Everyone in the village had known for weeks that Oliver was coming back. The girls were in a flutter, busy picking out dresses and doing their hair. But Alice, being an orphan and not one for such girlish tricks, simply carried on as she was. As it turned out, Oliver fell for her just as she was no frills needed.
There was no hiding the envy in the village; bagging a lad like Oliver was no small feat. Hed been the talk of the place from the moment he first appeared. Strapping, tall, and handsome, and he had that city polish about him, well-educated, having studied abroad, and his parents were well-to-do.
His grandfather, Mr. George, had once been head of the parish council, guided all his children towards success, and now he was anxiously awaiting grandchildren, proudly boasting of every family achievement.
The news of Olivers return had a ripple effect through the community. The girls hoped to draw his eye, but Alice saw no point in trying to compete. Still, Oliver spotted her straight away and couldnt help but be taken with her.
The other girls tried their best to catch his attention, but it was all for nothing. When his holiday ended, he took Alice off with him. Before they left, Grandpa George had a word with him in the garden: Shes not had an easy time, mind you dont ever hurt her. Oliver promised.
City life was terribly different: busy, noisy, and fast-paced. Alice had hoped Oliver would stay as considerate and caring as before, but things quickly changed. When wedding plans were underway, there was some shared excitement and tenderness, but after their honeymoon, Oliver seemed to grow embarrassed of his young wife. His mother spoke to Alice with barely concealed disdain, hinting she was not a fit match for her dashing son.
Soup was never seasoned just right, shirts werent ironed properly, even the floors werent mopped to her satisfaction. Alice worried constantly about her mother-in-law, but there was no escaping living together in that cramped flat. She couldnt get a job, and Oliver wouldnt hear of it.
How much would you even earn with your background? Youre better off at home, hed say.
And so she did. When Alice became pregnant, Oliver was over the moon. For a while, things seemed to improve; his mother stopped criticising and even rebuked Oliver to make sure he treated his wife kindly. Then disaster struck: Alice lost the baby, and everything fell apart again.
Youre no good, never were not bright, not strong, just a pretty face and thats all, her mother-in-law would sigh. And Oliver would just smile smugly, as if it had nothing to do with him.
The second pregnancy brought him no joy. Gone were the tender moments and shared anticipation. Now, he was irritated that Alices figure was changing. His mother would scold him for being unkind, saying, The child must be born in love, you hear!
But love had long since left their house. Alice could feel Olivers affection cooling. They began sleeping in different rooms; he always rushed out to work and returned only after she was asleep.
Night after night, Alice cried in silence. With no parents of her own, she couldnt bear the thought of such a lonely fate for her child. She tried so hard to keep the family together, never letting on to her pain.
When the time came for the baby to be born, there was no one to take her to the hospital Oliver hadnt been home for a week. Alice called for an ambulance herself. She gave birth without telling anyone and didnt know where to return. Yet, outside the hospital doors, she found a car waiting, balloons tied to its mirrors. Her heart lifted, but it wasnt Oliver instead, it was her mother-in-law and Grandpa George, dressed smartly, holding flowers.
Thank you, my dear, for this precious gift. Theres no one like my great-granddaughter in the world, beamed Grandpa George. Her mother-in-law, although composed, clearly couldnt take her eyes off the baby, fussing over her constantly.
Back at the flat, the table was laid, and her favourite cake, lovingly baked by her mother-in-law, awaited.
I never thought my son could stoop so low, Mrs. Natalie exclaimed, struggling to contain her irritation. Wanders off, leaves you and the baby alone. But never mind, never mind. Well manage without him. Hell see how long he lasts on his own. We wont let him hurt you. Ill see to it hes taken off the lease. More space for us, after all who knows how many more wives hell bring!
What shall we call her? Grandpa George asked, How about Mary, after your mother?
Alice broke down in tears the first time shed allowed herself to do so in ages. Her mother-in-law gently stroked her hair.
Dont worry, youll find happiness yet. Motherhood suits you, you know. Shame he was too blind to see.
I want to go back to the village. Well be better off there.
Quite right, Grandpa George agreed. Well raise our little one together.
***
Two years after Alice returned to the village, Andrew, a decent lad from the area, proposed to her. Not so long ago, before meeting Oliver, Alice would never have looked twice at him. Now, her views on men had completely changed: she wanted someone loving, someone who would always stand by her.
Marry him, you wont find another like him. Hes a good lad, youve known him since you were kids. As for Oliver, if he comes back
Alice cut her grandfather off.
He wont. And even if he did, I dont love him.
Well, thats that, then! Grandpa George grinned. Lets get the wedding plans underway.
***
At the wedding, Mrs. Natalie showed up.
And how do you treat Alice? she demanded of Andrew, tone arch. She walked home from work today, and the flat is a mess, and look Marys tights arent even ironed!
And who are you? the groom retorted indignantly.
Her mother-in-law.
Ex-mother-in-law, Andrew clarified.
Oh, do settle yourselves! Alice laughed. A mother-in-law never really leaves, I suppose.
Its only because I worry, Mrs. Natalie offered by way of apology. Im anxious youll keep me away from my granddaughter.
Come around whenever you like, Andrew said, But well shape our family on our own, thank you.
Alice looked at Andrew with pride. Hell never let anyone hurt us, she thought, and smiled to herself.
Today, as I write this all down, I realise happiness isnt about appearances, wealth, or public approval. Its about kindness, loyalty, and being cherished for who you truly are. Thats the kind of love Ill never take for granted again.
