Arriving Unannounced
“Look at this! You can’t just show up without an invite. You need to call ahead and coordinate before you visit. Staying for more than a week isn’t advisable either; apparently, they’re tired and need some respite. Their kids have lessons, you know. And we’re on vacation!”
Daisy shared all her thoughts with her mother.
“Quite right. They’ve changed entirely,” her mother nodded.
“I spoke to Laura yesterday,” Daisy continued, “She said it was ‘inconvenient’ to have us in May. The kids have lessons, and both she and Nathan have work.”
“Did you reply to that?”
“Of course. They could’ve taken time off.”
“And her response?”
“She said their holiday is in July, it’s too late to change it, and they’re heading somewhere. So, they can’t cancel their plans, but we should adjust ours.”
Nobody else in the house tried to make Daisy and her mom understand that others have a right to relax too. It would have been pointless.
“What did I tell you? Pack up and go. Once you’re there, they’ll have to agree to it. They can’t do otherwise.”
“That’s true, but it would be nice if they’d expect us…”
They mostly grumbled about Laura, not Nathan. Nathan understood but often chose to yield.
“Ever since he’s been with Laura, he’s a different person. Everything needs to be arranged,” Daisy wouldn’t relent.
“It’s all because of her.”
“Exactly. You can sway Nathan, but not Laura.”
Daisy planned to visit the northern city for the May bank holiday and have a good time. They intended to stay with Nathan’s cousin. Whether he liked it or not didn’t matter to them. They wanted it. They called, talked, and Laura, his wife, managed to explain it wasn’t possible. That’s when Daisy got upset.
“Don’t listen to them. Just start packing.”
“I’ll call once more.”
Yet another call didn’t change a thing.
Laura very politely but firmly informed Daisy that they had plans over the holidays. Extra lessons for the children, a family trip. Plus, they couldn’t afford guests right now.
“They say they’re leaving,” Daisy told her mom.
“Don’t believe that. She’s saying it on purpose.”
In their family, Laura was not well-liked. From the moment she appeared, Nathan started having opinions of his own. They used to be able to convince him of anything. Now, discussions were necessary.
“Do you think so?”
“Absolutely. Don’t worry one bit. Start packing tomorrow. Catch the train on Saturday. They’ll welcome you once you’re there; they have no choice.”
Of course, Daisy had her doubts. Daisy, just like her mom, hesitated about visiting people who clearly stated they couldn’t host.
“They might not want to, but they can,” her mom seemed to read her thoughts, “I see you’re unsure. Want a break? Take it. Besides, it’s not just about you. Emma and Sam want to relax too, just like your husband. Don’t hesitate. Once you’re there, they’ll have no option.”
“Alright.”
Everything was planned out. Hence, Daisy’s mother could persuade her. Daisy didn’t deny this worked for her. They needed it. Others would just have to cope.
***
Standing before the imposing door of Laura and Nathan’s apartment with all their bags, Daisy dialed their number. Why wasn’t anyone answering?
“Hello. Where are you?” Daisy immediately asked, pressing the doorbell again.
“Hello. What do you mean? We’re just getting ready to go fishing.”
“Fishing? You don’t have a river nearby.”
“Of course we do! There’s both a river and a lake. Lovely hotel too. With an entertainment program tonight.”
“You’re not home?”
“Laura told you. While I was there. Yes, I remember clearly.”
Naturally, Daisy remembered. But she didn’t think they’d meant it.
“We’re here, at your door. What are we supposed to do now that you invited us then left?”
“Sorry, but we never invited you.”
“What does it matter? We’re here.”
“Find a room in a hotel. Sorry. But we did say we couldn’t have you over.”
Daisy ended the conversation. She was convinced Laura and Nathan were in the wrong.
