My daughter-in-law has really turned on me over this whole flat situation, and now shes poisoning my son against me too.
My sons managed to fall for a rather sly girl whos got him wrapped around her little finger. Lately, shes been putting all sorts of ideas in his head, telling him I dont care about their happiness and that Im only ever looking out for myself. All this simply because I wouldnt swap flats with them.
My husband passed away a few years back, and my son is my only child. I raised him as best as I could showered him with love, made sure he got a good education. Before he got married, he lived with us. He started working while still at uni, and as soon as he graduated, he landed a proper job.
Honestly, hes my pride and joy a brilliant lad, doing ever so well professionally. The thing is, my husband and I could never afford to buy our son his own flat, because weve always lived quite modestly. We only managed to buy our little place when we were 40, before that wed rented for years. So, buying a second flat for our boy was always out of the question. But hes capable enough to get his own place, just like his dad and I did.
When Oliver told me he was seeing someone, I was over the moon. I really tried to have a good relationship with my daughter-in-law I never criticised her or told her off. Honestly, I didnt care who Oliver chose to marry, as long as he was happy. At first, I thought the world of Emily she seemed so polite and down to earth. But it wasnt until after the wedding that she showed her true colours.
After their wedding, Oliver and Emily went off on honeymoon, and when they came back, Emily just up and quit her job. She said her boss was always on her case and she wanted something better. But it didnt stop there shes been living off my son for two years now and doesnt look like shes in any hurry to find work.
They moved into her one-bed flat out on the edge of town. With Emily not working, Oliver simply cant afford a new place not when Emilys spending all their money on beauty salons and trendy clothes.
I honestly dont know how you can go two whole years without finding a job. I reckon shes fibbing about going to interviews it seems she prefers living the easy life at my sons expense.
I asked her once if they were thinking of having children.
How can we even think about kids when we barely have enough space for the two of us? she snapped back.
Well, could you try putting aside for a house deposit? I suggested.
Weve got nothing left to save at the end of the month, were barely scraping by, Emily shot back.
I bit my tongue before saying that maybe if she got off the sofa, they mightve been able to save a bit by now. If theyd made a go of saving towards their own flat, of course Id have helped along, seeing as Ive managed to put aside a nice little sum. But theres no way Ill hand over any money now not with Emily liable to blow it all on rubbish.
Now, all of a sudden, Emilys banging on about needing a child, moaning that times running out and asking when Im planning to provide them with a grandchild. But how on earth are they going to raise a baby in those cramped conditions? Unfortunately, Olivers starting to agree with her.
He came to me and said, Mum, Emily and I were wondering, why wont you consider swapping flats with us? No need for any legal faff, just a straightforward swap. Wed sort the mortgage issue and your place is easily big enough for you.
The cheek of it really stung. That kind of idea would never come from him alone. I told him straight Id be away from my work, not to mention you cant just uproot an old tree and expect it to flourish somewhere new.
Look, itll only be a few more years until you retire and then youll have your grandchildren, Emily said with a smug smile.
I turned down their so-called generous offer without a second thought. I have no intention of leaving the home Ive spent so many years building.
Even after that, Oliver kept trying to bring it up, and frankly, his comments hurt even more every time. My son has never been one to chase after other peoples money, and now his wife has got him scheming.
Lets go, Ollie, she said during their last visit. I told you, your mum doesnt care if we ever have kids. She wouldnt lift a finger to help her own family!
Since then, Olivers cut off all contact he doesnt pick up my calls, doesnt ring me back, nothing. I honestly dont understand how hes ended up like this. Hes not a daft lad, but it feels like whenever Emilys around, his common sense goes out the window.
