Natalie returned home from work at 8 in the evening. With a weary sigh, she unlocked the door, only to be greeted by the sound of a child wailing.
With an exasperated groan, she headed into the lounge where her daughter and son-in-law were watching the telly, entirely oblivious to the mess surrounding them.
Children’s toys were scattered over the sofa, the bed, and across the floor. Sweet wrappers, chicken bones, empty bottles of lemonade, and apple cores were strewn across the table.
Dirty clothes hung over the back of the armchair, and on the seat was a carelessly discarded nappy.
The room felt stifling, the air thick andputting it mildlyunpleasant. The sight and smell nearly brought Natalie to despair.
Her one-year-old granddaughter, spotting her Nan, squealed joyfully and ran over, leaping into her arms.
Natalie opened the window, letting in a gust of fresh evening air, and then headed to the kitchen.
What she saw there made her heart sink. Stacks of dirty dishes crowded the sink, crusts of bread and spilled tea littered the table, and underneath it were broken crockery shards.
Someone had smashed Natalies favourite mugthe one her late husband had given her. On the hob sat a frying pan with burnt sausages. The fridge was nearly empty.
Suddenly, Emily, Natalies daughter, breezed into the kitchen and pecked her mother on the cheek.
Hi Mum! Since youre back, Tom and I are heading out for the evening. Going to the cinema, then maybe somewhere for a bite. Actually, Mum, could you spot us some cash? We’re a bit short.
From the lounge, Tom called out, Mrs. Harper, could you make us some chicken soup for tomorrow? Saw a fellow tucking into it on telly, made me crave it! And maybe that spring salad you do? Oh, and did you remember the coffee? I cant live without your coffee!
What about me? Natalie said quietly, looking at her daughter in disbelief. Ive been run ragged all day at the surgery. I havent even had lunch, and I need a rest. Couldnt you take Anna with you?
Mum, we cant take her! Parents need a break too. Tom and I are not getting on, its a rough patch. The counsellor said we need quality time together. You barely saw Anna today and she missed youIm sure you two will have a lovely evening. We wont be long, Mum, dont be sad. Youre the best.
Before Natalie could protest, Emily dashed off. Minutes later, her daughter and son-in-law slipped out, leaving their eighteen-month-old daughter with her.
Natalie was stunned. The fatigue and hurt were overwhelming. She felt less like a family member and more like unpaid helpa bank and a comfort provider, nothing more.
Her head throbbed. She longed to just lie down in silence, but Anna had other plans for her Gran.
Dinner needed sorting; Natalie really had eaten nothing all day. The flat was in shambles, and someone had to put things in order.
She felt as if shed survived a world war. With a heavy sigh, Natalie sank into a chair and, unable to hold it in any longer, wept helpless tears.
…Emily and Tom had lived in her two-bedroom flat for years. Before their arrival, Natalie enjoyed a peaceful, orderly life.
Theyd originally rented a place miles away, but thenfor reasons unknownthe landlord threw them out. They moved in just for a few monthsor so Emily promised until they found something new.
But for one excuse or another, the perfect rental never seemed to turn up. Too dear, too far from work, not good enough…
Then Tom lost his job at a small retail company. Emily said his colleagues had stitched him up, but hed find work soon, she insisted.
Except that he didnt. He spent his days lounging by the television or on the computer while Emilys modest NHS wage covered everything.
Then the bombshell: Emily was expecting. The pregnancy was difficult, requiring expensive medication, scans, and check-upsall paid for by Natalie, who had recently taken on extra shifts at the clinic to make ends meet.
Natalies life became a nightmare. Money ran out fast, particularly as Emily and Tom contributed nothing toward food or bills while favouring fresh fruit, cakes, and the best teas.
They didnt lift a finger around the house and seemed oblivious to the mounting costs.
All household expenses now sat firmly on Natalies shoulders. She knew her daughter and son-in-law shamelessly took advantage of her goodwill, but could not bring herself to say anything.
She was afraid that if she spoke up, Emily would cut her offespecially while she was carrying a baby.
How could she possibly turn out her pregnant daughter? She simply gritted her teeth and kept goingpicking up more hours at the private clinic for extra pay.
The doorbell rang, startling her from her misery. Wiping away tears, Natalie answered it.
On the landing stood her friend Helen, who hadnt called ahead.
Natalie hesitated in shame at the mess but had no choice but to let her old friend in.
She forced a smile, exchanged pleasantries, and invited Helen through to the kitchen. Helen knew all about Natalies situation with her daughter and Tom.
Helen had urged her, time and again, to find the courage to ask them to move out. But Natalie couldnt summon the nerve.
Helen said nothing, just opened the fridge, retrieved some eggs and milk, cleaned the frying pan, and set about making an omelette for Natalie.
While Helen cooked, Anna fell asleep curled up on her grans lap. Natalie gently put her granddaughter to rest in her parents bedroom, then returned to the kitchen.
There was an omelette waiting, and Natalie looked at her friend in gratitudethe only person in her life who could comfort her without a word.
Go on, have some, Helen said softly, sitting beside her. Ill bet you havent eaten all day. Youre looking pale and so thinhave you even slept lately? Youll make yourself ill. You have to think about your own health. Your daughter and son-in-law are parasites, Nat. You need to make a stand, do you understand?
But how can I? Theyve nowhere to go, and theyve got the baby How could I put them out? Natalie whispered.
Theyre blatantly sponging off you! Why should they find work, pay rent, or buy their own food and things when you do everything for them? Theyll keep bleeding you dry. If you cant say something, I willand I wont mince my words.
Natalie knew Helen was right. If she didnt find the courage to speak up, things would only get worse.
She promised to talk to Emily as soon as she returned. Helen helped her tidy the kitchen, then brewed a pot of calming tea and massaged her aching shoulders.
Helen stayed on, determined to support her friend through what was to come.
Emily and Tom came home at 11pm. Natalie and Helen were sitting in the lounge when they entered.
Evening, Auntie Helen, Emily said with a sour lookshe never liked her mums friend.
Evening, Helen replied dryly, holding back her temper. Have a nice night, did you? Ashame youre back so soon; couldve painted the town all night.
Mum, Tom and I are off to bed, Emily muttered, ignoring Helens words, but Natalie stopped her.
Emily, not yet. Call Tom in and sit down. I need to talk to you both.
Emily looked surprised but did as she was told.
Mrs Harper, is something wrong? Tom asked.
Yes, Natalie replied, summoning her nerve. You both need to start looking for somewhere else to live. Im giving you one week to sort yourselves out. After that, youll have to find your own way. This is final. Youre a familyyou need your own home now.
Mum, you cant do this! Emily protested in shock. Where will we go? Weve no money, and Im on maternity leave. How will we manage?
Youll find a way, youre both adults. You know how to be a family, you must learn to stand on your own feet. I cant protect you from life forever. One day I might not be here. You need to face up to reality.
How could you? What kind of mother does this, throws her daughter and granddaughter out? Emily cried, Youre heartless. A real stepmother, thats what you are!
Emily, calm down, Helen cut in. You cant speak to your mother like this. You need to think carefully about what shes said, both of you.
Its your fault! Tom shouted at Helen. Youve filled her head with nonsense. Who asked you to meddle? Why dont you mind your own business!
The row threatened to escalate, but from the other room came Annas cry.
Emily and Tom left, taking their daughter with them. Helen squeezed Natalies hand in support, and Natalie met her friends eyes with gratitude.
Within a week, Emily and Tom moved out. Natalie became the villain in her daughters eyes.
Everything good shed ever done was instantly forgotten. She was now the selfish, cruel mother. But deep down, Natalie knew shed made the right decision.
She hopedsomedayher daughter would understand and come back to her.
Sometimes, even with your own children, you have to give a hard lesson, or else theyll never learn to swim in the rough waters of life.
In time, children do come to see that it was all done out of love. Natalie could only hope that day would come, and until then, she held firm in the knowledge that loving someone means helping them stand, not holding them up forever.
