Arrived Unannounced
“Just look at her! You can’t just show up without an invitation. Before visiting, you need to call. To make arrangements. Staying longer than a week isn’t right either, they claim to be tired and want some peace. Their children have school. Meanwhile, we’re on holiday, after all.”
Daisy shared all her thoughts on this matter with her mother.
“Absolutely, I couldn’t agree more,” nodded her mother.
“I had a chat with… that Laura yesterday,” Daisy continued, “She told me it wasn’t ‘convenient’ for them to host us in May. The kids have school, and she and Nick have work.”
“And what did you say?” her mother inquired.
“Of course, I said they could take some time off.”
“And what did she reply?”
“She mentioned that their vacation was booked for July, it was too late to change the dates, and they were going somewhere. So, they expect us to adapt.”
None of their family tried to explain to Daisy and her mother that others also have a right to relax. It seemed pointless.
“What did I tell you? Grab your bags and head over. They’ll have to agree once you arrive. They won’t have a choice.”
“True, but it would have been nice if they were expecting us…”
Mostly, they talked about Laura, not so much about Nick. Nick was understanding but often conceded.
“Since he’s been with Laura, he’s changed. Everything needs a discussion,” Daisy couldn’t stop herself from saying.
“It’s all because of her.”
“Exactly. You can reason with Nick, but Laura’s another story.”
For the May bank holiday weekend, Daisy planned to visit the northern city and have some fun. They intended to stay with Nick’s cousin. Whether he wanted it or not, it didn’t matter to them. They wanted to go. They called, and Laura managed to explain why it wasn’t possible. Daisy was infuriated.
“Don’t listen. Just get ready.”
“I’ll call again.”
The new conversation didn’t change a thing.
Laura politely but firmly stated that they were busy over the bank holiday. There were extra lessons for the kids or a family trip to attend. Plus, they didn’t really have spare funds for guests.
“They said they’re leaving,” Daisy reported to her mother.
“Don’t believe it. She’s just saying that to put you off.”
Nobody in their family liked Laura from the start. Once she was in the picture, Nick developed his own opinions. Before, they could persuade him on anything. Now, it required discussions.
“Do you think?”
“Absolutely. Don’t worry. Start packing tomorrow. Catch a train on Saturday. Once you’re at their doorstep, they won’t have a say. They’ll have to let you in.”
There were doubts, of course. Daisy was very much like her mother. Even she questioned whether it was wise to visit people who clearly stated they couldn’t have company.
“They might not want to, but they’ll find a way,” her mother seemed to read her mind. “I can see you’re doubtful. You want a break, don’t you? Take it. Besides, it’s not just about you. Emma and Alex want a little relaxation too, as does your husband. So don’t hesitate. Once you arrive, they’ll have no choice.”
“Alright.”
Everything had been organized. That’s why her mother managed to convince Daisy. Daisy didn’t deny that this arrangement suited her. They needed it, and the others would endure somehow.
***
Standing in front of the impressive door to Laura and Nick’s flat, with all their luggage, Daisy dialed the number. Why hadn’t anyone opened the door yet?
“Hello, where are you?” Daisy asked straightaway, pressing the doorbell again.
“Hi there, what do you mean? We’re just getting ready to head out fishing.”
“Fishing? There isn’t even a river nearby.”
“Of course, there is. There’s a river and a lake. A great hotel there. Exactly what we planned. And there’s an entertainment program in the evening.”
“You’re not home?”
“Laura mentioned it to you. I was there. Yes, I distinctly remember.”
Of course, Daisy remembered. She just hadn’t thought it was true.
“We came to visit you. We’re standing at your door. What should we do now that you invited us and then left?”
“Sorry, but we never actually invited you.”
“What’s the difference? We’re here now.”
“Find a hotel. Sorry, but we definitely told you we couldn’t host.”
Daisy didn’t continue the conversation. She was convinced that Laura and Nick had acted unfairly.
