On Someone Elses Back
Lucy, listen Youve already got one child, right? So maybe you could look after Emily as well? Youre at home anyway, so whats the difference? suggested Margaret Williams, her tone casual. At least this way, Alice wont be tied down. She can get back to work, get on her feet. Shes really struggling right now
Lucy paused for a moment, forgetting about the salad shed been carefully chopping. Her mother-in-law spoke about children as if they were kittenseasy to manage, no real difference between them. But with kids
Margaret, its not that simple. Jacks only three months old, and Emilys already a year and a half. My little one has colic, never wants to be put down, barely sleeps. And Emily needs constant watching. Shes at that agealways trying to play with the cooker, stick things in sockets, tip things over
Oh, dont be silly! Margaret waved her hand dismissively. My two were about the same age apart. I managed just fine. While youre feeding Jack, you can keep an eye on Emily. Hell stay wherever you put him, hes not running around yet.
Lucy raised her eyebrows and cleared her throat, lips pressed together. Deep down, she was frustrated. Margaret seemed to see her as some sort of property, refusing to do her part. Still, Lucy tried to remain polite.
Margaret, its really not convenient for me. I cant do it.
Lucy, I thought you were kind, family-oriented, willing to help your husbands relatives Margaret frowned. Youre not working, youre not busy, and my son Tom provides for you completely. But Alice
Lucy felt her patience wearing thin. It was time to retreat. There was no point arguing with someone who wanted a free ride.
Sorry, but I need to feed Jack. Could you please finish the potato salad? Lucy asked dryly, heading to the bedroom.
Hmph. Funny, isnt she? When she needs help, everyone should jump in. But when someone else needs a hand, she disappears Margaret grumbled behind her.
Lucy clenched her teeth. It was the opposite of what Margaret claimed. Shed managed to avoid major conflict before, but now her husbands family seemed determined to push her.
A month earlier, AliceLucys sister-in-lawhad divorced her husband. According to Margaret, Mark was always rude, treated Alice like a servant, and recently even shoved her during an argument. Lucy had taken the news calmly, almost indifferently. After all, it wasnt her relationship.
I wouldnt stay with someone who raised a hand to me, she told Margaret flatly.
Exactly! Thats what I told her. Today its just a push, tomorrow she could end up hurt, Margaret agreed. But whats she supposed to live on now, poor thing? Emily doesnt even have a nursery spot yet.
Lucy had felt awkward then, as if something was expected of her.
Well, shes not alone, Lucy said vaguely, meaning Margaret, hoping to end the conversation.
Yes, well all help together.
Now Lucy understood what that talk was about. She was being gently prepared to take on double maternity duty.
If Lucy had been a bit more naïve, she might have agreed. Its hard to say no to someone in a tough spot. Anyone can make a mistake.
But Lucy knew what it was like to look after two children.
When Jack was just a month old, Alice asked Lucy to watch Emily while she went to the doctor. Of course, dragging a toddler to a hospital wasnt ideal.
You never know what she might catch Alice had said.
The hospital trip lasted until evening. All day, Lucy dashed between the two children, praying Emily wouldnt get into trouble. Her house was hardly childproofexposed wires, things left on tables, plugged-in appliances. Thankfully, the worst was a broken plate and scribbles on the wallpaper.
By evening, Lucy was exhausted. Normally, she could nap with Jack during the day, but with Emily around, there was no chance. And the night before had been sleepless, with hourly feeds
But the most upsetting part was when Lucy needed help, she was refused.
Alice, could you pop into the chemist? Ill transfer you the money. Im not feeling well, and Tom wont be home until late
Oh, Lucy, Im sorry, but I dont want to risk it. What if youve got a bug? Its one thing for me, but Emily shouldnt get sick.
At least hang the bag on the door handle, Ill grab it.
An awkward silence followed. It seemed Alice was making excuses.
I would, but my cars broken Sorry, Lucy, I just cant.
Lucy didnt like it, but she held back from judging. A couple of weeks later, Lucys cat fell ill. She needed to get him to the vet urgently, but there was no one to leave Jack with. She asked Alice again. Alice refused. She refused again the next day, when the cat needed a drip.
Thats when Lucy realised: Alice was happy to take, but not to give. Margaret was much the same.
Margaret, meanwhile, didnt give up. Next time, she tried to attack Lucy during a family dinner, hoping Lucy wouldnt refuse in front of everyone.
The worlds become so heartless Margaret lamented at the table. Some people have it easy, while others barely scrape by and lie awake at night worrying
The guests, relaxed after a good meal and wine, probably didnt pay much attention to Margarets words. Or maybe they thought she was talking about Alices ex. But Lucy caught Margarets sharp look and knew exactly who she meant.
Well, you cant argue with that, Lucy replied. But luckily, Alice isnt alone. Ive been thinking about her situation Maybe we could both go back to work, and you could take our maternity leave? Youd be helping both your daughter and me. Id even chip in from my wages.
Lucy fought to keep calm and serious. Alice, whod just been playing the worlds saddest mother, looked shocked. Margaret paled and gripped the edge of the tablecloth.
I I mean Im not as strong as I used to be, she stammered. Two kids would be too much for me. Youd manage better
Tom couldnt take it anymore. He knew about the tension between his wife and mother.
Right, Mum, lets drop it. For good, he said sternly. Just because Lucys younger doesnt mean its easy for her. Shes already exhausted. You managed with us, thank you, but we know our limits. We never agreed to this.
Margaret pursed her lips and poked at her mashed potatoes. She realised shed lost this battle. She couldnt get to Lucy through public opinion or her son.
Six months passed. During that time, Margaret only kept in touch through Tom. She stopped visiting, and honestly, Lucy was relieved. Margaret was never there when she was truly needed.
But Lucy didnt know Margaret had declared a silent war. Margarets birthday was coming up, and Lucy wanted to discuss a present with Tom. You cant show up empty-handed.
Dont rush to buy anything, Tom said. We might not even be welcome.
Really? Lucy raised her eyebrows.
Yeah. Hate to say it, but Youre the villain in our family now, Tom shrugged.
Turns out Alice had found a job. She had no choiceher mums flat was tiny, and living together would be tough. One way or another, she had to earn a living.
Alice got a job at a parcel collection point, with the understanding that her mum would cover for her if needed. Emily had finally got a nursery place, but she was still littlesettling in, always catching colds
Alice didnt hesitate to ask her mum for help. So much so that Margaret spent all her weekends at the collection point. And the shifts werent eight hours, but twelve. Sometimes Margaret even had to skip her main job to help Alice. All her wages went to Alice; Margaret didnt keep a penny.
Eventually, Margaret had enough. She realised helping wasnt so easy after all. Seeing she was being taken advantage of, Margaret stopped covering Alices shifts, blaming her health.
Alice didnt miss a beat. She couldnt see herself as a hard worker, so she went back to her ex-husband. Not out of love or regret, but simply because, for all his faults, he was willing to support her.
Now they were back in their old cycle of shouting, blaming, and rare truces.
You know whats funny? Tom smirked. To the women in my family, youre the bad guy. Mum tells everyone that if that selfish woman hadnt dug her heels in, Alice wouldve got back on her feet and never gone back to that brute.
Lucy sighed and covered her face with her hand. So, she was the scapegoat.
Well, maybe thats for the best, she said at last. When someone leaves, the burden is lighter for those who remain. Your mum and sister do love to climb onto someone elses back
Tom just shrugged. Lucy didnt feel relieved by the news, but she was glad she and Tom had learned to say no in time. Sometimes, protecting your own little world means standing firm, even if others dont understand. In the end, its better to set boundaries than lose yourself trying to please everyone.
