She Wasn’t Wrong
Mary was finishing up the cleaning when the doorbell suddenly rang. She quickly wiped her hands, hurrying to the door. On the doorstep stood her mother-in-law, Margaret Phillips, with what Mary thought to be a sly smile, as she stepped right into the flat.
Hello, to what do I owe the pleasure? Mary managed after composing herself.
Oh, just popping by to visit, Margaret replied, not even bothering with a polite greeting.
But Im rather busy at the moment! Why didnt you let me know? Cant just turn up out of the blue, can you?
Margaret smirked. And what, Im supposed to ask your permission before visiting my own flat? Is that it?
Mary turned red, aware once again that she and Tom werent technically living here on their own terms. Margaret had allowed her son and daughter-in-law to stay under certain conditions and would occasionally threaten to throw them out if displeased.
It had so happened that Tom ran up a hefty debt, and now both he and Mary worked tirelessly to pay it back. There was no money left for rent, and Margaret, feeling somewhat sorry for her son, had stepped in. With two flats to her nameone she lived in herself, the other usually rented outshe had let Tom and Mary live here rent-free until their debt was paid, charging only for the household bills.
Hows everything? Margaret swept into the kitchen, helping herself to a cup from the cupboard as if she owned the placewhich, strictly speaking, she did.
All right, Mary muttered, as she finished tidying and made her way into the living room, where Margaret had taken a seat.
Margaret gave her a long, critical look. She didnt particularly care for her daughter-in-law but tolerated her for Toms sakeand sometimes openly mocked the girl.
You sure youre all right? You look rather peaky.
Im fine, Mary repeated, her words clipped.
You keep saying fine, finerun out of other words?
Mary shrugged. Truth was, she was feeling a bit under the weather, but she had no intention of telling her mother-in-law that.
So, what are you up to today? Margaret pressed on.
Not sure yet. Might nip down to the shopsneed a few bits and bobs. Then Ive got some work to get on with.
Margaret nodded, already knowing Mary worked from home as an accountant. The conversation fizzled out, and Margaret began to look restless.
Shall I come along to the shops with you, then? Ive got the car, could give you a lift. Not much else for me to do today.
Mary almost declinedfor shopping with her mother-in-law was always a risk for snide remarksbut then she pictured lugging heavy bags home herself, and agreed.
Thatd be nice, actually.
Well, get your coat on, then! Stop slumping about.
Mary dressed quickly, but Margaret couldnt resist a jibe: I couldve had a nice nap waiting for you, you dawdler.
Mary let the remark pass. Shed been feeling queasy all morning and didnt have the energy for bickering.
All right, where are we off to?
Mary named a couple of shops and Margaret pulled out onto the road. Truthfully, Margaret didnt need to go shopping either, but the thought of going back to an empty flat didnt appeal. Her husband had passed away long ago, and Tom and Mary, without knowing it, filled that void for hernot that shed ever admit it. She was well-practiced at hiding her softer side.
Why are you picking up that rubbish? Margaret cast a disparaging glance at the bargain items in Marys basket.
Well, its all we can afford at the moment, Mary tried to keep her composure. You know were still paying off that debt.
Margaret shrugged, genuinely forgettingor perhaps simply not caring.
Mary, fancy popping into the café? My treat.
She turned to Mary, who barely managed to stop herself from collapsing. Shed grown faint and might have fallen if not for Margarets quick reaction. Thankfully, they were already at the car, and Margaret got her onto the seat just in time.
Whats going on with you? Mary, come on, wake up. Oh dear
Margaret lightly tapped Marys face and splashed some water from her bottle. Slowly, Mary came round.
Are you all right? What on earth happened?
Mary weakly swatted Margarets hand away, wiping her cheeks.
Its nothingIm just tired, maybe a bit stressed.
Margaret shook her head, beginning to suspect the true reason, but she kept her thoughts to herself for now.
Home, I think.
Ive still got another shop to go to, Mary protested half-heartedly.
But Margaret ignored her, driving straight home. By the time they arrived, Mary had recovered enough to walk herself. Margaret took the shopping without protest, not allowing Mary to help.
You just keep out of the way, Ill manage these.
Back in the flat, Mary perked up and busied herselfunpacking the groceries, finishing lunch preparations, getting ready for her work.
Does that sort of thing happen to you often? Margaret asked, settling at the table.
What, passing out in the shop? Its happened before, nothing serious, Mary said, raising an eyebrow.
Margaret hmm-ed knowingly. Happened to me when I was expecting Tombit of nausea, did a proper faint once or twice.
Oh, dont be daft! Im not pregnant! Tom and I cant have children right now, not with all the debt. Besides, children are expensive.
Margarets tone shifted unexpectedly: A child isnt just an expense; its a blessing.
Well, we really cant manage that sort of blessing right now, Mary murmured. Honestly, I hope you arent getting any ideas.
If theres a baby already, theres nothing to be done.
Nerves frayed, Mary snapped, Margaret, Im not pregnant! No need to invent things.
Dont shout at me! If youre worried, take a test rather than barking at me.
Why are you here anyway? Just to wind me up?
I just took you to the shop and helped when you were ill. Show a little gratitude! Talk to Tom about what you want to do.
Well keep working, Mary muttered.
Margaret sighed heavily. She hardly liked this version of normally even-tempered Mary and surmised, with a certain pride, that hormones must be to blame. Her mind already wandered to images of looking after her future grandchild.
Whats with that grin?
What would you name a boy? Or a girl?
Mary was so taken aback, she could only bristle.
I am not pregnant! Honestly, its impossible right now! Would you stop with these silly questions? If youre bored, perhaps you should head home.
Ill leave then, Margaret smiled, adding, But dont forget, Mary, Ill help with the grandkids when the time comes.
Marys only reply was a disgruntled sniff.
When Margaret had gone, Mary went straight to the bathroom cabinet. She didnt want to believe her mother-in-law was right, but she knew it was possible. Above all, she was frightened.
Mary feared everything. The thought of labour, the pain, the responsibility. She couldnt imagine herself as a mother, worried she wouldnt cope.
She dug out the pregnancy test shed bought months ago, just in casethe case that had never arisen, until now. She waited, hands trembling, until enough time had passed. And there it was, clear as daylight: two blue lines. Her work was forgotten. Though she knew her client expected a report by tonight, another life inside her preoccupied her thoughts.
That evening, she barely made it through the door before handing Tom the little stick, which now meant so much.
Whats this? Tom looked at her, puzzled.
It means Im pregnant, Mary whispered.
Neither of them had been prepared for this, but Toms uncertain smile slowly appeared.
Really? Were going to have a baby?
Yes! Mary nodded, now more nervous than ever. So what are we going to do?
Tom thought for a moment, then placed a gentle hand on her belly.
Were going to think of a name for our little one!
What about work? The debt?
Mary, well manage! Mum will help with the babyshe adores children!
Realising the turning point, Tom settled Mary gently on the sofa. She let out a shaky sob.
Tom, Im scared People say having a baby really hurts! And what if I drop it, or cant hold it right?
Shush Tom held her close. Ill be here, always. Well do this together.
Mary slowly calmed in his arms, and later that evening, she called Margaret herself to share the joyful news. She knew her mother-in-law would be ecstatic. And indeed, she wasnt wrongMargaret answered on the second ring, her voice wary at first.
Mary?
I I took your advice. About the test.
For a heartbeat there was just quietthen a gasp and the faintest sound of laughter, choked back by pride.
I knew it! Oh, Mary, I knew it before you did.
Mary found herself smiling, even through tears. You did. You werent wrong.
Well, then, stop crying and listenmake a cup of that awful herbal tea you drink, and put your feet up. Ill bring round supper tomorrow. And Tomtell him hes to let you rest, for once!
Mary glanced at Tom, who grinned conspiratorially and nodded.
Thank you, Margaret.
Oh, enough of that. Were all family, arent we?
Mary, for the first time in months, felt the knot of anxiety begin to loosen. She wasnt alonenot with Toms arms around her, not with Margaret already plotting casseroles and knitted booties. Debt and fear would come and go, she knew, but so too would laughter, and maybe even peace.
As dusk pressed in against the windows, Tom and Mary sat togetheruncertain, tired, hopeful. For Mary, the future was no longer something to dread. Instead, for the first time, she dared to imagine a messy, noisy, loving home, where she belonged not despite her fears, but alongside them. And with that, she let herself dreameven if just for tonightknowing shed have help, whether she asked for it or not.
Outside, somewhere beyond dull city lights, the world quietly turned, making space for another heart to beat, another story to begin.
