The sharp knock on the door announced that someone had arrived. Lucy slipped off her apron, wiped her hands, and went to answer. On the doorstep stood her daughter with her new boyfriend. Lucy let them in.
Hey, Mum, her daughter Milly planted a kiss on Lucys cheek. This is Charlie, hes moving in with us.
Nice to meet you, the lad said, giving a quick nod.
And this is my aunt, Milly added, gesturing to Lucys sister.
Margaret, Lucy corrected her, smiling at the introduction.
So, Mum, whats for dinner?
Pea purée and sausages, Lucy replied.
I dont eat pea purée, Charlie muttered, shrugging as he headed for the living room.
You hear that, Mum? Charlie doesnt like peas, Milly squealed, eyes widening.
Charlie flopped onto the sofa, dropping his backpack on the floor.
This is actually my room, Margaret said, a hint of irritation in her tone.
Charlie, follow me, Ill show you where well be staying, Milly called, bouncing ahead.
Honestly, Im fine here, Charlie grumbled, pulling himself up.
Mom, can you think of something to feed Charlie?
I havent the faintest idea, Lucy said, raising her shoulders. Weve only got half a packet of sausages left.
Thatll do, with a splash of mustard, some ketchup and a slice of bread, he replied.
Alright then, Lucy muttered, heading to the kitchen. I used to bring home litters of kittens and puppies, now Ive got a bloke to feed.
She ladled out a helping of pea mash, tossed two fried sausages onto a plate, nudged a bowl of salad over, and dug in with gusto.
Mum, why are you eating all by yourself? Milly asked as she entered the kitchen.
Because Ive just got back from work and Im starving, Lucy said, chewing on a sausage. If anyone wants a bite, they can help themselves or cook their own. Oh, and one more thingwhy is Charlie staying with us?
What do you mean, why? he asked, looking surprised. Hes my husband.
Lucy choked on her bite.
Your husband?
Yeah, thats right. Youre an adult now, you decide whether to get married or not. Im already nineteen, Charlie said.
You didnt even invite me to a wedding, Milly snapped.
There was no wedding, we just signed the papers. Since were now married, well be living together, Lucy replied, glancing at the chewing mother.
Well, congratulations then. Why no ceremony?
If youve got money for a wedding, feel free to hand it overwell find a use for it, Charlie said.
Got it, Lucy said, still munching. Why here, though?
Because theyve got a onebedroom flat and four of us are crammed into it.
So you didnt consider renting somewhere else?
Why would we rent when Ive got my own room? Milly wondered.
Right.
Are you going to give us anything to eat then?
Milly, theres a pot of mash on the stove, sausages in the pan. If thats not enough theres half a packet in the fridge. Help yourselves.
Mum, youve got a new soninlaw now, Milly said, emphasizing the last word.
And what? Im supposed to break into a little dance for that? Im home from work, Im exhaustedjust sort yourselves out. Hands and feet are there, you can look after them, Lucy snapped back.
Thats why youre still single! Milly retorted, slamming the bedroom door shut.
Lucy finished her dinner, washed the dishes, wiped the table and headed to her bedroom. She changed, grabbed her gym bag and off she went to the local fitness centre. Shed always been independent, spending a few evenings a week in the gym and the pool.
Around ten that night she came back, looking forward to a hot cup of tea, only to find the kitchen in total chaos. The lid from the mash pot was nowhere to be seen, the mash itself had dried and cracked. An empty sausage packet lay on the counter next to a stale loaf of bread, the frying pan was scorched and someone had tried to scrape the nonstick coating with a fork. The sink was piled with dishes, and a sticky sweet puddle spread across the floor. The smell of cigarettes lingered in the air.
Wow, this is a first. Milly never lets the place get like this, Lucy muttered, opening Millys bedroom door. The youngsters were sipping wine and smoking.
Lilly, clean up the kitchen. Tomorrow youll buy a new pan, Lucy said, stepping back into her room without closing the door.
Milly sprang up and rushed after her.
Why do we have to clean? And where am I supposed to get money for a new pan? Im not working, Im studying. You think the dishes are a problem? she protested.
Listen, Lily, this is how the house works: eat, then clean; if you make a mess, clean it up; if you break something, replace it. Everyone looks after their own mess. And yeah, the pans not cheap, but its ruined now.
You dont want us to live here, Milly snapped.
Nope, Lucy replied calmly.
She didnt want a fight with her daughter, especially since things had always been quiet with Milly.
But I have a right to this place, Milly argued.
Nope, the flat is mine, I paid for it, I own it. Youre just on the tenancy list. Dont expect me to foot the bill for your problems. If you want to stay, follow the rules, Lucy said, her voice steady.
Ive lived by your rules all my life. Im married now, so you cant tell me what to do, Milly shrieked. And youre old enough to hand over the flat to us.
Ill give you the hallway in the building and a bench outside, dear. You got married? You never asked me. Youre sleeping here alone, or with your husband somewhere else. He wont be moving in here, Lucy shot back.
Fine, have it your way. Charlie, were moving out, Milly shouted, packing her things.
A few minutes later, a drunken Charlie staggered into the living room.
Alright, Mum, dont make a fuss and everythingll be fine, he slurred, swaying. We wont be out on the road tonight. Behave and maybe well even be intimate, quietly later.
What do you call me, Mum? Margaret snapped. Your mum and dad are still here, so get out and dont forget to bring your brandnew wife.
Sure thing, Charlie said, raising a fist and aiming it at his motherinlaw.
Hold it right there, Lucy grabbed his fist with manicured fingers, squeezing hard.
Ahlet go of me, you lunatic! he yelled.
Mum, what are you doing? Milly cried, trying to pull her mother away from the man.
Margaret shoved Milly aside, then kicked Charlie in the groin and elbowed his neck.
Ill document this assault, he threatened, Ill take you both to court.
Wait, Ill call the police so we have a proper record, Lucy replied.
The two youngsters fled, leaving the tidy twobedroom flat behind.
Youre not my mother anymore, Milly shouted as she left, and youll never see my grandchildren.
What a tragedy, Lucy said dryly, at least Ill have a bit of peace for once.
She looked at her handssome nails were broken.
Just losses because of you lot, she muttered.
After they were gone, Lucy scrubbed the kitchen, tossed the ruined mash and the cursed pan, and changed the locks. Three months later, Milly appeared at work, looking gaunt, cheeks hollow, clearly unhappy.
Mum, what are we having for dinner? she asked.
I havent decided yet, Lucy shrugged. What do you feel like?
Chicken and rice, Milly replied, swallowing hard. And a bit of a mayopotato salad.
Alright, lets go get the chicken, Lucy said. Youll have to sort the salad yourself.
She didnt ask her daughter any more questions, and Charlie never turned up again.
