We really need your help! You simply have to help us! my motherinlaw said.
What on earth is happening? I thought, reluctantly pulling myself out from under the cosy blanket.
It was Saturday. My husband had gone to his mums house to give her a hand she couldnt even defrost the freezer on her own. James was back in a flash, which set my nerves on edge.
Where are you? Come in, youre a guest! I heard my motherinlaws voice in my halfasleep mind.
Whats she doing here? I thought, pulling the blanket off with a sigh.
Turns out she wasnt the only guest. Peeking out from behind her were Jamess nephews. James stayed quiet, watching me with a guilty look.
Move it, you lot! the motherinlaw barked at the boys. You go help with the move! Theyre getting paid by the hour, so unload everything fast and get it upstairs!
The boys started dashing around the flat. James slipped out the door. Then my motherinlaw wrapped her arms around me and said, Come on, we need to talk.
I was still halfasleep and completely bewildered. How had Jamess nephews ended up in our flat? Why was my muminlaw here, and what on earth were we moving? I didnt like a single thing about it. She put the kettle on and asked, Tea or coffee?
Coffee, please, I replied, surprised at myself.
Her tone felt off she barely ever spoke to me, and when she did it was usually with snide remarks. What do you want? I blurted.
Before she could answer, the sound of shattering glass rang out. We both bolted into the living room where the boys were standing over a broken vase.
Stop that right now! Turn the telly on, sit on the sofa and watch a cartoon! she shouted. Do you hear me?
Yes, Grandma, we hear you! the lads chorused and scampered off to another room.
After she tidied up, we headed to the kitchen, just as the front door swung open.
Where do we put the bed? someone asked.
There, James replied.
I stepped outside to see what was going on. There was no fullsize bed, just a few pieces of a childrens bunk bed that belonged to Jamess sisters kids the same kids whod just smashed my favourite vase.
Whats happening? I asked.
Dont worry! Poppy has been in hospital for a month or two, and my mum cant cope with the grandkids, so theyre staying with us for now, the motherinlaw said.
Which hospital is Poppy in? Is the illness something that can only be treated in London? I asked.
How did you know that? she snapped.
I pulled out my phone, opened Poppys Facebook page and showed pictures of her on a plane, then lounging on a beach.
Hospital? Id end up in a hospital like that myself, not just once a year! I joked.
You see, Poppy left her children, found a man, packed up and went away, she continued.
Why are you lying to me? I snapped.
But we hope shell come to her senses and return, she said.
Youll agree to take the kids, wont you? James said.
And who thinks that? Why would I ever agree? Theyre impossible! Theyll wreck the whole flat! Whos going to pay me for that? I retorted.
Were family, we need help! You only think about money! she shouted.
Since when am I part of your family? Youve always called me nobody. What changed? You want my help now? If youd asked properly maybe Id have said yes. But youve been lying! I wont help you or your daughter whos humiliated me for years! Take your grandkids, your bunk bed and get out of here right now! I exploded.
How can you do that? James asked.
I can! This is my parents flat! I decide who lives here and what happens. Dont you remember how long your mother and sister used to put me down, throwing mud at me? Remember how Poppy taught her kids to tease me? Their kids will never live in my flat! They have a grandma and a dad! Youve got fifteen minutes to pack up the kids and their stuff and get out! I warned.
James left with his mother and the nephews and never came back. He only sent a text saying I was a huge disappointment. Im glad hes gone and never returns. I have nothing to do with him or his family.
