A Scandal in Greenfield: Shadows of a Family Feud
“Tessa, Mum called. She and Dad are coming over to see Poppy,” said James, stepping into the room where his wife was putting their one-year-old daughter to bed.
Tessa’s face fell. The news hit her like a slap. Her relationship with Margaret had soured after Poppy’s birth, though they’d once been close. It infuriated Tessa how her mother-in-law seized every opportunity to sneak the baby treats, ignoring her explicit warnings.
Every visit ended in a row. Last time, three months ago, Margaret had given Poppy a bite of chocolate cake. Tessa had only left them alone for five minutes.
“What are you doing?!” Tessa had snapped, snatching Poppy back. “She’s only nine months old! Cake? Really?”
Furious, she carried the baby to the bathroom to wipe chocolate smears off her face and hands. From there, she heard James berate his mother in the kitchen:
“Why can’t you just listen? You’re never told no!”
“What’s the harm? You ate sweets as a child, and you turned out fine,” Margaret defended.
“You never take anything seriously,” James fumed. “Some mother you were!”
“I don’t see the issue,” Margaret huffed, crossing her arms.
When Tessa returned, she couldn’t hold back. “Just leave if you can’t behave!”
Margaret looked to her son for backup, but his silence spoke volumes.
“Honestly! Back in our village, kids ate whatever they liked long before your internet nonsense. Making a fuss over nothing!” With that, she stormed out.
Later, Tessa stared at James, resentment simmering. His answer to her unspoken plea was firm: “She’s not welcome here anymore.”
Margaret kept her distance after that—calling for photos but never visiting. Only Poppy’s first birthday thawed her resolve.
“She’ll try something again,” Tessa muttered.
“No, I warned her,” James assured. “She won’t.”
Tessa wasn’t convinced. Margaret never listened.
The in-laws arrived ten minutes after James’s call—proof they expected entry. Margaret burst in, clutching a gift bag. “Where’s my darling? We’ve brought presents!”
Her husband, Gerald, trailed behind with a cake and a bottle of champagne. “We brought our own refreshments,” Margaret announced pointedly.
Tessa saw through it. She handed Poppy to James and set the table, leaving the in-laws in the kitchen.
“Open the champagne—cost us forty quid,” Margaret whispered.
Gerald popped the cork and handed her a glass.
“Pour it properly!” she scolded. “I’ve got the baby!”
He obeyed, and Margaret took a sip. “Lovely,” she murmured, then leaned toward Poppy. “Let’s sneak a taste, hm?”
“Her mother will have your head,” Gerald chuckled.
Hearing this, Tessa stormed in and froze. “What are you doing?!” She yanked the glass away. “I said nothing! How dare you?!”
“Oh, James had sips as a baby! It’s harmless,” Margaret laughed, bracing for the storm.
“Get out!” James roared, bursting in. “First cake, now champagne? Not another drop for my child!”
“Don’t shout at your mother!” Gerald barked.
“Not a sip, not a crumb!” James shot back. “You’re done here.”
“You love a scene, don’t you?” Margaret sneered at them. “Two peas in a pod. Come on, Gerald.”
The door slammed behind them. Tessa, trembling, clung to Poppy. “They’re never setting foot here again. What was she thinking?”
“Fine by me,” James said flatly.
After that, ties were cut. Margaret and Gerald nursed their pride, while the young parents couldn’t forgive the reckless defiance.
