Were planning to ring in the New Year at your cottage, I say as I arrive for the keys, my sisterinlaw declares.
Why bother driving out to the cottage? You and your husband can celebrate just fine at home. Weve got a big familythree kids. Someone has to keep them occupied over the holidays! Harriet snaps, her irritation plain. Do you even understand what its like to live with three children?
I dont, Emily replies calmly. Michael and I havent even started thinking about kids yet. First we need a home and a steady job; the family will come later.
Thats nonsense! Michael and Thomas never planned anything! Harriet protests.
Emily notes, Then youre living off child benefit. Thomas hops from one job to another, never any stability. I wont live like that.
Mind your own money, Harriet growls. So, are you giving me the cottage keys?
No, Emily says firmly. Weve already arranged to spend New Years here with friends.
Then change the plan! If you dont hand over the keys nicely, Ill call Michael and tell him how youre treating me, Harriet threatens.
Go ahead, say as much as you like, Emily smirks.
Harriet makes a sour face and stalks out of the flat.
The cottage that Harriet has her eye on actually belongs to Emily; its a legacy from her grandmother, Ethel. Ethel is well into her eighties, so Emilys parents insist that Ethel stay in the city under their watch all year round.
The cottage is a genuine country house with all the comforts. Five years ago Emilys parents added an extension to give Ethel a proper bathroom and installed central heating.
Ethel refuses to move to the city, but as her health wanes she begins to think about it. She strictly instructs that the house must not be sold and that the garden be looked after so no tree suffers the frost.
Emily asks her parents to let her look after the property. She remembers spending her summer holidays with Ethel as a childsome of her brightest, happiest memories.
Encouraged by Michael, Emily decides to give the cottage a cosmetic overhaul: new wallpaper, fresh paint on the ceilings, updated light fixtures, and a few pieces of modern furniture.
A lot of effort and money go into it, but now the house is comfortable enough for weekend retreats any time of year. So the young couple promptly invites friends over for New Years.
Then Harriet shows up, demanding that Emily hand over the place. What audacity! She argues that because Michael is younger, he should yield to his older sister. Emily cant see why her grandmothers cottage matters here and feels no guilt for refusing.
Harriets face flushes with anger. Instead of calling her younger brother, she decides to show up at his workplace. Michael is bewildered when, in the middle of the workday, his sister bursts into his office.
Michael! she shouts, drawing the attention of everyone nearby. We need to talk right now!
Quiet down, Michael snaps, people are working here. You probably dont know how this place runs. Lets go to the smokers break.
He lights a cigarette, sensing that Harriets visit wont end well.
What do you want? he asks shortly.
I want the keys to your cottage! Harriet demands.
What cottage? Michael is confused. Ah, you mean the country house?
Yes, that one, Harriet says, pursing her lips. Ive already planned how Ill spend New Years, so you need to speak to your wife and get those keys from her.
Even if I could, I wouldnt, Michael retorts. How dare you make such a demand? Its already the 25th of December and decent people give notice well in advance!
Dont lecture me, its trivial! Harriet snaps.
Were only five years apart, Michael tries to reason. If it mattered when we were kids, it doesnt now. My break is over, you should go home.
Harriet leaves, even more irritated than when she arrived, but she isnt ready to give up.
On the morning of 31December, Emily darts from shop to shop while Michael finishes his last shift of the year. He promises hell be free after lunch and theyll make it in time, though Emily remains a little nervous.
Everything goes according to plan, and by six oclock the couple reaches the cottage. They wrestle with the old boiler to get water running, and by nine guests start arriving, ready to set the table, fire up the barbecues, and bid farewell to the year.
Michael, I think someones pulling up, Emily notes. Probably Iris and Peter are getting here early to help out. Theyre always punctual!
Ill meet them and help with the luggage, Michael replies.
Emily beams, thrilled. Finally New Years will happen the way shes always imagined: outdoors, surrounded by close friends.
Michael throws on his coat and steps outside. When he opens the gate, he freezes.
Hello, brother! Harriet exclaims, planting kisses on his cheeks. Happy New Year!
He needs a moment to recover from the shock. While Thomas unloads bags from the car, Harriet babbles about the party, but Michael cant focus. He finally shakes his head and asks, What are you doing here? We agreed on this a week ago!
Harriet raises an eyebrow. You decided, I just didnt say Id go along.
Michael, whats going on? Emily asks, noticing her husbands older sister at the door.
Yes, Harriet replies proudly. Things dont always go the way you want.
When Thomas tries to bring in the first batch of crates, Michael grabs his arm.
Youre not going inside, he says sharply.
Harriet helps the kids unfasten their seat belts, and hearing Michaels harsh tone, she lunges at him.
Let Thomas in right now! she yells.
I wont. Pack up and leave! Michael shouts.
What did you just say? Harriet asks, snatching at Michaels arm.
You heard me!
Were not going anywhere, she declares, smugly. We have a whole carload of children.
I love my nieces and nephews, but theyll have to celebrate elsewhere tonight, Michael explains. You wont get into the house.
Will you call the police? Harriet asks sarcastically.
If it werent New Years Eve, I might, Emily interjects. Better you all leave peacefully, or my friend and her boxerfighter husband will show up and they wont let you in.
Harriet scoffs, You think youre threatening me?
No, Im actually threatening you. Leave now! Emily commands.
Together, Michael and Emily close the gate, barring the unwelcome guests. Harriet and Thomas have no choice but to drive home, and on the way Harriet gives Thomas a good scolding.
You could have at least pushed him! she shouts. What a mess!
They eventually get back to their own house, where theyve lived for several years. Their mother, Evelyn, also lives there, though she hasnt spoken to Michael since his wedding five years ago.
Now Ill stop talking to Michael too, Harriet tells Evelyn, tossing her coat onto a chair.
What? Evelyn asks, squinting.
You kicked us out of the cottage. Can you believe it? Harriet exclaims. And his wifeshe wanted to call the police like we were thieves!
Thats why I keep my distance, Evelyn replies. Remember when I tried to move in with them and they said the flat was too small? They acted like the kids would need a whole house!
Oh, stop, Mom! Emilys ruined Michael for us.
The children continue to run around, while Harriet and Evelyn pop champagne and watch Love Actually on TV, and Thomas bustles about in the kitchen.
Meanwhile, Emily and Michael wait for the rest of their guests and finish prepping for the celebration. Laughter and happy faces fill the air. Emily leans toward Michael, away from the bustling crowd, and whispers, I have something to tell you.
She hands him an ultrasound photo.
Seriously? Michael looks up, surprised. Were having a baby?
Yes, Emily nods, beaming.
Michael pulls her into a hug and kisses her.
This is the best New Years present ever, he smiles.
