You never managed to raise your kids properly, did you? Just look at how well Jamess son, Nicholas, turned out
You know, Hannah never really got why her mum started criticizing her so much. It wasnt always this way; in her childhood, things were quite good between them. Her mum used to hold Hannah up as an example to her older brother, she praised her all the time.
The family was comfortable enough not rich, but nothing essential was ever lacking. They managed the basics, put money aside for the bigger things. They even had a car, not a new one by any means, but it got them around. And if it ever broke down, Dad would just fix it himself.
When her brother, James, finished school, he went off to university in London. That cost a small fortune tuition, rent, food
Hannah noticed her parents were struggling to make ends meet, counting every penny. And she knew shed be heading to university soon too, since she was only two years younger than her brother.
We cant afford to send you both off to London, her mum said. Theres a perfectly good university here in Manchester, love. Apply there.
So Hannah stayed local. She found a job as a courier on weekends at first, and later on as a waitress at the café just down the road. Shed got a grant for her studies and paid for her own clothes, sometimes even brought home food shopping.
Well done, Hannah. Good to have you nearby. Studying and working! Youre a help to us. James cant work, hes too busy with all the coursework. The pressure down there is enormous. Hes exhausted.
Im tired too, Mum. Im up late writing essays and everything.
Not the same, darling. At home, its always easier.
Eventually James got his degree and started job hunting. No way was he coming back to Manchester; prospects were all in London. But the jobs he wanted just werent around they were all below him, apparently. So, the Bank of Mum and Dad stayed open.
He just needs a bit of help till hes settled in, then thingsll take off.
Except things didnt exactly take off. Well, he got some work, and then quite suddenly, he married his bosss daughter because she unexpectedly fell pregnant.
They had a son, Nicholas, so he was definitely settled then. His in-laws bought them a flat, and his new father-in-law gave him a promotion, so his salary went up. Lucky break, right? My parents breathed a sigh of relief.
Hannah got married too, but it wasnt as fancy as her brothers. Not to a bosss son or anything, just a regular lad. They bought their place together, though not in London, of course.
She had a daughter, and then twin boys. It was a surprise when she was expecting only one more child, and suddenly there were three of them altogether. Money was tight but they were happy enough, never really complained. The kids grew, went to local schools.
For their thirty-fifth wedding anniversary, Hannahs parents decided on a proper celebration. Theyd missed their silver anniversary, missed the thirtieth too never enough cash but now they thought it was time.
James came with Nicholas; his wife couldnt make it but sent a gift, a voucher for new appliances and told Mum to buy a dishwasher. James handed over the present in person, and they had it set up that very day all efficient. Mum spent the whole evening showing it off, bragging to the guests. No more washing up after parties, she beamed. Let the machine do the hard work.
Hannahs family got them a holiday for two, kind of a second honeymoon. Cost more than the dishwasher, but after all the fuss about the appliance, their present got a bit lost.
Her parents went on their break, and although they thanked Hannah, they made it clear they felt shed spent the money without thinking. The holiday was over, but the dishwasher was there every day.
After that, Mum wouldnt miss a single chance to talk up her successful son. Living in London he must be someone! Made a career, got his own place, wife, child the works!
Hes got one child, and not a crowd. Why did you have three? Thats a lot to manage! If only youd done it like James
Hannah, Jamess flats got all the gadgets, everythings automatic, meals delivered, a cleaner who comes in
Mum, I can manage. The kids and my husband help out.
But James, you know, and your brother your brother did this
Time went on, Hannahs kids grew up. None of them went to universities in London, but each got a degree from the local uni. Even that, her mother had something to say about.
You didnt raise your children well, not like James did with Nicholas
Mum, our children are good people, and theres plenty you dont know about Nicholas! Weve visited, things arent as perfect as you think.
Dont start, Hannah. If you amounted to nothing, your kids wont do any better. Youve just made a litter of paupers.
Yes, Mum. I havent done anything right. Good job, not in London; successful husband, not posh; kids with first-class degrees, just from Manchester!
Flats nicely renovated but theres no cleaner, just you with the vacuum and dishwasher.
We do help you, but not as much as you want. Unlike James, who cant even send money for your prescriptions hes got so many expenses!
Hes made it, you havent!
And then one day, James came home. Mum thought he was visiting, but he was back for good. His wife had filed for divorce, hed been sacked from his father-in-laws company, and there were big troubles with Nicholas.
He couldnt find work in Manchester. Wages here are nothing compared to London.
Hannah, weve decided James should open his own business. Hes ready. He cant just work as an engineer after all hes done in London, Mum told her one day.
Well, if youve decided, then go for it.
We need your help. Short-term loan, perhaps. You dont need much; youre not in London.
And James isnt, either! Maybe its time he faced facts.
You dont need much, but he does, its just
Mum, we look after our kids, and we help you, a bit, each. We need to change our car, few other things.
The car can wait. Jamess business is more important.
I know. James has always come first. Once he went off to the capital, that was that. I never wanted to go to London, but you didnt even help me here.
Mum, your own house was sold for Jamess studies and cost of living in London just so he could make it. Dads parents house became his car, because your precious James absolutely needed one for the capital.
I remember asking for a loan to buy a pram for the twins. You didnt help, not even a loan! And you thought we went to visit James in London? We werent welcome. Wed drop off parcels from you and stay in hotels. His wife didnt like us we werent posh enough.
Hes divorced now, needs help. Doesnt even own a flat.
Doesnt have a car, either Nicholas wrote it off.
Lets not go over his problems, just help him.
No, Mum. Theres jobs here, decent wages. Oh, not enough for him, I suppose. Good for us, but peanuts for James. What do I have to offer? Pennies? Money for the business, then a car, then a flat No, Mum! Lets not pretend its not right for someone as successful as James to keep taking from his poor sister, who never made anything of herself.
And why are you speaking to me like this?
All fine, Mum. Its just, I finally understand: only James ever became someone. Now hes living with you; so let him help you for a change. Its his turn.
Hannah! Youd force us to sell the flat? Do you realise what youre making us do?
Oh? Im making you? Dont forget to buy at least a bedsit.
So her parents sold their flat, bought a tiny old one-bedroom place. The rest of the money they handed to James, who went right back to London. Why stick around on the wrong side of the tracks?
No business ever happened; but in Mums eyes, James was still the golden boy. Shed keep pointing out how Hannah had amounted to nothing, kept asking for help for herself the flat needed repairs. Hannah did help out, but refused to do up the place.
I know the flatll just end up with James anyway. Let him sort things out. Hes the high-flyer, after all!
Before long, Jamess money ran out and he turned back up at his parents. The little flat was cramped, but what could anyone do?
He ended up kipping on a camp-bed in the kitchen but at least, as they say, hed been someone. Turns out, my parents really did bet on the wrong horse.
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