Rita’s packing her things and walking out on you. – Where to? – What’s it to you? Clear out the flat too—it’s mine and Dad’s. I’m renting it out. I’ve no use for freeloaders here. Go sort your own living arrangements.

So, Emmas packing her things and leaving you. *”Where?”* *”Whats it to you? Youd better clear out toothe flats mine and Dads. Ill rent it out. I dont need layabouts here. Find yourself somewhere else.”*

Emma came home from work and found her husband, James, at it again. Not alone this timehis mates were there too. Sitting at the table were their neighbor, Peter, and his brother, Nick. Nick had come to visit, and theyd been celebrating his time off for three days straight.

Now, James wasnt usually one for wild nightshardly ever, really, not even on holidays. But this was his mate visiting, a proper lads night. Deep down, he knew it was out of order, but he couldnt bring himself to say no.

*”Are you my mate or not?”* Nick kept saying.

*”James, send your friends home. They can barely stand.”*

*”Shut it, woman!”* Nick barked.

*”Emma, love, well head off in a bit,”* Peter said quietly, pushing back from the table.

*”How dare you talk to my wife like that?”*

*”Calm down. Everyone out. Now.”*

Emma practically shoved the lot of them out the door, dumped James on the sofa, and started cleaning. Her mother-in-law, Margaret, was due any minute. Let *her* see what her precious son was up to.

By the time Margaret arrived, Emma had sorted everythingeven whipped up a quick dinner since the lads had polished off everything in sight. What was left on the table went straight in the bin.

*”Margaret, Lily, Ive missed you!”*

*”Mum, Grannys got a kitten! Its ginger. Grandad says its a cheeky little thing.”*

*”Lily!”*

*”Thats what Grandad calls it!”*

*”Wash your hands, well have tea.”*

*”Wheres James? I rang him, but he didnt pick up.”*

*”Passed out. Third day in a row with the neighbor. I come home from work and have to kick them out, then it starts all over in the morning. Might as well leave him on the doorstep without his keys. Before Nick turned up, things were fine. Now I hear hes staying for good. Him and Peter share the flat, but Peters wife wont have them therekids are too young. So theyve camped here instead.”*

*”Theyve been mates since primary school. Ever since we moved here. You cant just cut that off. You two need to move.”*

*”Where? The house isnt finished, though its nearly there. We should go check. And how can I just leave him?”*

*”Hell come running soon enough.”*

*”Who will?”* James stumbled into the kitchen.

*”You. Who else? Drawn by the smell of food, were you?”*

*”Not hungry.”*

*”Good. Emmas packing her things and leaving you.”*

*”Where?”*

*”Whats it to you? Clear outthe flats ours. Ill rent it. No room for layabouts. Find somewhere else.”*

*”Where am I supposed to go, Mum?”* Nick looked stunned. *”Weve got the house being built!”*

*”The house? Thinkwho paid for it? Right, Emma and you. But you used *our* money. That house is for Emma and Lily. Emma, dont just stand therepack your things and Lilys.”*

*”Youre not taking my daughter!”*

*”Ooh, scary.”*

*”Shes *mine*. Emmas got no right.”*

*”And when she stepped in as her mother, did she have a right then? You should be ashamed. She *is* her mother. And dont you dare say a word in front of Lily. Just pack your things.”*

*”Mum, Im your son. What about me?”*

*”And? The flats to be empty by tomorrow. Were leaving now.”*

*”Where?”*

*”To check on *their* house and hurry the builders. Its nearly done. Well order furniture while were at it.”*

*”What about me?”*

*”Youve got matescrash with them.”*

*”No, you cant do this.”*

*”Ive said my piece. Emma, got everything? Lets go. Take the car keys.”*

*”*My *car?”*

*”You want us to walk? Youre in no state to drive.”*

*”Well stay at ours tonight, then sort the house tomorrow,”* Margaret said. *”Its the weekend. Well air the place out, relax. Let *him* think.”*

The next morning, James stood on his parents doorstep with his bags. When his mum said something, that was that.