Mum, this is Alice, my fiancée, declared Peter as soon as he walked through the door, gently holding the blushing girl close. Weve just handed in our marriage application at the register office today.
Well, congratulations, stammered Margaret, hurriedly drying her hands on a tea towel as she finished making dinner. Come in, dont just hover in the doorway.
Margaret was taken aback and not entirely pleased. Peter was her pride and joy, her reason for living A good lad, always polite and well-mannered, and now thisspringing his engagement on her out of nowhere.
She was deeply hurt to be the last to know. Did her son really think she would disapprove of his choosing a wife? Quite the oppositeshe would have been delighted for him, and only too happy to help organise the wedding.
Mum, Im sorry for not saying anything sooner, Peter said sheepishly, giving his mother an awkward hug. It all happened so fast I fell head over heels in love! From the very first moment, I knew she was the one.
Youre still just a lad, is twenty-five really the age for settling down? Margaret smiled, hiding her hurt deep inside. Lets talk about practicalities. Where will you live?
With us for now, if youre alright with it, Peter replied in relief, realising Mum wasnt angry. Later, well see about getting our own place.
Why would I mind? Margaret looked genuinely surprised. Weve a large flat and plenty of space for all of us.
Alice, still standing bashfully by the doorway, managed a pleased smilethen quickly tamed her expression. The important thing now was to win over her future mother-in-law; shed save showing her real character for after the wedding.
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They had a lavish wedding. Margaret went all out for her beloved son, plundering her carefully saved rainy-day fund to do it. She even paid for a seaside honeymoon for the young coupleafter all, soon thered be no time for rest, given Alice had just announced she was expecting.
Margaret didnt exactly disapprove of Peters choice Alice just seemed a little suspicious to her. Always agreeing, always smiling sweetly Something was off.
Margaret shared her concerns with her sister, Linda, who only laughed in response.
Count yourself lucky, Mags, youve got a decent daughter-in-law! As for her behaviourjust you wait. Once she feels like shes running the place, shell show her true colours, Linda suddenly turned serious. But if youre uneasy, keep your eyes open. No one really knows what shes truly like. Maybe shes just putting on an act for Peter.
Lindas words turned out to be alarmingly accurate. After the wedding, once Alice had that coveted ring and her name changed, she transformed completely. With Peter spending long days at work, Alice began a campaign to make Margarets life a misery.
Alice had the nerve to bluntly tell Margaret there was no place for outsiders in their home. Margaret was so shocked by this statement, she nearly missed her chair. Her, an outsider? That evening, she went straight to Peter and asked him to have a word with his wife.
Mum, youre just misunderstanding her, Peter brushed it off, not believing for a second that Alice could say such a thing. Shes a good person, kindand honestly, the best!
Alice, overhearing her husbands faith, smirked triumphantly. Everything was going to plan.
Just a few days later, Alice met Peter at the door in tears. She claimed she was afraid to be alone with Margaret in the flat, insisting Margaret had tried to poison her.
You know full well, Alice sobbed, I have a terrible allergy to honey. Today, I couldnt sleep, so I thought Id help your mum with breakfast. I went to the kitchen and found her putting honey into the pancake batter! Im scared.
Peter snapped and stormed off to confront his mother. He shouted that he was a grown man now, that he could make his own choices, and he would never let anyone harm those dearest to him.
A stunned and pale Margaret couldnt comprehend the outburst. Any attempt at dialogue was met with hostility and only provoked more anger from her son. Her chest tight with pain, she fumbled with her medication, but Peter didnt seem to notice and kept yelling.
Unable to take any more, Margaret threw on her coat and set off for Lindas. She walked in tears, bewildered at how things had come to this, and why her boy now treated her so cruelly.
She barely made it to Lindas block, feeling weaker by the minute, before collapsing to the pavement.
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Its been two weeks since the funeral. Peter wanders about, broken and full of guilt, blaming himself for everything. Alice tries to put on a supportive air, offering him a glass of water.
Darling, I know how hard this is for you, but we have to think of the living, she says, rubbing her now prominent belly. Seeing you like this makes me feel awful.
Peter remains silent, and this enrages Alice. Her plan had worked, although things had got out of hand. Shed only expected to swap the flat for Margarets, thats all. Still if shes honest with herself, this was perhaps for the best.
Suddenly, the door swings open. Linda walks in, using her own key.
How dare you just come in here like its your own house? Alice snaps, glaring at the uninvited guest.
Well, it is my house, Linda replies with a smirk. Didnt you know? This flat belongs to me.
The glass slips from Alices trembling hand. All that effort, all this stress for a flat that never belonged to Margaret at all?
Peter, whats going on? she shrieks at her husband.
Exactly what it sounds like, Peter says flatly. Mum was saving up to buy this place from Aunt Linda, scraping every penny
And then spent the lot on your wedding! Linda finishes for him. I was actually planning to leave the flat to your baby, but not now. Youve got three days to move out, or Ill call the police.
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P.S.
Peter stays on at his aunts. Alone. That same evening Alice pounds off, gathering her things and declaring the childs not even his, before slamming the door behind her.
