Youve taken out a mortgage on a flat? exclaimed Janet, delighted. Oh, how wonderful, darling! This is simply marvellous!
On the other end of the line, Louisa laughed, with Janet catching the muffled sound of her son-in-laws voice in the background.
Mum, youre being so loud, do you want the neighbours to hear?
Let them hear! Janet chuckled. When can I come and see it? Today? Tomorrow? Ill bake a pie the apple one, the one Graham loves.
Louisa was silent for a moment.
Come over Saturday. Well have finished putting the furniture in place by then.
So, that Saturday, Janet stood in the middle of the bright living room, slowly turning to take in the tall ceilings, the wide windows, the clean, newly plastered walls. The new building smelled of paint and fresh timber.
The kitchens huge, can you believe it? Louisa led her mother along the corridor. And theres a glazed balcony, well be able to put the pram out there soon.
Isnt it lovely, Janet ran her hand along the wall. Well done, Graham!
Her son-in-law simply shrugged.
We’re doing our best, Mrs. Cresswell.
At lunch, Janet helped herself to a second slice of pie and finally said what had been on her mind since morning.
I worried so much for you, you cant imagine! Lou, youre seven months along, and you were still renting, and that landlady could have asked you to leave at any moment. Its just not right!
Louisa exchanged a look with Graham. Janet noticed her daughters lips press tightly together.
Mum, we managed.
Managed, Janet laid down her fork. And I lost sleep thinking about how you were coping, what would happen if things went wrong. A child needs security, a home of their own.
Graham cleared his throat and pushed his plate away.
The monthly payment isnt exactly small. But weve worked it all out.
How much is it? Janets voice sharpened.
Its alright, Louisa replied quickly. Its usual for London.
Janet looked at her daughters tense shoulders, at Graham, who was absorbed in the tablecloths pattern, and saw the anxiety in them both, though neither would admit it.
Listen here, Janet became firm. Im going to help you, theres nothing to discuss. And Graham, your parents will pitch in too, surely?
They promised, nodded Graham. Mum said shed send what she could each month.
There, you see! Janet leaned back. Youll get through this. Together, youre not alone in the world.
Louisa smiled weakly, but the worry didnt leave her eyes.
Archie was born in March, big, healthy, all lungs. Janet visited every week, made broth, washed baby clothes, and pushed her grandson around the new estate in his pram.
Life soon found its rhythm. Graham was promoted at work, and Louisa began hinting about having another baby.
Two years later, little Daisy arrived, and once again the flat filled with childrens laughter, scattered toys, and sleepless nights. Janet would watch the happiness in her daughters eyes and feel grateful that things turned out as they should.
Until Graham was made redundant.
Janet didnt find out straight away. Louisa dodged questions, telling her everything was fine, they were just a bit tired. The truth spilled out by accident when Janet turned up unannounced and found her daughter sobbing over piles of paperwork.
We cant keep up, Mum, Louisa whispered. Were three months behind. The bank calls every day.
Janet did what she could borrowing from relatives and friends but it wasnt enough. Grahams parents could barely make ends meet themselves after Grahams father was taken ill.
Six months on, and the bank repossessed the flat.
Janet found herself at her friend Olivias, unable to touch her tea.
Theyre living in a single room now, Janet clutched her cup. Two children, Olivia. Archies four, Daisys two. No room to grow, nowhere to run about, theyre forever on top of each other! Four people in a single room!
Olivia shook her head with a sigh.
Oh Janet, its simply dreadful!
I told them they could do it, Janet brushed at her tears. I promised Id help. But what can I do? My pension is a joke, my odd jobs are all over the place. I convinced them things would work out!
How could you have known what was coming?
Does that matter? Janet set down her cup. Is any of it easier for the children? Or for Louisa?
Janet hid her face in her hands. She had thought her daughters life her familys life had finally settled. But now, things were worse than ever. Once it had only been the two of them renting. Now, with two young children!
Time passed
At last, Louisa and Graham paid off the last of the debt to the bank. Just hearing the news felt like a new lease of hope.
So what now? Janet asked.
We start saving for a new place, Louisa admitted. Maybe something smaller this time.
Thats alright, Janet nodded, though Louisa couldn’t see her. So long as its yours.
Another two years came and went. Archie turned six, and Janet arrived at his birthday with a large box tucked under her arm. Shed spent three hours picking out the construction set searching half the shop until she found the exact one, with cars and a garage the kind Archie had wanted since winter.
Grandma! The boy threw himself at Janet and hung off her. Is it really for me?
All for you, my dear, Janet kissed his hair. And theres more.
Janet pulled an envelope from her bag and handed it to Archie. He peered inside and his eyes widened.
How much is it?
Ten pounds, Janet knelt beside him. You wanted a new phone, didnt you? This can be your savings starter. Grandma will help.
Archie hugged the envelope to his chest and dashed off to show Daisy. Louisa stood in the kitchen doorway, watching on, but Janet didnt notice the odd look on her daughters face.
A fortnight later, Janet rang her grandsons number. Archie answered on the third ring.
Hello, Grandma!
Hello, darling! How are you? Hows everything at home?
Oh, good! Archie said eagerly. Ive got new shorts and T-shirts for summer, and trainers that light up!
Janets brow furrowed.
New clothes? Where did Mum and Dad get the money?
Mum took the money you gave me, Archie answered, without a care. She said Ill get my phone later, but clothes are more important just now.
Janet froze, the phone pressed tight to her ear as a heavy heat rose in her chest.
Put Mum on the phone, will you, love?
Shes busy.
Alright then, Janet forced a small smile. Bye, sweetheart.
She ended the call and sat there, unmoving, for ten minutes or more. It seemed shed have to have words with her daughter again.
Next morning Janet turned up on Louisas doorstep, bright and early.
How could you? Janet burst out. I gave that money to Archie! For him, not for you!
Louisa closed her eyes wearily.
Mum, please calm down.
What? Janet was appalled. The child wanted a phone! I gave him that money specifically so he could save up! And youve spent it!
Louisas face hardened.
Mum, I did what I thought was best.
Best? Janet could barely contain herself. Spent someone elses money on shorts?
The boy needed clothes for summer, Louisa said quietly. We had no spare money.
And you couldn’t ask me? Janet stepped closer. Couldnt check with me?
No, Mum, Louisa shook her head. In my own house, Ill manage things my way, with my money. Its not your concern.
Not my concern? Janets voice rose. It doesnt matter to me how you handle money? You already lost your flat because you couldnt manage it! Clearly, neither of yous got any sense!
Louisa paled, but said nothing.
Now youre taking money from your own child Janet went on, unable to stop herself. Its a disgrace! Shameful, thats what it is!
Please go, Mum, Louisa said quietly. Just go.
Janet turned and left without saying goodbye. Inside, she was ablaze with anger. Her daughter had done wrong and then thrown her out as well! Well, let Louisa come crawling back and beg forgiveness!
But a month passed, and Louisa didnt ring, didnt answer her messages.
Janet once again found herself in Olivias kitchen, twisting a paper napkin in her hands.
My own daughters cut me off, Janet shook her head. She wont let me see the children. Wont answer the phone.
Olivia poured her more tea.
What did you say to her last time?
I told her the truth! Janet bristled. They cant handle money, theyve no sense! And its true, isnt it?
Olivia was silent a moment, looking out the window.
You gave the money to your grandson, Janet?
Well, yes.
When you give a gift, it’s theirs now, Olivia turned to her. You cant control how its spent.
But I gave it for his phone!
And they spent it on clothes, Olivia lifted her shoulders. He needed summer things more than the phone.
Janet opened her mouth, but Olivia gently stopped her.
And you shouldnt have brought up their mortgage. They spent years paying that off, they both worked hard to raise the children. You called them foolish.
I only wanted the best for them, Janet wilted. I worry about them, thats all.
I know you do, Olivia nodded. But it hurts them instead. Perhaps its time you call first and apologise?
Janet pressed her lips together and looked away. She was the elder, after all, and shed only ever wanted what was best.
