Why come see us? I can’t even recall who you are!
“Hi, Emily!”
“Hello!” Emily gave a startled response. They called her by name, even though the voice and the number were unfamiliar.
This is Jack’s aunt, Aunt Liz, from Brighton. Although we were unable to attend your wedding, we have made the decision to come see you and the new family now that we have some free time.
Emily didn’t know what to say. She was unaware Jack had an aunt in Brighton. More than a year had passed since the wedding, and Aunt Liz had never come up.
“You must have the wrong number.”
“Are you Emily?”
“Yes, but I’ve never heard of Jack having an aunt in Brighton.”
“Jack Smith is your husband?”
“Yes, he’s my husband.”
“Well, I’m his aunt.”
“Nice to know you’re his aunt, but there’s no need to visit us.”
“Why not?”
“We’re not entertaining guests right now.”
“So much for hospitality, didn’t expect that…”
“Sorry, I’m busy.”
And with that, Emily ended the call. She was not one to shy away from standing up for herself.
“Just what we need, unexpected guests. I’ll ask Jack about this aunt from Brighton when I see him.” she decided, focusing back on her tasks.
Later, her mother-in-law called.
“Hello, Emily! Long time no see.”
“Hi, Barbara! I’ll drop by tomorrow with some groceries and the vitamins I picked up.”
“Thank you, dear. We’ve missed you. Did Elizabeth call you?”
“A woman claiming to be Jack’s aunt called, wanting to visit. I told her now isn’t a good time.”
“She just rang me, complaining that you were rude.”
“Barbara, you know I’m not rude.”
“Exactly, I know you too well,” Barbara remarked with irony.
“I’m driving now. Let’s talk tomorrow.”
Emily’s relationship with her mother-in-law developed slowly over time.
Jack grew up in a military family. His father, Richard, was strict and drilled discipline into Jack. In his father’s presence, Jack was on his best behavior. But his father often left for assignments and duties.
In his absence, Jack was a handful.
Constant watchfulness from his mother irritated him. The more she hovered, the more he acted out. He’d skip school and sports practice. She kept these from his father, knowing the consequences would be severe.
As an adult, Jack remained under his mother’s watchful eye. She called him multiple times a day, even pretending to pass by casually after work.
All his friends were married, and with Jack nearing thirty, his mother worried her handsome, smart son would stay single.
She started considering friends’ daughters as potential matches, which Jack always turned into jokes. Despite his charm, no queue of brides formed.
Finally, Jack announced he’d introduce his fiancée that weekend.
His father approved, but his mother didn’t favor the bride. Barbara was used to making the family’s decisions, which the men typically followed.
She realized from Emily’s demeanor she wouldn’t be easy to control. Observing Jack’s affection towards Emily, she saw her as a rival.
Emily was confident and didn’t need advice from her mother-in-law. In any disputes, Jack took his wife’s side.
They lived in Jack’s apartment, bought with his parents’ help before the wedding.
At first, Barbara would drop by unannounced to check on things, but Emily soon firmly laid down the law.
“Please don’t come by unexpectedly or in our absence, or we’ll have to take back your keys or change the locks.”
“This apartment is partly ours too, and I helped Jack buy it. That gives me the right to visit any time.”
“And for what purpose, exactly?”
Barbara was flustered. Saying she was checking up seemed silly. Emily continued.
“I’m the lady of this house as Jack’s wife. I have conditions you must respect. Your key is for emergencies, not drop-ins when we’re out.”
“I’m his mother; we raised and provided for him. You walked into everything already set up here…”
Emily cut in.
“Thank you for raising him. But my husband brought me here, and as his wife, I’m in charge. I won’t agree to anything else.”
Jack supported his wife, and though Barbara was upset, the young couple paid no heed. She sulked a couple of weeks and came to terms.
No longer using her key, she always called ahead, visiting when Emily was home. Emily always welcomed her warmly, offering tea or a glass of wine.
Initially, Barbara might comment on untidiness, but Emily was never offended, always turning it into a joke or inviting her to help.
“Sorry, been busy with work overload. Feel free to tidy up if it bothers you; I could use a break.”
“There’s nothing ready to eat?”
“The fridge is stocked; whoever’s hungry first cooks. Don’t hesitate to help yourself.”
Gradually, Barbara’s view of Emily shifted. They even became friends, with her mother-in-law bringing treats when she visited.
Emily and Jack often dined at her mother-in-law’s too, bringing food supplies. Her father-in-law, retired, still worked, needing some care.
“What would you like me to bring? I can carry it in the car, no need to lug bags around.”
This time, Emily visited Barbara, and they dined together. She also sent food home for Jack so Emily wouldn’t need to cook. Inevitably, the talk of “aunt” came up.
“What did Aunt Liz say to you?”
“She wanted to visit. I told her we’re not up for guests.”
“You did right. How did she even get your number?”
“I’ve no idea.”
“She called me again. She’s my cousin. We barely talk. She’s had it tough, divorced, then another failed marriage. Now she’s remarried in Sussex, has her own place with a garden and pets. Her daughter’s hoping to go to a university in London this year.”
“What’s that got to do with us?”
“She wants to meet. Only one daughter and she’s worried. Wants someone to keep an eye on her.”
“So, she’s trying to move her daughter in with us.”
“It feels awkward not to help family.”
“And when did you last communicate with them? Does Jack even remember them? Do you have their address?” Emily pressed on without waiting for an answer. “Let’s not invite trouble we don’t need. I don’t know them, never even heard of them.”
After saying goodbye, Emily headed home, recounting the phone call to Jack. He seemed indifferent, and the matter was soon forgotten, though not over.
A week later, on a Saturday, Emily and Jack, with no weekend plans, opted for rest. At noon, the doorbell rang.
Emily was busy in the kitchen, while Jack, unwilling to leave the sofa, grumbled.
“Expecting anyone?”
“No! Just open the door, my hands are tied up.”
“Why bother if no one’s expected?” Jack muttered, heading to answer.
Three people stood at the door. Jack figured it out; it was Aunt Liz with her family, but he barely recognized her, having last seen her as a child.
“We arrived, uninvited, but here we are,” she said cheerily, bringing bags inside, while a man went back down for more things.
“We really weren’t expecting anyone today,” Emily said unhappily. She watched in silence for a bit before glancing at Jack, realizing there was no choice but to let the visitors in.
“Well then, come on in, dear guests,” she said dryly. “I assume you’re Aunt Liz?”
“Yes, Elizabeth Green. This is my daughter Lucy, and my husband Phil. Don’t worry, we won’t stay long.”
Emily gave them time to freshen up and invited them to the table, mentioning that showing up without an invitation wasn’t exactly polite.
“We weren’t prepared for guests, so you’ll have to take what the fridge has to offer.”
“Oh, we’ve got plenty with us! Homegrown and homemade treats.” Aunt Liz was bustling, unpacking bags onto the table, showcasing cheeses, sausages, a variety of home-cured foods. The kitchen filled with savory aromas. Another bag contained honey, jams, and dried fruits.
“This is too much! We can’t consume it all and have nowhere to store it.”
“Share with your parents. You’ve got store-bought here. This is homemade, without additives. These jams and pickles don’t need refrigeration.”
While Emily and the guests went through the bags, Jack rang his mother, finding out she and his father were already on their way. Aunt Liz quickly clarified the intent of their visit.
“Besides getting to know you, we have another reason. Lucy finishes school this year and wants to apply to university. We thought it’s wise for her to meet family, just in case. There’s accommodation at the university, she’ll be there. She’s a smart girl, my Lucy.”
Soon the awkwardness faded. Aunt Liz was amiable, and Jack got along well with Phil. Jack’s parents soon joined them.
The day turned into a spirited family gathering. Emily warmed up, genuinely smiling. Elizabeth’s treats were a hit—smoked cheeses, home meats, sausages, all delicious.
An unexpected visit blossomed into a pleasant family occasion. They shared stories of their families and pasts, reminiscing about youth and catching up on news of shared relations. Elizabeth fondly recalled her childhood home, albeit with a hint of sadness.
“I’d love to revisit where I grew up, though I expect most people have moved to the city.”
Barbara invited them to stay overnight at her place, knowing it was a bit cramped here. After discussing, they decided Lucy would stay with the young couple while Elizabeth and Phil stayed with Barbara. On Sunday, Emily and Jack showed Lucy around, taking her to the Tower of London and Hyde Park.
On Monday morning, Aunt Liz and Phil picked Lucy up. Emily and Jack said their goodbyes and hurried to work. A new work week began.
Later, over dinner, Emily and Jack reflected on the surprise visit. Emily found it odd they chose her place over Barbara’s.
“They’re nice people; I’m glad we met. Why didn’t you keep in touch?”
“Not sure, you’d have to ask Mum. I was just a kid, in second grade, when Aunt Liz last visited with little Lucy.”
“They invited us to visit. Maybe we could, make a trip by car to the coast, stop by for a day or two. On the way back, bring Lucy to London. I hope she gets into the university.”
Lucy was accepted into the university. She stayed a few days with them before moving to the dorms, visiting occasionally. Emily and Jack had to delay their coastal trip; they were expecting a new addition to the family.