Are we really going to celebrate New Year at your cottage? Claire asked, clutching the set of keys.
Why bother travelling out there? The two of us could ring in the year perfectly at home. Besides, weve got a big familythree kids. Theyll need something to keep them busy during the holidays! Laura snapped, her irritation barely concealed. Do you even realise what its like living with three youngsters?
I have no idea, Claire replied evenly. Mike and I havent even thought about children yet. First we need a roof over our heads and a steady job, then maybe well talk about starting a family.
Come off it! Greg and I never planned anything like that! Laura retorted.
Then youre living off child benefit, Claire pointed out. Greg hops from one temporary gig to anotherno stability at all. I dont want a life like that.
Thats our business. Dont count other peoples money! Laura barked. So, where are the cottage keys?
No, Claire said firmly. Weve already arranged to spend New Years there with friends.
Fine, then renegotiate! If you dont hand over the keys nicely, Ill call Mike and tell him how youre treating me, Laura threatened.
Go ahead, Ill take as many calls as you like, Claire smiled thinly.
Laura pulled a sour face and stalked out of the flat.
***
The cottage that Laura had set her sights on had been left to Claire by her grandmother. The old lady, Evelyn Hughes, was well into her eighties, so Claires parents insisted Evelyn stay in the city under their watchful eye all year round.
The cottage was, in fact, a proper country house with all modern comforts. Five years earlier the Hughes family had added an extension to create a bathroom for Evelyn and even fitted a central heating system.
Evelyn had stubbornly refused to move to the city, but as her health faded she began to ponder the idea of a move. She gave a strict order not to sell the house and to look after the garden so no tree suffered from the frost.
Claire asked her parents to let her mind the property. She remembered spending her childhood summers at her grandmothers, some of the brightest, happiest moments of her life.
With Mikes blessing, Claire set out to give the house a cosmetic overhaul: new wallpaper, fresh paint on the ceilings, modern chandeliers, and a few pieces of contemporary furniture.
It cost a fair bit of money and effort, but the result was a cosy home that could host weekend getaways any time of year. So the young couple, without a second thought, invited their friends over for a New Years gathering.
Then Laura appeared, demanding that Claire surrender the house to her. She claimed it was only right that the younger brother, Mike, should defer to his older sister. Claire couldnt see how her grandmothers cottage fit into that logic, and she felt no guilt about refusing.
***
Lauras face flushed with anger. Instead of calling her younger brother, she stormed into his office. Mike was halfway through a report when his sister burst in, drawing the eyes of every colleague.
Mike! she shouted, her voice echoing off the cubicle walls. We need to talk, now!
Keep it down, Mike snapped, waving a hand. People are working here. Lets step into the smoking room.
Mike lit a cigarette, already sensing that his sisters visit would bring trouble.
What do you want? he asked curtly.
I want the keys to your cottage! Laura demanded.
What cottage? Mike replied, confused. You mean the country house out in the Cotswolds?
Yes, that one, Laura said, pursing her lips. Ive already mapped out my New Years plans. You need to speak to your wife and get those keys from her.
Even if I could, I wouldnt, Mike retorted, his tone heated. How dare you make such a demand? Its the twentyfifth of Decemberpeople usually give a headsup about their plans!
You dont get to lecture me, you petty Laura snapped.
Were only five years apart, Mike tried to reason. If it mattered when we were kids, it doesnt now. My breaks over, you should head home.
Laura left, more disgruntled than when shed entered, but she wasnt about to give up.
***
On the morning of 31December Claire rushed from shop to shop, while Mikes shift drew to a close. He promised hed be free after lunch, yet Claire still felt a gnawing worry.
Fortunately everything fell into place. By six oclock the couple arrived at the cottage, carrying boxes and supplies. They needed a little effort to get the water running again, but by nine the guests began to trickle in, ready to set the table, fire up the barbie and usher out the old year.
Mike, I think someones just turned up, Claire noted, smiling. Probably Emma and Peter, early to help. Theyre always punctual!
Ill go greet them, Mike replied.
Claire beamed, her heart swelling with the joy of finally having the celebration shed always imaginedoutdoors, surrounded by close friends.
Mike threw on his parka and stepped into the courtyard. As he opened the gate, a sudden burst of colour caught his eye.
Hey, brother! Laura cried, rushing forward to plant kisses on both his cheeks. Happy New Year!
Mike stood stunned while Greg shuffled his luggage out of the car, Laura chattering about the party, but Mike could barely process her sudden appearance.
Finally, shaking his head, he managed:
What are you doing here? We sorted this weeks ago!
Its your decision, not mine, Laura said, arching an eyebrow. I never said Id agree.
Mike, whats the holdup? Claire asked, stepping forward, surprised to see her husbands sister.
Laura? she repeated, bewildered.
Yes! Laura declared proudly. Things dont always go the way you want, she added smugly.
As Greg tried to haul a sack of firewood inside, Mike lunged and grabbed his arm.
Youre not coming in, he growled.
Laura, helping the children unbuckle their seatbelts, heard the harsh tone aimed at her brother and rushed to intervene.
Let go of Greg this instant! she roared.
I wont, Mike replied, his voice rising. Everyone, pack up and leave now!
What did you say? Laura sneered, snapping at him.
You heard me! Mike shot back.
Were not going anywhere, Laura said haughtily. Weve got a whole car full of kids.
I love my nephews, but theyll have to spend New Years elsewhere, Mike said, cold. Youre not getting in.
Maybe youll call the police? Laura quipped sarcastically.
Id have to if it werent New Years Eve, Claire interjected, trying to defuse the tension. Youd better step back, or my friends husbandhes a boxerwill make sure you dont get past the gate.
Laura laughed derisively. Is that a threat?
Not a threat, Mike said, his tone deadly. Its a warning. Leave now.
Claire, standing beside Mike, swung the gate shut, refusing to let the unwelcome guests in. Laura and Greg had no choice but to drive home, where Laura turned the car into a fullon rant.
You could have at least pushed him aside! she shouted. What a weakling!
They returned to a house theyd been living in for years, where their mother, Evelyn Hughes, still resented her sons marriage after five long years of silence.
From now on Im cutting off Mike too, Laura declared, flinging her coat onto the armchair.
What? Evelyn asked, squinting.
You drove us off the cottage. Can you imagine? And your daughterinlaw, she wanted to call the police like we were thieves!
Thats why I stopped speaking to him, Evelyn muttered. Remember when I tried to move in with them, and they complained there was only a onebedroom flat? They said thered be no room for the kids!
Enough, Mum, Claire whispered, trying to keep the peace.
The children continued to rush about, while Laura and Evelyn sipped champagne and watched The Irony of Fate on the telly, and Greg clattered around the kitchen.
Meanwhile, Claire and Mike awaited the arrival of the rest of their friends and prepared for the midnight toast. Laughter, music and glowing faces filled the night.
Claire slipped a hand into Mikes, pulling him away from the crowd.
I need to tell you something, she whispered.
She handed him a photo of an ultrasound scan.
Youre serious? Mike asked, eyes widening. Were having a baby?
Exactly, Claire said, nodding, her smile radiant.
Mike pulled her into a tight embrace, planting a kiss on her forehead.
This is the best New Years present ever, he said, his voice soft with wonder.
