I gave my mother-in-law such a present that it would surely knock the wind out of her! Shed get a fright whenever she looked at it. But she simply wont be able to throw it out, and will have to keep it in full view for everyone to see! Thats just how it is. Tit for tat, as they say! Oh, my dreadful Margaret! In all the fifteen years Ive been married to Edward, she hasnt given me a single kind word. A right misery, she is. At least other mothers-in-law mutter something, even if it comes through gritted teeth. But Margaret simply stares with those beady black eyes of hers. I always try to avoid visiting and only pop round for five minutes each year, I told my friend Emma one Saturday afternoon.
She listened and nodded eagerly. She was just as disgruntled with her own mother-in-law, Mary. The three of us myself, Emma, and our friend Lucy have had this tradition since we were girls: every other Saturday, we meet for a girls afternoon. Im a hairdresser and I love giving us all a fresh look, but today I was only calling in quickly, as I had clients later. Emma, a chef, always brings along a mountain of goodies, as my son Harry calls them. Lucy works as a nurse and had just started at a new place; we were keen to know where, though our chat had wandered off to the topic of mothers-in-law.
I just cant stand her! I complained again, Shes nothing to me. If only she just… wasnt here My voice trailed off, imagining life without Margaret.
Lucy, who had been sitting quietly, interrupted. And then what, Alice? Would you really be any happier? she said with a sly smile.
Well probably, I muttered and fell silent, remembering my smirk that morning as I handed my perfectly wrapped gift to Margaret, telling her to only open it after Id left. I felt smug, certain Id spoiled her birthday.
Suddenly, Lucy spoke up to change the subject. You lot have been wondering where Im working now
We perked up.
Is it a private hospital? I guessed.
Bet youre rolling in it now! Emma giggled.
Lucy shook her head, No, its a hospice.
Silence. Emma finally managed, But why, Lucy? Her voice faltered. Thats really hard. Isnt it scary? And what about the pay? I asked, worried.
Lucys reply was slow, almost weary, Why do you both go on about the money? Alice, sorry, but youre being stupid. Thats the only word for it.
Whos stupid? Me? Or my mother-in-law? I bristled.
You, Alice. All this talk and the way you speak about Margaret is so petty. Sure, I hardly know her, but didnt she sell her lovely flat in the centre for you and Edward, so you could buy a bigger house? She gave you everything, with no fuss, just so you two could have more space. And when little Harry fell so ill, who drove him up to that big-shot doctor in Manchester, when you couldnt face it? Found the number through an old friend and got treatment that saved your son. And when you got tipsy at reunion night and somehow ended up sleeping at a school friends house no harm done, but Edward would never have forgiven you if hed found out. Who saved you with a cover story that youd stayed at hers? That was Margaret.
Youre the one biting the hand that feeds you, Alice. You brag about her homemade pickles and jam who do you think makes them for you? You couldnt grow a tomato to save your life. People like Margaret show their love quietly, with actions, not fancy words. And some folk, all talk but do nothing! That isnt love, Alice, Lucy finished her speech, almost out of breath.
Thanks, friend. I thought youd back me up, not insult me! I snapped, jumping up.
But, deep down, I felt a tiny dart of guilt. It had fuelled my righteous indignation all morning and cheered at the thought of Margaret seeing her present. But now, after Lucys words, it just wriggled and prodded, making it hard to feel triumphant.
Emma, meanwhile, kept steadily chewing through the pile of cheese scones she always got peckish during arguments and had gone quiet, not cheering me on this time.
Really, I shouldve stormed out and slammed the door. Instead, I just froze on the spot, stuck fast by that pesky feeling of shame.
Suddenly Lucy spoke again, voice soft. You know I dont have a mum, Alice. And Ive lived with that for fifteen years, just like youve lived with your mother-in-law. Only you moan on and on about Margaret annoying you, when she actually loves you in her own way. Id give anything to have what you have. Sometimes I ring mums old number, just to hear it ring, then I sit and talk to the silence, wishing she was there to answer. I even keep the number topped up, like she might pick up. I snuggle up with her old tartan blanket and talk about everything, tell her how much I miss her. That grief never goes away.
I stayed quiet as a mouse. What was I supposed to say now?
Lucy went on, You have a mum AND a mother-in-law, Alice. Why put yourself above Margaret? Youve called her country bumpkin before behind her back. And another thing: you’re our hairdresser you do brilliant cuts for all of us. But whens the last time you did Margarets hair, or offered to dye it for her?
The guilt inside me clenched up tight and suddenly, I heard my voice, weak with regret: Never.
Emma gasped, No really, Alice? Youve NEVER done her hair? Thats awful! I always take cakes and bakes around to mine she appreciates the tiniest gesture, you should see her little hands light up. She might drive me up the wall sometimes, but shes not a bad person.
I was numb. That twinge of guilt had finally stopped wriggling. I finally felt I could move but now, I didnt want to just walk out.
Lucy watched me with a sympathetic look. Perhaps youve forgotten I dont have my mum anymore. I still top up her phone, you know. I talk to her, even though theres only silence there. The grief is never-ending, Alice. Sometimes I see people treating their loved ones badly and it stings. You have your mum AND a mother-in-law, and yet you sneer, pick on every little thing, call her names. There are so many out there who would give anything for one more day.
Emma was fanning herself with a leaflet, peering at her now-empty plate. She quickly texted her husband, letting him know theyd have a family night in with both his parents joining. Right, Im off! Got a full house tonight! See you, girls! and she dashed off.
I started packing my things, but my hands were shaking. My bag spilled open and Lucy helped me quietly, compassion in her eyes. We walked out in silence.
I had errands, a packed evening ahead. Yet all I could think about was Margaret, alone in her little house on the edge of town, probably staring at that gift the one meant to spite her. What if shed done the same to me? Id have been gutted. It would have spoiled my whole birthday.
I started calling my appointments to apologise and promised discounts for next time. I cancelled everything and set off for Margarets house.
Edwards phone was off. My palms sweated. What would he say? Its his mum, after all
It was evening now. The little pebbled house glowed gently across the garden. The chintz curtains with daisies and pots of geraniums the ones that used to irritate me now looked warm and welcoming.
I rehearsed apologies in my head: Should I bring another present? No time. Id promise to get something special. Hopefully she wasnt too disappointed. Gosh, what HAVE I done? I scolded myself gently, crossing the gate and up the path.
The door, as usual, was unlocked. In the front room, the table groaned with homemade food: cottage pie, a huge bowl of salad, her famous stuffed pancakes. I stood in the doorway, noticing, for the first time, the effort she made. Edward was chatting with Harry, who was tucking in happily to grandmas cabbage rolls. Margaret, wearing her royal blue dress with the lace collar and that trademark long plait down her back, was standing by the far wall.
Two elderly neighbours and a beaming old gentleman perhaps a visitor were with her.
Look, isnt this just wonderful? Margaret was proclaiming with pride, showing off my present.
She continued, This is my Alice, Edwards wife. Shes as lovely as a princess, so fair and gentle! When I look at her, my heart just bursts with joy. God outdid Himself, creating such beauty! And now, Alice will always be with me. An artist painted her for me. I cried with happiness when I saw the gift. Nothing could have made me happier!
I felt my cheeks burn deep red, embarrassment flooding me like a child caught out by her grandma when breaking a vase.
My gift to Margaret for her birthday was a portrait of me. Id convinced myself that, since she never praised me or said anything nice, she must despise me. I believed the portrait would annoy her, but that out of politeness, shed display it and silently suffer. But it hadnt worked out like that at all…
Shes so beautiful, I sometimes get shy around her, Margaret went on. Big blue eyes, delicate features like a painting. Not like me a worn-out old woman, clumsy and tongue-tied. I was never good with words. But I show love in other ways. Sometimes, when she stays over, I tuck her in and smooth the blanket while she sleeps. God took my daughters from me too soon, but He sent Alice Edwards wife, my own daughter. I always tell Edward, You have a treasure for a wife!
Just live with that now! the nagging voice of my guilt quipped, but then it fell silent for good.
I didnt even have the chance to promise that Id change. Before I knew it, I was noticed Harry ran to me, Edward stood up to greet me.
I thought you were working? Mum said youd popped in to give her birthday wishes already, he whispered in my ear.
I cancelled everything. Margaret can I call you Mum from now on? Happy birthday, I choked out, my throat thick with tears.
I really wanted to kneel down, truth be told, just like the man from Lucys story. To ask forgiveness from the quiet, boundless love and wisdom standing before me.
Alice! You found time to visit, my dear. Thank you for making it! Theres my girl, just in time for the party! Margaret beamed up at me, brimming with pride and joy.
The neighbourly granddad gave an approving nod, looking between me and my portrait.
Everyone suddenly seemed brighter, the laughter lighter, the chatter bubbling.
I felt full full of gratitude that I was here and well, with loving family and a job I cherished, with parents whod soon be arriving with their own gifts. I realised then: I, Alice, am truly rich.
To the table, everyone! Margaret called out, bustling about.
How wonderful! And later, we can have a little beauty day! If anyone fancies a new style or a fresh cut, Id love to just say the word! I smiled, offering what I could a true gift, at long last, for everyone.
