We were all set to ring in New Year at your countryside cottage, I told Mikes sister, Sophie, as I popped over for the keys.
Why bother with the cottage? You two can have a lovely New Year at home, I said. But weve got a big clanthree kids. They need something to do over the holidays! Sophie snapped, clearly annoyed. Can you imagine living with three little ones?
I cant, I replied calmly. Mike and I havent even thought about kids yet. First we need a place of our own and steady jobs, then maybe a family later.
Youre not planning anything with us, are you? Sophie huffed.
Looks like youre living off child benefits, I pointed out. Toms bouncing from one gig to another, no stability. Im not keen on that life.
Thats none of your business. Dont count other peoples money! Sophie roared. So, hand over the cottage keys?
No way, I said firmly. Weve already booked a New Years gathering there with friends.
Then sort it out! If you dont give me the keys nicely, Ill call Mike and tell him how rude youre being, she threatened.
Go ahead, say as much as you like, I smiled.
Sophie made a sour face and stalked out of the flat.
***
The cottage Sophies eyes were on had actually been left to me by my nan, Margaret Clarke. Shes well into her years, so my parents insisted that Margaret stay in town under their watch all year round.
The place isnt just a cottage in nameits a proper country house with all the comforts. Five years ago my parents added an extension to make a bathroom for Nan, and they even installed a conditioner.
Nan hated the idea of moving to the city, but as her health started to wane she began to think about it. She made it clear the house wasnt for sale and that the garden should be looked after, so no tree suffered the frost.
I asked my parents to let me mind the place. I still remember spending my summer holidays there as a kid; those were some of the brightest memories of my childhood.
After persuading Mike, I set about giving the house a cosmetic facelift: fresh wallpaper, new paint on the ceilings, swapping out old chandeliers, and bringing in a few modern pieces of furniture.
We put a decent amount of time and money into it, but now the place is cozy enough to spend a weekend any time of year. So, without a second thought, we invited friends over for New Years.
Then Sophie showed up, demanding I hand the house over to her. She said it was proper because Mikes the younger brother and should bow to his older sister. I couldnt see how my nans cottage was any of her business, and I felt no guilt in refusing.
***
Sophie flushed with anger. Instead of calling her little brother, she turned up at his office. Mike was initially baffled when, in the middle of the workday, his sister burst into his department.
Sophie! Whats the hurry? she shouted, drawing the attention of everyone nearby. We need to talk, now!
Quiet down, Mike snapped, people are working here. Lets step into the smokers spot.
He lit a cigarette, already sensing trouble.
What do you want? he asked shortly.
I want the keys to your cottage! Sophie demanded.
The cottage? Mike was confused. Oh, you mean the country house?
Yes, exactly that, she said, pursing her lips. Ive already planned my New Years festivities, so you need to talk to your wife and get those keys from her, she added, crossing her arms.
Even if I could, I wouldnt do it. How dare you make such a demand? Its December 25thnormal people tell each other their plans well in advance!
Dont lecture me, youre being petty! Sophie snapped.
Were only five years apart! If it mattered when we were kids, it doesnt now, Mike tried to reason. My breaks over, you should head home.
Sophie left even more disgruntled, but she wasnt giving up.
***
On the morning of December 31, I was darting between shops while Mike wrapped up his last workday of the year. He kept saying hed be free after lunch and wed make it, but I was still a bit nervous.
Everything went according to plan, and by six that evening we were driving out to the village. We had to do a bit of a shuffle to get the house ready, and by nine the guests started gathering, ready to set the table, grill some kebabs, and usher in the old year.
Mike, looks like someones pulling up, I noted. Probably Emma and Jack decided to come early to help. Theyre always on time!
Ill go greet them and help with the luggage, Mike replied.
Great, I beamed, feeling the excitement building. Finally, New Years was shaping up just the way Id always imagined: fresh air, good friends, and a cosy fire.
Mike threw on his winter coat and stepped outside. As he opened the gate, he froze.
Hey, little brother! Sophie shouted, rushing forward to plant kisses on both cheeks. Happy New Year!
It took him a moment to recover from the shock. While Tom unloaded the boot, Sophie chattered about the party, but Mike was still trying to process her sudden appearance.
Finally, he shook his head and said, What are you doing here? We sorted this out weeks ago!
You know, Sophie raised an eyebrow, you decided, and I never said Id be on board.
Mike, whats the holdup? Laura, my sisterinlaw, asked, looking surprised to see Sophie.
Yes, I answered proudly. Things dont always go the way you expect, Sophie added smugly.
Just as Tom tried to bring the first batch of bags in, Mike slapped his hand away.
Youre not getting inside, he barked.
While Sophie helped the kids unbuckle their seat belts, she heard Mikes harsh tone and lunged at him.
Let Tom in, now! she roared.
I wont, Mike replied. Pack up and get out of here right now!
What did you just say? Sophie asked, snatching his arm.
You heard me!
Were not leaving, she declared haughtily. Weve got a whole car full of kids.
I love my nieces and nephews, but theyll have to celebrate somewhere else tonight, Mike said. You wont get into the house, he added threateningly.
Maybe youll call the police? Sophie retorted sarcastically.
Id, if it werent New Years Eve, Laura cut in. Better you all leave peacefully, or my friends boxerboyfriend will turn uphe wont let anyone in.
You think youre threatening me? Sophie sneered.
No, Im actually threatening you. Get out! Laura ordered.
Mike and I shut the gate, keeping the unwanted guests out. Sophie and Tom had no choice but to drive back home, and on the way she let loose on Tom, shouting, Couldnt you have pushed him harder? What a mess!
They ended up back at their house, where their mother, Evelyn Clarke, lived. Shed barely spoken to Mike since his wedding five years ago.
Now Im cutting off contact with Mike too, Sophie told her mother, tossing her coat onto a chair.
What? Evelyn asked, squinting.
You kicked us out of the cottage. Can you believe it? she fumed. And his new wifeshe even tried to call the police as if we were thieves.
Thats why I dont see him, Evelyn replied. Remember when I wanted to move in with them and they said there was only a onebedroom flat? Theyd have us cramped with the kids!
Oh, stop it, Mum! Lauras ruined our Mike.
The kids kept bustling about, while Sophie and Evelyn popped champagne and watched Love Actually on TV. Meanwhile, Tom was busy whipping up something in the kitchen.
Back at the cottage, Laura and Mike finally had their guests, and the New Years mood was in full swinglaughter, jokes, and smiling faces all around. I slipped a moment away from the crowd, tugged Mike aside, and whispered, Ive got something to tell you.
I handed him an ultrasound photo.
Are you serious? he asked, eyes widening. Were having a baby?
Yes, I nodded, grinning.
Mike pulled me close, planted a kiss on my forehead, and said, Thats the best New Years present we could ask for.
