This Is Not Your Home Alena gazed sadly around the house where she’d grown up since childhood. At eighteen, she had lost all faith in life. Why was fate so cruel to her? Her grandmother had died, she’d failed to get into university because of a girl who had sat by her side during exams, copied her answers, and then whispered something to the examiner as she handed in her sheet. The examiner frowned, checked Alena’s answers, accused her of cheating, and removed her from the exam. She couldn’t prove her innocence. Later, it turned out that the girl was the daughter of a local bigwig—how could anyone stand up to that? Now, after all those failures, her mother had suddenly reappeared in her life, bringing along two brothers and a new husband. Where had they been all these years? Alena’s grandmother had raised her, and her mother was only present until she turned four—which left no pleasant memories. While her father was at work, her mother would leave her alone and go out partying. Even when married, she kept hunting for a “real man,” and never hid it, not even after Alena’s father died suddenly. When she was widowed, Tamara grieved only briefly. She packed up, left her four-year-old daughter on her mother’s doorstep, sold the flat inherited from her first husband, and vanished. Grandmother Raya had pleaded in vain for her conscience. Tamara only visited rarely and showed no interest in Alena. When Alena was twelve, Tamara showed up with a seven-year-old Svyatoslav and demanded her mother sign the house over to her. ‘No, Toma! You’ll get nothing!’ her mother refused. ‘Once you die, it’ll be mine anyway!’ Tamara shot back cruelly, glancing with irritation at her daughter, who watched from another room, collected Svyatoslav, and slammed the door on her way out. ‘Why do you always fight when she visits?’ Alena asked. ‘Because your mother’s a selfish woman! I didn’t raise her right! Should’ve been stricter!’ Raissa Petrovna snapped. Grandma’s illness came out of nowhere. She’d never complained about her health, yet one day, Alena came home from school and found her ever-busy grandmother pale, sitting in a chair on the balcony—something she’d never seen before. ‘Is something wrong?’ Alena asked anxiously. ‘I’m not feeling well… Call an ambulance, Alenushka,’ Grandma replied calmly. Then hospital wards, IV drips… and death. Raissa Petrovna spent her last days in intensive care—no visitors allowed. Distraught, Alena called her mother. At first, Tamara refused to come, but when told her mother was critical, she finally relented and arrived just in time for the funeral. Three days later, she thrust a will in her daughter’s face: ‘The house now belongs to me and my sons! Oleg will be here soon. I know you don’t get along, so stay at Aunt Gail’s for a while, okay?’ Her mother didn’t sound even slightly sorrowful. It seemed she was almost glad Raissa Petrovna was gone—now she was the heir! Alena, overwhelmed by grief, couldn’t stand up to her mother—especially since the will was clear. So she lived for a while at Aunt Gail’s—her father’s sister. But Gail was flighty, still hoping to marry well, which meant there were always loud, half-drunk guests, and Alena couldn’t stand it—especially when some started taking an interest in her, which terrified her. She told her boyfriend Paul everything, expecting the worst, but was surprised by his response: ‘I won’t have creepy old men leering at you or touching you!’ he said seriously, despite his nineteen years. ‘I’m talking to Dad today. We have a spare flat on the edge of town. He promised I could live there once I got into uni. I kept my word, now it’s his turn.’ ‘But what does that have to do with me?’ Alena asked, confused. ‘How can you ask? We’ll both live there!’ ‘Would your parents agree?’ ‘They have no choice! Consider this my official proposal: will you marry me and share a flat?’ Alena almost wept with joy. ‘Of course—yes!’ Aunt Gail was thrilled at the news, but Alena’s mother almost gnashed her teeth: ‘Getting married, are you? How quick off the mark! Couldn’t get into university, so you found another way! I won’t give you a penny! And that house is mine! You’ll get nothing!’ Her mother’s words cut deep. Paul struggled to decode Alena’s sobbing that night. He carried his tearful fiancée to his home, where his parents comforted her with tea and sympathy. Paul’s father, Andrew, listened carefully to the avalanche of misfortunes Alena had endured in just a few months. ‘Poor girl! What sort of mother is that?’ Paul’s mother exclaimed. ‘I’m wondering…’ Andrew mused. ‘Why is she so obsessed with the house, waving that will at you all the time?’ ‘I don’t know…’ Alena sniffled. ‘She always fought with Grandma over the house, asking her to sell it and give her the money, or transfer it to her name. Grandma never agreed. She said if she did, we’d both end up on the street.’ ‘It’s odd! Have you seen a solicitor since your grandmother died?’ Andrew asked. ‘No, why?’ ‘You need to assert your inheritance rights.’ ‘But my mother’s the heir. I’m just a granddaughter—and she showed me the will.’ ‘It’s not that simple,’ Andrew replied. ‘We’ll go to the solicitor together on Monday. For now, get some rest!’ Later, Alena met her mother, who tried to get her to sign some papers. Paul intervened: ‘She’s not signing anything!’ ‘And who are you to say so? She’s an adult!’ Tamara snapped. ‘I’m her fiancé, and I think this could harm her. She won’t sign anything for now.’ Tamara exploded with insults but left empty-handed, which only made Andrew more suspicious. Days later, as promised, Andrew accompanied Alena to the solicitor: ‘Listen closely to everything, but double-check what you sign!’ he said. The solicitor was diligent—it turned out a probate case had already been opened in Alena’s name. Raissa Petrovna had also left a savings account to fund her granddaughter’s education, about which Alena knew nothing. ‘What about the house?’ Andrew asked. ‘The property was gifted to the girl some time ago. There are no other documents.’ ‘Gifted? How?’ Alena was stunned. ‘Your grandmother came here years ago to deed the house to you. Now you’re eighteen, it’s yours outright.’ ‘But what about the will?’ ‘That was made seven years ago and later revoked. Your mother probably doesn’t know. The house is yours—you are free to live in it.’ Andrew’s suspicions proved justified. ‘So now what?’ Alena asked in bewilderment as they left. ‘Now? You tell your mother the house is yours and she must move out.’ ‘But she never will! She’s already packed my things!’ ‘That’s what the police are for!’ When Alena announced the news, Tamara was furious: ‘You schemer! Throwing your own mother out! Get lost! You think I’ll believe your lies? Did your fiancé and his dad put you up to this? I have a document—I own this house!’ ‘Yeah, so get out! Or I’ll break your legs so you can’t come back!’ her brother Oleg chimed in with venom. Andrew stood calmly beside Alena. ‘Sir, I warn you—that’s a criminal threat!’ Andrew said pointedly. ‘Who the hell are you? Get out! I’m selling this house! Buyers are on their way!’ But instead of buyers, the police showed up. Once the facts were clear, they ordered Tamara and her clan to vacate at once or face prosecution. Furious but helpless, Tamara and her family had no choice. Alena, finally, returned to her home. Paul refused to leave her alone, worried her stepfamily might threaten her, so he moved in with her. And he was right—Tamara and Oleg continued to harass her. When Tamara found out about Raissa Petrovna’s savings, she tried to claim them, and though she managed to get some of the money as a legal share, she never did get the house. Eventually, after countless failed legal attempts, Tamara gave up and left with her family for good. Alena never spoke to her again. Alena and Paul married. The following year she was admitted to university to study her dream subject, and in her third year had her first child. She remained grateful to Paul and his family for helping her in her darkest hour, and lived out her life in happiness. Author: Odette — — The Puzzle The cottage was old but well tended. It hadn’t stood empty long—no time to grow wild or decay. ‘Thank goodness!’ thought Mary. ‘I don’t have a man about these days—not sure I ever will. And I’m certainly not one of those legendary British women who can handle everything: hang shelves, chase off burglars, and rescue cats from burning houses all on my own!’ She climbed the front steps, fished the heavy key from her bag, and unlocked the sturdy padlock. *** For some reason, this house had been left to Mary by Granny Lucy—an elderly woman Mary hardly knew, though the family tree said they were related. Strange, but who can fathom what goes on in the minds of those aged relatives? By Mary’s reckoning, Granny Lucy must have been about a hundred. Mary was either her great-niece or distant cousin. In short, a relation, albeit faint. Mary had visited Granny Lucy in her youth, back when Lucy already seemed ancient. But Lucy had always insisted on living alone, never imposing on kin or asking for help. Then, just recently, she passed away. When the call came that ‘Grandma’ from the village of Mystery had died, Mary struggled to place Granny Lucy—never expecting to inherit her cottage and a third of an acre. ‘A little early retirement gift,’ joked Mary’s husband, Michael. ‘Oh, retirement’s still light-years away for me,’ Mary laughed. ‘I’m only fifty-four. By the time I make it to sixty-five, the government will probably have pushed it further. But a gift’s a gift, no point complaining—though I can’t imagine why she chose me. I didn’t even realize Granny Lucy was still alive! I thought she’d gone to the great beyond ages ago. But fine—who am I to refuse?’ ‘Or sell it!’ Michael rubbed his hands gleefully. *** Thank goodness we didn’t sell! Just a few months after Mary officially became a lady of the (modest) manor, a much less pleasant surprise came her way. She found out her beloved Michael was cheating. Yes, just like that. A silver-haired rogue; an itch he couldn’t ignore…

This Isnt Your House

Helen looked around the house where she had spent her childhood, her heart heavy with sadness. At eighteen, she was already thoroughly disillusioned with life. Why did fate have to be so harsh? Her grandmother had passed away, and she failed to get into university all because of the girl who sat next to her during the entrance exams. The other girl copied all her answers, and then, being the first to hand in her paper, whispered something to the examiner. He frowned, came over to Helen, demanded to see her exam, and then told her she was being expelled from the exam for cheating. Nothing Helen said made any difference. Later, she found out that the girl was the daughter of a wealthy businessman in town. How could you compete with people like that?

And now, after so many disappointments, her mother showed up, with two half-brothers and a new husband in tow. Where had they all been all these years? Helen’s grandmother had raised her, while her mother was only around until Helen was about four. And honestly, there werent any pleasant memories even from that time. While Helens father was at work, her mother would leave her alone to go off and enjoy herself. Even married, mum was always looking for a decent manand she didnt hide this, either then or afterwards, when Helens father died suddenly.

Left a widow, Marjorie didn’t grieve for long. She packed up her things, left four-year-old Helen on her grandmothers doorstep, sold the flat she inherited from her late husband, and vanished in some unknown direction. Nana Rita had tried everything to get her to come to her senses, but it was no use.

Marjorie would pop by from time to time, but Helen clearly didnt interest her. The next time she appeared, Helen was twelveMarjorie brought with her a seven-year-old called Stephen, and tried to get her mother to sign the house over to her.

No, Marjorie! Youre not getting anything! her mother retorted flatly.

Well, once youre dead, itll be mine anyway! Marjorie snapped, glanced irritably at Helenwatching from the next roomcollected Stephen, and left, slamming the door.

Why do you always argue whenever she visits? Helen once asked her gran.

Because your mother’s selfish! I didnt raise her right, thats the problem! Shouldve been stricter! Nana Rita said angrily.

Her grandmothers illness came out of the blue. Shed never complained about her health before. But one day, when Helen got home from school, she found her always busy grandmother sitting pale and still in her armchair on the balcony. Helen had never seen her grandmother idle before.

Has something happened? she asked, worried.

Im not feeling well at all… Call the ambulance, Helen, love, her grandmother asked calmly.

After that came the hospital, drips, and thendeath. The last days of Ritas life were spent in intensive care, and Helen wasnt allowed to visit. Terrified of losing the one person who really cared for her, Helen reluctantly called her mum. At first, Marjorie refused to come, but when Helen told her that gran was in intensive care, she agreed. But she only made it in time for the funeral. Three days later, she thrust a document under Helens nose:

This house now belongs to me and my sons! Soon, Oliver will be coming to live here as well. I know you two dont get on, so youd best go and stay with your Aunt Gail for a while, alright?

There wasnt a trace of sorrow in her mothers voice. She seemed practically pleased that Rita was gone and she was now the heir.

Broken by grief, Helen couldnt defy her mother. Especially since the will was all very clear. So she did in fact go and stay for a while with Aunt Gailher fathers sister. But Gail was a flighty woman who was still hoping to find a wealthy husband for herself, so there were always loud, half-drunken guests in the house, and Helen just couldnt stand to be around it. Worse still, some of the men started showing an interest in her, which left Helen feeling horrified.

She told her boyfriend, Peter, all about itand his reaction both surprised and delighted her:

Ill not have dirty old men ogling you or putting their hands on you! he said firmlydespite being just nineteen himself. Ill speak to Dad tonight. We have a little flat on the edge of the city. Dad promised I could live there on my own once I got into university. Ive kept my word, so now its his turn.

I dont see what thats got to do with me, Helen said, puzzled.

What do you mean? The two of us will live there together!

Will your parents agree to that?

They dont really have a choice! Im making it officialIm asking you to marry me: will you be my wife and live with me in our own flat?

Helen nearly burst into happy tears.

Of course I willyes!

Aunt Gail was overjoyed at the news of the upcoming wedding, but her mother all but ground her teeth.

So youre set on getting married, are you? Well, youre certainly quick off the mark! Couldnt get into university, so you found another way to get ahead! Im not giving you a penny, so dont ask! And this house is mine! Youre getting nothing.

Her mothers words hurt Helen deeply. Peter could barely make out what had happened through her sobs. He took his weeping fiancée home to his parents, who immediately set about comforting her with tea and kind words.

Andrew James, Peters dad, listened carefully as Helen told them all the troubles that would have been a lot for anyone to go through in a lifetime, let alone a few months.

Oh, you poor dear! What sort of woman is she? Peters mother exclaimed, horrified at what Marjorie had said.

But what I dont understand, Andrew said thoughtfully, is why she makes such a fuss about this house, if theres a will and everythings set? She keeps throwing it in your face.

I dont know, Helen sniffled. It was always the same when mum visited granarguing over the house. She used to beg gran to sell it and give her the money, or to write it over to her. But gran always refused. She said if she did that, wed both end up homeless.

All very odd. Tell me, did you see a solicitor after your gran died? Andrew asked.

Nowhy would I? Helen said, surprised.

To settle inheritance rights.

But mums the heir, Im only the granddaughter. And mum has the willshe showed it to me.

Its not quite that simple, said Andrew. After the weekend, well go and see a solicitor together. For now, try to get some rest.

Meanwhile, Helen met up with her mother, who brought some documents and tried to force her to sign. But Peter was there.

Shes not signing anything! he declared.

And who do you think you are? Shes an adult and can decide for herself! Marjorie snapped.

Im her future husband and I think this could hurt her. She wont sign a thing.

Marjorie burst into a string of insults, but she was forced to leave empty-handed. This only cemented Andrews suspicions.

A few days later, just as promised, Andrew accompanied Helen to the solicitor.

Listen closely to everything they say, he told her, and if you need to sign anything, read carefully first.

Luckily, the solicitor was honest. He accepted Helens application, and by the next day, they had news: a probate case had been opened for Helen. Rita had actually opened a small savings account, hoping to pay for her granddaughters education. Helen had known nothing about it.

And what about the house? Andrew asked.

The house was signed over to Miss Williams under a deed of gift years ago. There are no other documents.

A deed of gift? Helen asked, astonished.

Yes, your grandmother came to us a while back to have the house placed in your name. Now youve turned eighteen, its all yours.

What about the will?

The will was written seven years ago, but then cancelled. Your mother probably doesnt know. The house belongs to you, and you have every right to live there.

Andrews suspicions had proved correct.

So what do I do now? Helen asked, stunned, as they left the office.

What do you mean? Tell your mother the house is yours and shell have to move out.

Shell never do that! Shes already packed up all my stuff to throw it outside!

Well, thats what the police are for.

When Helen informed her mother, Marjorie erupted in fury.

You little wretch! Throwing your mother out, are you? You can get lost! I dont believe your lies. Who talked you into thisyour boyfriend and his father? Peas in a pod! I have a document entitling me to this house! My mother wrote a willshe made me the heir!

Thats right! So clear off, or Ill teach you a lesson you wont forget! Oliver chimed in, scowling at the whole scene. But Andrew and Helen stood their ground.

That sort of talk could land you in real trouble, Andrew said, calm but firm.

Who do you think you are, giving me orders? Just get out! The house is being sold! The buyers are coming soon!

But instead of buyers, the police turned up. After getting the facts straight, they told the trespassers to vacate or face prosecution. Marjorie and her family were furious, but there was nothing they could do against the law. At last, Helen moved back into her home. Peter insisted on living with her and not leaving her alone, in case Marjories husband tried to make threats.

He turned out to be right. Marjorie and Oliver kept pestering Helen for ages. When Marjorie found out about Ritas savings account, she tried her luck at the solicitors, claiming a share. There was nothing to be doneshe got some of the money. But as for the house, no matter what she tried, she couldn’t get her hands on it. She finally gave up only after consulting every solicitor she could find. Then, she packed up and left with her family, and Helen never spoke to her again.

Helen and Peter got married. The following summer, she was accepted onto her dream university course, and by her third year she had given birth to their first child. She remained forever grateful to her husband and his family for supporting her through such a difficult timeand lived a happy life.

Author: Odette

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Riddle

The house was old but well kept. It had never stood empty long enough to go wild or fall into disrepair. Thank goodness! thought Mary. I dont have a man in my life these days, and probably never will now. Im certainly not one of those tough English women who can do everything themselveshammer nails, tame horses, and run into burning buildings!

She climbed the front step, reached into her bag for the key, and unlocked the heavy padlock.

***

She had no idea why Aunt Lizzie had left her this cottage. Lizzie was an elderly relative, certainly, but not a close one. Who knows what goes on in the minds of people at such an age? By Marys reckoning, Aunt Lizzie must have been close to a hundred. Mary herself was either her great-niece or perhaps her cousin twice removed. The details hardly mattered.

Mary had visited Aunt Lizzies a few times in distant youth. Even then, Lizzie had been getting on, but she always preferred to live alone. Never imposed on family, never asked for help. And then, one day, she was simply gone.

When Mary got the call that her granny in the village of Riddle had passed away, she didnt even recall Aunt Lizzie at first. She certainly never expected to inherit the cottageplus twelve allotments of earth!from her.

A little gift for your future retirement! joked Marys husband, Michael.

Oh, retirements years awaymiles off, really, laughed Mary. Im only fifty-four. By the time I crawl to sixty, Ill bet theyll have moved it again. So Ill just treat this as a gift. Though Ive no idea why I deserve it. Until the call, I didnt even know Aunt Lizzie was still alive! I thought shed joined the ancestors long ago. Well, Im in no position to complain. If its been gifted, Ill make use of it.

Or we could sell! Michael rubbed his hands.

***

Its a good thing they didnt sell straight away. Only a couple of months into being a landowner, Mary was hit with an unexpected turn of eventsa much less pleasant surprise than the inheritance. It turned out that her dear Michael had been cheating on her. Shocking, really. At his ageold enough to know betterhed gone and done that…