A Gift for Mum: When Trust is Tested and a Birthday Surprise Unravels in the Heart of an English Fam…

David, I need your help figuring out a gift for Mum.

Helen set her phone aside and turned towards her husband, who was sprawled across the sofa, remote control in hand. David was aimlessly flipping through the TV channels, barely glancing her way.

What sort of gift now?
A new cooker. A proper one. Her birthday is in two weeks, remember?

David finally looked at her, irritation flickering in his eyes before he forced a polite smile.

Whats wrong with the old one? Looks fine to me.

Helen perched on the arm of the sofa, smoothing down a wrinkle in her house dress.

You saw it last time. The oven barely heats up, and two rings arent working. Mum keeps moaning her Victoria sponges arent turning out like they used to. You know how much baking means to her.

…Jennifer Williams loved working with dough. Her kitchen always smelled of vanilla and cinnamon, cooling buns lined the window ledge, and neighbours would pop in for a cuppa, knowing theyd never leave empty-handed. Her ancient cooker, bought decades ago, was on its last legs these past few months.

Alright, David stretched and sat up. What do you need me to do?
Pick a decent model, will you? You know your way around tech better than I do. Go to the shop, take a look, sort out delivery. Im snowed under at work.

Helen fished a card out of her handbag and handed it over. The navy blue plastic gleamed under the lampshade.

Thats my bonus, just over £600. Is that enough for a good cooker?

David turned the card over in his hands, his mouth twitching slightly.

Plenty. Dont stress, Ill sort it.

Helen nodded. After five years of marriage, she trusted David with the practical stuff. The man was a magician for finding bargains and finagling bonuses he was good at it.

Just dont leave it till the last minute, yeah? I want it delivered for the birthday, for sure.
Ill handle it, David shrugged, slipping the card into the pocket of his joggers and reaching for the remote again.

A week rolled by. Helen was heading home from work on a packed bus when she decided to check her balance through the banking app. Her thumb skimmed across her phone, logging in.

Transaction: £600…

Helen smiled at the number. So David had actually done it. £600 was a hefty sum. Hed probably picked out something really fancy, maybe with a grill, timer, and slide-out oven door just like Mum always wanted. Jennifer Williams could finally whip up her famous trifles without fear the oven would give out halfway.

Helen pictured her mums face when shed see the gift. Those cheerful wrinkles around her eyes would crinkle, her lips would quiver with happiness, and then Jennifer would inevitably say her catchphrase, “Oh, you shouldn’t have spent all that on me, love!” Shed instantly start planning what cake to bake first.

Good appliances are an investment. Helen remembered Grandma raving about her Servis that ran for thirty years without a hitch. The new ones are different, sure, but quality lasts when you dont go cheap…

…Her mums birthday fell on a Saturday. Helen was up early, sorting out flowers and wrapping little gifts shed picked to go with the main present. David was prowling about the flat, checking his watch every so often.

Dont forget the envelope, reminded Helen, fastening her boots. The cooker documents are in there, right?
Yup, all sorted, David patted the inside pocket of his blazer.

They arrived at Jennifer Williamss flat around noon. The place was filled with the scent of fresh baking even with her tricky cooker, Mum had managed something delicious. Family bustled in the hallway, glasses clinking, laughter spilling in from the lounge.

Helen hugged her mum tightly.

Happy birthday, Mum. This is for you.

She handed over a sturdy cream envelope, the one David had given her on the way. She hadnt peeked inside no need. David had sorted everything, she just had to hand it over.

Jennifer beamed.

Oh, love, you didnt have to! She neatly opened the envelope; her eyes sparkled with anticipation.

Helen watched her warmly. A second passed. Suddenly her mums face froze. The smile faded, replaced by confusion.

Whats this?

Helen frowned and leaned closer, peering over her mums shoulder.
A voucher for a beauty shop. £30.
Thirty. Pounds.

David, Helen spun around, catching her husband retreating towards the doorway. Whats going on?
Look, its a great voucher they do proper posh cosmetics there…
And the cooker?!

He said nothing. Instead, he dodged out to the patio, shutting the door behind him.

Helen followed, flinging open the patio door so hard the glass rattled.

Answer me. Now.

David backed against the railings.

Look, my sister, Emily, has been run ragged at work, she desperately needed a break… And I just couldnt say no…
What break? Whos Emily? Helen stepped closer, eyes blazing. I gave you the money specifically for Mums cooker!
There was a last-minute holiday deal, you see? £570, Turkey, all-inclusive… It was going to expire, you know how it is.

Helen snatched his phone from his pocket before he could react. Her finger flew across the screen, opening his messages. There was the booking: dates, amounts, excited texts from Emily with heart emojis.

Bro, youre the best! Thanks a million! Flying out Friday!

Helen looked straight at David. He shrank, as if hoping to vanish through the patio floor.

She called the travel agency, hands steady.

Good afternoon, Horizon Holidays, Lucy speaking how can I help?
Hello. Theres a booking for Emily James, Turkey, flying Friday. I want it cancelled.
Sorry, and youre…?
The card owner who paid, and that was done without my agreement.

David lurched forward, but Helen held him off with a warning hand.

One moment, the agent went businesslike. Found the booking. Youll need to visit our office, and well sort the refund there. The money will come back within 10 working days.

Thanks, Ill come tomorrow.

Helen hung up and tossed the phone at David.

Helen, please, dont be like this. Can we talk?

But she had already left. She walked through the living room, where relatives were glued to their salads, pretending not to have heard a thing. She went to her mum, still clutching the useless voucher.

Mum, lets go. Its time you got a proper present.

Jennifer didnt protest. She grabbed her coat and bag, leaving behind the guests.

At the electronics shop, it smelled like plastic and new gadgets. The assistant a young chap called Tom patiently explained all the differences.

This ones the best, Tom pointed to a sleek white cooker. Brilliant for baking. Even temperatures, timer, built-in grill, convection.

Jennifer stroked the smooth surface.

Shes a beauty, she whispered.
Well take it, Helen nodded. Can it be delivered tomorrow morning?
Nine to twelve slots free.

The paperwork took fifteen minutes. Jennifer was quiet on the way home, only stopping by the front door to touch Helens arm.

Helen, thank you, darling. But I do worry about you.
Dont, Mum.
About… David… You two…

Helen hugged her mum.

Ill sort it out. Forget about it today. Happy birthday.

She got home after dark. David was sitting in the gloom, TV switched off.

We need to talk, he said, standing up awkwardly.

Helen walked straight past him. She opened the wardrobe, grabbed his shirts, folded them into the travel bag.

What are you doing? David panicked. Helen, please! I just wanted to help my sister, it was her only chance for a break!

Jeans, t-shirts, socks. Helen methodically emptied the shelves.

Youre tearing our family apart over a stupid cooker! And you you alone are to blame!

She paused, turning slowly to face him.

I trusted you with my hard-earned money. Asked you to buy Mums present. Then you blew it all on your sister.
Blew is a bit strong…
You didnt even ask. You just decided on your own! And lied to me!

David tried to hug her, but Helen backed away, clutching his jumper to her chest.

Dont touch me!
Emilys really struggling, try to understand…
Take your things and go.

…A month later, Helen sat at Jennifers kitchen table. The bright white cooker gleamed in the corner, the oven on full blast, filling the flat with the smell of vanilla sponge.

Guess what Ive signed up for a professional baking course! Jennifer was glowing. Nina from upstairs recommended it, the chefs properly French!

Helen took a forkful of cake. The soft icing melted on her tongue.

Delicious, Mum. Absolutely divine.

…The divorce was quick and tidy. David never grasped why Helen couldn’t forgive his little slip. Emily took her holiday on her own savings or maybe she didnt go at all. Helen no longer cared.

She watched her mum bustling happily by the new cooker, content and absorbed. Evening broke outside. A fresh chapter was starting no more lies, no more betrayal, no more sharing money and trust with someone who treated them like spare change.

Helen smiled and reached for a second slice. Why shouldnt she?