Arriving Unannounced
“Just look at her! You can’t just show up uninvited. You’re supposed to call first to arrange things. And staying more than a week isn’t a good idea either since, you see, they’re tired and want a break. The kids have school there. Meanwhile, we’re on holiday!”
Daisy shared all her thoughts on the matter with her mum.
“Aren’t you right! It’s something, isn’t it,” nodded her mum.
“So, yesterday I spoke with this… Valerie,” Daisy continued, “and she said it would be ‘inconvenient’ for them to have us over in May. The kids have school, and she and Nick have work.”
“How did you respond?”
“Of course, I told her they could have taken time off.”
“And what did she say?”
“She told me their holiday’s in July and it’s too late to change plans, as they’re going on a trip. It’s not like they want to cancel their vacation, yet we’re expected to rearrange ours.”
No one at home attempted to explain to Daisy and her mum that others also want their rest. It wouldn’t make a difference anyway.
“What did I tell you? Just pack up and go. They’ll have to deal with it once you’re there. They can’t exactly turn you away.”
“True, but it would be nice if they were expecting us…”
Mostly, they discussed Valerie rather than Nick. Nick was understanding, but often agreed just to go along with things.
“He’s changed since living with that Valerie. You need to make arrangements now,” Daisy insisted.
“It’s all because of her.”
“Yeah, you can influence Nick, but Valerie is a different story.”
Daisy had plans to visit the northern city during the May bank holiday for some fun. They intended to stay with Nick’s cousin. Whether he wanted them to or not was irrelevant. They did. They called and talked, yet Valerie, his wife, explained it wasn’t possible. That’s when Daisy lost her temper.
“Don’t listen. Just pack up.”
“I’ll call again.”
A new conversation didn’t change a thing.
Valerie politely but firmly stated they were busy over the bank holiday. The kids had extra classes, and they had a family trip planned. Moreover, they didn’t have funds for guests.
“They say they’re going away,” Daisy told her mum.
“Don’t believe it. She’s just saying that on purpose.”
Valerie wasn’t well liked in the family. Since she came into Nick’s life, he’d developed a mind of his own. Before, they could persuade him to do anything. Now, they needed to discuss everything.
“Do you really think so?”
“Of course. Don’t worry. Start packing tomorrow. Take the train on Saturday. They’ll have no choice but to welcome you.”
There was some hesitance, naturally. Daisy took after her mum, but she doubted that it was right to visit people who had made it clear they couldn’t meet.
“They don’t want to, but they’ll find a way,” her mum seemed to read her mind. “You seem unsure. Do you want a break? Go and enjoy your holiday. Besides, it’s not just about you. Mary and Alex want some downtime too, as does your husband. So don’t hesitate. Arrive there—they’ll have no option.”
“Fine.”
Everything was set in motion. Consequently, her mum persuaded Daisy. The girl didn’t deny that she liked the plan. They needed it. Others would just have to deal with it.
***
Standing at the solid front door of Valerie and Nick’s apartment, loaded with bags, Daisy dialed their number. Why hadn’t anyone answered yet?
“Hi. Where are you?” Daisy asked right away, pressing the doorbell again.
“Hi. Sorry? We’re getting ready to go fishing.”
“Fishing? You don’t have a river nearby.”
“Of course, we do. There’s a river and a lake. A fantastic lodge. Just what we wanted. There’s even an entertainment program in the evening.”
“So, you’re not at home?”
“Valerie told you this. I was there. I definitely remember.”
Daisy remembered, naturally. But she didn’t think they were serious.
“We came to visit you. We’re at your door. What should we do if you invited us and then left?”
“Sorry, but we didn’t invite you.”
“What does it matter? We’re already here.”
“Find a hotel. Sorry, but we clearly said we couldn’t have you over.”
Daisy didn’t continue the conversation. She was convinced that Valerie and Nick were in the wrong.
