Dont like the fact I want my own family, do you? I left you all behind, started to build my own life, and yet here you are again, dragging up the past.
Emily, dont worry so much! I know itll be tough for you, being a city girl moving to the country. But Ill be here to help, I reassured her, holding her hand. I know what Im doing. You just need to be by my side.
Emily looked lost in thought.
Why on earth did she fall for a lad from the countryside? And so hopelessly! She was already twenty-eight, making strides in her career in Manchester, while I, at thirty, had a big family and my own cottage in a village not too far from the city.
We first met by accident, really, when I wandered into a funfair while my mum was off shopping, and Emilys friends had dragged her along. We swapped numbers and started chatting. I made a point to visit her in town, always attentive and kind. Before long, she warmed up to me. Unlike other blokes she knew, I was upfront, honest, and cheerful.
Not long after, I asked Emily to marry me; she said yes.
Well then, love? Why not give it a go. Harrys a good lad, hard-working, and with a heart of gold, her mother said with a gentle nod. If it doesnt work out, you can always come back home.
Emily had nothing to lose. She could do her job remotely now, as her company encouraged home working. She wasnt eighteen anymore, and anyway, they say the village air is fresher! But still
Harry, how am I supposed to show up there? she asked.
As my fiancée! Well have our wedding in a year, and after that, well take a proper holiday. By then, Ill have saved enough so neither of us has to worry about money, I replied, suddenly a bit awkward.
I know youre used to bigger things.
Everything was fine, really, but something still unsettled Emily. She couldnt quite put her finger on it, so she decided to just go for it.
So, she took a weeks leave, packed up her things, and locked up her small two-bed flat in Manchestersomething shed worked bloody hard forthen set out in her car to the village, where I was waiting.
Her first evening in the village was lovely. It was a hot English summer, and we cheerfully watered the garden together and cooked dinner. Side by side, we got everything done in no time.
Darling, my parents are coming over! I announced one Friday evening, home from work a bit earlier.
Why? Emily asked, thrown off guard.
To meet you, and to give us a hand. Plus, my brother and his wife are tagging along, I said, pacing excitedly.
How long are they staying? she gasped in worry.
Hopefully not long! I tried to assure her, But dont fret, well manage.
That line had the opposite effectEmily was now in a proper panic.
Dont worry, love. Think of this as a bit of a test. If you dont pass, just come home. The best part is youve always got somewhere to go! her mum laughed over the phone. Do whats best for you. Theyll either get used to you or they wont. But thats Harrys problem, not yours.
True enough! Why am I fretting? Besides, Im not even his wife yet! Emily muttered to herself, feeling her nerves settle. Theyre not going to bite her, after all!
Emily was just finishing setting the table when she heard a car pull up outside.
Theyre here! I called as I came into the kitchen. Together, we went out to greet them.
Well hello, future daughter-in-law! said my mum, Margaret, a broad woman in a bright but roomy dress, her short dark hair framing her serious smile as she squeezed me tight.
My dad, Brian, a big man with a bit of a belly, shook my hand and nodded at Emily.
My brother Tom, tall and always ready with a joke, greeted her warmly, but his wife, young and blonde, the very image of English country health, looked Emily up and down with thinly disguised disapproval and turned straight to Tom.
And you just going to stand there, drooling? Help with the luggage! she called as she marched back to the car.
Trying to ease the tension, Emily invited everyone inside for supper; she was a great cook, after all.
My, youve gone to a lot of effort! A proper welcome, Mum complimented her.
Dad gave an approving grunt.
Whats this? Chicken? Who cooks it this way? scoffed Laura, Toms wife, picking at her food with her fork. People make up these strange recipesyoud choke eating it!
Youre being daft. Its delicious! Tom defended, frowning at his wife.
Youll eat anything, as long as your bellys full, Laura snapped, setting her fork down with a flourish.
I threw Emily a helpless look.
Show some manners, Laura! And if youre jealous, dont make it so obvious! Emily put a lot of effort into this, I said sharply.
And who came up with that name? Our familys cow is called Emily too, replied Laura, saccharine-sweet.
Emily laughed quietly.
Whats so funny? I asked softly.
One of my friends called her guinea pig Laura, she whispered back, not quite softly enough.
Mum glared; Dad and Tom tried not to laugh, but Laura flushed scarlet.
How dare you! Who do you think you are? Laura hissed.
Well, you started it. I figured youd be used to this, Laura, Emily shrugged confidently.
Tom stared at his brothers fiancée with admiration.
Im Toms lawful wife. And you? Youre just shacking up! Laura huffed.
Well at least Ive got manners, and if Im a guest, I try not to be rude, Emily shot back.
Im not here to see you, Laura snapped.
Well, I didnt invite you, I replied, annoyed. And, may I ask, how long are you all staying?
Silence. Everyone stared at me in shock.
Well hang about just long enough to teach your city lass a real country lesson, said Mum, regaining her composure.
Mum, let it be. We got along fine on our ownwell be just fine in future, too.
Oh, sure Tied yourself down to a lazy bones, and still happy! Wonder how long thatll last? Laura chimed in again.
Theres only one slacker in this family, Laura, and it isnt Emily, I retorted. Now, thank you for dinner, dear unexpected guests. Please, make yourselves comfortable.
I helped Emily clear the table, both of us ignoring the sour looks.
Emily decided that, after all, having someone on your side means everything. She wouldnt let anyone push her aboutand she always had somewhere to go if things went south.
Saturday morning arrived with a rude awakening.
Whats this, lying in bed all morning? We dont sleep in past breakfast here! Mum burst into our room. And its time to make breakfast!
Emily blinked at her mobile.
It was eight AM!
Margaret, theres everything you need for breakfast in the fridge, Emily mumbled, pulling the covers up higher. Mind if I get dressed?
Oooh, what a lady! Whod have thought? Mum waved her arms dramatically. Whats in the fridge needs cooking. Up, up!
With a huff, Mum left, slamming the door behind her.
Emily dressed and came down to the kitchen.
Oh, love, youre up? I greeted her, frying eggs at the stove.
She wouldnt be if I hadnt woken her! Mum sniffed.
Emily gritted her teeth.
Mum, seriously What were you doing coming into our room? I stared at her. Didnt I ask you not to?
What, so weve got a slacker in the house as well as a useless one? Laura snickered.
No one asked for your input! Emily retorted.
Well, thats country life for you! Bright and early. Wait till you have a cowyoull have to be milking at six in the morning, Laura drawled patronisingly.
We wont be getting a cow, I declared.
Why not? Fresh milk, creamah! I know, Emily cant milk, can she? She wouldnt even be able to get up that early! Laura cackled.
You cant do it either, yet somehow youre still alive, I shot back with a grin.
Ever since Emily showed up, youve become short-tempered, Harry, Mum muttered supportively.
Thats it, Harry. Im done. Once this circus leaves, ring me if you still want to talk, Emily finally snapped.
What?! Since you arrived, my sons forgotten all about his family! He never visits, never helps out! We can barely reach him. And now you want us to accept you? Youre tearing our family apart! Mum cried, growing shrill.
Enough! I thundered. The room went pin-drop silent.
Does it upset you that I want my own family? I ran away from all this, started my own life, and now youre back, doing the same old thing!
Son, youve lost your head! Youre spending all your time and money on her! She just wants your money! Mum protested. Shes hanging round your neck and dragging you down! Were only trying to save you, to make sure youre happy!
Mum, Emily has her own career. Im saving up for the wedding. If you really want whats best, please, go home. And visit us only if youre invited. Especially you, Laura.
While the lot of them stood there, speechless with shock, I gently led Emily to the bedroom, then returned.
Choose, Harry! Me or her Mum demanded.
You accepted Laura, I said, quietly disappointed.
Shes not the same! Laura huffed.
Dad and Tom simply looked on, curious.
Well? Mum pressed.
I choose happiness, I answered, fixing my mum with a determined stare.
Then I have no son, she said, marching out, leaving her bags for Dad. Laura stormed outside after her, fuming.
If you need anything, weve got your back, Dad told me, smiling. He understood me, even if Mum never would. Ill look after your mother!
Tom gave me a bear hug.
Look after your own happiness! Weve got things to change around here.
With that, they all drove off.
Emily felt awkward, yet she realised how much I truly cared. We got back to our chores together; she tried hard to support me, knowing how tough the past days had been.
Life at Toms house was taking a new turn.
Mum, Laura, weve bought you a cow! Tom announced, grinning at them both.
What on earth?! Mum looked at Tom, aghast.
No joke. Lauras getting up early every morning to milk her and take her to graze, Tom said with a straight face.
Tom, this isnt funny! Laura protested, wringing her hands.
You spent ages teaching Emilyso we thought, thats exactly what you needed! Dad chimed in. And remember, Mum, breakfast on the table by seven, hot and hearty, none of your toast and jam. Country folk get up early.
They soon got a taste of their own medicine, all right! Suddenly, everything theyd fussed at Emily for fell to them. Mum realised shed pushed far too hard, especially when Dad expected her to work just like Emilyexcept she just couldnt keep up.
There simply wasnt time.
After a bit, Mum made up with me, but was still too wary to visit. What if Emily really *was* better at everything?
At last, I proposed to Emily properlyand we had the happiest wedding imaginable!
Margaret and Laura never became huge fans of Emily, but they kept their comments to themselves from then on. Too risky, after all.
Emily was happy at last! We did everything together, always helping each other out, and no longer fretted about unexpected visitors.
