Why visit us when I don’t even remember you?
“Hello, it’s Aunt Liz from Bristol, John’s aunt. We missed your wedding and now, having settled our affairs, we decided to visit and meet the new family members.”
Mary was caught off guard. She wasn’t aware John had an aunt in Bristol. It had been over a year since their wedding, and this aunt had never been mentioned.
“You must have the wrong number.”
“Are you Mary?”
“Yes, but I’ve never heard of an aunt of John’s in Bristol.”
“Is John Smith your husband?”
“Yes, he is.”
“Well, I’m his aunt.”
“That’s nice, but you really don’t need to visit.”
“Why not?”
“We’re very busy and not entertaining guests.”
“This hospitality is quite unexpected…”
“Sorry, but I don’t have time to talk.”
With that, Mary ended the call. She was a strong-willed young woman, never afraid to stand her ground.
“Just what we need, unexpected guests. I’ll ask John about his so-called aunt when I get home,” she decided, and went back to her chores.
That evening, her mother-in-law called.
“Hello Mary, we haven’t seen you in a while.”
“Hello, Sarah. I’ll come by tomorrow, bring you some groceries and I’ve got vitamins for you.”
“Thank you, dear. We miss you. Did Elizabeth call you?”
“A woman did ring me, claiming to be John’s aunt, wanting to visit. I told her now wasn’t a good time for guests.”
“She called me too, complained that you were rude.”
“Sarah, would I be rude? You know me.”
“Exactly,” her mother-in-law remarked sarcastically.
“I’m driving right now. Let’s talk tomorrow.”
Mary and Sarah didn’t get along at first.
John grew up in a military family. His father, Captain Richard, was a strict man who instilled discipline into his son. When his father was around, John was on his best behavior. But due to his job, Richard was often away on assignments.
Without his father, John was a troublemaker.
His mother’s constant oversight frustrated him. The more she mothered, the more rebellious he became, skipping school, and sports. His mother kept it from Richard, knowing his punishment would be harsh.
Even as an adult, John remained under his mother’s watchful eye. She called him several times a day, sometimes meeting him from work, pretending to be passing by.
All his friends were married, and as his thirties loomed, his mother worried her handsome son would stay a bachelor.
She even started matchmaking, suggesting daughters of friends, much to John’s amusement. The girls, though charmed by John, weren’t eager to queue up.
Finally, he announced that he would introduce his fiancée at the weekend.
His father approved, but his mother was displeased. Sarah was used to having the final say at home, expecting the men to comply.
Observing Mary’s self-assured demeanor, Sarah realized she couldn’t control her. Seeing John’s loving and caring behavior towards Mary, she felt threatened.
Mary’s confidence meant she didn’t need advice, and if a dispute arose, John sided with her.
They lived in John’s apartment, bought with his parents’ help before the wedding.
Initially, Sarah would drop by unannounced to inspect the house. Firm words from Mary soon stopped this.
“It’s inappropriate to come over without notice, or when we’re out. We’ll have to take away your keys or change the locks.”
“This apartment isn’t just your husband’s; we helped him buy it. I have the right to visit whenever.”
“For what purpose?” Mary asked calmly.
Caught off guard, Sarah couldn’t say she was there to check cleanliness. Mary continued.
“I’m the lady of this house by right of being your son’s wife. Please respect my rules. Your keys are for emergencies only, not casual visits.”
“I’m his mother; we raised and provided for him. You came into this readymade home…”
Mary interjected.
“Thank you for raising him. But my husband brought me here, and as his wife, I’m in charge. I won’t accept other arrangements.”
John backed his wife, and though his mother was hurt, they paid no heed. Sarah was miffed for a few weeks but eventually adapted.
She never used her key again, visiting only when Mary was home, after calling first. Mary would warmly welcome her with tea or a glass of wine.
Initially, Sarah criticized any untidiness, but Mary never took offense, turning remarks into jokes or offers of help.
“Sorry, I’ve been swamped at work. If it’s bothering you, feel free to tidy up. I’d love a break.”
“Is there nothing prepared? What do you eat?”
“Fridge is stocked. Whoever’s hungry first cooks. Help yourself.”
Gradually, their relationship improved, and they eventually formed a bond. Sarah would visit happily with treats.
Mary and John would visit Sarah for dinner, bringing supplies. After retiring, Richard continued to work, and Sarah craved attention.
“What can I bring you? I’m driving, why carry bags?”
Once again, Mary visited her mother-in-law, dining together. She packed a meal for John to save Mary from cooking later. Naturally, the discussion returned to the aunt.
“What did Aunt Liz say?”
“She wanted to visit. I told her we’re quite busy.”
“You’re right. How did she get your number?”
“No idea.”
“She called me again. My cousin. We barely talk. Had a tough time, a divorce, second marriage failed. Now she’s in Devon, remarried, got a house, garden, livestock. Her daughter wants to study at university this year.”
“And what’s that to us?”
“She’d like to meet. Her only daughter, she worries. Wants someone reliable around.”
“Sounds like she wants to dump her daughter on us.”
“It’s hard not to help family.”
“When did you last speak? John barely remembers them. Do you even have their address?” Without waiting for a response, Mary continued. “Let’s not invite trouble. I’ve never heard of her before now.”
Parting from Sarah, Mary headed home and told John about the call. He showed little interest, and the matter was forgotten, but not over.
A week later, Saturday dawned with no plans but resting up. The doorbell rang in the afternoon.
Mary was in the kitchen, John reluctant to leave the couch.
“Expecting anyone?”
“No! Can you get it? My hands are messy.”
“Why bother if we’re not expecting anyone?” John grumbled, going to answer.
On the doorstep stood three people. John guessed it was Aunt Liz and her family. He barely recalled her from childhood visits.
“We came despite being unexpected.” She cheerfully entered the house with bags, her husband returning downstairs for more things.
“Indeed, we weren’t expecting anyone today,” said Mary gloomily, glancing at her husband. Left with no choice, she welcomed them.
“Well, unexpected guests, come on in.” Sarcasm laced her voice. “You’re Aunt Liz, I presume.”
“Yes, Elizabeth Johnson, my daughter Claire, and my husband Sam. Don’t worry, we’re just here for a short stay.”
Mary let them freshen up and then invited them to the table, pointing out that arriving uninvited was impolite.
“We’re unprepared, so make do with whatever’s in the fridge.”
“We have plenty too. We’ve brought some homemade goodies.”
Aunt Liz bustled, unpacking bags of food, cheeses, and sausages. The kitchen filled with the scent of home-cured meat. More bags held honey, jam, and dried fruits.
“Such a lot! We can’t possibly store or eat all this.”
“Share with your parents. Shop-bought isn’t the same as homemade. Jams and preserves are fine outside the fridge.”
While Mary organized with her guests, John called his parents, who were on their way. Aunt Liz quickly revealed her intentions.
“We’re not just visiting. Claire’s finishing school and aiming for university. We want her to know family, just in case. There’s student housing, she’ll be there. Claire’s a clever girl.”
Awkwardness melted away. Elizabeth was warm, and John got on with Sam. His parents soon arrived.
The table filled with laughter. Mary relaxed and smiled. Elizabeth’s homemade fare was a hit—all found it delicious.
The day turned into a cozy family gathering. They talked about families and shared stories of the past. Elizabeth reminisced about her childhood home with a tinge of sadness.
“I’d love to visit my old village. It’s been ages. Everyone’s likely moved to the city by now.”
John’s parents invited them to stay over, since it was cramped in the apartment. After consulting, they agreed Claire would stay with the young couple, and Elizabeth and Sam would sleep at Sarah’s. On Sunday, Mary and John toured London with Claire, showing her sights like Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and St. James’s Park.
On Monday morning, Aunt Liz and Sam picked up Claire. Mary and John saw them off, hurrying to work as a new, busy week began.
That evening, Mary and John discussed the surprising visit. Mary found it odd they visited them instead of Sarah.
“They’re nice people. I’m happy we met. Why didn’t you keep in touch?”
“Not sure, you’d have to ask Mum. Last I remember, I was in year two when Aunt Liz and Claire visited.”
“They’ve invited us over. We could drive to Devon in summer, stopping by them for a bit on the way to Cornwall. On the way back, we could bring Claire to London. Hopefully, she’ll get accepted.”
Claire got into university. She stayed with them briefly before moving to student housing. Occasionally, she’d visit. Mary and John’s seaside trip plans were postponed—they were expecting a baby.
