Were moving into your flat
You know, Emilys got a lovely flat right in the city centre. Freshly done up honestly, you could just move in and be happy!
Yeah, but its only really good for a single girl, Tom said to Susan with that patronising half-smile, as though she was a child. But were thinking two, or preferably three kids. Back to back.
The city centre is noisy, theres barely any air, nowhere to park, and, to top it off, just two bedrooms. Here, youve got three, a nice quiet street, and theres a nursery right in the cul-de-sac!
It is a good area, Paul agreed, still not quite sure where his future son-in-law was headed with all this. Thats why we settled here.
Exactly! Tom clicked his fingers like he was closing a business deal. I keep telling Emily why squeeze into a shoebox when theres a perfect solution already ready and waiting?
I mean, the three of you, with your daughter, this place is too big really. One whole room just collects dust, like a glorified storeroom! Itd be ideal for us.
Susan was right then trying to wedge the carpet cleaner into the annoyingly narrow hallway cupboard. The thing was being a nightmare, caught on coat hangers and refusing to fit inside.
Paul, could you come here and help? she called into the living room. Either the cupboards shrunk or Ive forgotten how to fold things.
Paul peeked round the bathroom door, wiping his hands from fixing the tap. Calm and a bit slow to react, he was the utter opposite of his energetic wife.
Alright, Susie, lets sort it, he said. He repositioned the stubborn machine and slid it effortlessly into a corner of the cupboard.
Susan let out a huge sigh and leaned against the doorframe.
Tell me, why do we never have enough space? Three bedrooms, plenty of flat, but every time we clean up it feels like we should be dragging our stuff out to the street.
Thats because youre a hoarder at heart, Paul teased. Why do we need three tea sets? We only use one, twice a year at best.
Theyre family, they stay, she huffed. This was my grans after all.
When they got married, Pauls parents split their inheritance fairly: he got this roomy three-bed flat in a peaceful neighbourhood, the one that used to be Nans, and his sister Emily got the smaller two-bed, but smack in the fancy part of the city. Money-wise it all worked out about even. For five years, things had been really easy between them, not a hint of envy.
Susan honestly thought itd always be like that but then
***
Once theyd finished cleaning and managed to wrestle the place into order, they flopped down for a breather. No sooner had the TV flicked on, there was a knock at the door.
Paul went to check.
Your sister and her fiancé have come by, he told Susan after a glance through the peephole.
Emily floated through the door first, Tom lumbering in behind her. Susan had only met him a handful of times Emily met him about six months ago, probably at that gym of hers. Susan never liked Tom, found him a bit pompous and snooty. The way he looked at both her and Paul always with a touch of disdain.
Hey! Emily kissed her brother on the cheek, gave Susan a big hug. We were passing and thought wed pop in. Weve got news!
Come on through, then. News is always good, Paul said, motioning them all to the kitchen. Tea?
Just water, thanks, Tom followed Paul into the kitchen. Because actually, Paul, we need a proper chat.
They werent just passing by. Tom had an agenda and had brought all the seriousness of a job interview to their kitchen table.
No need to fuss, honestly keep the kettle turned off. Just take a seat.
Susan felt uneasy straight away. She didnt like Toms tone one bit what was going on?
Out with it, then, Paul said, shrugging.
Emily pretended she wasnt even there, scrolling through her phone and making sure Tom took centre stage.
Tom cleared his throat.
Well, heres the thing. Me and Emily have given notice weddings in three months. You know, Im really serious about building a family a proper, long-lasting one. So, we got talking about where wed live Well move in here, and you lot can swap over to Emilys flat.
Susan just stared at him, mouth open in utter disbelief. She looked to Paul, then to Emily, who just carried on scrolling as if the conversation was about someone else.
Am I missing something here, Tom? Pauls eyebrows drew together.
Im not trying to be subtle Im being proactive! Lets just swap! Simple.
Well move here, you three can have Emilys place.
Ems on board, Tom said, sounding far too pleased with himself. Its only fair.
Susan nearly shouted.
Fair? Are you being serious right now, Tom? Youve come into our home, suggesting we up sticks and move out just because youve decided you want a bigger family?
Come on, Susan, theres no need to be melodramatic. Tom winced, as if it was beneath him. You two have one daughter and, as far as I know, thats all youre planning on. So why hold onto all this extra space? Doesnt add up. But weve got plans, a real future on the horizon.
Oh, your future, how could we forget, Susan shot up from her chair. Paul, are you listening to this nonsense?
Paul raised a hand to calm her down.
Tom, you do realise our parents left this place to me, and Emilys place to her? We spent years doing it up every last detail is ours. Our daughters settled here, shes got her own room, her mates in the playground.
And you think well just move out to the city centre because its more convenient for you two?
Paul, mate, dont get huffy, Tom lounged back, as if having a pint with the lads. Were family, arent we? Dont you care about Emilys future? I mean, youre hardly losing out youd have a flat in the top part of town! Probably worth even more, actually.
Paul just laughed. Youre not even married to my sister yet and youre already after my flat?
Emily finally tore her eyes from her phone.
Oh, stop it, both of you, she whined. Tom just wants whats best.
Well be tripping over each other in my little place if we ever have kids. Youve got a hallway here big enough for a five-a-side football match.
Mum always said, family comes first. Dont you remember, Paul?
Mum was talking about helping each other, Susan snapped. Not turfed-out relatives! Emily, seriously, do you hear yourself? Your Toms way out of line.
Whats wrong with what hes saying? Emily batted her lashes, genuinely puzzled. Hes only being practical. The spare rooms a waste.
Its NOT a spare! Susan nearly shouted. Thats my study! I work there. Or have you forgotten?
Oh, working, Tom snorted. Posting pictures online? Emily said its just a hobby. You could do that on the kitchen table no need to pretend youre CEO.
Paul slowly stood up.
Alright. Thats it. Conversations over. Please see yourselves out.
Paul, whats your problem? Tom didnt even try to get up. We came to chat like grown-ups. Family.
What, really? Youve come here asking for my flat, disrespecting my wife and you think youre entitled to decide where my daughter should live?
Got any shame at all?
Theres no shame in being realistic, Paul! Susan came and stood by him. All Toms done is count the rooms! Hes barely given you a ring and hes carving up the assets.
Emily, you do realise this? One day hell chuck you out of your own place, too.
Dont talk about him like that! Emily shouted. Tom cares about me! Cares about our future!
And you two, youre just stingy. Sat here clutching your precious flat like old bats in a belfry. You call yourself family?
No, the greedy one here is your future hubby, Paul said, pointing at the door. Let me be perfectly clear: out. Both of you. And forget the whole swap thing. If you bring it up again, thats it, were done.
Tom finally stood, straightened his collar, his face all irritation and not the slightest hint of regret.
Youre making a mistake, Paul. I thought we could sort this like grown-ups, but if youre that stubborn
Emily, lets go.
When the door shut behind them, Susan collapsed onto the sofa, shaking.
Did you see that? Did you? Where do people get the nerve? Who does he even think he is?
Paul was silent, stood by the window, watching Tom strut across the front garden, barking at Emily as he opened the car door for her.
You know what really stings? he finally said. Emily honestly thinks hes right.
Shes always been a bit away with the fairies, but this?
Hes got into her head! Susan sprang up. We have to call your mum and dad. They should know what sort of bright idea their son-in-laws cooking up.
Hang on, Paul said, reaching for his phone. Ill call Emily first just her, without that peacock listening in.
He dialled. The rings went on and on, until finally Emily picked up, sniffling.
Hello? she muttered.
Emily, listen to me carefully, Paul said, voice hard. Are you in the car with him?
Does it matter?
If hes with you, put me on speaker. I want him to hear this too.
Im not. He dropped me at the flat and drove off. Needed to cool down because apparently my family are selfish gits.
Paul, why are you lot like this? He just wants everything to be right for us
Emily! Wake up he was trying to wheedle our flat off me! Dont you see? Your place is your inheritance. Hes already acting like its his to give away. Did he mention any of this before we sat down?
There was silence down the line.
No, Emily finally whispered. He said he had a surprise plan to make everything better.
Some surprise. Hes deciding your future and mine without even asking. You do realise what kind of man youre about to marry? What happens after the flat? Will your car not be big enough? Next hell want Mum and Dad to sign their cottage over, because he needs fresh air.
Dont say that Emilys voice wobbled. He loves me.
If he did, he wouldnt be causing all this hassle. Hes putting us all at each others throats! Susans still reeling cant you see hes trying to drive a wedge between us?
Ill talk to him, Emily mumbled.
Do. And have a proper think before you walk down that aisle.
Paul hung up and tossed his phone down.
What did she say? Susan asked quietly.
She had no clue. Apparently Tom was planning it as a nice surprise.
Susan gave a bitter laugh.
Typical walks in like lord of the manor, sorting out square footage and people like chess pieces. Its disgusting.
Its alright, Paul put his arm round her shoulders. Were not giving up this place, not for anyone. But I do feel sorry for Emily. Shes going to get burned.
***
Pauls and Susans worst fears didnt come true there was never a wedding. Tom dropped Emily that same evening. Emily turned up at her brothers, mascara streaked, eyes swollen red, and told them what happened.
Tom had come over, packed up his stuff, and when Emily begged him to explain, he declared he had no intention of marrying into a family so stingy.
Said he didnt want relatives like you lot, she sobbed. He said you wouldnt even babysit the kids when we need a break. Wouldnt lend us money if we needed it.
Susan was outraged. Honestly, Em, youre well shot of him! You couldnt have relied on him for anything always out for himself. Good riddance!
Emily was devastated at first, but gradually she got over it.
Later, she couldnt believe she hadnt seen right through him sooner. Thank goodness she never married him; her life would have been misery. Guess fate knew best.
