Honestly, we really need your help! Just you have to help us! my motherinlaw shouted.
What on earth is happening? I muttered, pulling myself reluctantly out from under the warm blanket.
It was Saturday. My husband, Arthur, had gone over to his mums place to lend a hand she couldnt even manage to defrost the freezer on her own. He was back in a flash, and that set my nerves on edge.
Where are you? Come on, guests are on their way! I heard my motherinlaws voice drifting through my halfsleep.
Whats she doing here? I thought, dragging myself up with a grimace. Turns out she wasnt the only visitor. Peeking out from behind her were Arthurs two nephews, Jamie and Tom. Arthur just stood there, looking at me with a guilty stare.
Move along! the motherinlaw ordered the boys. And you, go help with the move! Theyre getting paid by the hour, so make quick work of it unload everything and get it upstairs!
The lads started darting around the flat, Arthur slipped out the front door, and my motherinlaw wrapped an arm around me.
Come on, we need to have a word, she whispered.
I was still halfasleep, completely baffled. Why were my husbands nephews in our living room? Why was my motherinlaw suddenly here, and who on earth was moving in? I didnt like a lick of what was going on. She switched on the kettle and asked, Tea or coffee?
Coffee, please, I replied, surprised at my own sudden assertiveness.
She was acting oddly. She never really talked to me if she did, it was usually a snide remark or a putdown.
What do you want, then? I asked straight away.
Before she could answer, a sharp crash of breaking glass echoed through the flat. We both bolted into the hallway where the boys were standing over a shattered vase.
Stop that right now! Turn the TV on, plonk yourselves on the sofa, and watch a cartoon! she snapped. Do you understand me?
Yes, Grandma, we get it! they chorused, scurrying off to another room.
She tidied up the mess, then we headed to the kitchen. Just then the front door swung open.
Where are we putting the bed? someone asked.
Right there, Arthur said, pointing.
I stepped outside to get a look. There was no proper bed, just a halfdisassembled bunk bed that belonged to the children of Arthurs sister the same kids whod just smashed my favourite vase.
Whats going on? I asked.
Dont worry, my motherinlaw said. Annies in hospital for a month or two, and my mum cant cope with the grandkids on her own, so theyll stay with us for a while.
What hospital is Annie in? Is the condition something thats only treated in Thailand? I blurted.
She looked taken aback. How would you know that? she asked.
I pulled out my phone, opened Annies Facebook page, and showed her pictures of Annie on a plane, later lounging on a beach.
In a hospital? Id be in that sort of place every year if I could, I muttered.
You see, Annie left her kids, found a man, packed up and went away, my motherinlaw went on. Why are you lying to me? I snapped.
But we hope Annie will come to her senses and return, she replied.
Youll agree to take the kids, wont you? Arthur said.
Whos thinking that? Why would I ever agree? Theyre impossible! Theyll wreck the whole flat! And whats in it for me? I shouted. Whos going to pay for that?
Were family, we need your help! You only care about the money! my motherinlaw shot back.
Since when am I part of your family? Youve called me nothing before. What changed? You want my help now? If youd asked nicely, maybe Id have thought about it. But youve been lying! I wont help you or your daughter whos humiliated me for years! Pack up your grandkids, that bunk bed, and get out of here right now!
How can you possibly do that? Arthur asked.
I can! Absolutely! This is my parents flat! I decide who lives here and what happens. Do you remember how long your mother and sister used to insult me? Throw mud at me? Do you recall how Annie made her children tease me and laugh? Their kids will never live in this flat! They have a grandma and a dad! Youve got fifteen minutes to clear out the children and their stuff, then get out!
Arthur walked out with his mother and the two boys. He never came back. All I got was a text from him saying Id been a huge disappointment. And honestly, Im glad he left and didnt return. I want nothing to do with him or his family.
