Lets invite Mum and my sister over for New Years, Charles announced on the evening of December thirtieth. Will you have time to get everything ready?
Finally, the longawaited weekend! Emily breathed with relief as she sank onto the pouf in the hallway and slipped off her wellworn boots. Ten whole days of rest ahead. She stretched, feeling the tension melt from her shoulders, and imagined the next ten days with a quiet smile.
Yes, brilliant! Charles nodded, propping himself against the doorframe. I was just speaking to Sophie; she said they still havent decided where to celebrate, so theyll come to us, he added.
Emily frowned, looking up at him. And Mum, of course, will be there tooshe always joins them, Charles concluded, noticing his wifes mood shift.
Do you realise New Years is tomorrow? Margaret snapped. Ive been pulling overtime all week to hit my targets, and now you tell me my tomorrows fate is to spend the whole day with pans? Emilys voice rose.
Whats there to cook? Charles replied lightly. A couple of salads, a roast, some cold cuts, maybe a few canapés
Charles, youd better keep your distance from me right now, or youll get a whack from a skillet, Emily said, unusually solemn. If your relatives want to visit, they should bring something themselves. Call them and tell them to bring a dish. I remember a New Year when we were all in the kitchen, I was chasing plates all night while the ladies lounged on the sofa sipping wine under the bluelit TV.
Emily, why are you so worked up? Charles asked, surprised by her outburst.
How should I be? she retorted sharply and, without waiting for an answer, slipped into the bedroom to change into her lounge wear.
Emily was furious with her husband, whose weekend had just begun the day before. The only thing that soothed her was the knowledge that she had earned a half again as much as usual this month. She sighed, stepped to the mirror, and slowly peeled off her makeup, mulling over tomorrows plans.
Ideally she wanted to sleep until noon, then have a leisurely breakfast, tidy up, order groceries, and whip up something light for the celebration. She craved no hustle, no clatterher work had left her exhausted from endless running around, and she dreamed of a cosy, quiet holiday.
How can everything go exactly as Ive imagined? she whispered, cycling through possibilities in her mind.
Ignoring Charles, who flitted about the flat, Emily drifted to the kitchen, poured herself hot lemon tea, and settled to eat. Snowflakes drifted past the window, catching the streetlamps glow and turning the world outside into a sparkling wonderland.
For a heartbeat she stared out, forgetting her dilemma, then shook her head and returned to reality. A brilliant yet risky idea sparked.
Morning arrived as shed planned, at twelve oclock. After a languid stretch, she discovered Charles already awake, bustling in the kitchena rarity on the eve of a holiday. She slipped on a soft dressing gown and padded over.
What are you up to? she asked, squinting in the bright light.
I thought Id treat my beloved with a festive breakfast, Charles smiled, whisking something in a bowl.
Looks like the pans on fire, Emily laughed, noting the thin plume of smoke.
When they finally sat down, Emily pressed Charles for his guest plan, noting that nothing was bought and the flat was still a mess.
I couldnt say no to Sophie, he said, eyes fixed on his plate.
Of course, Emily raised an eyebrow. Your sister is hard to refuse.
Did you have a suggestion? he asked, recalling her thoughtful look the day before. Honestly, I was amazed by your composure; I thought youd tear the place apart.
First, call Sophie and ask if theyll bring any snacks or salads. There are four of them: two adults and two children, Emily instructed.
Alright, Charles agreed, dialing.
Sophie, hi. Emilys sorting the table, so could you let me know what youll bring? Dont want to doubleup, he said.
A burst of laughter crackled back. Charles, youre joking? When am I supposed to cook? Ive got two kids! We were hoping Emily would conjure something, as usual, she replied cheekily.
Theyre not babies, both schoolage, Charles replied.
A sudden clatter erupted. Oops, Ive broken something again. All right, Ill call you back later, Sophie said, hanging up.
Charles returned, looking bewildered. They wont bring anything, then? Emily asked, hopeful.
Neither will Mum. Both said they just want to relax and enjoy, not cook, he summed up.
Got it. I thought the same, Emily murmured, biting her lip. Im thinking of spending New Years at my parents place. They invited us on Thursday, but I wanted to stay home and didnt tell you. Will you come with me? We dont have much time to decide.
So well argue with the family, Charles said, puzzled.
Or youll argue with your wife, Emily smirked.
Of course I choose you, Charles replied, raising his hands in peace.
Emily set about tidying the flat so they could return to a spotless home after the holidays, while Charles headed to the shopping centre with Emilys list. The mall was awash in festive glitter: twinkling lights on shop windows, Christmas trees, and Santa figures everywhere.
Right, a tree! Charles declared, spotting a pine stand. How could I have forgotten?
He abandoned his other errands and rushed to the market, selecting a modest but charming fir whose branches brushed his cheek as he carried it home.
When he opened the front door, Emily turned and gasped. A tree? she beamed.
Will you dress it? I havent bought anything else yet. I just wanted to surprise you.
Youve always objected to a real tree, she teased.
I dont know, Charles shrugged. I fancy a change this year.
The flat suddenly felt truly Christmassy. Emily fetched a box of ornaments from the top shelf and began to decorate, hanging baubles and strands of tinsel with a devotion that made the room glow brighter with each addition.
She was so absorbed that by the time she finished, Charles had returned, and the packing for the trip had to start.
Did you get everything? she asked, eyeing the bags brimming with groceries and trinkets.
All except the fish it wasnt fresh. Well pop into another shop on the way, he replied, and Emily felt her heart warm at his effort.
Good, she said, surprised by his sudden enthusiasm. She had feared hed balk at her plan and that theyd spend the whole evening entertaining relatives.
Soon they were loading the car, the clock showing just seven in the evening, while Charless family was due at ten. The drive to Emilys parents cottage took about an hour, but they set off early to be safe.
Standing by the open boot, overloaded with parcels and presents, Emily brushed a stray lock from her face and asked, Hope we havent forgotten anything?
Everythings here, except dessert. We can grab something on the road, Charles answered.
The cottage was a snug country house, built only a decade ago when Emilys parents sold their city flat and moved out of London. Even in their later years, they were spry and full of life. The exterior twinkled with fairy lights, casting a festive glow.
We never took the lights down after last year, said her father, Arthur, laughing when Emily praised them.
Really? I didnt notice when we visited in summer, Emily replied, smiling.
They began unloading, and Emily handed a sack to Arthur. Weve brought a bit of everything. Not sure what youll cook, but it might come in handy.
Let me haul it inside, Arthur commanded. While youre in the kitchen, Charles and I will fire up the garden sauna.
Arthur had built the sauna himself, a sturdy wooden hut with a generous vestibule, always scented with the essential oils he bought for guests.
Meanwhile, Emily and her mother, Valerie, turned on classic New Years films, losing track of time amid the bustle. At nine oclock Charless phone buzzed incessantly.
Charles, answer! Were at the door, shouted Sasha.
Were not home, Charles replied timidly.
Where are you then? When will you be back? Sashas tone was sharp.
Weve gone to the cottage. Things got a bit chaotic, well be back in two days, he tried to explain.
Off to the countryside? What about New Years? Sasha gasped.
Well celebrate here, in the village, Charles said.
Yes? she snarled, then softened. Well, you still have time to come home and have a proper family New Years.
Do you expect me to entertain the kids all night? Alexandra asked, bold and bewildered.
I I dont know. If I have to, Ill manage, Charles muttered.
Never thought youd be so cruel, Alex. Maybe youve hidden the spare key under the mat? she suggested, hoping to avoid the mess of cleaning later.
Now I see why you always go to other peoples houses for New Years, Charles chuckled. My wife outwitted me, he added, laughing. Happy New Year, love! he said before hanging up.
He counted to ten in his head, then his mothers number flashed on the screenAlthea.
Yes, weve left, he blurted before she could answer. Well be in the cottage. No keys left for you.
How dare you leave us like this? We were counting on you! his mother erupted.
I understand, but it happened, Charles replied. Honestly, Im tired of every holiday being cramped in our tiny flat. Why dont you or Sasha invite us? Coming to a readymade feast is always please! Yet both of you have spacious threebedroom apartments! he added, his voice edged with frustration.
Did I raise you just to endure such treatment? Althea whispered bitterly.
Fair? Charles asked, puzzled.
She fell silent.
Alright, son, I get it. We wont bother you any more, she said softly, ending the call. Charles exhaled heavily; the conversation had been a hard one. He wasnt the type to ruin family ties over petty things, but the years of grievances had piled up.
Everything alright? Emily asked, resting her head on his shoulder.
Mom called, he replied shortly.
Got it, she sighed. Do you think we did the right thing?
Absolutely, Charles turned to her. Theyre waiting for us, getting things ready. And me? Im just used, nothing more. Ive tolerated too long. He looked down, his voice low.
Emily pulled him close, trying to soothe his hurt.
Come on, lets get ready for the celebration, Charles said, lightening the mood.
That New Year turned out to be unforgettable. Emily and Charles stayed with her parents for a couple of days, sipping tea by the fireplace, bouncing down the hill on a toboggan like children, and sharing long conversations. It was the warmest New Year in years, far from the usual rush and stress.
Soon enough they would return to the cadence of their ordinary lives, but the memory of that simple, glowing holiday with family would linger forever, a cherished ember in the hearth of their hearts.
