Ive invited Mum and my sister over for New Years, said Charles in the evening of December30th. Will you have time to get everything ready?
Finally, the longawaited weekend! Blythe sighed with relief, plopping onto the footstool in the hallway and slipping off her boots. Ten whole days of freedom lie ahead. She stretched, feeling tension melt away, and imagined the next ten days with a private smile.
Brilliant! Charles nodded, bracing the doorframe. By the way, I was just speaking to Gwen. She said they still havent decided where to ring in the year, so theyll come to us, he added.
And Mum, of course, will be there too. She never misses a family celebration, Charles concluded, watching Blythes mood shift.
Do you realise New Years is tomorrow? Mabel snapped. Ive been working late all week to hit my targets. And now you tell me my tomorrow is spent entertaining with frying pans? Blythes voice rose.
Whats there to cook? Charles replied casually. A couple of salads, a main, some sliced meats, maybe a few snacks
Charlie, youd better stay out of my way now, or youll get hit by a pan, Blythe said, unusually solemn. If your relatives want to drop by, they should bring something themselves. Call them and let them know. I remember one New Year when we all ran around with plates while the ladies lounged on the sofa sipping wine under the glow of the Christmas lights.
Blythe, why are you like this? Charles asked, taken aback by her outburst.
And how am I supposed to act? she retorted, then stormed off to the bedroom to change into something comfortable.
Blythe fumed at her husband, whose weekend had only just begun. The only comfort was that shed earned oneandahalf times her usual pay this month. She sighed, walked to the mirror and slowly peeled off her makeup, mulling over tomorrows plans.
Ideally she wanted to sleep until noon, then have a leisurely breakfast, tidy up, order groceries, and whip up something light for the celebration. She craved quiet, not the clamor of the office, and longed for a cosy, calm holiday.
How can I make sure everything goes exactly as I picture it? she wondered, running through possibilities in her head.
Avoiding Charles as he darted around the flat, Blythe drifted to the kitchen, poured herself hot lemon tea, and sat down to dinner. Snowflakes fell outside, shimmering under street lamps and lending the night a magical feel.
For a heartbeat she stared out the window, forgetting her dilemma, then shook her head and snapped back to reality. In that instant a brilliant, risky idea sparked.
The next morning unfolded as Blythe had planned: she awoke at twelve, stretched sweetly, and discovered Charles already up and bustling in the kitchena rarity on the eve of a holiday. She slipped on a soft robe and padded over.
What are you doing? she asked, squinting at the bright light.
I thought Id surprise my favourite with a festive breakfast, Charles grinned, stirring something in a bowl.
Looks like youve set the kitchen on fire, Blythe laughed as a wisp of smoke rose from the pan.
When they finally sat, Blythe asked how Charles intended to host guests when nothing was bought and the house was still a mess.
You know I couldnt say no to Gwen he said, eyes glued to his plate.
Of course, Blythe raised an eyebrow. Its hard to turn your sister down.
Got any suggestions? I saw that thoughtful look on you yesterday. Honestly, I was surprised you held it together; I thought youd tear the flat apart.
First, call your sister and ask if theyll bring snacks and salads. There are four of them: two adults and two kids.
Right, Charles agreed.
He fumbled for his phone and dialed.
Hey, Gwen, Blythes sorting the table, so Im checking what youll be bringing, so we dont end up with duplicates.
Laughter crackled on the other end. Charlie, youre joking? When am I supposed to cook? Ive got two kids! We were hoping Blythe would improvise, as she always does, Gwen replied cheekily.
The kids arent toddlers; theyre both schoolaged, Charles corrected.
A clatter echoed through the line. Oops, sorry, I just knocked something over. Thats it, Im off till evening! she hung up.
Charles returned, puzzled.
They wont bring anything, then? Blythe asked, hopeful.
Nope and Mum too. Both said they just want to relax and enjoy, not cook, he summed up.
I see. I thought as much, Blythe said, biting her lip. I want to spend New Years at my parents. They invited us on Thursday, but Id rather stay home and I never told you. Will you come with me? We dont have much time to think.
Then well argue with the relatives, Charles replied, confused.
Or youll argue with your wife, Blythe teased.
Of course I choose you, Charles said, raising his hands in mock surrender.
Blythe tidied the flat, intending to return to a spotless home in the new year. Charles set off to the shops with the list Blythe had drawn up. The shopping centre swirled with festive cheer: twinkling lights on display windows, decorated fir trees, and Santa figurines everywhere.
Right, a tree! How could I forget? he muttered, spotting a sparkling pine.
Without hesitation he abandoned his errands and headed straight to the Christmas market. He chose a modest, charming fir whose branches tickled his nose as he shouldercarried it home.
When Charles swung the door open, Blythe turned and gasped. A tree? her face lit up.
Want to dress it up? I havent bought anything from the list yet. I just wanted to make you smile.
Youve always been against a real tree, though?
I dont know, he shrugged. This year I felt like a change.
The room glowed with a proper New Years atmosphere. Blythe fetched a box of ornaments from the top shelf and began hanging baubles and tinsel. With each decoration the flat grew more enchanted.
She was so absorbed that by the time she finished, Charles had returned, and they hurried to finish packing.
Got everything? she asked, eyeing the bags brimming with groceries and souvenirs.
All except the fish. It wasnt fresh. Well swing by another shop on the way, he replied, and Blythe felt warmth spread through her chest.
Good, she said, surprised by his sudden enthusiasm. Shed feared hed reject her plan and that theyd spend the whole evening entertaining relatives.
Soon they loaded the car with parcels and food. It was only sevenp.m.; Charless family were due at ten. The drive to Blythes parents countryside cottage was about an hour, so they left early.
Standing by the open boot, overloaded with packages, Blythe brushed a stray lock from her face and asked, Hope we didnt forget anything?
Everythings here except dessert, but we can pick something up on the road, Charles answered.
She nodded, and they set off.
The cottage, though rural, had been rebuilt by Blythes parents just ten years ago after they sold their city flat and moved out of London. Even in their later years they were lively and never lost their zest for life. The exterior was festooned with fairy lights, giving the place a holiday glow.
We never took the lights down since last year, laughed Arthur, Blythes father, when she complimented the décor.
Really? I didnt notice when we visited in summer, Blythe replied with a grin.
They began unloading, and Blythe handed a sack to Arthur. Weve brought a bit of everything. Not sure what you planned to cook, but I think itll come in handy.
Let me rush the items inside, Arthur commanded. While youre in the kitchen, Charles and I will fire up the sauna we built ourselves.
Arthurs selfmade sauna, complete with a spacious vestibule and scented oils, steamed up the garden.
Meanwhile Blythe and her mother, Eleanor, turned on classic holiday films, losing track of time amidst the bustle. When the clock struck nine, Charless phone erupted with calls.
Charlie, open up! Were at the door, Sasha sorry, Gwen urged.
Were not home, Charles stammered.
Where are you? When will you be back? his sister snapped.
Weve gone to the village. Things got a bit chaotic. Well be back in two days, he tried to explain.
To the village? What about New Years? Gwen couldnt believe it.
Well celebrate here, in the village, Charles assured.
Really? she grimaced. Wait, what about us?
You still have time to return home and have a family celebration, Charles said calmly.
So you expect me to look after the kids all night? Alexandra, another sister, blurted out.
I dont know if I have to, I will, Charles muttered.
Thats low, Charles. Did you hide the spare key under the mat or something? I dont want to clean up a mess later, Alexandra pressed.
No wonder you all hop from house to house each New Year, Charles chuckled. My wife outwitted you, he laughed. Happy New Year, love! he added before hanging up.
He counted to ten in his head, then his mothers number flashed on the screen.
Yes, weve gone away, he said before she could answer. Well be in the village for New Years. No keys left for you.
How dare you! We were counting on you! his mother, Althea, exploded.
I get it, but it happened, Charles replied. Honestly, Im tired of spending every holiday in our tiny flat. Why dont you or Gwen invite us over? Coming to a readymade feast is always welcome, especially when you both have spacious threebedroom flats! he added, irritated.
Son, did I raise you just to be treated like this? Althea said bitterly.
What? Fair?
She fell silent.
Fine, I understand, she said sadly. We wont bother you again.
Althea hung up, and Charles exhaled heavily. The conversation had been a strain; he wasnt the sort to ruin family ties over trivialities, but grievances had piled up.
Everything alright? Blythe asked, resting her head on his shoulder.
Mum called, he replied shortly.
I see, Blythe sighed. Do you think we made the right call?
Absolutely, Charles turned to her. Theyre waiting for us, preparing for our arrival. And what about me? he asked wistfully. Im only used for my kindness and nothing more. Ive endured this far too long.
Blythe embraced him, trying to lift his spirits.
Come on, lets get ready for the celebration, Charles said, lightening the mood.
That New Year turned out to be unforgettable. Blythe and Charles stayed with her parents for a few days, enjoying quiet evenings by the fireplace, sledding down a hill like children, and sharing long conversations. It was the most heartfelt New Year theyd had in years, far from the usual rush and worries.
Soon enough they would have to slip back into their ordinary routine, but the memory of that simple, warm holiday with family would linger forever.
