So, let me tell you about this story that everyone in the village had been talking about for ages Tom was coming home. Honestly, the whole place was buzzing. All the girls were getting dolled up, doing their hair just right, hoping to catch his eye. But then there was Emily, the orphan she didnt bother with all those girlish tricks. She just carried on being herself. And, would you believe it, Tom fell for her immediately.
You can only imagine the envy in the village snatching up such a boy! From the very first moment Tom arrived, every girl had her heart set on him. Tall, broad-shouldered, good-looking, proper city boy, and clever to boot had even studied abroad somewhere. And his parents? Absolutely loaded.
Now, his grandfather, Mr. Henry, had once been the village head. Put all his children through school, proper old-fashioned, you know now just waiting for grandkids, showing off all the familys successes.
So yes, with Toms return, all the young women started preparing, primping themselves, hoping to be noticed. But Emily? Didnt bother at all. And thats probably what charmed him.
No matter how hard the other girls tried to catch Toms attention, it was never any use. He ended up taking Emily with him after his break. On the morning he left, his granddad Henry had a quiet word with him: Shes had a rough life, that girl. Dont you dare go upsetting her. Tom promised.
Life in the city was a whirlwind its not like the village at all. Emily hoped Tom would stay as thoughtful and gentle as hed been back home. Things did seem fine as they prepared for the wedding lots to do, the odd tender moment here and there.
But after the honeymoon, Tom changed. It was as if he was embarrassed to be seen with his young bride. His mum, Mrs. Mary, barely spoke to Emily and made it pretty clear she didnt think Emily was good enough for her precious son.
Emily couldnt cook soup the right way, didnt iron his shirts just so, and apparently even mopped the floor wrong. She struggled but what could she do, living under one roof with her mother-in-law? She couldnt find a job either, and Tom wouldnt let her anyway:
What on earth would you earn with your qualifications? Just stay home, hed say.
So she did. When Emily became pregnant, Tom was over the moon, happier than ever. Things seemed to improve Mrs. Mary stopped giving Emily such a hard time and even scolded Tom if he was careless with his wife. But everything changed after tragedy struck. Emily lost the baby, and things got worse.
You cant do anything right not clever, not healthy, only your pretty face is of any use, Mrs. Mary would mutter. And Tom would just smile smugly, acting as if she wasnt talking about his own wife.
The second pregnancy didn’t bring Tom any happiness at all. No more tenderness, no excitement. Instead, he seemed irritated about her changing figure. Even Mrs. Mary was at him now, telling him not to take it out on Emily, that the baby needed love.
But Emily could feel it Tom had grown cold. They started sleeping in separate rooms, and hed dash off to work, not returning until she was already asleep.
Emily spent night after night in tears. With no parents and no family, she desperately wanted to keep her family together for the childs sake, and she never showed anyone how upset she was.
She had no one to drive her to hospital when she went into labour Tom hadnt been home for a week. She had to call the ambulance herself, gave birth, and didnt even ring him. She had nowhere to go, really. But when she got to the entrance, there was a car waiting for her, all decorated with balloons. She was so happy. Ran out, but Tom wasnt there. Just Mrs. Mary and Mr. Henry, all dressed up, waiting with flowers.
Thank you for this gift of a great-grandchild, Emily! Theres no one in the world better than her, said Henry, beaming. And Mrs. Mary, usually so cold, couldnt take her eyes off the baby fussing around from the moment they got home.
The table was already set. And would you believe, Mrs. Mary had baked Emilys favourite cake.
Never thought my Tom could be such a fool, Mary said, unable to keep her feelings hidden. Gone off on his own, left a girl and baby behind. Never mind, well manage without him. Lets see how he gets on. We wont let anyone hurt you. Ill get him off the house deed hell have to fend for himself elsewhere. Wouldnt want him bringing back another wife, would we?
So, what will we call her? asked old Henry. Shall we name her Anna? That was your mums name, wasnt it, Emily?
Emily just burst into tears shed held them back for so long. Mrs. Mary stroked her hair gently.
Dont worry, love. Youll be happy again, youll see. Look how perfect you are as a mum. He just never noticed, but we do.
I think Ill move back to the village. It would be better for us there.
Thats the best idea, Henry said. Well raise this little one together.
***
Two years after Emily moved back, a lad from the village, Jack, asked for her hand. Before Tom, shed never have looked at Jack. But she stopped caring about posh backgrounds she just wanted someone who would love her and never let anyone hurt her.
Youd better say yes, people told her. Where else will you find someone as good as Jack youve known him since you were a child. But what if Tom comes back?
Emily cut them off. He wont. And I dont love him anymore.
Well, thats good then, Henry said cheerily. Lets get ready for the wedding.
***
Mrs. Mary actually turned up for the wedding.
How do you treat Emily? she quizzed Jack in that sharp tone she always had. She had to walk all the way home from work today! The house is a tip, and little Annas tights arent even ironed.
And who are you? Jack shot back, genuinely annoyed.
Im the mother-in-law.
Ex mother-in-law, Jack corrected her.
Oh, come on, stop bickering. Emily laughed. Once a mother-in-law, always a mother-in-law.
Im just nervous, Mrs. Mary said, trying to explain. I worry you wont let me see Anna.
Come whenever you like, Jack reassured her, just know, well be building our family our own way.
Emily looked at Jack with real pride. This one will never let anyone hurt us, she thought, smiling for the first time in ages.
