Do you not like that I want my own family? I left you lot behind, started building my life, and here you are again, dragging up the past.
Dont get so upset, Sophie! I know itll be tough for you, coming from London to a little village, but Ill help you, I promise! pleaded Daniel. I know what Im doing. I can manage, as long as youre by my side!
I was torn.
Why did I have to fall in love with a country lad? And so deeply too knees going weak, heart pounding sort of love.
I was twenty-eight, with a comfortable job in the city, decent prospects. Daniel, at thirty, had a large, close-knit family and his own cottage not far from Oxford.
Fate is odd; we met in a funfair. Daniel had wandered in while his mum was off shopping, and my friends dragged me there after work.
Numbers were swapped, texts exchanged, and, just like that, Daniel and I were talking nearly every day. Hed come into the city just to see me, always kind, always attentive. I let my guard down. Unlike the blokes Id dated before, Daniel was open, genuine, and warm-hearted.
Then he asked me to marry him and I said yes.
Well, love? Mum said, nodding, Give it a go. Daniel seems a good man hard working, honest. Doesnt work out, you can always come back to London.
I had nothing to lose. My job allowed remote work now, so I could do it from anywhere. I was no naive eighteen-year-old, and the fresh village air sounded lovely! Only
But Daniel, what will I be doing there? I asked, just wanting to be sure.
Youll be my fiancée. After a year well have the wedding and take a proper holiday. By then, Ill have saved enough so we wont need to stress about money. He looked flustered, a bit embarrassed.
I do realise youre used to a certain lifestyle.
Everything seemed right, and still a little voice in my head nagged. I decided to ignore it; best to give it an honest try.
So, I packed my bag, took a weeks holiday, locked up my little two-bed flat, which Id worked so hard for, and drove my Ford out to the countryside where Daniel was waiting.
That first evening was surprisingly pleasant.
It was a hot summer, and we cheerfully watered the veg patch, cooked a simple supper, and finished the chores together in record time.
Darling, my parents are coming! Daniel announced on Friday evening, home a bit early from work.
Why? My heart sank.
To meet you, and to give us a hand. Also, my brother and his wife are tagging along. He paced the living room, clearly nervous.
For how long? I asked, my anxiety plain.
Hopefully not too long! Daniel found my hand, his eyes full of concern. Dont worry, love, well manage.
That evening, I genuinely worried.
Mum called me later. Dont fret. Treat it as a test run. If its awful, just come back. The important thing is that youve got somewhere to go. Do things your way; let them adapt to you or not. Thats Daniels business, not yours.
She was right. Why let it get to me? Besides, I wasnt even his wife yet! They couldnt eat me alive could they?
Id just finished laying the table when we heard a car pull up.
Theyre here! Daniel called.
We walked out to greet them.
Well, hello there, future daughter-in-law! boomed a large woman in a floral, roomy dress, short dark hair and thick lashes, before enveloping Daniel in a hearty hug.
Her husband, just as big with a bit of a paunch, shook Daniels hand and gave me an appraising nod.
Daniels brother marched up with a cheeky grin and introduced himself. His wife, a fair-skinned blonde, looked me up and down, a bit too cool, and turned to her husband.
Stop ogling and help with the bags, would you? she snapped, heading back to the car.
I led everyone in, hoping dinner would ease the tension. At least I could cook!
My, youve gone all out, havent you? said Mary, Daniels mum.
Peter, his dad, grunted approvingly.
Chicken? Who cooks it like this? grumbled Elaine, the blonde, picking at her plate. People make up the oddest recipes these days can barely get it down.
Dont be ridiculous. Its delicious, protested Vlad.
Anything for your stomach, love. Quality doesnt matter, hmm? Elaine sniffed and tossed her fork aside.
Daniel cast me an apologetic look.
Elaine, have a bit of respect and try not to be so obvious with your jealousy! Sophie worked hard on dinner, he said, defending me.
Blimey, who chose your name anyway? That was the name of the family dog Sophie. Sweet girl, but still, she shot back with a poisonous smile.
I stifled a laugh.
What? Daniel asked under his breath.
I just have a friend with a guinea pig named Elaine, I replied quietly, but the others heard.
Mary glared. The men nearly laughed, but Elaine bristled with rage.
Who do you think you are? How dare you? Elaine glared at me.
You manage to dish it out, so I thought you could take some too, I shrugged.
Vlad gave me a look of admiration.
Im Vlads wife, legally. Youre just shacking up with Daniel, Elaine spat, rising from her seat.
At least I know how to behave when visiting. I try not to be rude to my hosts, I shot back.
Im not here for you! she crowed in triumph.
And I didnt invite you, Daniel cut in, clearly disgruntled. So, how long are you staying?
The table fell silent as everyone stared at Daniel.
Well teach your city girl some real country ways, then well be off, Mary declared.
No need, Mum. Weve done just fine, and I reckon well carry on that way.
Ha, you found yourself a freeloader. Curious how long youll last? taunted Elaine.
Theres only one freeloader in this family, and its definitely not Sophie, Daniel retorted. And, dearest guests, thanks for dinner; youre free to put your feet up now.
He gave me his hand and together we started clearing the table under a barrage of annoyed looks.
I realised that having someone on your side is worth its weight in gold. I wasnt going to let them walk all over me. And if it turned ugly, I could always go home.
Saturday morning got off to a rotten start.
Why are you still in bed? Were not lazy here. Time to make breakfast! Mary barrelled into our room.
I glanced at my phone in confusion.
Eight a.m.!
Mary, theres plenty for breakfast in the fridge, I said, pulling the duvet up to my chin. May I get dressed first?
Oh, arent you the lady of leisure? Mary snorted, flapping her arms. Food in the fridge wont cook itself. Up you get!
She stormed out, slamming the door.
I threw on clothes, made myself presentable, and trudged to the kitchen.
Youre up, love? Daniel greeted me at the hob.
If I hadnt woken her, shed still be in bed, Mary scoffed.
I gritted my teeth.
Mum, why did you go into our room? I asked you not to, Daniel said, exasperated.
Weve got another lazybones, have we? Elaine sniggered.
No one asked your opinion, thank you! I snapped.
Thats village life early to rise. When you get a cow, youll need to milk her by six, Elaine sneered.
Were not getting a cow, Daniel replied curtly.
Why? Fresh milk, cream Oh, I see! Sophie wouldnt know how to milk it anyway. Shes too used to sleeping in, Elaine laughed.
You wouldnt know how to milk a cow either, Daniel chuckled.
Youve gotten cranky since Sophie turned up, Mary said pointedly.
Thats it. Im going back to London. Daniel, call me when this circus has moved on, I said, standing up.
What? How dare you! Since you arrived, my son barely visits, doesnt help, hardly can get him on the phone! Mary exploded. You think well accept you? Youre tearing this family apart!
Enough! Daniel shouted. The room went quiet as a grave.
You dont like that I want my own family? I left, started my own life, and now youre pulling me back to old ways!
Son, youve lost your mind! You spend all your time and money on her she just wants your money! Mary wailed. Shes got you under her thumb, and were just trying to save you!
Mum, Sophie supports herself, and Im just saving for our wedding. Daniel pulled me close as I tried to leave. If you want me happy, please go home! You can visit, but only if youre invited especially you, Elaine.
While the others tried to pick their jaws up, Daniel gently led me off, then headed back to see his stunned family packing up.
Its me or her! Mary demanded.
You accepted Elaine well enough, Daniel replied, disillusioned.
What a comparison! Elaine huffed.
Peter and Vlad watched, curious.
Well? Mary pressed.
I choose happiness! Daniel declared, facing his mother.
Then I have no son! she shouted, sweeping out, leaving the bags for her husband. Elaine followed in a dramatic sulk.
Peter smiled. Were on your side, son. Ill handle your mum. Vlad hugged Daniel, Hold tight to your happiness, mate. Time for some changes around here!
Suddenly everyone was gone.
I felt awkward but grateful Daniel took me seriously.
We fell back into our routine sharing the chores, looking after each other, knowing this was a partnership. Daniels own family found a new sense of humour.
Mum! Elaine! We bought you a cow! Vlad called out with a wicked grin.
What? Mary gaped.
Elaine, youll be up early to milk her and take her to the field, Vlad replied.
This isnt funny, Vlad! whined Elaine.
You both harped on about it so much with Sophie, thought wed give you the real thing! added Peter. Oh, and breakfast should be hot and filling by 7am. No cold sandwiches. Country folk rise early!
The shoe was on the other foot, and they got a taste of their own medicine.
Everything theyd said to me was thrown right back at them.
Mary realised shed gone too far, but now more was expected to earn as much as Sophie, no less. They couldnt; they didnt have my qualifications, and running the house took time!
Mary eventually reconciled with Daniel, but visiting us? She still felt nervous. What if I had more surprises?
At last, Daniel proposed properly.
Our wedding was a true village affair everyone was there.
Mary and Elaine never really warmed to me, but at least they wisely kept their opinions to themselves.
I was, and am, truly happy. Daniel and I do everything together and always support each other and were never worried about surprise visitors again!
