So, you wont believe what happened the other night. Id just got home and, honestly, I was stunned. I walked in and found my daughter, Emily, packing up all her thingsclothes, makeup, all her gadgets. I just stared, completely lost, and asked her where on earth she was heading.
Turns out, my 18-year-old Emily had suddenly decided she was all grown up. I couldnt help but shout in disbelief. And Emily just turned and said, Mum, Im moving out. Im going to live with Matthew.
I was like, Youre moving out? Who is this Matthew? Dont you even want us to meet him first? And whose money are you planning to live on? Has he got a family? Emily, youre rushing into this.
She just rolled her eyes and said, Mum, its the 21st century. Im an adult now. I can live my own life!
I couldnt come up with a replyI just felt so helpless. I watched Emily pack up her stuff, quietly saying goodbye to everything. I mean, its not like I ever used the mixer anyway. She picked up her bags and left, and from the window I spotted a young man helping her load everything into his car. If she thinks shes ready for adult life, let her learn the ropes. Well see how it goes. Honestly, the next day I changed the locks on the doorjust to be safe, who knows what Emily and her new boyfriend might do.
A few days passed, and there was total silence from her. I hadnt really expected her to jump into adulthood so quickly, but here we were. And then, out of the blue, I got a call from her.
Mum, will you pay my university fees?
I felt awfulshe only rang to ask for money, didnt even check how I was doing.
So I said, No, youre an independent girl now. Im not getting involved in your business.
You should have heard the annoyance in her voice: Fine. Thanks, Mum! She hung up straight away.
Well, this is what she wanted, right? If she wants to be an adult, she can see what its really like.
I decided to turn her room into a home office since she clearly wasnt living with me anymore. I started looking for a lovely desk and some chairs. I kept the bed, though. Maybe Emily would change her mind and come back.
Two weeks flew past. I was on my way home from work when, lo and behold, there was Emily at the door, clutching her bags and looking miserable.
Why didnt you say you were coming? I asked her as I got closer.
She wiped away a tear and said quietly, I was embarrassed, Mum. Arent you happy to see me?
Of course I am, darling. Come inside, I told her, trying not to laugh or cry myself.
We walked into the house and she started putting her things away, but the coffee machine was missing. Apparently, it was still at her boyfriends mums house. Turns out, his mother let her stay in exchange for the coffee machine as payment for rent and food! And get thisMatthew is thirty. When Emily realised I wouldnt pay her university fees, she asked Matthew to help, but he flat-out refused to be responsible for her or pay for anything.
Honestly, what was Matthew thinking, bringing my unemployed daughter home to his parents?
