I gave my mother-in-law such a gift that it would make her head spin! Every time she looked at it, shed get the shivers. But shed have no choice, she couldnt throw it away. Shed have to keep it, and in plain sight too! Oh yes. As they say, what goes around comes around! My evil Margaret Turner! In all the fifteen years Ive been married to Tom, she hasnt said a single nice word to me. Not once. Others at least say something, even if through gritted teeth. But she just keeps quiet, watching everything with those steely grey eyes. I always try to avoid going round, and if I do, its for five minutes, once a year Laura was ranting to her mate, Molly.
Molly was nodding away, fully on Lauras side she never got on with her mother-in-law, Elizabeth, either.
Theyd got together for a sort of girls day, something they did every other Saturday by tradition, just the three childhood friends.
Laura was a hairdresser, a magician when it came to giving everyone a new look. Shed just nipped in today for a chat clients were waiting. Molly, who worked as a cook, always brought a mountain of treats, as Lauras son Ben called them.
Their third friend, Daisy, was a nurse whod recently started at a new place. The others didnt know quite where shed ended up and wanted to ask, but conversation had somehow shifted to mothers-in-law instead.
I honestly cant stand her! Shes nothing to me. If it wasnt for her, I Laura started up again.
Daisy, who had been quietly listening in, suddenly cut in, And then what, Laura? Would it really make your life better? she asked with a half-smile.
Well maybe, Laura sighed, falling quiet.
She remembered that morning, grinning to herself as she wrapped up her present in gorgeous paper, practically cackling. Shed handed it over to Margaret, who, like a kid, eagerly ripped at the paper, barely able to contain her excitement. But Laura warned her to open it only after shed left. Either way, shed ruined the old bats big day!
Girls, remember you asked where Im working now? Daisy began, steering the conversation.
Her friends perked up.
Private clinic? Laura guessed.
Oh, making a fortune now! Molly quipped with a giggle.
In a hospice, Daisy replied, matter-of-factly.
The room went still.
You Why? Molly stammered, shocked.
Thats where people go when its terminal Daisy, arent you scared? And the money? Laura shook her head.
Oh for goodness’ sake, its not all about money. Laura, Im sorry, but Ive got to say it youre being daft, Daisy said bitterly.
Who? My mother-in-law? Laura replied with a snort.
No, you, Laura! Because what youre doing and saying is just rotten. I dont know Margaret well, but you say she never says a kind word, right? Who sold her flat in town and moved to a little house on the edge of the city when you and Tom needed money for a bigger place? Your mother-in-law, thats who. Without a fuss, without needing convincing.
Who took Ben to a special doctor when he was ill? And when you got hopelessly drunk at that school reunion and woke up at your old classmates place (even if nothing actually happened), who covered for you so Tom wouldnt find out? Margaret did. Youre biting the hand that feeds you, Laura. Im talking figuratively, but seriously, shes always been there for you. How many times have I enjoyed her homemade jams and pickles when Ive visited you? You couldnt tell a tomato plant from a daffodil! She does it all for you.
Some people just arent good with words. Doesnt mean they dont care. Its how they act. Meanwhile, others talk a good game but never lift a finger, Daisy blurted out.
Thanks, mate. I thought youd back me up. Instead you call me names, Laura snapped, getting to her feet.
But inside, something started to gnaw at her. Just this morning, the little gremlin in her heart had whooped with glee, taking petty satisfaction in her mischief. Now that same gremlin was all uneasy, making it hard to enjoy her supposed triumph over her mother-in-law.
Molly, whod now eaten five cheese rolls in the tension (sometimes stress just made her eat and eat), said nothing. She wasnt backing Laura like she always did.
Laura ought to have walked out, slam the door, and fall out with Daisy for good. She almost did.
But that wretched gremlin wouldnt let her move. It was like she was glued to her seat.
You lot forget, my mums gone, yeah? Ive lived with that for fifteen years now. Just like you, Laura. Only instead of grumbling about a mother-in-law who actually loves you, Im stuck with grief. Sometimes I even keep her mobile topped up and call it, just to see her photo pop up on the screen. I sit on the other end talking to the silence, wishing I could tell Mum everything, crying into her old blanket and pretending shes hugging me. The pain inside its burned out everything, Daisy said quietly.
Sorry, Laura. But I cant keep quiet. Youve got both your mum and your mother-in-law. Why do you treat Margaret like this? Why act superior? I remember you always used to call her country bumpkin. And I’ve got a question for you. You always do our hair for us, which is brilliant thank you, honestly. But have you ever offered to cut or colour Margarets hair? Daisy pressed on.
Laura cringed inside, and before she knew it, she found herself whispering, Never.
Come off it! Seriously? Molly looked at Laura, gobsmacked, You cant act like that, thats just not right.
I always treat my mother-in-law! Cakes, biscuits, Easter buns she lights up every time! Her hands are so soft and tiny, absolute little angels hands, Molly said, smiling at the memory.
Lauras gremlin gave one last pathetic twitch and fell silent. At last, she was able to move.
That morning flashed before her mind again. Molly said her mother-in-laws hands were soft. Margarets werent Laura herself used to scorn them as claws. Big, worked-raw hands with thick veins shed thought them ugly. And Margarets face shed privately called it old potato to herself. What did Laura actually know about her? Next to nothing, if she was honest.
And yet Margaret had always shown up when she was most needed. Tom had once told her he used to have two sisters, both of whom died young. Margaret nursed them, then her sick husband And her only living child, Tom, was now her main pride and joy.
And, truth be told, Laura loved Tom just as much now as she did fifteen years ago. Handsome, clever, caring, hard-working everything a woman could wish for.
Hes like that because Margaret raised him right! Some blokes are awful to their wives. Or waste their wages, or run off. Not all women are as lucky! And you, Laura, when did you ever say a kind word to her? Who stopped you? Everyone gets their hair done by you, why not her? Why always mock, acting venomous for no reason? Lauras inner voice snapped at her.
She almost jumped.
Laura, you alright? Daisy leaned over with concern.
She shook her head, fighting tears. It all hit her at once, like water breaking through a dam. She thought it was going to be a laugh shed got it so wrong.
Trying to keep her voice steady, Laura mumbled, Hows your job, Daisy?
Ill never forget their eyes, girls. Theres so much pain, but also light and hope. You hear all sorts about what matters in the end, regrets and love. Ive seen the tears of families left behind.
One young bloke hardworking, always busy his mum stayed with us. He was generous, bought her everything, but she only wanted him to take her back to her village, where she grew up. Hed never bothered. She died before they ever went. Afterwards, he was on his knees, sobbing, Mum, come back! Ill take you anywhere, buy you a house! Just be with me! But it was too late.
Or theres the old ex-army chap, who sat with his daughter, who had lost all her hair. He brought her lovely hair clips sparkly, summery, every shape you could think of. She beamed every time he arrived. He always said, When your hair grows back, Ill braid it for you myself, like Mum used to. Then well go to the seaside. He knew in his heart it would never happen, but he played along for her sake. When she died, he handed out those clips. I went to comfort him his eyes were dry, but the pain in them! He whispered, At least shes with her mum now. Theyll be waiting for me.
My point? You have to appreciate what you have. Some grieve by a coffin. Others fight terrible illness. The rest waste their lives on grudges and mind games. It wears down the people we love, and one day itll catch up with us.
We all think were in control, but were really not, Daisy sighed.
Molly, fanning herself, looked over at the now-empty plate of pastries. Never mind shed bake more for tea. Grabbing her phone, she quickly texted her husband to get the family round, making sure to invite his parents for a sleepover.
Right, Im off! Family movie night at ours! See ya! Molly slipped out with a cheerful wave.
Laura got up too, shaking as she hunted through her bag, accidentally dumping everything on the floor. Daisy helped her pick it up, in silence.
They each went their own way, without another word.
Laura had the rest of her day planned out with clients. But somewhere out on the edge of town, at that very moment, an elderly lady the one she thought hated her was looking at Lauras present. The very same present shed meant to use as a dig.
If shed been given the same thing, Laura knew shed have been crushed, and her birthday ruined.
She called everyone to apologise, promised them all a discount, cancelled her evening appointments, and set off for Margarets place.
Toms phone was off. Her hands were clammy with nerves. What would Tom say? After all, its his mum
It was evening by the time she reached the little house. Lights glowed warmly in the windows. Suddenly, those chintzy curtains with little daisies and the geraniums on the sill that had always annoyed her looked comforting, even homely.
I need to say sorry. What should I say? Maybe I shouldve brought another gift but theres no time. Ill promise to buy her something. Shell be upset. Oh, what have I done? Laura thought as she walked up to the gate.
The door was unlocked. In the big kitchen, there was a huge painted dish of cottage pie, Toms favourite summer salad, and rolled pancakes. Laura stood in the doorway, first looking at the table. Her husband was chatting to their son, who was tucking into Grandmas cabbage rolls with gusto. Margaret, in a navy blue dress with a lacy collar and her hair in its usual neat plait, stood by the wall. Two of her elderly neighbours and a jolly old fellow were there as well.
Look at this isnt it wonderful? Margaret gushed, pointing to Lauras present.
She went on, This is our Laura, Toms wife. Shes like a real English rose fair, lovely, so pretty. When I look at her, my heart just sings. How does God create such beauty? Now, Laura will always be here with me. An artist painted her. I cried with happiness when I saw it. Nothing could make me happier!
Lauras cheeks and ears went beetroot-red from embarrassment, just like when she was a kid and broke her nans vase and blamed her little brother.
Her gift for Margarets birthday was a portrait. Of herself, Laura. Shed believed that since Margaret never praised her, she must hate her. She figured the sight of the hated daughter-in-law would annoy the old lady. But she wouldnt dare bin it. Turned out shed got it all wrong
Lauras so stunning I sometimes get nervous to say anything to her. Shes like a doll! Big blue eyes, delicate features. Whereas Im just an old frump, clumsy, and not good with words. Never learned the knack of speaking well. Sometimes, when she stays over with us, Ill adjust her blanket while shes asleep, like shes my own. God took my daughters too soon. But He sent me another girl, Toms wife my own Laura. I always tell Tom hes lucky to have her! Margaret said proudly.
Live with that! the voice inside Laura snorted, then vanished for good.
She hadnt even had a chance to promise herself to make it right. But at least she still had time now. Then her son ran up and Tom stood to greet her.
How come youre here? Work, wasnt it? Mum said you came by this morning, Tom whispered.
I cancelled. Margaret Can I call you Mum from now on? Like my own? Happy birthday! The lump in her throat made it almost impossible to speak.
Laura honestly wanted to drop to her knees, like that chap from Daisy’s story. Kneel before this womans wisdom, her absolute kindness, her goodness.
Oh, Laura! Youve found time to visit, bless you, my dear. For an old biddy like me! My lovely Laura came! Margaret beamed at her.
The old gent nodded approvingly, looking from Laura to her portrait.
Suddenly, everyone was animated, chatting, laughing.
Laura was just so grateful that it was a happy day, that she was alive and well. That her own parents were driving over with birthday wishes. She had a wonderful husband and son. A good mother-in-law. A job she loved. She realised then she was truly rich.
All round the table! Lets have tea! Margaret bustled.
Wonderful! And after, Ill do a Beauty Day for everyone! Want a nice haircut, colour, whatever you like? Id love to! Laura smiled.
That was her real gift for everyone.
