She Wasn’t Wrong
I had just finished tidying up when the doorbell rang. I quickly washed my hands and hurried to answer. Standing at the doorstep was my mother-in-law, Margaret Collins. She flashed me a sly smileor at least, thats how it seemed to meand walked right into the flat.
Hello, Margaret, what brings you here? I managed.
Oh, just thought Id pop round for a visit, she replied, not even bothering with a proper greeting.
But Im in the middle of something! Couldnt you have phoned first? You cant just drop in out of the blue.
Margaret gave a short laugh. Do I need your permission to come into my own flat, do I?
I felt my cheeks flush at the reminder that this was, in fact, still mostly her place. Margaret had let Jamie and me stay here on certain conditions and now and then, she’d threaten to turf us out.
It all started when Jamie got in over his head with money, and now we were both working constantly to pay back the debts. We simply couldnt afford rent anywhere else, and Margaret, feeling sorry for her son, had offered us her buy-to-let flat rent-free while we sorted ourselves out. All we had to do was cover the bills.
So, hows everything going? she asked, making a beeline for the kitchen and helping herself to a mug from the cupboard.
All right, I muttered, finishing up the cleaning before joining her in the living room.
She looked me up and down, frowning. I knew shed never really liked me, but she respected her sons choicehowever, she made sure to have a laugh at my expense whenever possible.
Are you sure youre all right? You dont look well.
Im fine, I repeated, but the words sounded hollow even to me.
Oh, its always fine, fine. Dont you know any other words? she snipped.
I just shrugged. Honestly, I wasnt feeling great, but there was no way I was admitting that to Margaret.
So, whats on the agenda today? she pressed.
I havent decided. Might nip to the shops, pick up a few bits. Then probably get back to work.
Margaret nodded. She knew I was working as a remote bookkeeper these days. Conversation fizzled out and she started to look bored.
How about I come with you to the shops? she suggested. Ive got the car and nothing else to do. I can give you a lift at least.
At first, I wanted to say no. Shopping with Margaret always meant pointed comments and raised eyebrows, but then I imagined lugging heavy bags all the way home and caved.
Thatd be helpful, actually.
Right then, get yourself ready! No need to mope about.
I scrambled to get dressed, but she couldnt resist a dig even then.
Well, took you long enoughcouldve had a nice nap waiting for you, slowcoach.
I bit my tongue. Id been feeling nauseous since morning and really wasnt in the mood to argue.
So, where are we headed? she asked as we set off.
I rattled off the names of a couple of local supermarkets, and Margaret headed straight for the car. In truth, she barely needed anything herselfbut anything was better than going back to an empty home. She never talked about it, but I knew she missed her late husband. Jamie and I brought a bit of life into her otherwise quiet days, not that shed ever say so.
At the shop, Margaret cast a critical eye over the bargain brands in my basket. Why are you buying this stuff?
Its all we can really afford right now, I said with as much dignity as I could muster. You know were sorting out the debt.
She tutted, clearly having forgotten all that. Or just not caring.
Fancy stopping off in a café? My treat.
She barely got the words out before I felt the world start to spin. My legs buckled, and I nearly crumpled onto the pavement. Luckily, Margaret was quickshe got me into the car and fished out a bottle of water, splashing some onto my face.
You all right? Alice, look at mewhats going on?
I waved her away, trying to regain my composure. Im fine. Just a bit exhausted, maybe. Nerves, I suppose.
She just shook her head. I could tell she was starting to put two and two together, but she kept her thoughts to herself.
Right, let’s get you homeno arguments.
I still need a few bits from the other shop, I attempted weak resistance.
But she wasnt hearing it. Once we were back at the flat and the groceries inside, Margaret waved me off when I tried to help carry the bags.
You just stay out of my way and dont make things harder, she grumbled.
Back inside, I felt almost myself again and busied myself with unpacking, making lunch, and preparing to get back to work.
Does this sort of thing happen often? she asked suddenly.
What, the fainting? In the shop? Its not a big deal. Happens now and then.
Margaret made a pointed noise and planted herself at the table.
Happened to me when I was pregnant with Jamie, you know. Was sick all the time, kept fainting.
Oh, come on! Im not pregnant! I blushed furiously. Jamie and I cant afford a baby. We need to get out of debt. A child would just be more expenses.
Unexpectedly, Margarets expression softened. A childs not just an expense. Its a blessing.
We dont need that sort of blessing right now, I muttered. We really dont.
If a babys on the way, theres no changing it.
I bristled, my nerves fraying. Margaret, Im NOT pregnant. Please, dont start.
No need to shout at me! If youre so concerned, go buy a test before you bite my head off.
So why did you come over, then? Just to wind me up?
Actually, I took you to the shop and saved you from passing out cold. I only mean to help. Youd do best to talk with Jamie and see what needs doing.
Keep working, thats all we can do, I mumbled.
Margaret heaved a heavy sigh. She didnt like how defensive I was beingnormally I was so even-tempered. She seemed to decide, silently, that the mood swings must mean I was pregnant. I could see her eyes clouding with daydreams of bouncing a grandchild on her knee.
Why are you smiling like that? I snapped.
Have you picked out any names yet? What would it be for a boy, do you think? Or a girl? The questions caught me off guard and I bristled.
For goodness sake! Please stop it! Im NOT pregnant! If youre bored, maybe you should just head back to your place. Please, Margaret.
She got up, smirked, and grabbed her coat. Well, Ill be off then. But just remember, Ill help if theres a grandchild involved.
I didnt answer, just scrunched up my nose in annoyance.
After she left, I headed straight for the bathroom cupboard. It wasnt that I wanted a baby nowbut the possibility was gnawing at me. I was simply determined not to let Margaret be right. And, if I was honest, I was just scared.
I was afraid of everythinggiving birth, the pain, the responsibility. I couldnt even picture myself as a mum. What if I couldnt cope?
I dug out an old pregnancy test Id bought months before, just in case. I had never needed it until now. My hands shook as I waited for the result, heart thumping in my chest. Two lines appeared, faint but certain.
Work melted far from my mind. Jamie was expecting a report from me, but right now, all I could think about was the new life starting to grow inside of me.
When Jamie got home that evening, I could barely meet his eyes as I handed him that tiny, fateful strip.
Whats this? he asked, blinking at it.
I barely managed a whisper. Its Im pregnant.
Neither of us were ready for this. But Jamies face broke into a shaky smile.
Really? Were going to have a baby?
Yes! I nodded, nerves jangling. What do we do now?
He sat quietly for a moment, then ran his hand gently over my stomach.
We start thinking of names!
And the work? The debt?
He shrugged. Well manage. Mum will helpshe adores kids.
As he helped me settle on the sofa, I found myself blinking back tears.
Jamie, Im terrified. Everyone says giving birth is awful! How will I hold the baby? What if I drop it, or do something wrong?
He hugged me tight. Dont worry. Well figure it out together. Ill be right there the whole time.
In his arms, my worries quietly softened. Later that evening, I called Margaret myself to share the news. I knew shed be over the moonand, as it turned out, I wasnt wrong.
