**Diary Entry**
*7th June*
Where are you off to? Weve come to visit!
I cant stand your sister! exclaimed Emily, scowling. She drives me mad!
Youre not the only one, replied Oliver, standing by his wife.
She sticks her nose into everything and acts like she knows best. You should see the smug look on her face when she thinks shes made a fool of me, Emily muttered through gritted teeth. One minute, shes criticising how I raise the children, the next, shes calling my outfits outdated.
Shes always been like that, Oliver shrugged. Blame Mumshe spoiled her rotten.
Thank goodness we live miles away from your family, Emily sighed, rolling her eyes.
Olivers mother, Margaret, and his sister, Charlotte, lived in London, while he and Emily had settled in a quiet village in the Cotswolds. The two women, both widowed, shared a flat, so every visit to Margaret meant an unavoidable encounter with Charlotte. And since Charlotte couldnt stand Emily, rows were inevitable.
At first, Emily bit her tongue, but after noticing Margaret starting to chime in with criticisms, she fought back. Every visit ended in a scene, so the couple stopped going altogether.
Margaret noticed, of course, and soon rang Oliver, demanding answers.
Why havent you visited? Its been two weeks! Dont you think your mother and sister miss you? she scolded.
Weve been busy, Oliver replied curtly.
With what? Margaret asked suspiciously. Has your wife forbidden it? Last time, she looked like shed swallowed a pint of vinegar.
I told youthings to sort out, Oliver said, eager to end the call.
An hour later, Margaret rang again. She and Charlotte were coming to the village.
Why? Oliver asked, startled.
To visit an old friendand you, since you wont come to us, Margaret declared.
Olivers stomach sank. Hed avoided visiting to keep the peacenow they were turning up uninvited.
We might not be in, he said quickly.
Where are you going? Margaret snapped. Or is it just that you dont want to see us?
A birthday party, Oliver lied.
Fine. Go, then. Its not as if your mother and sister visit every day, she said bitterly before hanging up.
Oliver felt a pang of guiltbut remembering how they treated Emily, it faded. He didnt tell her, not wanting to worry her.
Three hours later, he regretted it. The doorbell rang, and Emily answeredonly to freeze at the sight of Margaret and Charlottes smirking faces.
Oliver rushed to the hall.
Emily, arent you ready yet? he said loudly, pretending not to see the unwelcome guests.
Ready for what? Emily frowned.
The party. You forgot? Oliver forced a smile. OhMum, Charlotte, what are you doing here?
Were visiting, Margaret said smoothly. Are you going to leave us on the doorstep?
Actually, were leaving now. Emily, go and change, Oliver said, steering her away.
Emily caught his meaning when he winked.
Where are you off to? Weve come to see you! Charlotte said, arms crossed. Bit late for a party, isnt it?
Starts at eight, Oliver said firmly. We need to leave now.
In *those* clothes? Margaret scoffed, eyeing his jumper.
Blastforgot to change! Oliver feigned embarrassment and dashed upstairs.
Charlotte and Margaret exchanged doubtful glances. They didnt believe a word of it.
Cant you cancel? Margaret pressed when Oliver returned.
No. Dinners already paid for, he said, adjusting his collar. Come next week instead. (He knew shed refuse.)
We could wait here till youre back? Charlotte suggested, eyeing the sitting room.
No need, Oliver said firmly. Youve got other plans, surely?
Your place is nicer than some dreary old friends, Margaret said with a tight laugh. Besides, she wasnt exactly thrilled to see us.
Shall I drop you at the coach station? Oliver offered.
Last bus left, Charlotte said smugly.
Ill book you a hotel, then, Oliver said. Best I can do.
Margarets face darkened. A *hotel*? Afraid well rob you?
No, we just dont want people in our home unattended, Emily cut in.
Ill drive you, Oliver insisted.
Dont bother! Margaret snapped, storming out.
Charlotte followed, hurling complaints over her shoulder.
Watching them leave from the window, Oliver and Emily exhaled in relief. The fake party excuse was no longer needed.
Margaret and Charlotte took a cab back to London, vowing never to speak to their ungrateful relatives again.
Months later, Oliver only thought of them when in town for a doctors appointment and in need of lunch.
Charlotte answered the door. Seeing him, she said coldly, Were going out. Cant have strangers in the flat.
Oliver swallowed hard. They were still deeply offended.
After that, all contact between them faded for good.
