Little Things in Life
Ignoring her parents advice, Alice married her sweetheart, Edward, a sensible young man. He had been raised by his grandmother Sarah, whom he always called Gran Sally. His parents died when he was just two, so he had no memories of them.
When Alice introduced Edward to her parents, Margaret stood her ground after he left.
Alice, we didnt raise you for him. Youre at university in your third year what husband, what wedding? And I dont want Edward as a son-in-law. What does he have to offer? He works at the local garage a mechanic Mark my words, if you go through with this, dont expect any help from me.
Mum, Im marrying him anyway, you know me, Alice insisted. Her father, as usual, stayed quiet, always trying to keep peace between his wife and daughter. Besides, Im having a baby
The wedding wasnt overly extravagant, even though Alices parents were comfortable. Margaret refused to make a big fuss. If only her daughter had married the son of her old friend but Alice was stubborn.
Shell live in poverty with that mechanic, then come running home. Shes got romance and love on her mind, nothing practical, Margaret grumbled to her husband. And now shes even moved out, gone to his grans place, doesnt want me to humiliate her husband, says so right to my face. Shes not even happy about the baby.
Alices parents lived in a spacious flat in London; their only daughter was used to comfort and money. But she left with Edward to Gran Sallys house, a cottage seven miles outside the city.
Time passed, and Alice had a little girl. Gran Sally helped a lot, teaching the young mother and getting up at night for baby Chloe. Alice studied at university again, trying to be both a good wife and mum, but she was worn out. Every morning shed rise early, rush to catch the bus, travel into London, then switch buses to get to uni.
Shed come home exhausted. Gran Sally and Chloe would greet her at the gate; her daughter eagerly awaited her and missed her terribly. Edward would arrive later, having worked late. He always picked up Chloe, spun her around, and adored his girls. Alice wanted to spend time with her husband, but he arrived on the last bus, tired and hungry.
Alices dissertation deadline loomed. She often wished she could return to her parents comfortable flat, saving all the time spent commuting. But Margaret was offended, didnt call, and never asked about her granddaughter.
Edward had an older brother, Anthony, married with a flat in London which hed bought himself from years working away. But his marriage was rocky; his wife, Mary, demanded more and more.
Tony called, Edward told Gran Sally and Alice. He left Mary, constant arguments, now renting a place.
How could that be? Gran Sally worried. He worked so hard for their flat, and now hes gone.
Gran, Tony acted like a man, left everything for his wife and son, Edward defended.
One day, Alice complained to Edward about the crazy pace of her life two buses just to get to uni. She didnt outright say she meant moving in with her parents, since shed agreed to live independently with Edward.
Im tired, Alice told him. Worn out from chasing the bus schedule, long rides, all those stops. I hardly make it
Edward listened in silence, kissed her cheek.
Ive got an idea. Ill tell you later its a surprise, he said mysteriously. Alice didnt press further, she was too weary.
A few days later, one evening, a car pulled up outside.
Maybe my parents have come, Alice thought, but the car was old and unfamiliar. No, not them A proper banger.
She hurried out, saw Edward climb from the car, pride clear on his face.
What do you think of our new ride?
That thing, you mean the car? Where did you get it?
I bought it, Edward replied. With the money wed saved for our mortgage deposit
Alice stared at the car, feeling sad for the money meant for a flat, now spent on this old banger. Theyd live in the village for ages now.
Edward praised the car. I fixed it myself. She runs, hop in, let me take you for a spin. He ushered her in. Just needs painting, but you wont have to bus around anymore. Shes nearly perfect, cost very little.
Truthfully, the car drove fine, but Alice feared it might fall apart. When they arrived home, Gran Sally stood at the gate with Chloe. Edward scooped up their daughter and spun her around, while Alice hurried into the house, tears streaming down her face. She sobbed, everything overwhelming her.
Alice, sweetheart, whats wrong? Gran Sally asked, worried.
He spent all the money we saved for a flat deposit on that car. We dreamed of a flat and now
Calm down, love, Gran Sally hugged her. Youre the cleverest girl I know, just worn out, thats all. These are all little things in life. The main thing is everyones healthy. Dont let money upset you. Love and understanding matter most.
Alice listened to Gran Sallys wise words, and gradually calmed. Afterwards, she felt a bit embarrassed for her behaviour. She went outside, where Edward sat on the steps. The scruffy dog played nearby, Chloe chased after him, giggling and trying to grab his tail. Alice sat quietly beside her husband.
Why didnt you talk to me, Edward? she asked softly.
I wanted to surprise you thought youd be pleased.
Alice looked into his eyes, saw so much unspoken hurt and suddenly understood. He loved her; he bought the car to make her life easier, to help with uni. Hed solved the issue she complained about, though she meant something else.
Well, Ed, its a car, alright, she said gently. Just promise youll always talk to me about things from now on.
Agreed, Edward replied cheerfully. You know Im used to making decisions solo. Sorry, from now on, well do it together.
Good. These are all just little things in life, Alice echoed Gran Sally. The main thing is were together, and our daughter is wonderful.
Gran Sally watched through the window and felt happy for them, thinking:
A family quarrel, their first. Therell be more, sure enough. What matters is understanding and love. And I know Alice and Edward love each other Look at them, two lovebirds, alls well now. She made a gentle blessing and smiled.
Edward painted the car; Gran Sally sewed new seat covers. There wasnt much to celebrate the car had seen better days but soon Alice sat next to her husband, driving to the city.
She didn’t want to ask her parents for help.
Time passed. Chloe grew and was ready for nursery, while Gran Sally, now quite elderly, needed rest. Alice finished university and found a job in London. Edward kept working late, saving every penny. The question of housing came up again, but they still hadnt saved enough for a deposit. Alice didnt want to ask her parents; Margaret still didnt speak to her or Chloe.
Unexpected help arrived not where they ever expected. One weekend, their dog barked loudly in the garden. Alice thought it was the neighbour bringing milk for Chloe.
Tony! Edward shouted, spotting his brother outside, rushing out to greet him. Alright, mate, whereve you been?
Hey, Ed. Good to see you.
The brothers hugged warmly, clearly delighted. Curious Chloe peeked out the door.
Oh, my lovely niece, arent you a beauty! Tony exclaimed. Come here, Ive got a present.
He took out a big rabbit toy, with long ears and a bow on its neck. Chloe happily grabbed it, inspected the ribbon, and rushed off to show Gran Sally.
Gran Sally and Alice welcomed Tony cheerfully.
You havent visited in ages, Tony. How are things Edward mentioned youre renting now, Gran Sally asked, pouring tea.
Im alright, Tony said happily. Mary and I divorced, she found someone else and moved with him up near Liverpool. Im paying child support as I should. And for you, Ed he pulled out a thick envelope, handing it to his brother. In fact, for you and Alice, a wedding gift. I couldnt make the ceremony, I was away for work.
Whats this? Edward asked, tense.
Money
What money?
For your deposit, Tony explained, pressing the envelope into his brothers hands. Marys gone, left the flat, so Im back in my place. Id been saving to buy another, but I couldnt take the home from my son and ex-wife. Consider this my wedding gift.
A quiet settled at the table, then everyone burst out laughing with joy.
Thanks, brother, Tony, thank you! Couldnt have come at a better time
Alice nearly wept with happiness, Gran Sally hugged her eldest grandson. The brothers hugged in silence; nothing needed to be said.
By autumn, Edward, Alice and Chloe moved into a new two-bedroom flat in London. Chloe started nursery nearby. The primary school was close, theyd chosen the flat thinking ahead soon Chloe would need to walk to school.
Edward stayed at the garage. Life tested the young familys strength. And Gran Sally was right: these are all just little things in life what matters is love and happiness, and everyones health.
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