Caught in the Middle
Honestly, whats wrong with you two again? How much more of this am I supposed to take? The womans voice rang out from one of the flats, echoing up the entire stairwell.
Coming up the stairs at that moment were Mary and Matthew. They stopped dead in their tracks, as if theyd walked straight into a glass wall. Their eyes met brieflya simple look was all it took; no words necessary. They understood each other completely: time to get out of here. With a shared sigh, they turned and quietly slipped away from their home. Tonight, there was no chance they were going back inside that flat.
Who in their right mind wants to spend another evening listening to their parents bicker and shout? Absolutely not them! The two made their way with certainty towards the next block alongthe one where their gran, Catherine Victoria, lived. Over the past few months, her flat had turned into a proper safe haven. Where once theyd visited Gran only on weekends, now they found themselves sheltering there almost every night.
The atmosphere at home had become totally unbearable ages ago. Their mum and dad seemed to have lost any sense of self-control, constantly snapping at each other. Worse still, both parents had taken to dragging the kids into it.
One minute, their mum would swing round to Mary with a pointed, Tell me Im not right? You agree with me, dont you?
The next, not even waiting for an answer, their dad would butt in, No, this time Im right. Go on, tell her!
Mary and Matthew would keep quiet, wanting nothing to do with picking sides. They didnt want to be part of the endless conflictthey just wanted some peace, some quiet, and a bit of warmth. Grans place was the only place that gave them all three.
Scenes like this had become their routinelike a broken record no one could bring themselves to turn off. Over time, the children had learnt to pick up on the subtle cues: the tone of voice, a certain look exchanged, the sharp way their mum would snatch something up from the counter. It was always the signits about to start. Who wants to live with the constant tension that any little chat could explode into a furious shouting match?
They couldnt really put their finger on exactly what set it all off. Their family had never been perfectnobodys is, except in adverts. But before, their parents actually sorted things out! Of course, thered be the odd argument, but it always ended in a normal conversation, never with yelling. Mum might look a bit thunderous, dad might grumble, but half an hour later, peace was restored, everyone would be back at the table having a cuppa and having a laugh about the weekend plans.
But around two years ago, it was like something changed overnight. As if someone had swapped out their old parents for a moody new setones who could pick a row over absolutely anything. A dirty mug left on the table? Thatd spark a long monologue on respect and attentiveness. A shirt on the wrong hanger? A fresh opportunity for a barbed remark about the state of the house. A teaspoon left in the sink? That became an almost criminal offence, prompt for a full-blown grilling.
One evening Mary sat silently at Grans kitchen table, absentmindedly stirring her tea. She watched absent as ripples spun in her cup, and then, quietly, she asked, Gran, how did it end up like this? It all changed after that family holiday Did anything happen?
Catherine Victoria paused, placed her cup neatly on its saucer, and gently patted Marys hand. She only had vague suspicions about what had triggered the family breakdown, and didnt want to worry her granddaughter. Grownups will sort themselves out, love, she said smoothly, trying to sound sure. Sometimes, people just need some time to figure things out.
Mary nodded, but her eyes were full of doubt. She knew Gran was hiding something, but she didnt push. What was the point? If the adults still thought of her as just a child, they wouldnt share anything real anyway.
Matthew, sounding just as desperate, piped up, How much more of this shouting are we meant to take? You cant do homework, cant even read a book without them going at it! I actually cant remember the last time we had dinner all together. If theyre so miserable, maybe they should just get divorced. Itd make life easier for everyone!
The words spilled out, raw and honest, echoing both his feelings and those of his sister. The family home had lost all sense of comfort: an endless cycle of mum making snappy remarks, dad replying with even less patience, and another argument firing upno escape.
Matthew… Gran looked defeated. She put her knitting aside, met his gaze, and slowly shook her head. Have you thought about what happens if they do split up? The two of you might end up separated. Are you really ready to live without Mary?
Well live with you! Mary jumped in, eyes wide and pleading. Were here all the time already! Thatd be alright, wouldnt it?
Catherine Victoria froze. She could seeplain as dayhow hard it all was on the kids. Her own flat was a real sanctuary: homework done in peace, books read without constant interruption, proper time to just breathe and feel safe. She loved them dearly, and would gladly wrap them up in care and comfort for as long as they needed.
But what about their parents? How do you explain to them the kids would rather live anywhere else? Would they ever go along with it? And if they did, would it wreck their bond forever?
Lets not rush into anything, she sighed, Youre always welcome here, you know that. But maybe we could try talking to your mum and dad first? Maybe together we can find a way to fix things.
Dont worry Gran, well handle them, Mary said with a determined smileshe could see Gran was almost convinced, which was the main thing. Just please dont turn us away! We really cant handle being at home any more. And honestly, I think being apart would do them good anyway. Otherwise, its only a matter of time before they really hurt each other. I mean, last night, dad nearly hit mum He didnt, he managed to stop himself, but
She trailed off, replaying that awful second. Shed slipped into the kitchen needing a glass of water, and froze as Dad half-turned, his hand shooting up, while Mum flinched. He lowered it again, but that moment hung in the air like an eternity.
Please Gran, say yes! Matthew added, stepping closer and gripping her hand, as if he was terrified she might change her mind. Well help with the house, whatever you need. Just please, dont send us back. They dont even notice us anymore! Yesterday, I told Dad theres a parents evening, and you know what he said? Go ask your mum! So I didguess how that went?
Let me guess, Ask your dad? Gran asked, already sure of the answer.
Exactly! Matthew let out a dry laugh. Then they fought about whod have to go, shouting at each other from opposite ends of the hallway. And I just stood there.
I asked them to sign the school trip form, Mary murmured, fiddling with her sleeve, eyes down. Im the only one in my class not going. No one signed it. Instead they had another row: Mum said it was Dads job, he said it was hers just back and forth, shouting again.
Gran saw the exhaustion in their eyesunequivocally. Not the kind that comes from a bad nights sleep, but the kind that settles in after months and months of living in a house where warmth and support are always drowned out by shouting and indifference.
Its always the same, Matthew sighed, his shoulders sagging. No matter what we ask, it turns into another excuse to start on each other. We dont even want to go home now. The other night, we came in at eleven, and dyou think they told us off? Not at all! Just sent us to bed, didnt even ask where wed been. But after, they kept blaming each other about how awful weve turned out.
The siblings had started to seriously consider that a divorce would be the only way out of this mess. But what scared them most was the thought of being separatedone with Mum, one with Dad, barely seeing each other except for the odd weekend.
Late at night, theyd play through all possible scenarios in whispered conversations when they were alone together in their shared bedroom. One time, Matthew half-jokingly suggested just running awaypacking a bag and legging it somewhere far. He was trying to lighten the mood, but Mary took him seriously for a split second. Maybe we really should go… Even if its just for a few days. In that tiny moment, they both realised life at home had got so bad that even running away seemed not so daft.
And then, suddenly, both their thoughts fell naturally to one person: Gran! Why hadnt they thought about living with her before? Mary said it out loud first, Why dont we just ask Gran if we can live here? Shed never raise her voice or scream, and then we wouldnt have to listen to the arguments at all… Matthew didnt hesitate: Exactly! Shes always so lovely and kind, and her flat is massivewed fit right in.
They let their imaginations run wildsteady breakfasts, doing schoolwork in complete silence, playing board games in the living room with Gran in the evenings. No yelling, blaming, no need to hide away to avoid getting an earful. For the first time in years, they felt a flicker of hope. Let the parents sort themselves outat least now, maybe, they could find a little peace.
*****
Mum, Dad, we need to have a proper talk, the twins said in unison, standing in the centre of the lounge. Theyd waited until both parents were home and then marched, hand in hand, straight in. Just let us finish before you start saying what you think.
Mike put down his phone, looking up in surprise. Ann, folding some washing on the sofa, snapped to attention and shot them a look that screamed disbelief.
This is all your fault, you know, Ann huffed, arms folded tight. Now theyre giving us ultimatums! As if we have to answer to them!
Oh thats rich coming from you! Mike shot back, tossing his phone aside. Im at work all the time, making sure youve all got everything, and youyoure the one always at home. And what have you taught them? Why are they bossing us about now?
The twins exchanged glances. Theyd expected thisa simple talk would immediately turn into the usual spat and finger-pointing. But they couldnt back down.
Enough! Mary stepped forward, voice trembling only slightly. Weve talked it over, and we think you should just divorce.
There was a stunned silence. Ann stood, mouth open. Mike slowly stood up.
Well, thats news! Anns tone hardened. Young lady, youre much too young to tell adults what they should do! What else have you two been plotting? Splitting up the flat as well?
If you dont, well call social services, Matthew replied, gripping Marys hand like it was a life raft. And Dad, you could lose your job over this, couldnt you? At your firm, scandals are a big dealyou said yourself, reputation is everything.
And you, Mum, Mary added, staring her mother dead in the eye, no one in the building is going to respect you anymore. Everyone already hears you two arguing, and well tell them exactly why.
Are you listening to them? Ann gasped, voice rising. Our own children! How could you say this to us?
Its not a threat, Matthew said calmly. We just want you to understandwere done. Tired of the shouting, of being ignored, of even simple things turning into rows.
You get divorced, we move in with Gran, the twins finished together, just as theyd practised. That way, well have some peace and you can go your own ways. We cant keep being stuck in the middle, not anymore.
The parents were lost for wordsfor the first time in a long time. Normally, any confrontation would spiral straight into a row. But now, both seemed to be suddenly struck dumb.
Thirteen-year-old Mary and Matthew stood their ground, hand in hand, their voices steady, discussing things the adults themselves had tiptoed around.
Truth was, Mike and Ann had both thought about divorce beforebut what usually stopped them was the same thing: where would the kids go? The idea of splitting the twins up was unthinkablethey were inseparable.
The thought of Grans place had never crossed their minds. Perhaps neither had considered it because they were too wrapped up in their own pain. But suddenly, hearing the kids say it, Mike and Ann both wondered: could this be the answer? Gran loved her grandkids, her home was big, shed always have them Maybe it was the solution.
Ill ring my mum, Mike muttered through clenched teeth, as if the words strained to leave his mouth. If she says its alright
He didnt finish the sentence. Ann jumped in, her voice tinged with exhaustion, even surprising herself: Finally, maybe, we can stop torturing each other. Go on then, ring her. Cant wait to not have to see you every single day.
The words lingered in the air. She hadnt meant to sound so harsh, but the years of pent-up resentment poured out.
And Ill be just as happy, Mike replied, his voice drained of anger but full of weary sarcasm.
He grabbed his phone and dialled his mums number, both parents now avoiding each others gaze, uncertain where this was all going. But both sensed something had changed for good.
*****
That evening, the family made a life-changing decision. It began with Mikes long talk with his mum, Catherine Victoria, who listened quietly, asking questions only now and then.
When hed finished, she paused, took a long breath, and said, If you both agree its best for them, of course Ill have them. Theyll be safe here, I promise.
By night, the parents were sitting together at the kitchen tableno shouting, no blaming, just working things out. Gradually, it became clear: divorce was the only sensible way forward. The twins would move in with their gran, with the parents contributing money for their upkeep every month.
Neither parent intended to abandon their children. Both promised to visit at weekendsthough definitely on different days, so there was minimum risk of fresh confrontation.
Ill come over on Saturday mornings and take them out. You can have them on Sunday, Mike said heavily, and Ann nodded in agreement, So much easier that way. All that matters is the kids know theyre not being left behind.
They agreed to keep their own contact to a minimum and avoid speaking ill of each other to the children.
Were still their parents, Mike said quietly. That doesnt change, even if were no longer together.
And, as it turned out, it worked brilliantly. At long last, the twins could breathe, finally living as ordinary teenagers should. Mary joined an after-school art club shed always wanted to, now with time and headspace for it. Matthew signed up for football and soon found a new crowd to hang about with. Together, they strolled around town, went to the cinema, talked about schoolall without worrying any minute an argument could break out at home.
Their schoolwork improvedhaving a peaceful, orderly space to work in did wonders. Teachers commented, Youre both really switched on these days! Keep it up!
Slowly but surely, their lives settled into a new groovenot perfect, but calm and predictable. The twins no longer hid away, no longer winced at every raised voice. They simply got on with life, just as every teen deserves, lucky to have found a safe haven when things were toughest.
*****
Five years on, the familys new routine had stuck. Mary and Matthew were used to the pacestudying, hobbies, friends, and gentle evenings with Gran. Mum and Dad kept up their weekend visitsone after the other, never togetherwith treats in hand, and, for the most part, the past stayed in the past. The hostility slowly faded, their interactions becoming polite and matter-of-fact.
They saw each other for the first time since the split at the twins school leaving party. Both arrived, hovering in different corners of the hall, not quite knowing how to react. But as the night wore on and the music started, Mike found his way over to Ann: Fancy a dance? For old times sake maybe?
She waited a second, then smiled softly and nodded.
Later, sat outside as the students splashed by the fountain, the two fell into relaxed conversationfirst about the kids, then old times. For the first time in ages, they talked like civil adults, recalling happy memories, not drudging up old wounds.
The twins watched from a distance, both relieved, both a bit apprehensive. It felt good to see a truce, at last.
And then, out of the blue, thunder crashed again. The next morning, Mike and Ann invited the twins to a café. Sipping tea across the table, holding hands, Mike beamed: Weve decided to remarry! We still love one another, even after everything, and want another go.
Ann was glowing, almost waiting for applause.
Mary and Matthew exchanged glances. Their faces dropped. Marys eyes were full of suspicion; under the table, Matthews fists clenched. Here we go again. Did their parents seriously believe they could make it work?
Youre not joking? Mary managed.
Not at all, Mike grinned. Weve changed. We listen now. We want to be a family again.
The twins were silent, feelings in turmoil. Part of them wanted to believe their parents could really have sorted itanother half dreaded the cycle repeating.
But they didnt try to talk sense into them. They didnt objecttheir silence hurt their parents all the same. Ann looked at them, baffled, Arent you happy for us? We thought youd be thrilled.
But they just shrugged and looked away. What could they say? Don’t do it! Dont ruin everything again! The words stuck. They didnt want to seem heartless, but they couldnt fake excitement either.
The rest of the meal was strained. The parents chatted hopefully about future plans, the twins nodded politely, minds a million miles away. On the way home, Mary murmured, I just hope they know what theyre doing.
Matthew just sighed.
*****
So, university in London then? Mary opened her laptop, scrolling uni websites. Far from this circus, finally. I can already see how this goes!
Obviously! Matthew replied, exhaustion cutting through his words. Running a hand through his hair, he looked like he was trying to shake off every stressful memory from the last few months. Theyll last a month, maybe two, then itll be back to old habitsslamming doors, snappy remarks, blaming. I cant live like that again. I dont want to guess every morning what mood theyll be in or who theyll take it out on next.
He paced the room, absentmindedly gathering his books. In his mind, he kept circling the same thought: Why did the people meant to be the grown-ups, meant to set an example, act like moody teenagers instead? Why keep making the same mistakes, refusing to learn?
We need to get out, he said again, standing by the window. The sun was sinking, the city glowing orange. He stared out, as if he could see his future waiting somewhere on the horizon. Really far away. So far that none of their drama can catch up with us. Let them sort themselves outwe arent their therapists or messengers or soundboards anymore. This is our life now, and were not letting them trample it.
Whens deadline for applications? Mary asked.
Tomorrow, Matthew replied without hesitation. Just so we dont end up backing out.
Mary nodded, absorbed in the lists on her screen, checking university deadlines, accommodation options, job prospects. Her notebook overflowed with pros and cons, lists of documents, contacts for admissionsall the plans shed been making piled up, neat and steady.
All I want is to be able to study without being dragged into their arguments, she murmured. Its a relief that well be well out of the way.
Exactly, Matthew said, sitting down next to her, peering over her shoulder. When they start again with their whos-to-blame routine, we wont even hear. Let them call, let them whinge, let them beg us for family talkswere done. If they want one more try, thats their call, not ours.
*****
So Ann and Mike did get married againjust a registry office ceremony and a quiet dinner afterwards. No big event, no fuss.
The photos looked picture-perfect. Smiles all round, fingers laced together, eyes full of hope. For a moment, the past looked banished at last, and even the twins wondered if maybejust maybeit might all work.
It didnt. For a few blissful weeks, Mum and Dad were on their best behaviourno nitpicking, lots of thank yous, trying not to sweat the small stuff. But old habits crept back relentlessly. By week five, they were toney againlittle digs here, a snippy comment there: You forgot to pick up your mess again? Why didnt you say youd be late? Could do with a hand for once, you know.
Pretty soon, the arguments ramped up. They started blowing up over the tiniest things. Who left wet towels around? Who forgot to buy bread? Who had the telly on too loud? Voices rose, words sharpened, time between rows shrank.
About two months in, just as Matthew had predicted, things blew sky-high. One evening, a spat over shopping turned into a full-on row. Mike, unable to hold it in, hurled a mug at the kitchen wallsmash. Ann, every bit as livid, threw a plateit shattered all over the floor.
After scenes like that, their reflex was to ring the twins. Each called in, often while still fighting back tears, launching into long monologues about the others terrible behaviour.
Can you believe what your dad just said to me? Ann would sob to Mary. He doesn’t even try to understand!
Mate, shes impossible! Mike would pour out to Matthew. Honestly, Im doing my best
But the twins had learnt how to handle it. Calm but firm, theyd keep it brief.
Mum, Im in the middle of a seminar, Ill ring you back later, Mary would saynot actually busy, but really not up for another round of Mums woes.
Dad, Ive got stacks of work, can we chat at the weekend? Matthew would chime, determined not to get stuck on the phone for hours.
Later never came, weekends kept filling up. The twins made habits of gently dodging their parents callsuni work, jobs, catching up with mates. And really, they didnt feel guilty. They were just safeguarding their own sanity, well aware they couldnt fix what their parents refused to face themselves.
Mary and Matthew really built lives of their ownfull of energy, meaning, and hope, as free as they could possibly be of old family dramas. Each day now was filled with work, studies, practical goalsnot waiting for the next shouting match.
Mary completely threw herself into psychologyshe loved figuring out what made people tick, how to help families get back on track. By her third year, she was volunteering at a support centre for teens from tough homes, leading sessions, counselling, helping kids believe they mattered. She saw her own younger self reflected in so many of them, and gave them what shed once neededa listener, a supporter, just someone who cared.
Matthew found his passion in tech. From first year, he fell in love with codingthe buzz of solving problems, building real tools. He dove deep, taking on programming challenges, taking part in hackathons. By his fourth year, hed helped his team clinch third place in the South-East App Developers competitionthat meant real progress, and he landed a part-time job at a local tech start-up. He learned as much about teamwork and self-management as he did about programming, working on real projects and finding ways around tricky problems.
The twins quietly mapped out their futuresbusiness plans, ideas for Marys own psychology practice, maybe a start-up for Matthew. They would meet for tea at a café down the road, scribble notes, draft timelines for the future. They felt anchored, supported, and above allfree to choose their own lives.
So when the latest call from home cameMum or Dad, crying or complainingMary and Matthew knew exactly how to respond, without anger or guilt.
Thats enough, Mum, Dad. You two need to sort this out yourselves, Mary said, voice unwavering. Your lives are yours now, ours are ours.
But were your parents! Ann sniffled. Youre supposed to help us!
We would if you acted your ages and not like bickering kids, Matthew replied swiftly. You made a mistake getting back together. Now youre both miserable again. You cant live together without hurting each other, so why keep doing it? Just split up for good and move on.
It might have sounded harsh, but honestly, Mary and Matthew just wanted a little peacefor both their parents, and, most of all, for themselves.
