Oh, that grandmotherremarried and hurt her children!
On Saturday morning, Alice arrived at her mothers house, just as she always did. Her mother, Margaret, was seventy-eight, living alone for many years in a small village outside Oxford.
With only two days, Alice managed to clean the cottage from top to bottom, wash all the linen by handno washing machine, no running water, just buckets and the old stone well. In summer, she tended the garden too, pruning roses and pulling weeds.
Why dont you move in with me? Life would be easier, at least youd get some rest, poor thing, Margaret liked to insist.
Mum, I have my job, my daughter, my granddaughtersits not possible, Alice replied, sighing as she folded clean sheets.
Stephens back. Took the boards off the house windows after nearly five years empty, since Barbara passed. Said hes travelled enough and wants to spend his days here. He asked about yousaid hell pop by soon, Margaret shared, watching for Alices reaction.
Stephen Stephen had been Alices first love back at school, though he barely noticed her. In their final year, desperate, Alice accidentally dropped a bucket into the well and rushed to Stephen, pleading for his help, terrified her mum would scold her. Stephen fetched a long stick and spent half an hour at the icy edge, finally pulling the bucket out.
Think the village superstition will work? he laughed as he handed it back.
If someone helps fetch your buckettheyre destined to be your husband. The girls in the village clung to this old saying.
Of course, Stephen proved it wrong. He moved to London, finished university, and worked his way around Britain, moving from town to town, marrying and divorcing now finally back.
Alice became an accountant, never far from their village. She married, had only one daughterEmily. Eight years ago, Alice lost her husband; he passed away suddenly, leaving her a widow.
Stephen arrived that evening. Hed changedolder, silver hair.
Youre still a beauty, he said, hugging Alice.
Oh, come off it. Were well past fifty, changed and aged like everyone, Alice interrupted with a sad smile.
They sat under the gardens old oak, sipping homemade sloe gin in celebration, talking late into the evening.
Stephen explained he parted ways with both his wives amicably, never treating them unfairly. To each, he left their flat and all shared belongings. His son from the first marriage lives in Germany nowthe boys mother was from those families sent north during the war. The second wife left for someone younger; Stephen didnt try to stop her. They had no children.
Hes retired now, earning his pension from years on building sites. His plan is to bring together a team of local men, fixing up cottages, sheds, and greenhouses. Theres already demandand he has enough savings to get started.
But Im talking about myself. How are you, Alice? Heard youre alone, Stephen gently pressed.
And, surprising herself, Alice told him everything. Perhaps it was the gin, or perhaps it was time to finally get it off her chest.
Im not alone, Stephen. My familys grown, but I feel like a servant in my own home, Alice began.
My Emily finished school, didnt want university, married straight away. She brought her husband, Michael, to live with usthree bedrooms, enough space. Then came my granddaughter, Daisy.
Somehow, Alice ended up responsible for everything in the house. Emily struggled with depression and a newborn.
My husbandhe was wonderfulalways supported me, helped around. Never complained. But one morning he simply didnt wake up. It broke me. But grief had no place; life had to continue.
Alice worked on and managed the home, paying for everything. Michael didnt earn much. All her money went to the family pot. She hoped Daisy would grow and Emily would get a job, lightening her load. But when Daisy turned four, Emily had another daughterMegan.
Daisys at school now, Megan is five, Emily still stays home.
Every morning, Alice makes breakfast for Michael and the girls, gets Daisy ready for school. Megan stays at home with her mumwell, not really. She plays quietly while Emily sleeps till lunchtime. Megans a calm child, but her mother barely notices.
Alice walks Daisy to school, heads to work herself, comes home to cook for the next day, helps with homework, washes, tidies.
She tried to ask Emily to help, to remind her shes not young anymore and needs support. But it was useless. Emily says shes exhausted with the children.
Michaels happy, the mother-in-law works, theres enough money, and he doesnt need to lift a finger. Plus, fresh veg from the village.
Michael claims hed help with gardening, but they have no car. He hints that Alice should pay for one. They know she has savings, but Alice fears giving it all away and ending up with nothing. Besides, there isnt enough for a car.
Alices worn out, realises shes raised a lazy, self-absorbed daughter. She understands, but doesnt know how to break free.
Thats something Dont worry, Alice. Well sort something out. Lets head home, the dawns breaking, Stephen said, leaving for his own cottage.
On Sunday evening, Stephen drove her to Oxford, car brimming with supplies from the village. After he helped unload everything into her flat, Emily asked, Whered you find that old gent?
Alice explained he was her old classmate, before getting stuck into packing vegetables.
Two weeks later, Stephen arrived around noon and started carrying out Alices belongings, which shed packed up earlier. Michael and Emily wandered out of the bedroom, bleary-eyed.
Whats going on? Whats all this? they questioned together.
Im moving out, getting married, heading back to the village to spend my days with Stephen, Alice answered calmly.
Have you completely lost your mind at your age? Going off to get married! Good grief, and did you cook lunch? The girls will be starving soon, Emily shrieked.
My dear, from now on youll cook for your daughters and your husband. Ive spent ten years living for younow I want to live for myself. So youll need to pull your own weight, Alice replied, gathering her last bags.
Traitor! I forbid you from seeing Daisy and Megan! Emily screeched.
I dont plan to visit them for a while, Ill be busy. Anyway, Ive seen them more than you these past years, said Alice, stepping out.
In the car, she cried quietly.
I suppose I shouldve warned them I was leaving, she told Stephen.
Theyd have said the same, only in harsher words. You had to break away hard and fast. Too attached, no other way would work, Stephen replied.
Alice made a comfortable home in Stephens cottage. He had a proper indoor loo installed and built a shower. True, water still had to be ferried and poured into a massive tank, and the septic was emptied twice a month, but those were small troubles.
The village school offered Alice a job as caretaker. She agreed. Less pay, but more peace. Stephen kept busy building with his crewwork all year round. They were content, living quietly and happily together.
A month later, Michael brought the girls for the weekend. Daisy confided that her parents fought often. Michael made soup, but not much else. Emily wanted to work but was still deciding where.
On Sunday, Michael tried to leave Megan with Alice in the village, but she refused.
I work, Stephen works. Children belong with their parents. Theyre welcome to visit, but you must care for your own. You had them for yourselves, not for me, Alice insisted.
Michael and Emily were offended, but a week later, Daisy and Megan returned for another weekend with their grandmother.
Were just here for Saturday and Sunday, Michael explained and stayed as well, clearly missing Alices cooking.
Thats how things unfolded.
Some might say Alice acted harshly toward her daughter. Others will call it just. There are as many opinions as there are people.
