Im going to order purple wallpaper, Tom told me, without so much as a glance up from his phone. You do realise that doesnt go with the colour of the floorboards, dont you? Wouldnt beige be better? I countered, holding up a sample. Mum hates beige, you know that, came the quick reply. Well, your mum certainly likes things when theyre free, dont forget that, I shot back.
Toms mother had rather pointedly hinted, not long ago, that shed quite like the whole place done up. I had nothing to say. She wasnt subtle, but Tom instantly warmed to the idea. After all, she is his mother. I wasnt keen, but I kept my opinions to myself.
It really wasnt my place, anyway. If he felt he had to do it, that was his decision. Let her have at it. From the very first moment, though, Toms mother made it clear she wasnt interested in gratitude or pleasantriesjust results. No thank you, just a list of demands. Jessica, its not a free makeover, its your husband doing work for his mother, Tom assured me. Of course it is.
Naturally, she loves a bargain. Thats why shes always on at Tom. If she didnt like something, you could be sure wed have to do it over again. I knew from the start. Eventually, after too many late nights and cups of tea, the place was finally spruce once more, and Toms mother arrived to inspect it.
She glanced around the newly decorated semi, barely pausing at the wallpaper. Well. I cant say Im thrilled. The wallpaper isnt what I imagined. The kitchen is terribly plain. And what are these cabinets? Shoddy work, the lot of it, it leaves me speechless. I ought to sue, honestly. Tom stared at her. Sue who, Mum? Your own son? Who paid for the lot? Oh, do lighten up, Tom. Im only joking, she muttered.
Mum was in a right mood, no mistake. Trouble was, she was expecting something grand but ended up with something decent yet not flashy. It was clean and presentable, just had less of the posh stuff she had in her mind. Tom and I simply didnt have the cash for luxury. We did our best, but she never even once thanked us. Jess, I dont reckon Mum likes what weve done with her house, Tom told me as he made another cup of tea. Fancy that! Does your mother ever like anything? I replied. She wanted something better, I suppose he mumbled. Look, we dont have that kind of money. Couldnt you just take out a loan? chirped his mother, pausing in the hallway.
I wasnt sure shed heard a word. Honestly, for her, I guess Tom would have borrowed or begged if he thought it would make her happy. He probably would have paid back every penny plus a few quid more. I decided it was all too much. But Tom beat me to it. Mum, enough with the loans you know what I think of debt. Especially for renovations. Everythings been done decently, tastefully. What more do you want? We might at least redo the kitchen, she sniffed, before leaving in a huff. Tom, shes lost all sense of shame, I sighed. Jess, you know what shes likenever easy to please.
The hardware shop was packed on Saturday. I was clutching a new tablecloth while Tom juggled a set of taps. It felt like we werent really getting much, yet the total seemed to skyrocket. Another day, another expense. At this rate, it would never end.
Suddenly I stopped walking. I thought you said we were out of money for these repairs. We are, I had to borrow just a little this month… Tom admitted. Something inside me cracked. Ive had enough! I said, dropping the tablecloth back on the shelf. Someone else can have it. Ive done plenty for your mum already. You borrowed for her? Thats the last straw. Dont you dare argue with me! I stormed for the door. Tom hurried after me. No matter how much she was his mum, we had done more than enough.
That night, as I sat thinking in the quiet of our living room, I realised that trying too hard to please othersespecially those who never say thank youjust isnt worth losing your own peace.
