Emma and her mother-in-law, Margaret, sat quietly on the old bed. Both were wrapped warmly against the biting chill that seeped in through the cottage walls. Winters grip was unyielding, and the ancient wood stove had only just begun its slow battle with the cold.
Dont worry, Mum. Well be all right. Well manage, youll see. Let me get your tablets, Emma soothed, fetching a small bottle from her handbag.
Emma did her best to comfort Margaret, although, strictly speaking, Margaret wasnt really her mothershe was her former mother-in-law. Well, almost former
It had come to pass that the three of themMargaret, her son David, and his wife, Emmahad lived together under one roof.
Emma had married late, at thirty. She was Davids second wife. Their relationship hadnt broken up his first marriageby then, he was already divorced.
Margaret liked Emma immediately. And the feeling was mutual. Margaret was warm and kinda real mother figure. Emma had lost her parents young and grown up alone. In Margaret, she found someone to call her own.
You two are in cahoots, David used to grumble.
Five years of marriage sped by in a blur. But then David began to changehe grew irritable and quick-tempered, shouting at both Emma and his mother. The cause: another woman. David was out longer and longer, almost always stumbling home reeking of whisky.
One day, David simply announced his decision: he wanted a divorce. He gave Emma two days to pack her things. She hadnt even left yet when his girlfriend showed up, suitcase in hand.
The womanlanky, platinum blonde, with lips plumped to cartoonish proportions and eyelashes so long that blinking seemed an effortclearly hoped to provoke Emma. If she was looking for drama, she was out of luck. Emma couldnt help a short laugh.
So youve left me for this scarecrow with cows lashes? Best of luck to you bothI truly dont mind.
Shes fun, at least! You and Mumpair of old hens. Clucking away together.
Leave me alone, but why insult your mother? Emma retorted.
Darling, why is your mother still here? the blonde piped up, fluttering her lashes at David. Let her take her away. Why do we need your old mum hanging about? Darling
Thats right, Mum, your time here is up. Youve stayed long enough, David muttered morosely.
Where should I go? I gave you every penny from selling my flat so you could build this house, Margarets hand clutched her chest.
Enough theatrics. Fine, staybut keep out of sight. This house is Albinas now.
Kitten, get them both out, Albina whined, wrapping herself around David.
Shes my mother!
Your mother? You mean Ill have a mother-in-law like that? Oh no Kitten
Emma had listened to enough insults.
Mum, will you come to the village with me?
Better the village than staying here with that pair
Sit down; Ill just grab your things. Dont forget your tablets, your jewellery box, and your little bag.
Emma hastily packed another suitcasefilling it with what few possessions Margaret had left: her jewellery box, bag, tablets, papers, underclothes, and the rest.
Take everything with you. We dont want your castoffs, Albina drawled theatrically, throwing David a saccharine look, Isnt that right, darling?
David just watched in silence. Nothing else he did would make a difference now. He knew his mother might never forgive him then again, perhaps she wouldshe was his mother, after all.
Half an hour later, Emma stood by the car. Margaret was already seated in the back, quietly dabbing tears from her eyes. She didnt turn back to look at her sonnot even a glance, just a heavy, wounded sigh.
It cut deep, giving everything to your only child and, in the end, being so unnecessary.
How will we manage, sweetheart?
Well be fine. I still have some savings tucked away. Thatll keep us going until I find work. Youve your pension, and Ill stretch thingsbread and butter at least.
They drove to the village where Emma had grown up. Fortunately, there was still daylight. The cottage was a freezer, but Emma quickly got the fire going, fetched water, and set the kettle on.
Youve not forgotten a thing, have you? Its as though you never left, Margaret smiled weakly.
My granddad taught me all I know. Thank heavens we bought supplieswe can avoid the shop and the village gossip for now.
Gradually, warmth crept back into the home.
Ill get everything scrubbed tomorrow.
Then, a knock at the door.
Neighbour, is that you? Thought I saw your car out front! Its been a while. Surprised to see you in the dead of winteris all well? asked the friendly voice of George, the next-door neighbour, poking his head in.
Alls well, Mr. George, thanks. Will tell you all about it another time. Come, have a cup of tea with us.
I came to invite you over actually. Oh, youre not alone? His gaze shifted to Margaret.
This is Margaret. Margaret, this is George, Emma introduced, as they nodded civilly.
If you need anything, you know where I am, George offered kindly.
Thank you, well manage for now.
A week passed. The house grew spotless and comfortable.
Do you know, Emma, Im really a village girl at heart. I married your father-in-law, a city man. He died when David was twenty-three. I sold our flat and gave David all the money, so he promised Id always have a home. And just look how it all turned out.
Dont cry. I know its hardIm hurting too. But perhaps, just perhaps, grandchildren may come your way yet.
From that woman? God forbid. And tell me, does George live alone?
Yes. His wife drowned years ago trying to save a neighbours son. He never remarriedhas no children. Stayed friends with my granddad. They were close, even with the age gap. Hes about your age, you know.
A month slipped by. David never callednot even once to his mother. But then, from an unknown number, Emmas phone rang.
Emma?
Yes?
Your husbands passed away.
You must have the wrong number.
I wish I did. ItsDavid. He crashed his car, drunk. Im sorry. He had a girl with him, but she survived without a scratch. Youll have to come for identification.
Lord, poor Margaret. How was Emma going to break the news? What could be done? Georgethats who would help.
Emma, whats happenedyour face has gone so pale!
Mum, please, sit down. Davidshes gone.
Oh! Margaret wailed, breaking into sobs. Its my fault! I left him alone!
No, Mum, he threw you out.
Yes, he did. But Im his mother. Heavens judgment caught up with him.
I have to goto the identification. George will stay with you while Im gone.
Im coming too.
And me, George said firmly. Well take my car. No arguments.
The funeral was quiet. Emma and Margaret decided to visit the housenow, by rights, it would pass to them. David had never completed the divorce proceedingshe was always too busy chasing pleasures.
George insisted on staying close.
Ill come with, just in caseyou never know.
The housewas unrecognisable. Dirty laundry everywhere, dishes littered even the floor; the air reeked of alcohol and something rotten.
My sonhe was never like this. What happened to him?
What are you lot doing here? This is my houseget out! Albina screeched, emerging from the bedroom, followed by a half-dressed scruffy bloke.
Show us the paperwork, please! George demanded.
What paperwork? My mans deadwe were married! We even had a wedding!
He hadnt even divorced!
We celebrated beforehand. So its all mine now!
Enough of this nonsense! Pack your things and out! Is there anyone else here?
The man slipped away quietly. George made sure Albina didnt steal anything else.
Well need to check on the paperwork in case David wrote a will, or worse, actually signed the house over. And we should change the locksshe might have a key.
The documents turned out to be in order. They changed the locks.
Most of the things inside had to be thrown out. George was always there, supporting Emma and Margaret.
Ill miss you when you leave. Ive grown so used to you two.
Well visit oftenthe doors always open, George. And you should come down for tea.
You two have brought back my youth. Margaret, you remind me so much of my late wife.
Ive noticed how you look at her, George. And her at you, too. Is this love, perhaps? Emma teased.
Nonsense George stammered, turning crimson.
Oh, its true!
A year later, George and Margaret married. They were happy together. They cared for Emma as though she were their own daughter. But theirs was not a family of threeoh no. Margaret and George became grandparents!
Emma, after all, became a mothernot by marriage, but by heart. She never remarried, but took in two children, a brother and sister. She couldnt bear to see them separated.
You see, you can find familynot just at birth or in childhood, but sometimesby the twists of fate.
