Why are you visiting? I don’t even remember you!
– Good afternoon, Mary!
– Hello! Mary answered, a bit surprised. The number wasn’t saved, and the voice wasn’t familiar, but they addressed her by name.
– It’s Aunt Lisa from Brighton, Andy’s aunt. We couldn’t make it to your wedding, but now that things have calmed down, we’ve decided to visit and meet the new family.
Mary was caught off guard and didn’t know what to say. She hadn’t known Andy had an aunt in Brighton. The wedding had been over a year ago, and this missing aunt was never mentioned.
– You might have called the wrong number.
– Are you Mary?
– Yes, but I’ve never heard of Andy’s aunt in Brighton.
– Andy Nicolson, your husband?
– Yes, he’s my husband.
– And I’m his aunt.
– It’s nice that you’re his aunt, but there’s no need to visit.
– Why not?
– We’re not working and not having guests right now.
– What hospitality! I wasn’t expecting that…
– Sorry, I can’t talk right now.
With that, Mary ended the call. She was not one to be easily intimidated and always stood her ground.
– Visitors are the last thing we need. I’ll ask Andy about the Brighton aunt at home. – She decided, and carried on with her tasks.
In the evening, Andy’s mother called.
– Hello, Mary! We haven’t seen you around lately.
– Hello, Irene! I’ll stop by tomorrow; I bought you some groceries and vitamins.
– Thank you, dear. We have everything we need. We just miss you. Did Elizabeth call you?
– A woman called, said she was Andy’s aunt, wants to visit. I told her it’s not a good time for us.
– She called me too, complained that you were rude.
– Irene, would I ever be rude? You know me.
– That’s exactly why I know… – replied her mother-in-law sarcastically.
– I’m driving now. Let’s talk tomorrow.
Mary didn’t get along with her mother-in-law at first.
Andy grew up in a military family. His father, Peter, was strict, teaching his son discipline. In his presence, Andy behaved well. But Peter was often away on assignments and business trips.
Without his father around, Andy was unruly.
His mother’s constant monitoring frustrated him greatly. The more she protected him, the more he acted out, skipping school and missing sports. His mother didn’t complain to Peter, knowing the punishment would be severe, she pitied her son.
Even as an adult, Andy remained under his mother’s supervision. She called him several times a day and could meet him after work, pretending she was just passing by.
All of Andy’s friends were getting married, and as he approached thirty, his mother worried her handsome, smart son would stay single.
She even started considering friends’ daughters as potential brides, but Andy just joked about it, and the women didn’t line up, despite his charms.
The awaited moment arrived. Andy announced he’d introduce them to his fiancée over the weekend.
His father approved of his choice, but his mother wasn’t impressed. Irene had always run the family, and men deferred to her.
Married into a military family, Mary realized her mother-in-law couldn’t be controlled. Watching how much Andy adored Mary, Irene saw her as a rival.
Mary was confident, needed no advice, and if there were disputes, Andy sided with his wife.
They lived in Andy’s apartment, bought with his parents’ help before the wedding.
Initially, his mother would show up unannounced to check on things, but Mary firmly stated:
– Please don’t come without notice or when we’re not home, or we’ll have to change the locks.
– This apartment is not just his, but ours. We helped buy it. I have a right to visit anytime.
– May I ask why? What is there to do here?
His mother was at a loss. To claim she was checking cleanliness seemed odd, and Mary continued.
– I am the mistress of this home as your son’s wife. Respect my conditions. The keys are for emergencies, not to come anytime in our absence.
– I’m his mother; we provided for him. You entered a furnished home…
Mary interrupted.
– You raised him – thank you! But my husband brought me here, and as his wife, I run this home. I won’t accept any other terms.
Andy stood by his wife, and though his mother was upset, they ignored it. After sulking for a few weeks, she relented.
She no longer used her key and informed Mary before visiting. Mary always welcomed her warmly with tea or a glass of wine.
At first, her mother-in-law commented on untidiness or lack of prep, but Mary never took offense. She would joke or offer help.
– Sorry, I’ve been buried at work. If it’s uncomfortable, feel free to tidy up; I won’t mind as I need a rest.
– What’s going on? No food prepared? What do you eat?
– There’s food in the fridge. Whoever’s hungry first cooks. Help yourself.
Their relationship improved, and they became friends. The mother-in-law enjoyed visiting with treats.
Mary and Andy occasionally visited her for dinner, bringing groceries. Peter, retired, continued working, but Irene needed attention.
– What should I bring? I’m driving; no need for you to carry bags.
This time, Mary visited her mother-in-law. They dined together, and she sent homemade dishes for Andy, relieving Mary of kitchen duties at home. Naturally, the conversation turned to the aunt.
– What did Aunt Lisa say?
– She wanted to visit. I told her now isn’t right.
– You did right. How did she get your number?
– Beats me.
– She called me again. She’s my cousin. We hardly speak. She’s had a tough life, several failed marriages. Now she lives in Sussex, remarried. They have a home, garden, animals. Her daughter plans to attend university this year.
– And what does that have to do with us?
– She wants to meet. Only has her daughter, and worries about her. Wants someone to look after her.
– So she wants her daughter to stay with us.
– It feels wrong not to help family.
– What’s wrong? When did you last speak? Does Andy even remember them? Do you have their address? – Mary continued without waiting for a reply. – Let’s not seek trouble. I’ve never heard of them.
Bidding farewell to her mother-in-law, Mary left. At home, she told Andy about the call. He barely reacted, and soon they forgot about it.
A week passed; it was Saturday. No plans for the weekend; they intended to rest and sleep in. In the afternoon, the doorbell rang.
Mary was in the kitchen at the time, and Andy was reluctant to get up from the sofa.
– Are you expecting someone?
– No! Open the door; my hands are busy.
– Why open it if we expect no one? – Andy grumbled but went to answer.
Three stood at the door. Andy guessed it was Aunt Lisa and her family, barely recognizing her as he’d been young at their last meeting.
– You weren’t expecting us, but we arrived. – She announced cheerfully, stepping inside with bags, while a man went down for more items.
– Indeed, we weren’t expecting anyone today. – Mary said flatly. She watched them for a moment, glancing at her husband. Reluctantly, she invited the guests in.
– Well, come in, dear guests. – She said, with a hint of sarcasm. – I presume you’re Aunt Lisa.
– Yes, Elizabeth, and this is my daughter Sophie and husband Max. Don’t worry, we’re not staying long.
Mary let them freshen up and invited them to the table, noting uninvited visits aren’t the best manners.
– As you weren’t expected, and nothing’s prepared, make do with what’s in the fridge.
– Oh, we’ve brought plenty. Our own produce, all homemade.
Aunt Lisa busied herself, unpacking bags, spreading food, cheeses, and cured meats on the table. The aroma of homemade delicacies filled the room. Jars of honey, jam, and dried fruits followed.
– So much! We can’t eat it all, and there’s no space to store it.
– Share with your parents. Your stock’s all store-bought. This is homemade, no chemicals. Jams and pickles are fine outside the fridge.
As Mary and guests sorted through the bags, Andy called his parents. They were on their way. Aunt Lisa explained:
– We’re not just here to meet relatives. Sophie graduates this year, hopes to enter university, and wanted to meet family. With so many possibilities, it’s wise to know relatives should issues arise. She’ll stay in university housing. She’s a fine girl.
Soon the awkwardness faded. Elizabeth was charming; Andy and Max got along. His parents arrived.
The gathering turned into a joyful family affair. They reminisced, recounted their histories and updates on others. Elizabeth talked nostalgically of her childhood home.
– I wish to visit my hometown. It’s been ages. Most are likely city-bound by now.
His mother-in-law invited them to stay at her place, as it would be cramped otherwise. They agreed that Sophie would remain with the young ones while the adults headed to her place. On Sunday, Mary and Andy took Sophie on a walk around London, showing her the Tower of London, Big Ben, and Hyde Park.
Monday morning, Aunt Lisa and her husband collected Sophie. Mary and Andy saw them off and hurried to work. A new workweek began.
After work, Mary and Andy discussed the surprise visit. She thought it odd they stayed with them instead of his mother.
– Lovely people; I’m glad we met. Why hadn’t you been in touch for so long?
– Not sure, mum would know. I was in second grade when Aunt Lisa and little Sophie visited.
– We were invited to visit. We could go this summer, drive to the coast and stop at theirs for a few days on the way. On the return, pick up Sophie for university. Hope she gets in.
Sophie got into the university. She stayed briefly before moving to the dorms. Occasionally stopping by to visit, Mary and Andy had to postpone their seaside trip – they were expecting a new addition to the family.
