You didnt raise your children properly. Just look at Matthew
At first, Emily didnt understand why her mother suddenly began picking faults with her. Everything had seemed fine not long ago, especially during childhood. Her mother praised her often, holding her up as an example for her elder brother. They didnt have much, but they lacked nothing essential. Whenever they needed something big, the family saved up for it. They even had a carnot a new one, but it worked, and if anything went wrong, Dad fixed it himself.
When school finished, her brother, Alexander, went off to London for university. That cost the family a fair sumtuition, rent, food
Emily saw her parents struggling, cutting corners wherever possible. Shed be heading off to university herself in two years.
We cant afford to send another one to London. Theres a university right here in town. Please stay.
So Emily stayed and got on with things. She found work at weekends as a delivery girl, then got a job at the café just down the road. Her course was funded, and she earned enough for her clothes and sometimes picked up groceries for the house.
Well done, love, youre a real help. You study and work. Alexander cant manage a jobhis course is tough and demanding. Hes exhausted.
Im tired too, Mum. I stay up all night writing essays.
Thats not the same, darling. Homes homeits easier for you.
Eventually, her brother graduated and began job hunting. Why come back to their small town, when the capital had prospects? Except, there were no jobs that matched his expectations. There were jobs, just not the ones he wanted. Their parents kept supporting him.
He just needs to get settled, then things will start rolling.
Except, they didnt. Alexander tried working, then suddenly got married to his bosss daughterbecause she got pregnant.
Their son was born, and that was that, he was established. The in-laws bought them a flat, his father-in-law promoted him and raised his salary. Lucky break, really. Their parents finally felt they could relax.
Emily got married too, but not so grandlynot the bosss son, just a regular chap. They saved up for a flat as best they could, though not in London.
She had a daughter, and then twin boysexpecting a second child, and twins arrived instead. Those were tough times, but she didnt complain. The children grew up, went to school.
After thirty-five years together, Emilys parents decided at last to celebrate their anniversary. Theyd skipped their twenty-fifth and thirtieth due to money troubles, but this time they went for it.
Alexander turned up with his son, his wife sent a presenta gift card for a household appliance. She suggested a dishwasher. Alexander handed over the present in advance, they chose one together and had it fitted. All evening, Mother boasted about her new toy, showing it off to the guests. No washing up after the party, thanks to the dishwasher!
Emilys familys present was lost in the excitementa holiday for two, a kind of belated honeymoon. It cost more, but it seemed to pale next to the fancy new machine.
Her parents took their trip, thanked Emily, but pointed out that her gift was impractical. A dishwasher lasts, but a holiday is soon over.
Then it beganat every chance, her mother would talk about her successful son. Alexander lived in the capitalso he was somebody. Hed got himself a career, a flat, a wife, a childwhat more could anyone want?
One child, not three tearing about. Why on earth have three, Emily? Its easy now, but later theyll need education. Thats what matters. See, just look at Matthew
Matthews flat has all the latest gadgetsa vacuum that cleans on its own, lights that turn on and off themselves, a dishwasher, takeaways delivered to the door, even a cleaner comes in
Mum, I can do all this myself. The children and my husband help too.
But Matthew
Alexander
Your brother
The years passed, Emilys children grew up. None of them went off to university in London, but all got degrees locally. Emilys mother still couldnt help herself.
You didnt raise your children properly. Look at Matthew
Mum, our children are good people, and you dont know everything about Matthew! We visited him, and everything wasnt as perfect as you think.
Dont make excuses. If you havent made something of your life, your children wont either. Just an endless struggle!
Alright, Mum, I get it. Im nothinggood job, but not in London! My husbands doing well, but hes not the one! Children got first-class degrees, but not from the right place!
We have a nice flat, but no cleaner. We use an ordinary vacuum, and we still turn the lights on ourselves.
We help you, just not as much as you want. Your precious Alexander cant even send money for your medicinetoo many expenses!
Hes made it, youre nobody!
One day, Alexander came back home to his parents. Mother thought hed just popped round for a visit, but hed come back for good. His wife was divorcing him, hed lost his job at his father-in-laws firm, and he was having real trouble with his son.
He couldnt find suitable work locallythe salary was worlds apart from what hed earned in London.
Emily, weve decided Alexander should start his own business. Hes ready. He cant just take an ordinary job after his experience in London, Mum explained one day.
If youve decided, then get on with it.
We need your help. Some money, a loan. You dont need much, youre not in London.
Well, Alexander isnt in London anymore either. Time to get real, Mum.
Its easy for you to sayyou dont need much, he does, he
Mum, were supporting our children, and you and Dad. Not a fortune, but we help everyone as best we can. We need to change the car and have other bits to do.
The car can wait. Money for Alexander matters more.
I know, Mum. Alexanders always mattered more. As soon as he went to London, everything was about him. I never even asked to go. You couldnt spare a penny for me even here.
The house you and Dad got from his parents? All of it went into Alexanders living and university. And Dads parents place? That was sold for his car in London, because successful people need a car.
I once asked to borrow money for a pushchair for the twins. Borrow, not have! Nothing doing! Did you think we visited Alexander in London? Only to drop off your parcels. We paid for a hotel. His wife didnt like uswe were provincial.
Hes divorced now, and needs help. He hasnt even got a flat.
No car either, his son wrecked it.
Lets not list his problemslets just help him.
No, Mum! Theres plenty of work here, decent enough pay. Not enough for himbut we get by, and its enough for us.
What am I supposed to give him? Pennies? Money for his business, then a car, then a flat No, Mum! Im just the poor country bumpkin sister, Ill stay where I belong!
Dont you speak to me like that!
Its alright, Mum. I finally understand. Only my brother was ever a real person. Now that hes here with you, he can look after you. His turn at last.
Emily! Youre forcing us to sell our flat. You know what youre making us do?
Is that so? Just dont forget to buy a room for yourself, at least.
Her parents sold the old flat, bought a tiny one-bedroom, and gave the remainder to Alexander. He went back to Londonwith what else could he do in a poky little town like theirs?
But there was no business, and to Mum, Alexander was still her golden boy. She kept reminding Emily how shed failed, and asked for money herself, this time for the flats repairs. Emily pitched in, but wouldnt pay for renovations.
I know this flat will go to my brother in the end. Let him make it nice, since hes the big man.
Soon, his money ran out, and Alexander moved in with the parents again. A sofa-bed in the kitchen for him, but at least hed made itonce.
Turns out, Mum and Dad had backed the wrong horse.
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