You think I dont get why youve come all the way out here? Aunt Margaret smiled cruelly. The house is nice, the gardens about a quarter of an acre and right in the heart of the village. Youre not fooling anyone, Emma! Youve already figured it all out!
I was just washing the dishes when Aunt Margaret stepped through the front door.
Margaret, what are you on about? I sighed. What house? You were the one who asked me to come when you were still in the hospital.
Id always had a feeling she wasnt thrilled about my staying, but it was necessary mainly for her. Shed just had an operation and now needed a hand.
Dont try to twist this! she snapped, moving toward me.
The sudden rush of her perfume hit my nose like a slap.
I asked for help, not to move into a readymade life! she continued. I thought youd stay a week at most, maybe two. Yet youve unpacked, taken over a room, even claimed a spot in the kitchen!
She meant that chipped white mug Id found in the back of a cupboard and pocketed. In her eyes that was proof of some sneaky plot.
Margaret, I get up at six every morning to water your beds, then I dash back at lunch to heat up your meal. In the evenings I tidy up and do the washing, and I spend every weekend weeding your garden because you cant bend over with your blood pressure. And you think Im doing this for an inheritance?
What else could it be? she huffed, a mix of hurt and anger. A young, pretty girl with nothing to do? No life of your own?
I wanted to tell her I felt sorry for her, that the doctor had said she couldnt manage without another pair of hands. Id hoped to stay a while, help her get back on her feet, and see what happened after.
But looking at her, I realised arguing was pointless. She wasnt going to believe me anyway.
You know, Emma, she turned to the stove, pots clanging, Im not new to this. Ive seen helpers before they start caring, then they wait for the will. Ill tell you straight: you wont get any of that. Ill live on, this house is mine, the garden is mine, and Im the only one in charge here!
I didnt take offense. It was more like a sudden wakeup call. I felt disgusted. Over the months Id grown used to her nitpicking too much salt in the soup, a shirt not ironed right, the wrong loaf of bread at the shop. Id chalked it up to loneliness souring her temper.
Now I understood it wasnt about her mood at all. She simply couldnt trust anyone. She couldnt see that people can help without expecting anything back.
Youre right, I said. Why should I stick around when you already know everything about me?
I headed to my room and started packing.
I could hear Aunt Margarets footsteps outside the door. She followed me in, watching as I gathered my things. At first she seemed a bit pleased, then, right at the last second, she looked shocked as if she couldnt believe I was actually leaving. Maybe she thought I was just bluffing.
What are you up to? she asked, uncertain.
Im leaving, I muttered over my shoulder. Just as you wanted. I wont be eyeing your inheritance any longer.
I didnt mean it like that, she tried to smooth things over, her voice softening a touch.
So where will you go? Your flat already has tenants.
Ill figure something out, I replied. Ill crash at Katys for a night, then find a place.
Dont overthink it, she waved a hand. I was just being casual, honestly.
Margaret, I said calmly, do you know why I really came?
Whats that? she asked, a little wary.
Because Mum always said, Aunt Margaret is a tough old bird, but shes alone. Completely alone. She has no one else besides us. When you called from the hospital, I wondered how you were coping the pressure, the garden, that huge house. I came not for a month, but simply to help.
Exactly, to help for the house, she muttered, less confident now.
That frail, arthritichanded old woman just couldnt accept my sincerity.
No, I zipped up my bag. Just to help. Because youre family. Because thats the right thing. But you dont want help. Youd rather see everyone as a schemer. Its easier for you, I guess you become the victim and everyone else the villain. You cant even consider that Im just a normal person who cares about you! So we cant live under the same roof.
She looked embarrassed and fell silent. I couldnt tell if she understood anything.
Im going, I said. Do what you like. Keep suspecting everyone, blame them for selfishness. But remember this chat when you feel ill again. Remember how you accused the only person who came to help of being after your money.
I walked past her into the hallway, slipped on my trainers, grabbed my coat from the rack. Aunt Margaret watched me with a mix of hurt, anger and bewilderment.
Your gardens watered, I called as I left. The laundrys done, just needs hanging. There are enough meat patties in the fridge for two days, just heat them up. Your bloodpressure tablets are on the bedside table. Dont forget them.
Emma she started, but the door shut before she could finish.
How could she be so sure nobody would help? I thought. So convinced everyones after her goodwill?
With those thoughts I stepped out into the courtyard, turned back at the gate. Margaret stood on the porch, just watching me walk away. I spent the whole bus ride to the stop replaying everything. And the saddest part? Shell probably find a way to justify it all, feel no shame, and keep seeing herself as the victim.
I hope she eventually sees there are decent people out there, even if she refuses to believe it.
