Was your friend here again? The fridge is always empty afterwards!
Edward, was your little Emily round again? asked Jane, peering into the half-empty fridge. Every time she visits, our food seems to vanish.
Yes, she was here, replied Edward. She kept going on about struggling for money again. I couldnt just let her leave with nothing; after all, shes my sister.
Did you give Emily cash as well?
A couple of hundred pounds, Edward admitted, a bit sheepish. She said Olivers had more bother at work, and apparently, they cant even pay the rent at the moment.
Honestly I still dont get why she rushed into marriage at twenty. Why didnt your mum stop her?
You know what Emilys like once shes decided, thats it. But dont worry, shell find her feet in time.
Jane sighed heavily. Independence sounded lovely in theory, but so far, Emily seemed to live off her relatives more than herself.
* * *
Oliver was still a very young man, just starting to earn. He wasnt exactly rushing to shower his wife with gifts. Yet Emily refused to work, absolutely convinced that Oliver should provide for her.
Edwards and Emilys mother, Margaret, was firmly in Emilys corner. She saw how short of cash the young couple were, so she always slipped Emily a bit of money. She even insisted Edward help too.
Shes a young lass and needs to look her best, Margaret would sigh. Emily hasnt found a job she likes yet, and Oliver is frightfully stingy. So, its our job to help out.
Edward did his best to support them. But Jane soon grew tired of it all. She didnt see why their household budget should cover Emily, especially when she and Edward were renting a flat and scrimping every penny to save for a place of their own and there was still his sister.
* * *
One evening, Jane came home to find her mother-in-law and Emily visiting. The three of them were deep in a whispering conversation with Edward, falling silent the second Jane entered. Whatever it was, it hardly looked light-hearted.
Am I allowed to know whats going on? she asked. Or is this another financial emergency which youre hoping well fix?
Youre mistaken, laughed Margaret. Just family matters, nothing to concern you.
Jane scoffed, retreating to the kitchen to make dinner. Five minutes later, Emily strolled in, boldly swinging open the fridge.
Why is it so empty? Jane, havent you been shopping?
I did, Jane replied, a bit terse. But my salary isnt in for two days, so I only bought essentials. If youre hungry, I can heat you some soup.
No thanks, I dont eat stuff like that. I never spend money on food at home Id rather order pizza, sushi, or go to cafés with Oliver.
Can Olivers wages really cover all that dining out? You always complain youre broke.
Thats what families are for! If we need money, I just ask Mum or Edward. Its normal to help each other out in a family.
Soon, Margaret and Emily left. Jane immediately cornered her husband.
Why were they here this time?
Mum wants to sell the holiday cottage and wanted a favour. She plans to give all the money to Emily. She needs a good start in life.
So what does that mean? Jane was stunned. Youre fine with your sister getting everything? Im not. I honestly dont think its good for her at all.
Jane, its not for you to decide, Edward said seriously. The cottage is Mums she can do what she wants with it.
Edward clearly wanted to drop the subject, firmly convinced that his mums generosity and his support for Emily were right.
* * *
Not long after, the holiday cottage was sold. Jane could already see that Emily wasnt going to use the money wisely. Restaurants, designer clothes, trendy gadgets it all just went towards living the high life.
Before long, the money was gone, and Emily was back at her mothers, complaining:
Ive run out again! I want to get driving lessons, maybe even buy a car! Isnt there anything else you can sell? Other parents buy their kids flats, help them out Mum, why are we so poor?
Even Margaret was taken aback by that one. She never imagined Emily could burn through so much so quickly. Gathering herself, she said,
Emily, thats it, weve nothing left. I thought youd spend the money sensibly or at least save some. Its time to find a job. You did accountancy training; try somewhere as a bookkeeper.
Im not working in accounts! Sitting at a computer all day would ruin my eyes. My husband should provide for me and you too. Im only twenty! You gave birth to me, but now Im supposed to fend for myself? Cheers for that!
Wait love, Margaret tried to calm her. Well think of something. What if we ask Edward for a bit of money? Say its for something important. They must have savings put aside for their own place.
Do you really think theyll give much? Janes so tight that she even scrimps on groceries. Luckily, Edwards not one to say no.
Well go see them! Margaret decided. No one refuses me.
An hour later, Emily and her mum appeared at Edwards rented flat. Jane could tell at a glance that they werent dropping by with presents, but with demands.
Edward, weve come with a very important request! Margaret announced almost before shed crossed the threshold. Only you can help us.
Jane tensed up. Theyre going to ask for money, she thought. What else could it be?
Whats happened?
Emily wants to buy a car, but the money from the cottage sales already gone, said Margaret, looking embarrassed. So we thought you two could help us.
Jane stared at them in disbelief.
What? The moneys already gone? You got a decent sum, where did all that vanish to? Emily, maybe you ought to think more before spending!
Dont tell me what to do! Emily snapped. Im not some boring old spinster from the jumble sale! I want to go to restaurants and salons, have nice things. I refuse to waste my youth scrimping away!
Ever thought of working? Jane quipped. I hear it sometimes means you dont have to beg off relatives.
Edward, terrified a row was brewing, tried to smooth things over.
Wait, just calm down. We dont have money for a car, but we could at least help a little.
Thats my boy! beamed Margaret. I knew youd do the right thing.
Excuse me, arent you going to ask me? Jane protested. Sorry, but Im not funding Emily. Shes married, her husband should be looking after her. Theres no money from me, and thats that!
Edward shot his mum a helpless look, then tried to reason with Jane.
Jane, be fair. The moneys ours together I get a say too. Besides, Mums only asking for a loan. Shell pay it back.
Of course I will! agreed Margaret. Or do you really think Im a cheat? Im just helping Emily out youll get it all back!
Jane felt distinctly uncomfortable, as if she were the bad guy for doubting her mother-in-law. But worse would be to say goodbye to their hard-won savings for good.
No, we really cant help, she said, a little less firmly than before. Try to understand, were saving for our own place, and that matters more than a car.
Come on, Mum, lets go, Emily huffed. See how they are? Only care about themselves our problems mean nothing.
Emily swung around and left, offended. Margaret quickly followed, grumbling to her son,
Edward, well talk later. Dont you think your wife always gets her own way?
As soon as the door shut, Edward started on Jane.
How could you? What will Mum think that were heartless? That moneys more important than family?
Is this really an emergency? Jane replied. Did anyone ever help us? I strongly doubt your relatives would give us a penny for a deposit. I dont want to have the poor, put-upon Emily talk ever again.
A few days later, Jane and Edward made up. What Jane didnt know was that Edward was still brooding. Secretly, he withdrew money from the savings for their future home and gave it to his mother.
When Margaret saw the bulging envelope, she praised Edward,
Well done, son! I knew Id raised you right! Dont worry; youre helping Emily now and shell help you one day. And remember, dont breathe a word to Jane. You two have plenty of time to save again.
* * *
Sometime later, Jane was flicking through social media when she saw new photos of Emily beaming behind the wheel of a little car. Jane raised an eyebrow and pointed it out to Edward.
Did you know Emily actually bought a car? Did Oliver get a pay rise out of nowhere or what? Your sisters got some nerve she always lands on her feet.
Yes, I know about the car, Edward muttered, not meeting her eyes. We all chipped in and managed to help Emily get one.
We all chipped in? Did that include you? Why didnt you say anything?
Edward stayed silent, and Janes heart sank. She dashed to the drawer where they kept their house deposit fund, and felt sick to see it almost empty.
What have you done? she shouted. Seriously? You handed our savings to your sister? I cant believe this, Edward!
For the first time, the usually calm Edward lost his temper too.
Its none of your business! Im head of this family, and this was my decision. We can keep saving for years yet but Emily needed the car now! And if you keep treating my family this way, maybe Ill have to reconsider having you as my wife!
Oh, is that right?! Well, Ive decided as well I dont want a husband who lies and wastes everything Ive worked for. Im going to my mums and youd better repay me half of those savings!
Jane started cramming her things into a bag, hoping for an apology or at least some regret from Edward. But he just stayed on the sofa, watching TV, as if nothing had happened.
Thats it? Im really leaving, Jane said quietly, standing at the front door.
Fine. And dont bother coming back unless you change, replied Edward coldly.
Jane moved in with her mother, and filed for divorce a month later. Its not easy living with someone who cant respect you or your sacrifices. But Jane didnt just walk away; by threatening court, she got her share of the savings back from Edward. Later, laughing about the saga with her friends, she had to admit: Sometimes, enough is enough you owe it to yourself not to let others audacity destroy your happiness. That was her real lesson: self-respect sometimes means drawing the hardest line.
