My former mother-in-law is always hovering around our family.
Shes 52 now and the mother of my late wife, Emily. I married quite young, at 23. Emily and I found out she was expecting right before the wedding, and thats how our daughter, Sophie, came into the world.
Then two years later, everything changed Emily fell seriously ill and passed away in a very short time.
So it was just me and little Sophie after that. I decided to move back to London, where my parents live. It made sense I often worked ten-hour days, so they were able to help out with Sophie during the week. That was our arrangement.
Not long after, I was promoted at work and managed to buy my own place not too far from my mum and dad about half an hour away. From then, either my parents or a nanny Id hired (because I wanted them to be able to have some breaks and not be overburdened) helped look after Sophie. Shes eight now.
Out of the blue, my mother-in-law announced she was moving down to London, too, wanting to be close to her granddaughter. Honestly, I was shocked It wasnt that her reason wasnt understandable, but because there were hundreds of miles between us before!
I figured, Fair enough Emily was her only daughter, and Sophies her only grandchild. She probably just doesnt want to be alone.
But honestly, ever since shes turned up here, its all gone a bit pear-shaped
Shes in my house most days. I mean, literally there all day, and shes still there when I get home from work. If that wasnt enough, shes basically moved in on weekends. And I say visit, but its less of a visit and more like she camps out from the crack of dawn til it gets dark.
Shes even there when Sophies at school! And she always has some excuse, like:
Oh, well, since theres no one cleaning round here, Ill just stay over. The dust settles every day, you know you cant manage without a proper woman in the house.
Your houseplants are on their last legs, honestly, leave them alone a few more days and you’ll have to bin them.
There were some suspicious-looking blokes poking around the other gardens yesterday didnt come here though, because I was in.
Dont fret, love, Im not going to run off with your money.
I almost wonder if she thinks Emilys spirit is still living with us! More than once, Ive overheard her talking as if someone else is in the room but theres no one there, obviously.
Now, after having many conversations with her, I just found her behaviour so embarrassing and overwhelming. Shes completely invaded my space. She always pretends to listen when I explain my side. But then
Last week was the final straw. Heres the thing Ive been seeing someone for nearly eighteen months now, an English girl called Grace. Last weekend was meant to be perfect: Sophie was staying over with my folks, and I thought it would be nice to have Grace round. We cooked dinner, put on a film, and were getting all cosy on the sofa, you know.
Suddenly, I hear a weird thudding and rustling out in the hallway. I turn round heart in my throat and theres my mother-in-law, looking like shed just beamed in out of nowhere. No knocking, no ringing the bell, just let herself in.
I mean, were the houseplants in trouble again?
But before I could even say anything, she flies into one, accusing me of betraying Emilys memory and having no respect for her late daughter.
I honestly couldnt believe her nerve. I let rip and told her everything I needed to say, took her spare key, and told her to leave:
Youre not welcome in my home anymore.
Thing is, shes on her own, and now everyone my parents included is on at me to reconsider, talking about doing the decent thing. Well, maybe Ill have to compromise and let Sophie go see her gran from time to time, since its her granddaughter after all. But as for my own home, thats off-limits now. End of story.
