie, years before.
Valerie and Vera arrived in a storm of laughter and suitcases. The flat filled with crumbs, teacups, shoes, and the cacophony of story-swapping that only families could understand. The children staged a talent show. Aria recited a poem for her granKaties favorite lines from Keats, just as shed once whispered them to Helen on sleepy afternoons. Helens lips twitched, almost a smile, as something gentle creased her face.
After supper, Helen stood by the window as the city lights blinked and the voices of her family rose and fell behind her. For the first time in so many years, warmth pressed in from every sideunexpected, unruly, impossible to fully control. She did not recoil.
Instead, when Katie came and slipped her hand into hers, Helen squeezed back. Their silence now felt companionable, not heavya peace made, not just kept.
Years later, when Aria thumbed through family albums to trace the cracks and branches of her own story, she found snapshots of these eveningsa rare portrait of Helen with a laughing child on each knee, sisters crowding the sofa, Katie tossing her head with delight. The pages told a tale of ordinary miracle: that stubbornness could soften, that walls could crack enough to let the light in, and that even poor relations, for all their history and havoc, were the only riches that truly lasted.
Aria would close the album and rush to the kitchen, where her mother, flour-dusted, would look up andjust as Katies father and mother before her had donesmile and say, Come tell me what you remember.
And Aria would answer, Family, Mum. No matter what, its always family.
