Uninvited Guests
“Just look at her! You can’t just show up without an invitation. You need to call before you visit to make arrangements. Staying more than a week isn’t right—apparently, they’re tired and want a break. The kids have schoolwork. And we’re on holiday, mind you.”
Daisy shared all her thoughts on this with her mum.
“Don’t even get me started. Absolutely,” her mum nodded.
“I spoke to, you know… Laura yesterday,” Daisy continued, “and she told me it was ‘inconvenient’ for us to visit in May. The kids have school, and she and Nick have work.”
“What did you say to that?”
“Well, I told her they could take some time off.”
“And what did she reply?”
“She said their holiday is in July and it’s too late to change, they’re going somewhere. So we’re supposed to adjust our plans for them, it seems.”
None of the family tried to explain to Daisy and her mum that others also want to enjoy their holidays. It seemed pointless.
“I told you, pack your bags and go. They’ll have to deal with it once you’re there. They won’t have a choice.”
“True, but it’d be nice if they were expecting us…”
Most of the time, they talked about Laura, not so much Nick. Nick usually understood but often went along with things.
“Ever since he’s been with Laura, he’s a different person. We need to negotiate every little thing!” Daisy wouldn’t let it go.
“All her doing.”
“Exactly. You could sway Nick, but not Laura.”
Daisy’s plan was to visit the northern city for the May holidays and have some fun. They intended to stay at Nick’s cousin’s place. Whether he liked it or not didn’t matter to them. They wanted to go. They called and talked, but Laura, his wife, explained it wouldn’t work. That’s when Daisy got upset.
“Don’t listen. Just start packing.”
“I’ll call again.”
Another call made no difference.
Laura was very polite yet firm in saying they were busy for the May holidays. The kids had extra classes, and they also had a prior trip. Plus, they didn’t have the funds for guests.
“They’re saying they’re going away,” Daisy told her mum.
“Don’t believe it. She’s saying that on purpose.”
In their family, Laura wasn’t liked much. Once she entered the picture, Nick started forming his own opinions. They used to persuade him into anything. Now everything required a discussion.
“You think so?”
“Of course. Don’t worry about it. Pack your things tomorrow. Catch the train on Saturday. They’ll welcome you at home, no choice about it.”
Doubts lingered, of course. Daisy took after her mum in that regard. But even she questioned the wisdom of visiting people who had clearly said they couldn’t host.
“They might not want it, but they’ll find a way,” her mum almost read her mind, “I see you’re doubting. Do you want a holiday or not? You do, and so do your kids, along with your husband. So don’t worry. Once you’re there, they won’t have an option.”
“Fine.”
Everything was planned. So Daisy was persuaded by her mum. She didn’t deny that it suited her. It was what they needed. Others would just have to cope.
***
Standing before Laura and Nick’s apartment door with all their bags, Daisy dialed their number. Why hadn’t anyone answered yet?
“Hello. Where are you?” Daisy asked immediately, pressing the doorbell again.
“Oh, hi. What do you mean? We’re just getting ready for a fishing trip.”
“Fishing? You don’t have a river nearby.”
“Of course we do! There’s both a river and a lake. We’re staying at a lovely hotel. Exactly what we wanted, with an entertainment program in the evening.”
“You’re not home?”
“Laura mentioned this to you. I was right there. Yes, I remember clearly.”
Naturally, Daisy remembered. But she didn’t think they really meant it.
“We’re at your place, standing at the door. What do we do now, since you said we could come but then left?”
“Sorry, but we didn’t actually invite you.”
“What’s the difference? We’re here.”
“Find a hotel room. Sorry, but we were clear we couldn’t have you over.”
Daisy didn’t continue the conversation. She was sure Laura and Nick were the ones in the wrong.
