Hell be living with us
A sharp knock announced someones arrival. Lucy slipped off her apron, dried her hands and moved to the door. On the threshold stood her daughter, Ellen, clutching a lanky young man. Lucy ushered them inside.
Hey, Mum, Ellen planted a quick kiss on Lucys cheek. Meet Victorhes moving in with us.
Nice to meet you, the young man said, trying to sound casual.
This is my mother, Aunt Lucy, Ellen introduced.
Lucy Margaret, the woman corrected, smoothing Ellens hair. And what are we having for dinner, love?
Pea puree and sausages, Lucy replied.
I dont eat pea puree, Victor muttered, shrugging as he drifted toward the living room.
Dont you? Victor, you dont like peas? Ellens eyes widened in disbelief.
Victor flopped onto the sofa, dropping his backpack onto the floor. This is actually my room, Lucy said, a hint of irritation in her tone.
Victor, come on, Ill show you where well be staying, Ellen called, a note of excitement in her voice.
Not that Im keen, Victor grumbled, rising from the sofa.
Mom, think of something to feed Victor, Ellen pleaded.
Im not sureweve only got half a pack of sausages left, Lucy shrugged.
The sausages with mustard, ketchup and a bit of bread will do, Victor replied.
Fine then, Lucy muttered, heading to the kitchen. Shed once filled the house with rescued kittens and puppies; now it was just this unexpected guest she had to feed.
She ladled a heap of pea mash onto a plate, added two fried sausages, nudged a bowl of salad closer, and began eating hungrily.
Mom, why are you eating alone? Ellen asked as she entered the kitchen.
Because Ive just got home from work and Im starving, Lucy said, chewing on a sausage. If anyone wants food, theyll have to serve themselves or make it. By the way, why exactly is Victor moving in with us?
Because hes my husband, Ellen blurted out.
Lucys throat tightened. Husband?
Just like that. Im nineteen, you know, Victor said, halfsmiling.
You didnt even invite me to a wedding, Lucy snapped.
Theres been no wedding. We just signed the papers. Now were husband and wife, so well live together, Ellen replied, casting a glance at her mothers nowempty plate.
Congratulations, then. Why no ceremony?
If youve got money for a wedding, feel free to hand it over. Well find a use for it, Victor offered.
Got it, Lucy said, still chewing. Why here, of all places?
Because the flat we have is a onebedroom, and four of us are already crammed into it.
So you didnt consider renting elsewhere?
Why rent when we have my room? Ellen asked, surprised.
Right, Lucy said.
Will you get us something to eat then? Victor asked.
The pot of mash is on the stove, sausages in the pan. If thats not enough, theres half a pack left in the fridge. Help yourselves, Lucy said, wiping her mouth.
Mom, youve got a soninlaw now, Ellen emphasized, the last word hanging heavy.
And what? Im supposed to break into a ridiculous dance for this? Im exhausted after workjust sort your own plates and cutlery, Lucy snapped. Youve got hands and feet, use them.
Exactly why youre still single! Ellen retorted, slamming the bedroom door with a bang.
Lucy finished her meal, washed the dishes, cleared the table and retired to her room. She changed into gym clothes, grabbed her bag, and headed to the local fitness centre. Shed always kept herself free, spending a few evenings a week lifting weights and swimming laps.
Near ten oclock she returned home, expecting a warm cup of tea. Instead she found the kitchen in chaos, as if someone had tried to cook and failed miserably. The lid of the mash pot was missing, the dish itself dried and cracked. An empty sausage packet lay on the countertop beside a stale loaf of bread without its wrapper. The frying pan was scorched, its nonstick coating scraped clean with a fork. Dishes were piled in the sink, and a sticky sweet puddle glistened on the floor. The air smelled of cigarettes.
Blimey, this is new, Lucy muttered, opening the bedroom door. Two young people were slumped on the couch, wine glasses in hand, smoke curling from their lips.
Ellen, clear this mess up. Youll buy a new pan tomorrow, Lucy said, stepping back into her room without closing the door.
Ellen leapt from her seat and lunged after her mother.
Why do we have to clean? And where am I supposed to get money for a new pan? Im not working, Im studying. Do you care about the dishes? she protested.
Listen, Ellen, this house runs on simple rules: eat, then clean; make a mess, then clean; break something, replace it. Everyone looks after their own mess. And yes, that pan isnt cheapits ruined beyond repair, Lucy replied calmly.
You dont want us here, do you? Ellen snapped.
No, Lucy answered evenly.
She had no desire to argue with her daughter now; nothing like this had happened before.
But Ive got my share, Ellen hissed.
Not a thing. The flat is mine, bought with my own hard work. Youre just on the lease. Dont expect me to solve your problems. If you want to stay, follow the rules, Lucy said, her voice steady.
Ive lived my whole life under your rules. Im married now, and you have no right to tell me what to do, Ellen shrieked. Besides, youre getting oldhand over the flat to us.
Ill give you the hallway outside the building and a bench on the common. You got married? I wasnt asked. You sleep here alone, or with your husband elsewhere. He isnt moving in, Lucy replied, ice in her tone.
Enough of your flat! Victor, were leaving, Ellen shouted, gathering her things.
Within minutes, Victor burst into Lucys bedroom, swaying from too much drink.
Alright, mum, dont lose your temper and everything will be fine, he slurred. Ellen and I arent going anywhere tonight. Behave, and maybe well keep the love quiet for the night.
What am I to you, a mother? Lucy snapped. Your mother and father are still at homego back to them, and dont forget your new wife.
Just you wait Victor snarled, raising his fist toward his motherinlaw.
Lucy clutched his knuckles with manicured fingers, squeezing hard.
Ahlet go, you lunatic! Victor cried.
Mum, what are you doing? Ellen screamed, trying to pull her mother away from the man.
Lucy shoved Ellen aside, then drove her knee into Victors groin, followed by an elbow to his throat.
Ill document the assault, Victor snarled. Ill take you both to court.
Hold on, Ill call the police so we can get it on record, Lucy said.
The young couple fled the tidy twobedroom flat.
Youre no longer my mother, Ellen shouted as she left, and youll never see your grandchildren again.
What a tragedy, Lucy replied dryly, a smile flickering. At least Ill have a bit of peace.
She looked at her handssome nails were broken. All loss is yours, she muttered.
She scrubbed the kitchen, threw away the ruined mash and the cursed pan, and changed the locks. Three months later, Ellen appeared at Lucys doorstep after work. She was gaunt, cheeks hollow, a shadow of unhappiness.
Mum, whats for dinner? she asked, voice low.
I dont know yet, Lucy shrugged. What do you want?
Chicken and rice, Ellen whispered, lips twitching. And a bit of ploughmans lunch.
Alright, lets get the chicken, Lucy said. Youll have to sort the ploughmans yourself.
Ellen didnt ask any more questions, and Victor never appeared again.
