Didnt See That Coming From My Husband
Liz, we need to do something Claire sighed into the receiver.
Whats happened? her younger sister asked, a little worried.
A phone call from her older sister immediately put her on edge.
Normally, they messaged each other briefly on WhatsApp, but this time Claire had insisted they actually speak.
Mum cant live on her own anymore. If you spoke to her more often, youd know that, Claire added reprovingly.
Oh, come off it! Go on then, what am I missing?
Claire sighed againgetting defensive was always Sophies style. For the past few years, her younger sister had been keen to declare her independence, and bristled at even the mildest criticism.
Just remember, Mums already seventy-three. Her blood pressures all over the place, shes constantly tired. She can barely cook, and only manages to keep her flat tidy by forcing herself. Claire recited patiently, Im not even mentioning how she struggles to pop to the shop for a loaf. Thank goodness Mrs. Watson next door brings her bits and bobs.
Are you trying to say Mums actually going hungry? Sophies tone sharpened.
Of course not! I drop by every two weeks and bring everything she needs. Thats not the point. Mum honestly cant manage without help anymore. And what if she falls, hurts herself? Itd be nearly impossible to look after her at her age and size.
The sisters fell silent.
Evelyn Watson, their mother, had always been a larger lady. Over the years, shed put on more weight. She absolutely loved her food, and would take great offence if her daughters so much as hinted she should diethealth problems or not.
Shes awfully lonely too, Claire went on with a wobble in her voice. Shes nearly in tears every time I leave. Says everyones abandoned her. I just cant take it anymore.
So what exactly are you suggesting? Sophie said flatly, bracing herself.
Claire hesitated, steadying herself. Each year, it seemed harder to have proper conversations with Sophie.
I think you should move in with her.
Oh, thats just brilliant! And why dont you move in?
Let me guess! Youve got Franciswhat a gem your husband isand little Jamie, just a mere baby at twenty-five.
Sophwhats the point in this?
The point is, youre always sticking your beak into everyones business! As if you ever cared about what I want! Sophie nearly shouted.
Claire grew angry too.
And what about when Mum was running herself ragged between Dad being ill and you and Katie? When shed traipse over from the village with groceries, babysitting so her favourite daughter could work and put her feet up? Was that all fine, then? No complaints?!
For a moment, Sophie was silent. She knew it was true. When her short marriage to Katies father had ended, her mother-in-lawlovely woman, reallyhad generously let Sophie and her daughter stay in that one-bedroom flat until Katie was eighteen. Her ex-mother-in-law didnt dote on Katie, and her ex paid the bare minimum in child support. Sophie had to hustle to provide for herself and her child. Parental help had been a lifeline, but nowdid they have to hold it over her forever?
Her ex-mother-in-law, to be fair, kept her word: didnt bother them until Katie came of age, then politely asked them to move out. By then Katie was at college in the city, had her own boyfriend, and Sophie decided it was time to change her life too. So, off she went to London for work.
Shed been living in a rented flat just outside London for years now, picking up temp work. After forty, finding anything decent was no picnic, but she was quite comfortable, and had no plans to return to the village.
As if you know what its like raising a child alone! she snapped back at Claire, throwing a low blow and knowing it.
Now it was Claires turn to bite her tongue.
Her life, at first, had gone according to plan. Shed stayed in the city after finishing university, landed a job as an accountant, and planned to marry well.
Only suitable suitors never quite materialisedone was a drunk, another a mummys boy, the next just a freeloader.
She only met Francis at thirty-ninehe was three years older, a widower with a ten-year-old son, Jack. He worked as an electrician for a property management firm, but he was handy at most things and earned extra fixing odds and ends for less practical neighbours. He hardly touched a drink, was a man of few words (if a bit stern), and meticulously tidy.
Claire fell hard for him, and after a year they married. She spent the next fourteen years making him her world. She won over Jack too, fussed over them both, and though shed wanted her own child, it never happened. Francis and Jack became her little family, her everything, and she had no desire to give that up.
I wanted to bring Mum to live with us, Claire muttered, attempting to steady her voice, but she wont even hear of it.
What? And your darling Francis doesnt mind housing his mother-in-law in a two-bed flat? Sophie taunted. Or, as usual, you just decided not to bother him in case Mum would refuse anyway?
Oh, just stop it, Sophie. Can we be serious for once?
Ive heard enough, Sophie snapped, then hung up.
That conversation went well, thought Claire bitterly, staring at the phone. If only Sophie would move in with Mum. Then Claire could help her out with money and food, and Sophie might even land a remote job. Oddly, there were no internet issues in their little village.
But Sophie clearly planned to make Claires life as difficult as possible. Spoilt as a child, and still just as stubborn now she was pushing fifty.
You couldnt order her around anymore.
Next day came a text from Sophie: Spoke to Mum. She says shes fine, doesnt need help. Stop making such a fuss!
Claire didnt bother replying. What was the point? Sophie phoned Mum, what, once a month? Maybe a few texts here and there?
Mum never complaineddidnt want to upset her precious Sophie, who might easily take offence and break off contact altogether. Claire, though, got an earful at least once a week, left lying awake at night.
Even Francis, generally impervious to her moods, noticed and finally asked what was wrong.
Shed kept it from himdidnt want to burden him. But what could she do? She didnt have a clue.
Hiring a carer? That would cost more than they could ever afford.
Francis clattered his mug down on the kitchen table. Right. This cant go on. Third month now and youre all over the place. Whats really wrong?
Claire ended up in tears, but tried to pull herself togetherhe never liked a displayand managed to explain the situation succinctly.
So why didnt you tell me your mums been struggling? Francis looked her straight in the eye.
I didnt want to worry you she mumbled, staring at her lap.
Maybe she shouldnt have said anything? Was her husband really interested in her familys problems?
I see. Francis stood abruptly. Thanks for dinner. Im off to bed.
He didnt even watch the news, like he always did. What now?
Claire tossed and turned half the night, up early as usual on a Saturday, especially since she always had his breakfast ready at the same time. Shed oversleptanother failure.
Yet her husband was calmly drinking tea at the kitchen table, tapping away at his phone.
Oh, youre up then. His face remained serious, but his voice sounded reassuringly calm.
Yes, Francis. Ill just get breakfast started
Sit down, love. Need a word.
Claire perched herself anxiously on a stool.
Ive been thinking. We cant just abandon your mum. My own mother didnt live to old age, sadly Were moving in with her. Ive checked, jobs for both of us arent a problemtheres a farmer there wholl take me on, and therell be something for you too.
Claire very nearly toppled off her stool.
Francis Are you sure?
Absolutely. Or do you think Ive forgotten how Evelyn looked after Jack over the summer holidays, and treated me like royalty? I havent. And Ive always fancied a move to the countryside. If your mothers all right with it, of course.
Claire looked at him with astonishment. From her Francis, she hardly expected this! Was she dreaming?
And Jack? she blurted out.
Jacks a grown man now! Has a degree, a job. Hell be over the moon to have the flat to himself, I expect.
Oh, Francis! Claire flung her arms around his neck, bursting into tears, completely forgetting how awkward he was with affection.
But he didnt pull away, only patted her back.
There, there! Itll all work out.
Claire really hoped it would.
