And how am I supposed to explain to everyone why youre not at Mothers celebration? asked the man, clearly at a loss.
Thank you, dinner was delicious, said he, pushing his plate aside. Catherine, I need to have a word with you.
You know, Michael, I think I can guess what this is about.
And what do you think its about?
Your mothers birthday, presumably.
Thats right. Todays the tenth, and hers is on the eighteenth, Michael replied.
And mine falls on the twentieth. Dont tell me youve forgotten, Catherine said, raising an eyebrow.
Of course I havent forgotten, my love
Michael, dont even start Ill say no at once!
But you havent even heard my suggestion, he protested.
I dont want to hear it! Just so you know, Ive already booked a table for ten at The Rose & Crown this Saturday. Eight of those are for my friendsyou know them all perfectly welland the rest are you and me. If you want to come, thats your choice. If not, well manage splendidly on our own.
The delicate matter was that Michaels mothers birthday was on the eighteenth of September, while Catherines was on the twentieth.
For the third year running, as soon as September arrived, Michael found himself torn between the two occasions, trying to figure out how to celebrate both without offending either his mother or his wife. So far, he hadnt succeeded.
Catherine, Mother suggests we celebrate both birthdays together on Saturday, at her flat. It makes sensewhy go to all the bother and expense twice in one week? Besides, not everyones free on a Thursday, but Saturday works for most.
Michael, whoever told you I want your mothers cousins, brothers, and aunts at my party? Ive invited my own friendsyou know them all, replied Catherine.
Mother will be hurt, Michael sighed.
And what about the fact that I was the one left feeling hurt last year and the year before? Or have you forgotten already?
I thought everything went well.
Did it? Lets refresh your memory. Two years ago: wed just married in April. September comes, your mothers got a big birthday. What did you say?
Catherine, Mothers turning sixty, she wants a quiet family affair at home, so lets not plan anything for Saturday.
So, I took the afternoon off from work, then spent all of Friday evening and Saturday morning in your mothers kitchenchopping, peeling, frying, pickling, running around in circles.
On Saturday, I darted between the living room and kitchen like a waitress, and notice, not a soul congratulated me on my birthday!
What do you mean? Zoe did, Michael tried to remind her.
No! When you told your sister Id just had my birthday, she smiled thinly: Did you? Well, its passed now. No sense dwelling on it.
But I spoke to Mother after, and last year, you were congratulated at the table.
Oh yes, about last year! Friday the twentieth, and there I am again, head chef and general kitchen hand. When I asked Vera why Zoe wasnt helping, do you know what your mother replied?
Zoes got a manicure todayshe cant possibly come with her hands in a state. And tomorrow, shes off to her beautician and hairdresser.
Indeed, Zoe arrived at her mothers party dolled up to the nines. Meanwhile, I barely managed to change in the bathroom before guests arrived. Yes, I was wished a happy birthday, but that was the end of it.
They raised a glass, then instantly forgot me again. Not a single gift last year or the year before from anyone except you and my parents. So, this year, youd better warn your mother not to count on me!
But she cant manage on her own
Michael, Vera has, besides a daughter-in-law, a sonthats youand a daughterZoe. Im sure the two of you can help your mother. As for me, this Saturday is my birthday, and I intend to spend it with my friends.
And what am I supposed to tell everyone when youre not at Mothers do? asked Michael again.
Oh, dont play the innocent! None of them will notice Im not thereunless someone needs a plate swapped or a dish from the kitchen. You lot are such a tight-knit bunch, honestly, I always feel like an outsider.
Catherine made Michael see she had every right to celebrate her special day as she pleased. But his mother and sister firmly believed a daughter-in-law ought to stick with the family.
So, in the days leading to the twentieth, they tried their utmost to bend her to family tradition, insisting she must attend the lunch at the matriarchs flat.
Catherine, Vera would ring and say, Weve spent two years joining our celebrations, and wasnt it lovely? I truly dont understand why, all of a sudden, youve become so stubborn. What is it youre not happy with?
Vera, its very simple: firstly, I want to enjoy my birthday with my own friends. Secondly, Id rather it be at a restaurant, not running between kitchen and lounge. I want to sit and actually talk to my guests for once.
We have perfectly grand conversations with family at home! the mother-in-law objected.
Yes, well, you may chat, but Im expected to skitter about at your beck and call. If thats the party, Id rather not have it!
I never thought youd refuse to help your husbands mother, Vera said, hurt.
Zoe proved even more determined:
Catherine! Enough of this nonsense! Mothers drawn up a menu, Fathers been to the marketeverythings ready. Start thinking about what youll be cooking!
Mothers sent Michael the shopping list. Stop resisting. Why quarrel with your husbands mother over this? Saturdayll pass and youll have all the time in the world for your own friends.
Zoe, Im not being stubbornI told your mother ages ago I had my own plans this year! Surely you can help her manage for once.
Michael had the toughest time of all, for he had to choose which celebration to attend. He didnt want to upset his mother or his wife. Although Catherine never insisted he be by her side, Michael understood perfectly that it would sting her if he favoured his mothers day.
But Catherine said nothing more about Saturday. On Friday afternoon at work, she received a call from her mother-in-law:
Catherine, where are you? I do hope youve come to your senses about that silly restaurant idea. Im waiting for youtime to get started if were to be ready for tomorrows party!
Vera, Im at work! I told you I wouldnt be coming round to cook this year! Ask Zoe to help you.
I hope you realise Michael wont approve of your attitude towards his mother and the whole family! Vera said sternly.
You know, just because I married Michael doesnt mean I must always and endlessly please his relations! I have my own life, my own interestsour shared friends, by the way. I have no intention of giving all that up in order to be your housemaid and cook!
And that was the end of the conversation.
On Saturday, Michael took the present and dutifully went to his mothers. Catherine, come four oclock, headed for the restaurant where she had arranged her gathering. Her guests were promptly assembled. Only the seat at her side was unfilledno one asked questions; they were all in on the tale.
They toasted her, gave gifts, the whole atmosphere was jolly. Yet every so often, Catherine would glance at the door; she hadnt quite lost hope that Michael would come.
And come he did, nearly an hour late, bursting in with a bouquet of her beloved tea roses.
Cath, I barely escaped! I truly had to run for it. By the way, you were quite the topicthe entire family missed your wild mushroom tart. Aunt Rachel asked Mum specifically why it wasnt on the table, as she hoped for the recipe this time.
And the spread was a bit thin. Zoe sat sulkingshe managed to break two nails whilst helping Mum.
The next two years, Catherine only gave advice for family gatherings, mainly because she was soon expecting their son and later became a mother herself.
And by the time Veras next landmark birthdayher sixty-fifthcame around, it was celebrated in a restaurant.
And what more could that daughter-in-law have wanted? Vera would say time and time again. Everything was just fine, yet she managed to make such a fuss!
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