Oh girls, I swear, my mother-in-law is absolutely losing the plot! She showed up yesterday with a massive pot of stew! Can you imagine? Apparently, *my* stew isnt good enough her darling boy just has to have it the way he grew up with! Sarah shoved her coffee mug away and reached for her wine glass. Honestly! Where do they find these women? Are we destined to turn into mother-in-laws like that? If so, just send me off to the woods with breadcrumbs so I never find my way back home!
Calm down, Sarah, Liz soothed, patting her friends arm. Maybe shes going through menopause or something, you know. Shes probably just bored your husband is her only son, what else has she got to do but fuss over him? Its only stew! Say thank you and ask for more less cooking for you! Let her crack on with it.
Oh, dont you start! If I encourage her, shell just move right in! I can hardly handle what shes already doing. Remember that lingerie set we bought before New Years?
The one you bought as a treat for yourself?
Thats the one. She binned it!
What?! Liz nearly poured tea all over the tablecloth in shock.
Said it was unhealthy! The knickers were, apparently, all wrong. Sarah gave a hysterical laugh. I didnt even tell her how much it cost. Shed have fainted.
Youre impossible! Shes thinking about your wellbeing and youre still having a moan. Liz wheezed with laughter, but quickly sobered up. But why is she rifling through your underwear drawer?
Ask her! Sarah threw a napkin on the table and started soaking up the tea spill. Goodness! Look at me! Ill never get this out.
Calm yourself. Quiet all evening, Olivia took the napkin off her and slid her coffee mug over. Youre all over the place. This cant go on.
Wouldnt you be? Honestly, girls, back when we lived in the flat, it was bliss. She never popped over. I could wander round daydreaming about orders half the day and nobody would bother me. She doesnt grasp that working from home is still working. And she refuses to accept that I earn almost as much as her precious son. Ever since we bought this house, I feel like some amoeba under a microscope. She just breezes in whenever she feels like it. Does whatever she likes. All under the guise that she gave us money for our deposit, so apparently I now owe her my life! Sarah sniffled.
Change the locks.
Cant. My husband would just give her a key anyway. Shes his mum, after all he wouldnt want to upset her. I might as well get divorced!
Stop that right now. Sarah, I barely recognise you. In school, there wasnt a sharper girl around. Where has all your fire gone? Liz snorted.
Probably dumped with all my failed hopes, Sarah sighed, taking a big gulp of wine. Right, enough of my moaning. Ive got to get a grip and sort this. Otherwise, Ill turn into a monster. Even my own kid asked me yesterday why I was so grouchy. What am I supposed to say? Grandmas driving me mad? Youre right, girls, it has to stop.
Of course it does! Im going to marry an orphan, I swear. No one making stew for my man except me! Liz flagged down the waiter, grinning. Shall we get some dessert, girls? Eat our stress away?
Go on then… Sarah dabbed her eyes with a corner of her napkin and smiled. Oh, want to see the cake I made for the last wedding? I surprised myself!
The three friends crowded round Sarahs smartphone.
Oh my word!
Sarah, what is that? How is it hanging like that? Thats gorgeous, honestly!
Trade secret! My boy gave me the idea, actually he was building with his Lego and I got inspired. Dont remind me how we managed to deliver it, six more orders already in the next two months! Heaven knows how Ill manage.
Rope in your mother-in-law for babysitting! Give her something productive to do.
Oh, Liz, youre so naive! Sarah burst out laughing. She feigns ill the moment shes asked to watch him.
What if you send the lot off to visit her your husband, the little lad, and Nana?
Sarah froze, coffee cup hovering in mid-air.
Liv, youre a genius! Theyll all be out from under my feet AND she gets her precious time with her darling grandson. On her home turf, eating stew from her properly washed plates. Ill just need to hand my kid a bag of sweets to keep her on her toes!
They all broke into laughter, well aware of Sarahs sons sweet tooth. After sugar, he turned into a whirlwind, which is why at every kids party Sarah kept an eagle eye on him.
So, Liv whats new with you? Liz turned to her quietly pensive friend. Hows your mother-in-law not giving you grief?
Liz, she hasnt had the chance! The wedding was only a short while ago. Olivia licked her spoon and grimaced. How much sugar did they put in this meringue?
Go show them how its done! Liz burst out laughing, but stopped short, taking in Olivias face. You okay?
I dunno. Its just quiet, you know? Listening to Sarah, I feel almost like its not meant to be this easy.
Maybe you lucked out and ended up with a normal one the golden mother-in-law. Not everyone needs fireworks like Sarah. Theyre rare creatures, after all.
I dont know Olivias thoughts wandered back to her wedding, and something her new mother-in-law, Mary, had said.
Olivia, Im not a fairy or a ten-pound note Im not here to be liked. You barely know me. Im a stubborn old bat, easily offended, so we might have a rough ride. But just so you know: my family comes first, and I want my son happy. If he chose you, you must be worth it. I might not see it yet, apart from you being clever and having a First from university. The rest time will tell. I wont bombard you with advice, youre grown-ups. Ill help if you ask. Everything else well see.
Olivia had been thrown by Marys honesty. Odd, when someone tells you about their own flaws like that and youve barely met them.
Olivia met Alex at a friends wedding. While other girls jostled to catch the bouquet, she stood off to the side, heels killing her feet, towering over the crowd. A compact, sturdy guy approached.
Why arent you trying to catch the bouquet dont you want to get married?
No, not really.
Why? I always thought all girls dreamed of marriage.
Marriage? No, youve got the wrong end of the stick. Maybe some girls do, but most just want to love and be loved, I think.
So youre not joining the silly games?
Olivia chuckled. Nope. Mainly because I can barely stand in these heels, let alone jump.
They ended up chatting all evening and left together. Alex walked her home and, kissing her hand, asked for her number.
Olivia lay awake half the night, gently touching the spot hed kissed and wondering what her gran would have said.
Shed have said: About time! Olivia smiled, picturing her grannys wry squint and soft smile.
Her grandmother, Edith, had raised Olivia alone after her father died and her mum went off to London for work. For two years, she sent letters, small gifts, and money, and then disappeared only a belated message saying shed remarried and had a new baby. Olivia was gutted at first, but came to see her granny as her only real family. Her mother wrote her off, built a new life, and never looked back. For years, not a word no calls, no cards, nothing. Olivia carried guilt for lashing out at her nan during those wild, angry teenage times, grateful that, even on her worst days, she always had a bowl of soup and those gentle hands ruffling her heavily dyed hair, never turning her away.
Granny got ill when Olivia was fifteen, and life changed overnight. Friends, fun, clubbing faded away, replaced with hospitals, strict medicine routines, and studying. Olivia grew up fast. Her gran, struggling for breath, made her promise Finish your studies, love. I wont be much help for long. Let me go in peace, knowing youll be alright.
Edith miraculously hung on for three years, passing away after Olivia started at university.
Her mother appeared two months post-funeral.
Sorry, couldnt leave the little ones, she mumbled, avoiding Olivias eyes.
She was angry to discover gran had left Olivia the flat and a bit of land outside the city.
Its not fair, love. We should split it.
Something in Olivia snapped. She sobbed and yelled years of pain and anger at her mother, reliving those nights she watched her frail gran sleep, praying Keep going, Nan, dont stop, I cant lose you yet!
She knew it was selfish, saw her grans misery, but couldnt help herself the thought of utter loneliness terrified her.
Her mother heard her out, packed, slammed the door, and vanished from her life for good.
Shaken at first, Olivia pulled herself together. Uni was a breeze; juggling work and study was harder. Liz, whose dad ran a big furniture firm, sorted Olivia out with a job.
Dads not sure itll work out, but I know I can count on you.
Bright, successful Liz was a star at work, but hopeless at love.
All the men I meet are odd. Wheres my Prince Charming? I should be on my third child by now, and hes nowhere! Sods law, isnt it!
Home and a big family were Lizs dream shed trade her law firm for it in a heartbeat.
Liz and Sarah were Olivias dearest friends. Theyd stuck together since school, despite different backgrounds: Liz with her well-off family; Sarah, brought up by her mum, scraping by at times; and Olivia, with just her gran. Sarah pretty much lived at theirs, and Liz, visiting Edith, lapped up homemade pies and tea, loyally defending Olivia when her mother threatened to contest the will.
Let her try! Ill destroy her in court!
No, Lizzie, let it go. I think shes figured it out now.
Liz, secretly, had her own words with Olivias mum. It never did come to court. And after that, Olivia had nobody left but Alex.
Olivia and Alex dated two years before tying the knot. Liz caught the bouquet, latched onto Alexs mate at the reception, and swept him onto the dance floor.
Olivia and Sarah exchanged winks, hoping for the best, but it fizzled a month later Liz told them bluntly: Not my type!
They didnt push for details. When Alexs friend Max came round, Liz kept her distance.
Why dont you like him, Liz? Olivia wondered. He seems nice.
Just steer clear of those nice types. He gives me the creeps.
Olivia couldnt see it Max was funny, helpful, always championing Olivia to Alexs mum, Mary. Mary, to Olivias annoyance, just cringed whenever Max sang her praises.
Time passed. Olivia found out she was pregnant a total shock. Shed been gearing up for IVF after being told her chances of conceiving normally were next to zero, and Alex, aware of his own fertility issues, was wholeheartedly supportive. This was nothing short of a miracle.
Its amazing, Alex! Olivia bawled, not caring that Mary was at the birthday dinner. Ive got your present, right here!
The best! Alex hugged her, but frowned at his mums reaction.
What is it now, Mum? he asked, driving her home in the dark.
I dont know, love its just all so sudden.
What are you trying to say?
Mary turned and looked him in the eye.
Do you trust your wife?
Mum!
Do you? she pressed.
Completely. And I never want to hear anything like that again! He swerved to miss a pothole. I just dont get you. Anyone else would be thrilled to have a new grandchild.
I am! I am, love. Now, I am Mary replied, staring thoughtfully out of the window.
Their son, Jamie, was born, and Olivia threw herself into motherhood. Mary never imposed, but never refused help if asked.
Ol! Earth to Olivia! Liz waved a hand in front of her. Whered you go?
Oh, sorry. Just wool-gathering. Olivia shook herself. Come on, girls, enough doom and gloom! Liz, what about your latest hot date?
As she changed the topic, Olivia glanced at her phone. Two hours, and still not a peep from Mary not even checking what time shed be home. Maybe she *was* a gold-star mother-in-law, after all. Mary had, in fact, pushed Olivia to go out with her friends today.
Go on, love! You need some fun. Youre moping far too much lately. Ill look after Jamie.
Thank you Olivia felt awkward things between her and Mary were always politely neutral, but she sensed this odd, tiny pebble wedged between them. Invisible, but sharp enough to bruise you if you ever stepped on it wrong. She couldnt even say what it was.
Half-listening to Lizs stories about disastrous suitors, Olivia fidgeted nervously. What was bothering her? Everything was fine, wasnt it?
Then her phone rang, startling her into nearly spilling her wine.
Olivia Marys voice was so dull and heavy, Olivia barely recognised it. Olivia
Everything after that washed away in a blur. She didnt remember Liz and Sarah fanning her, or pouring cold water over her. Didnt recall being bundled into a taxi, Liz frantically calling people, Sarah soothing her with icy drinks. Or being led home, where Mary, aged suddenly by decades, handed Liz little Jamie and quietly asked:
Will you come with me? Im scared
Alex had been killed his car hit an open manhole, flipped, and was hit by a lorry on the other side.
Olivia melted into a fog of pain. She cried in secret, threw herself into cleaning the house, tried anything to fill the dragging hours. She invited Mary to move in, but Mary said no.
I cant. His things and his room Sometimes it still feels like hell come barrelling in, asking for pancakes.
He never asked me for pancakes.
We each had our own thing with him, didnt we? Mary smiled sadly. Hed always tell me your pancakes were better.
Jamie wandered between mum and nan, touching their faces, trying to understand their sadness and where Daddy had gone.
Slowly, Olivia saw Mary thaw around Jamie, and started to ask for help more often. Watching Jamie hug his granny, she knew she was doing the right thing.
Half a year passed, and the approach of Christmas was agony. Theyd been planning their first family holiday in the Lake District, Alexs dream to learn to ski finally about to happen.
Ill be conquering slopes while you and Jamie build snowmen.
At least learn to stand up on skis before you conquer anything! Olivia would tease him.
Doesnt matter Ive already conquered you, so the mountains should be easy!
Olivia had to fight an urge to scream from the pain. She was about to cancel the whole trip when Mary suggested:
Why dont we go somewhere all of us. You, me, Jamie. Not sure if its the answer, but it might do us all good… And its Jamies first Christmas he might remember.
Olivia thought it over and agreed.
Windermere was wet and grey all week. Rain lashed the windows, but once, they managed a walk by the lake dark, wild water crashing onto the shore.
Melancholy Olivia adjusted Jamies hat while he jumped in delight at the waves.
Raw power, Liv, life itself Mary stood still, clutching her arms around herself, transfixed by the lake. Something about her made Olivia step closer and hug her shoulders something shed never dared before.
Mary leant back against Olivias shoulder.
Im glad I still have you two…
Have us?
Yes, Liv, have. I nearly lost you along with Alex.
I dont get it! Olivia looked at Mary in confusion.
Max. Mary spat the name. Olivia jerked.
What about him? Olivia tried to remember when shed last seen Alexs friend not since the funeral. Shed been too out of it at the time.
He came to see me.
When?
A week later… said hed been away, wanted a chat.
To help?
No, Liv, not to help. Mary turned to face her. He wanted to tell me Jamie isnt Alexs son. He implied it was his. Said he knew about Alexs health problems, and you just took matters into your own hands.
Olivias arms fell limp, and she stepped back.
And you believed him? Her voice was so fierce, Jamie looked up in surprise.
What do you think? Mary stepped over and took her hands, holding them firm. Would I still be here with you if I believed that snake?
Olivia just stared, speechless.
I threw him out, Mary said, simply, then gently pulled Olivia into an embrace.
Why? Olivias voice was steady, but Mary smoothed her hair instinctively.
Hush. Because he was lying, and I could see it. And more importantly, because Alex trusted you without question. Liv, we hardly knew each other while you and Alex were together, but if youll let me, Id like to be part of your life now. I realise its more for me than you, so Im just asking
No need to ask. Olivia raised her gaze. No need at all. Were family. Like my gran always said, whats the point of a family if its not together? Otherwise, might as well be nothing.”
I dont want us to be nothing. Mary hugged Jamie, whod shuffled over. Aww, poppet, are you cold? Come on, lets get you inside before dinner. Tell me about your gran, Liv.
They walked through the damp streets, talking softly. Olivia realised this was the first time shed spoken to Mary this openly. After a moment, she asked:
But why did he do it?
Who?
Max. Why? What did he gain?
I dont know, Liv. Sometimes people do things that decent, sensible folk cant even imagine. Spite, I suppose. I never asked him why but he had this look He and Alex went way back, always competing at school, then uni, then work. Alex was always just that bit ahead. When you came along, Maxs life just never quite measured up, maybe thats it. I dont know. And I dont care hes gone, and I mean to keep it that way.
Me too.
Olivia didnt tell Mary that Max had come round nine days after Alexs funeral. Shed been so distraught, it was Liz who answered the door and promptly threw him out, slamming it hard enough to rattle the furniture.
What happened? Olivia asked, raising her head.
Dont ask! Liz had snapped, sending shivers down Olivias spine. If he ever comes round again, dont let him in. Hes not your friend, Liv in fact, hes worse than an enemy.
Now, Olivia finally understood what Liz meant.
The next three days of that trip, they just talked and reminisced about Alex, about the future, with Jamie giggling and cuddling them both, trying to figure out what had changed.
A few months later, Olivia pulled out her old heels, tried them on, and gasped.
These are torture devices!
Suffer for fashion if you want to look good! Mary laughed, helping her zip up her dress.
Cant I look nice in ballet flats?
Not with that floor-sweeping dress, youll trip bring them to change into later!
Mary grabbed Jamies hand and nodded at the bouquet laid out ready.
Lets go, love dont want to be late!
Oh, no! Lizzie will never forgive me! Shes waited for this her entire life. Shell never let me live it down!
Lizs wedding was extravagant and rather frantic registrar late for the ceremony, guests being hustled to their seats, presents flying everywhere. At last, things settled, and Olivia chief bridesmaid hurried to Sarah by the cake table.
How are you? she asked gently, eyeing Sarahs obvious bump.
Better than ever! Made up with mother-in-law this weekend otherwise Liz wouldve had no cake! Honestly, if you want something done properly, you have to do it yourself.
What happened?
Look! Sarah nodded at the cake, whispering got squished in the car I spent three days on that!
Its a masterpiece! Liz appeared behind them.
Dont do that! Youll give me a heart attack!
I only had a nibble, I promise! Couldnt resist. Its delicious!
Oh, you! Sarah protested.
Tell me off later, I have dances to do! Liz darted away.
What are you going to do with her?! Sarah shrugged and slumped on a chair.
Wheres your lot, Liv?
Dancing over there.
How are you, Olivia?
Oh, good, Sarah. Were good, honestly.
Have you started calling her mum yet?
I feel awkward.
Dont be daft! If I had a mother-in-law like yours
Olivia considered, watching Mary laughing as she danced with Jamie. Maybe Sarah was right that precious word really was a perfect fit for Mary.
Mum…
Olivia tested the word softly, feeling how it sat. Catching Sarahs eye, she nodded with a quiet certainty and repeated, this time aloud, firmly:
Mum.”
Mary turned at once, hearing that word above the music, her eyes startled, then softening as she saw Olivia standing there, arms open. With only a half-seconds pause, Mary reached out, laughing and crying at once as Olivia pulled her in, crushing Jamie between them, the three clutching one another amid the chaos of the wedding crowd. In that tangle, with Sarah wiping her eyes and Liz spinning and whirling under the chandeliers, everything that had once felt lost, or uncertain, or wrong, was suddenly just as it should be.
A slow song drifted through the hall; guests formed pairs or trios, partners in whatever shape their hearts gave them. Mary pressed her cheek to Olivias hair, breathing in the moment.
Were going to be alright, love, she whispered.
As the music swelled, Jamie wriggled free, grabbing their hands, pulling them toward the dancing. Matching grins, Mary and Olivia let themselves be led into the circle of laughter, the lights shimmering over facesold friends, new family, and all the chances still to come.
For the first time in forever, Olivia stopped trying to measure what shed lost, or nurse what might have been. Instead, wrapped up in the warmth of belonging, she let herself believe: lovehowever it comes, whoever brings itis always enough.
And together, they danced.
