Alright, love, let me give you the lowdown on that crazy family drama thats been swirling around the Smiths down in Birmingham.
Dont stick your nose into someone elses pie, my Gran used to say, and Tammy was fuming. Your own nans got herself into a right mess, she snapped, not even trying to hide how angry she was. And who was she supposed to play to now? All the key players had already left the house. She knew how much we needed that flat! We not that one
The flats actually my sisters, Oliver, the bloke, sighed wearily. He was sick of hearing his wife whine for the third time. And shes the one who truly earned it! It was Ivy who looked after Gran when she could barely get around. Ivy did the shopping, paid the council tax, drove Gran to the hospital. I even suggested you take charge of it, but you stayed home all day
Ive got three kids! Three! And you want to pin this on an old lady! the woman shouted, crossing her arms.
Two kids go to school, the thirds in nursery, Oliver retorted with a sneer. You spend the whole day at home. You couldve popped over to Gran for a couple of hours, and the flat would have been ours. So stop wallowing and stop counting other peoples money! Not happy with our house? Then get a job, and we can afford something bigger.
Honestly, what kind of man are you? You cant earn a proper wage yourself, so you push your wife into work! Tammy huffed. In truth, her husband made a decent living; she just never knew how to budget and didnt want to be fair.
Thats it, case closed! Oliver slammed his fist on the table, pushing his soup plate aside without touching it. Ive lost my appetite. And remember, I dont want to hear any more about how lucky my sister was. She earned her inheritance fair and square, got it?
Tammy just grimaced at his last words. Yeah, rightearned it! The twentyyearold sweetheart landed a threebedroom flat in the city centre, complete with a snazzy layout. Whats she going to do with a whole house on her own? Meanwhile, Toms got three kids and a modest but solid home that his husband bought before they married.
How many times has the woman complained that the kids need more space? Every child needs their own room, especially the older girlshes already thirteen! Yet she still has to share the place with her little sister, whos only five. How do you explain to a fiveyearold that some things are offlimits? Of course Lucys to blame too; shes always tossing stuff everywhere…
Tammy was desperate to move into that flat. Shed even had more children just hoping Gran would have the decency to let a big family use the place. It never happened.
Then she heard Gran was seriously ill and might only have about a year left. Hope flared up again! Only, Tammy flatout refused to look after a sick Tom. What, youve got nothing else to do? she scoffed.
Even Toms friend, Claire, sided with Gran. Youre shocked the will named Ivy? Seriously? How was the flat ever meant for you? You did nothing to earn it! I told you back thentake Gran in and look after her. Then youd already be moving in.
How could we fit another person in our house? the hurt woman retorted, thinking Claire would back her up. She refused to stay with us, said she wanted peace and quiet.
Id do the same in her shoes. Let five more people, three of them kids, into the flat? No thanks. Drop Ivy, get a job; theres a vacancy at my firm. Extra cash, we could get a mortgage.
Ill think about it, Tammy muttered through clenched teeth and hung up. The talk didnt go as shed hoped. Instead of helpful advice, she got accusations. Work? She didnt want to work! Shed rather have another baby
She tried to chat with Ivy, hoping maybe shed convince the girl to give up the flat or swap houses. Ivy flatout refused to even listen, saying shed fulfill Grandmothers last wish exactly as written.
Tammy went back to Oliver, but he blew up. Oliver yelled at his wife for the first time, scaring the kids. Little Katie burst into tears and couldnt calm down, while Lucy stared with her round, shocked eyes.
Enough! Im done with your daft dreams! I wont give you a single extra penny! Ill buy the food and clothes for the kids myself, you earn your own treats!
That night Oliver stormed off to his parents place and didnt come home, still fuming. What more does she want? A nice house, all the comforts, a big garden why does she have to move into a cramped flat surrounded by neighbours?
Tom got angry too. The husband should be on his wifes sideotherwise its not a family! If the wife wants the flat, she should get it, no matter what she has to do.
***
Later, Ivy was heading home late, the streets empty and shop windows dark.
Look who it is, Ivy! a roughlooking bloke stepped out from an alley, grinning. Hey there, love. Guess what I need from you? Dont be so nervous! he laughed. Your looks dont interest me. Im out, for now.
What do you want? Money?
Someone else paid me. This bloke wants you to give up that lovely flat. I think you catch my drift.
Ivy could only nod. She was alone on a deserted street, no one even walking a dog! If she tried to make a fuss, who knew how it would end
Smart move, the man smirked, patting her cheek. If you do exactly as we want, we wont meet again. If not well, well have a good time, thats for sure.
Ivy sprinted home, feeling like the bloke was on her heels. Was Tammy really behind this? And Oliver? He was her brothercould he have been part of it?
Ollie! Are you involved in this too? she sobbed as her brother answered the phone. You want this flat as much as I do? Ill give everything away, just leave me alone!
Ellie, whats happening? Oliver sounded genuinely frightened. Can you hear me? Where are you?
Home Ollie
Alright, Im on my way.
He was there in a record ten minutes, ignoring a few traffic lights as if they didnt exist. My sister means more to me than any fine!
When Ivy finally steadied herself and recounted the creepy encounter, Oliver snapped into place. He understood why his wife had been so smug.
File a report, he said firmly. There are CCTV cameras on every corner; theyll spot that bloke quick, and Ill make sure Tom gets what he deserves.
But Ivy stammered, eyes wide. They wont actually lock her up, but
Its not your problem, Oliver cut in. Let her reap what shes sown. Im divorcing her! I cant let my kids be raised by someone like that. What will she teach them?
***
In the end, a criminal case was opened against Tammy, even though she swore she was innocent. She hadnt the slightest idea that the hired thug was recording everything
The kids refused to talk to her, and the divorce went through fast.
