See you in three days, darling! And dont forget your homemade steak and ale pieits absolutely delicious… chirped Margaret, her mother-in-law, through the phone, brimming with cheer.
But Alice felt no such mirth. Ending the call, she slumped onto the kitchen chair, her thoughts heavy. Easter was coming, and Victors whole family would soon descend on their home.
Youve such a spacious flat, Alice, plenty of room for everyone. Back in our old little terraces we were always squeezed, but here, we can finally gather properlywhat a treat for a big family, Margaret had declared two years back.
Now, Alice had grown to resent their roomy three-bedroom flatthe very same for which they still faced years of mortgage payments. The size made it an irresistible draw for Victors family to pile in, bringing mess, noise, and sleepless nights.
Victor strolled in, dropping a kiss on her head.
All sorted with Mum? he asked.
Yes, well be hosting again. Vic, pleasecant you speak to your mum? Alice pleaded, voice wavering.
Victors brow furrowed. Alice, weve been over this. Mum absolutely adores you and your cooking. How could I possibly ask her not to come? Shes retired, love. You cant expect her to cater for everyoneshes not got the energy anymore. She raised four kids. She deserves a rest.
Every time, Victors persuasion prevailed. But in her heart, Alice wondered, Who looks after me? Why do I spend my bank holidays caring for and feeding everyone else?
Complaining went nowhere. Alice avoided arguments with Victor, not wanting to fracture their happiness. So the next day she headed out for groceries, and the eve of Easter found her cooking well after midnight.
By the time she had finished, shed prepped a feast for Victors siblings and their familiesat least ten people!
Why am I doing this alone? Couldnt just one person help out? Fine, if not your mum, what about your brothers wives? Or are they all retired, too? Alice snapped as she kneaded dough.
Victor stared at her, plainly baffled. But you know my brothers cant even boil an egg, same as me. The sisters-in-law are all busysome have the kids, others have work. I cant just pull them away, Alice. Its not fair.
But its fair for me? I work too, even if its from home. That doesnt mean Im not absolutely shattered.
Dont be cross, Victor replied, hugging her. Itll be lovelyall of us together. Theyll all rave about your pie. Thatll cheer you up, youll see.
Alice relented again. Yet, even as she collapsed into bed, exhaustion leaving her insomnia rather than sleep, her mind reeled with endless analysis and worry.
Why do I even care about their compliments? Id love to be the guest for once, to arrive when its all ready without spending my time, money, and energy.
Before dawn, just as Alice finally drifted off, the phone blared to life. Margaret wanted to wish her eldest son a happy Easter first. After exchanging greetings, her voice rang out:
Well all be round in an hour. I told the kids last night, so best get the table set, love!
Alice couldnt move, drained to her core. She could already picture herself ferrying plates, setting the table, back and forth, only to clear it all later.
I dont want to, she moaned into her pillow.
Alice, why are you still in bed? Mumll be here soon! And the rest of them. Victor stood in the doorway, disappointment etched in his face.
Coming Alice responded wearily, sitting up and slipping into her dressing gown. You can do thisyoure strong enough, she murmured, dragging herself to the bathroom.
She forced herself to finish, just in time to lay out the food and warm the dishes.
…The house sounded more like a pub on match day than a family home. Relatives swapped stories and plans over clinking glasses. Margaret planted herself next to Alice, effusive as ever.
Our Alice is a wonder in the kitchen! Everything tastes perfect, dear. Theres no way I could serve up a spread like this myself, she beamed, grasping Alices hand.
Alice accepted the praise dutifully, but often escaped to the balcony to escape the hubbub and inevitable questions about children. She and Victor had agreed to waitit was nobody elses business, though that didnt stop the family from probing.
Alice! Time for dessert! Where have you disappeared to? Margarets voice floated through the open door as she joined her on the balcony.
Are you smoking? Margaret demanded, shocked.
What? Of course not! Just needed some airits stuffy in there, Alice replied, flustered.
Yes, with all the children about and no windows open. For a moment I thought you were up to mischief Careful now, you still owe me grandchildren! Margaret wagged her finger playfully.
Alice mustered a thin smile. Margaret seemed oblivious.
Come on, lets clear the table and serve pudding.
In a minute
Inside, Margaret dropped straight onto her chair. Alice, meanwhile, bundled up the dirty plates and retreated to the kitchen, arranging puddings and cutlery for the whole loton her own.
Your cake is the best in the country, Margaret called as Alice busied herself in the kitchen.
She washed dishes to fill the silence, regretting not having splurged on that dishwasher yet. Somehow, the purchase always got put off.
Two hours later, the last of the guests were bundling up coats and rounding children.
Vic, love, would you run me home? Margaret asked.
Course, Mum, just need to grab my keys.
Alone at last, Alice collapsed onto the sofa, surveying the utter chaosa sea of toys, crumbs, and upturned cushions. All her mornings cleaning undone.
Better get on with it, or Ill hate myself even more come morning, she muttered, hauling herself up.
She set about tidying: loading laundry, putting away leftovers, scrubbing plates and glasses, vacuuming every inch. By the time she finished, she barely recognised the ghostly reflection in the bathroom mirror.
I deserve something nice after all that
Alice ran a hot bath, dropped in her favourite lavender bath bomb, set soothing music on. The warmth melted the ache from her muscles. At last, her phone buzzed:
Mums offered for me to stay the night. Ill come home tomorrow.
Of course, Alice thought bitterly. Like always
Victor surely knew Alice would end up cleaning that night, but he opted for his mums spare room instead of helping her.
If thats how they treat me, Ill return the favour. Enough is enough, she resolved.
A month flew by. Another celebration loomed. It wasnt long before Margaret called:
Alice, dear, please get the table ready! Were coming Friday for Harrys birthday.
Of course, the tables there. But someone else will have to do the foodIm swamped. The office wants me inno idea when Ill be free, Alice sighed, feigning sorrow. Might not even make the party myself
What? Really?
Works work, what can you do?
Well, Ill think of something What a shame, Margaret sighed.
Goodbye! Alice ended the call, grinning to herself.
Instead, she spent the evening at her friends, leaving Victor to tidy up after his brothers birthday, as it was hardly her responsibility.
When Margarets own milestone birthday neared, Alice took leave and whisked herself off to her parents in another city. She dropped off a present early with a cheerful, Victor will let you injust dont expect me at home.
And wholl do the cooking?
You can order something inor perhaps the other daughters-in-law can help. Youll manage!
After that, Alice kept future gatherings to a bare minimuma tray of cold meats and a shop-bought Victoria sponge. She always repeated, Sorry, works intenseno time for fancy cooking. Youre welcome to order takeaway, if you like.
No one offered to dip into their own purses. By Christmas, it became clear to everyone in the family that Alice wouldnt be taken advantage of anymore. Their enthusiasm for family knees-ups mysteriously shrank.
Alice and Victor welcomed in the New Year togetherjust the two of them, which suited her perfectly. Her plan had worked. As she raised her glass of prosecco, she allowed herself a smilea silent toast, embracing her own quiet victory.
