Violet Spencer never believes in closed doors. If somethings hidden from her, shell sniff it out, pull it into the light and give it a good thrashing. She can get at anyone, anytime.
George, where did you put my slippers?
In the left pocket.
Theyre not in there, Elsie said, digging around the pocket.
Come on, look again.
Theyre still not there.
George and Elsie were due to fly to Elsies mums in the countryside that afternoon. Violet, the motherinlaw, knew the plan, but she was pleased when they realised she wouldnt be home. The inspector who would have inspected their suitcases had already slipped off to a friends.
Then were fine. Your mum will find her slippers. Weve got to be out, she said, before disappearing.
Violet stepped into the hallway, where two suitcases lay on the floor as if a sprint had taken place.
Where are you off to? she asked, dropping a heavy grocery bag onto the nightstand.
Elsie, tying the laces of threeyearold Charlies shoes, gave George a chance to chat with his mother.
We told you, Mum, George began, Elsie mentioned yesterday that were heading to her mums for a week in Scotland. We want Charlie to meet his second granny. Hes three now and still only knows her from photographs.
Elsie adjusted Charlies hood. Yes, Violet, Ive missed my mum. Itll do Charlie good to change scenery and get to know his grandma. Shed love to see her grandson too.
Violet remembered a vague comment about a visit, but shed assumed Elsie would travel alone.
Seeing a grandchild on video is fine, Violet said. But that wont do. I recall you saying youd go without Charlie. Im willing to let George off the hook, but Charlie is far too little for such a trip without my sayso. You cant whisk my grandchild away overseas without a proper headsup.
They had given headsup, just not to her ears.
George squeezed Elsies elbow as she opened her mouth, then spoke for her: Whats there to argue about, Mum? Were not sending him to space. Its a short week, well see the family, Charlie will have fun, and well be back before you know it. We already discussed it.
I see no reason to drag a child that far, Violet replied.
The reason is to see my mum, Elsie snapped, not the most diplomatic of her lot. Hell grow up and well see each other later.
Were leaving now, Violet said, looking impermeable.
Scotland? Your mum lives there, right? She got married there? No matter, I cant approve. Its too far! What if Charlie falls ill? Do you know a good doctor there? Charlie sees Aunt AnneSophie here, a trusted family GP, not some random practitioner abroad. No, youll go without him he stays with me. She rubbed her hands together, as if reveling.
Theyd been through this routine a dozen times. Violet seemed not to trust anyone, not even Georges own son.
Take the suitcases and go; she wont stop you, George muttered, but Elsie pressed on.
Violet, were not newborns either! Elsie pleaded. First, my mum knows many doctors she worked in a hospital. Second, well call you every day, send pictures, and well be back in a week. Dont make a drama out of it.
George echoed, Yes, Mum, everythings under control. If anything goes wrong well report immediately and fly back.
Violet fell silent, chewing over their words. Fine, she huffed through clenched teeth, but you must call daily, and I expect a chat with Charlie too. If anything goes awry, youre back immediately!
They hurried off, eager to leave the danger zone.
The flight went smoothly. Charlie fussed a bit at first but behaved admirably. Elsie, however, looked a little dejected.
Why the long face? Tired? asked June, handing her a towel for the dishes. The guests had finished their drinks and were drifting off. George and Charlie were already dozing.
Just thinking, Elsie muttered.
Did you ever manage to get along with the motherinlaw? June asked, almost spilling the glasses.
Nope, Elsie sighed, were like cats and dogs. On the surface everythings polite, no shouting, but theres constant tension. Shes scared for Charlie, doesnt trust us, wishes she could raise him herself.
June nodded, She just worries. If shes shaking over the grandchild, it means she loves him. Dont fight her, let it settle
Back in London, Elsie decided to return to her teaching post at the local secondary school. She wanted the routine of work and, perhaps, a chance to bond with Violet over something other than four walls. That meant finding childcare for Charlie.
Whats that flyer? George asked.
A private nursery. Im looking after Charlie while I work.
Elsie winced at the thought of sending her threeyearold away. In a nursery? At two? Why not send him straight to work? Hes practically an adult! Violet exclaimed, peering at Elsie. Hes far too little! Who will watch him?
The staff will, Elsie replied.
You put me in a nursery at two, too, George reminded.
I had no choice, Violet retorted. I raised you alone, needed to work. Times were different. Who inspects these places? One neighbour turned three flats into a nursery! Is that even safe?
Elsie stayed quiet, because that was indeed the nursery they were considering. A long debate followed. Elsie argued that Charlie would make friends, learn independence, and that many families did the same. George backed her up, saying it was essential for them to earn a living.
He needs peers, Elsie said.
He needs his mother! Violet shouted. Until hes five at least!
Youre handing out advice like candy, Violet, George muttered. You sent me to a nursery at two; your mum sent you to work at fourteen. Did your mum ever stay home?
Violet recalled her own mother never worked outside. Thats why I think children shouldnt be ripped away early. We all played in the street, unsupervised. Ill look after him myself! she declared.
The argument ended with Violet winning. Elsie put her job on hold and stayed home with Charlie. The work remained a distant dream.
One evening, as Charlie tried to wear a sweater, Elsie exclaimed, Hell freeze!
Its warm outside.
For a toddler? No.
Life turned into an endless loop of instructions, advice and scoldings. Violet dictated everything: what Charlie wore, what he ate, when he slept, where they walked.
One night, after watching Violet mash a banana for Charlie, Elsie finally snapped.
George, help is great, but theres a limit.
Whats happened?
Mums gone overboard again. She snatched the banana from my hand and forced him to have banana porridge. He wanted the whole fruit! He can eat it himself, hes two. She wont let him!
You should tell her to stop.
Tell her? She wont listen to you either. We tried living with her impossible. We need to move.
I know, love, but if we leave shell just chase us with calls, overnight stays better to tolerate her in the flat than in a cramped studio.
Then what?
George thought. Lets wait a bit longer. Charlie will grow, Violet will relax, maybe we can move later.
The situation hardly changed. Violet still held the reins, and Elsie kept battling a feeling of hopelessness. She wanted a normal relationship, but sometimes she imagined just walking out without looking back. Convincing George was the tricky part.
George, how do those shoes look with this lipstick? Elsie teased on a Friday when they were due to visit friends who also had a toddler about Charlies age. She was desperate for a night out.
Very flattering, George replied.
Violet, glued to the TV and her favourite soap, heard the bustle and warned, Were going to Oliver and Natalies, right?
Yes, well take Charlie so he can play with Nick, George said, pulling on his coat.
Great, some peer interaction, Elsie whispered.
Violet swooped in: Why bring a child? Itll be noisy, there are too many people. He needs to sleep, not wander around at night!
George sighed, bracing for another lecture on proper parenting.
Mum, let him mingle with other kids. You wont let him into a nursery, but you cant keep him locked in.
Were exhausted, Elsie admitted.
Dont start, love, Violet snapped. Well stay until nine, then head home. He must be in bed by eight!
Elsie, sensing the evening would be ruined, promised to call and return on time. Charlie played happily and fell asleep in the playroom, no worse off than at home. Night fell, but Elsie and George lingered.
Violet, as promised, kept a watchful eye on the clock. She rang the phone repeatedly. George, unwilling to ruin his night, finally switched it off.
George, just one night, Elsie pleaded as the phone still lay silent, Ive remembered what life is supposed to feel like.
Im not going back yet. Charlie seems asleep. Lets stay a bit longer. Mum will get over it.
Morning began badly. Violet, ignoring Elsie and George, ate breakfast alone in her bedroom.
Mum, are you really upset over this? Elsie asked.
Did someone say something? Violet snarled, shoving George aside.
Total silence from her. Elsie didnt apologise there was nothing to apologise for. Theyd only met friends once in five years; Charlie was fine. Then strangers in crisp suits knocked.
Good afternoon, one said, flashing an ID. Social Services. We need to inspect the childs living conditions.
George tried to bar the door; Elsie prepared to protest, but Violet waved them in. Its my flat, so come in! You have no idea how terrified I am for my grandson. Drunks wander about, theyll take him, feed him haphazardly. A child who doesnt sleep at home is unacceptable!
The officers listened politely, noted the tidy flat, asked Charlie a few questions, and left. Everything seems fine, the senior officer said, but you, madam, might need a calming tea.
Later, Elsie burst out, George, hold me, otherwise Ill lose it! Theyve reported us to Social Services over a single evening with friends? What if they start pestering us now?
Violet, still riled, replied, I did everything right. You cant raise your son. Youre both irresponsible. Hell be taken, and Ill become his guardian. Hell finally see a proper life, not drunken parties! I love him, you just want to throw him awayto a nursery, to friends.
Are you out of your mind? Elsie asked.
Im right! Violet shouted.
Elsie scooped up Charlie and marched to the bedroom. George, pack your stuff. Were leaving this place!
Elsie Mum was a bit overwrought yesterday, shes on edge
She said nothing more about Violet. Im moving to Bristol, she announced. Dads flat is empty. Are you coming with us or staying with Mum?
George gave no answer.
You have an hour, Elsie said firmly. Then Im gone. She hurriedly packed the essentials, called her father, and told him theyd be arriving soon. George stayed silent.
A week later, Elsie and Charlie stood on the platform at Bristol Temple Meads, their suitcases by their feet. A figure rushed up from behind and covered Elsie’s eyes.
George! she gasped, turning to see a bouquet of roses.
Im sorry, he whispered, eyes wet. I doubted you. I see now you were right. Mum she cant live without us, but we cant live without each other either.
