And how am I supposed to explain to everyone why youre not coming to Mums party? asked the man, looking a bit lost.
Thank you, that was delicious, he said, pushing his plate away. Katie, we need to have a chat.
You know, Michael, I can guess what its about.
Oh really? What then?
Your mothers birthday.
He nodded. Yeah. Its already the tenth, and her birthday is on the eighteenth.
And mines twenty seconds later. I do hope youve not forgotten? Katie grinned.
Of course I remember, love
Michael, dont even start the answer is NO straight away!
But you havent even heard what I want to say! he protested.
I dont need to! Just letting you know, Ive booked a table this Saturday at the White Lion for ten people. Eight are my friends (you know them all very well, by the way), and the remaining seats are for us, if you care to show up. If not, well, well celebrate without you.
To add a sprinkle of drama, Michaels mothers birthday was the eighteenth of September, and Katies was the twentieth.
And for the past three years, as soon as September rolled around, Michael would find himself doing mental gymnastics how to juggle two parties without upsetting his mum or his wife. So far, his attempts had all ended in failure.
Katie, Mum suggests we just celebrate both birthdays together, at hers, this Saturday. Sensible, really. No need to drag everyone out twice in one week. Plus, its a Thursday otherwise rubbish day for a party. Saturday is far more civilised.
Michael, who ever told you I wished to spend my birthday surrounded by your mothers cousins, nephews and nieces? Ive invited my own friends all of whom you get along with splendidly, Katie replied crisply.
Mumll be upset, Michael sighed.
And what about how I felt? Two years running, I might add! Does that not count? Or have you destined that to the dustbin of history?
I thought it was all quite all right, actually.
Really? Lets reminisce! The year before last: wed just got married in April. September comes along, your mums big birthday. What did you say to me?
Katie, shes turning sixty, wants a family do at home, so lets postpone any plans for Saturday, Michael admitted, looking sheepish.
So I took Friday afternoon off work, spent half my Saturday prepping in your mums kitchen peeling, chopping, boiling, marinating, you name it.
And come Saturday, I was darting back and forth between living room and kitchen like an overworked waitress. And let me point out not a single birthday wish for me!
Not true! Zoe congratulated you, Michael protested weakly.
No, she didnt! When you nudged your sister and said I had my birthday too that week, she just shrugged, Well, its been and gone. No point bringing it up now, is there?
But at least last year, after I talked to Mum, they remembered over dinner?
Oh, lets talk about last year! Friday the twentieth I was back in her kitchen, sous-chef and skivvy rolled into one. When I asked your mother why Zoe wasnt helping, you know what she said?
Zoes got her manicure today. Cant be carrying trays with untidy hands! Then tomorrow shes at the beauty salon.
True, Zoe floated in for the festivities looking immaculate, while I barely had a chance to change out of my apron. Yes, technically I got a card this time.
And a toast, yes. After which, everyone promptly forgot I existed. Oh, and lets not forget two birthdays in a row, not a single present from anyone but you and my parents. So this year, give your mum fair warning: she cant count on me!
But she cant manage on her own!
Michael, your mothers not short of family. Shes got a sonthats youand a daughterthats Zoe. Im sure the two of you can manage. As for me, this Saturday is my birthday, and I intend to spend it the way I want. With my friends.
So how am I meant to explain to everyone why youre not there at Mums do? Michael tried again.
Michael, dont play the innocent! None of your relatives will miss me unless its to swap a plate or fetch something from the kitchen. You lot are such a tight clan, I might as well be a coat rack.
Katie managed to convince Michael that it was her right to celebrate her birthday as she pleased. However, his mum and sister thought the daughter-in-law ought not to opt out of tradition.
So nearly every day from then till the twentieth of September, they bombarded her, reminding her of family rules and the absolute necessity of showing up at Mother-in-laws lunch.
Katie, Mrs. Vera called, for two years weve celebrated together and its been lovely! Whats got into you now, darling? Whats so dreadful about it?
Its simple, Mrs. Vera, said Katie, Firstly, I want to celebrate with my own friends. Secondly, Id much rather do it in a pub or restaurant, so for once Im not stuck dashing from living room to kitchen but can actually enjoy myself, you know?
But we always have such a nice time at home! With family, the mother-in-law persisted.
That may be true for you, but Im the one scampering round fetching and carrying. I dont fancy another of those, thanks.
I never thought youd refuse to help your husbands own mother out! Mrs. Vera tutted.
Zoe was more direct, sending messages like a drill sergeant:
Katie! Enough with the dramatics! Mums got the menu sorted and Dads done the shopping. Start thinking what youre going to cook!
Mum sent Michael the grocery list. Stop resisting and just think is it really worth falling out with your mother-in-law over this? Its just one Saturday, the rest of your life is wide open for your little get-togethers.
Zoe, Im not being awkward. I told your mum well in advance that Ive made my plans. Im sure you can give her a helping hand, Katie replied.
Worst of all was Michael, who found himself stuck in no-mans-land. He didnt want to let down his mum, but knew full well his wife would be hurt if he ditched her birthday bash for the family gathering.
Despite her silence on the Saturday plans, Michael knew where he was expected.
On Friday afternoon, Katies mother-in-law rang her at work:
Katie, where are you? You havent abandoned your silly restaurant scheme, have you? Im waiting for you, come on, weve got to get started or well never be ready for tomorrow!
Mrs. Vera! Im at work! I told you, Im not coming. Zoe will have to help you instead.
I do hope you know Michael wont be impressed by this sort of attitude towards his family, her mother-in-law added haughtily.
Well, marrying Michael does not automatically mean Im obliged to play chef and cleaning lady for his entire extended family, Katie countered. I have my own life, friends, and interests and by the way, our friends are mutual friends. Im not giving all that up just to be your domestic staff.
On that slightly frosty note, the conversation ended.
Saturday rolled around. Michael, clutching a present, dutifully went off to his mums. Katie, meanwhile, headed to the White Lion at four, where her friends soon gathered. Only the seat beside her remained empty. No one asked awkward questions everyone knew the score.
She received warm wishes, thoughtful gifts, and laughter around the table, though every so often, shed glance at the door, hoping that Michael might turn up.
And he did! Nearly an hour late, he burst in with a massive bouquet of those soft blush roses she loved.
Kate! Made my escape at last! Honestly, had to practically leg it! They were all discussing you back there. Auntie Rita asked why her favourite mushroom salad wasnt on offer this time. She wanted the recipe! And, apparently, the table was a bit sad this year. Zoe managed to break two nails helping Mum and sulked like it was the end of the world.
Over the next couple of years, Katie only participated in family parties as an honorary consultant, particularly as she was, quite soon, expecting a baby boy herself.
Vera celebrated her next milestone birthday sixty-five, no less at a restaurant.
And what exactly was the issue with that girl? the mother-in-law repeatedly lamented to her friends over sherry. Everything was marvellous until she went and did that!
So, what do you think was Katie right? Share your thoughts in the comments, leave a like and follow the page I appreciate every single one of you!
