Don’t Like That I Want My Own Family? I Escaped, Started Building My Life, and You Turned Up to Stir…

Dont you like that I want my own family? I left, started making my own life, and now youve come here only to meddle again!
Clara, honestly, dont fret! I know life in the countryside will be a big change after London. But Ill help youI promise! Thomas pleaded. I know what Im doing. You just need to be here with me!

Clara simply didnt know what to think.
Why on earth did I have to fall for a country lad? And in such a way! Weak at the knees!

At twenty-eight, she had a thriving career, while thirty-year-old Thomas had a large family and a pretty cottage on the outskirts of a quiet English village, not far from Oxford.

They first met entirely by chance at an amusement parkThomas, having wandered while his mother browsed the shops; Clara, reluctantly dragged along by friends.
They exchanged numbers, the chatting began, and Thomas did his best to sweep her off her feet, making frequent trips to the city, ever attentive and warm-hearted. Clara melted.
Unlike other men she knew, he was genuinegood-natured, open, and sincere.

Then he proposed, and Clara found herself saying yes.

Well, love, her mother nodded, give it a try. Thomas may be a country boy, but hes hard-working and kind. If things dont turn out, youre always welcome back home in London.

Clara felt she had nothing to lose. She could work remotely now, ever since her company allowed it. She was well past her teenage years, and everyone said the air in the countryside was pure and wholesome! Only one thing nagged at her

Thomas, what am I actually going as? she clarified.

As my fiancée, he replied, a little sheepishly. In a years time, well have the wedding and a long holiday. Ill have saved up by then so we wont have to fret about money. I know youre used to more comfort.

Everything seemed as it should be, but Clara couldnt shake a sense of unease. She couldnt quite put her finger on it, so she decided to let go and see where life took her.

So, taking a week off, packing her cases and double-checking her beloved two-bedroom London flather hard-earned pride and joyClara set out in her own car to the village, where Thomas was already waiting to welcome her.

Her first night in the village was unexpectedly pleasant.
It was the height of summer; after tending Thomass little vegetable patch together and cooking a simple supper, the young couple finished up their chores in no time, working side by side.

My love, my family are coming to visit! Thomas arrived home early Friday night, a touch nervous.

What for? Clara asked, caught off-guard.

To meet you! Maybe lend a hand. And my brother and his wife are coming too, he added, pacing the living room.

For long? Clara tried not to sound alarmed.

Hopefully not! Thomas shot her a searching glance. Dont worry, well manage.

After that, Clara really began to worry.

Dont let it get to you, darling, her mum counselled over the phone. Take this as a test run! If it doesnt suit, just come home. Do whats comfortable for youand they can learn to get on with it. Or not. Thats Thomass problem now.

Clara smiled to herself. Why am I worrying? Im not even his wife yet! Its not as though theyre going to eat me!

She was setting the table when she heard a car outside.

Theyre here! Thomas announced from the kitchen.
They went out to greet their guests.

Well, hello there, sweetheart! boomed a large woman in a smart but roomy dress, with close-cropped dark hair and thick lashes, enveloping her son in a bear hug before offering Clara a lopsided smile.

A portly, ruddy-faced man followed, shaking his sons hand and giving Clara a curt nod.

Thomass tall, cheeky brother introduced himself with a warm jokebut his wife, a rosy-cheeked blonde, greeted Claras dazzling smile and graceful figure with a cold stare, turning pointedly to her husband.

Well, stop gawping and help, will you! she sniffed, marching back to the car for bags.

Clara ushered everyone to the table, hoping a good meal would smooth tensions. At least she was a dab hand in the kitchen.

My, youve really outdone yourself, Mrs. Matthews, Thomass mother, declared approvingly.

Mr. Matthews issued a grunt of agreement.

Is this chicken? What a strange way to cook it, Ella, the blonde, jabbed at her food with her fork in distaste. They come up with all sorts these days. Honestly.

Nonsense! Its delicious, said Vlad, her husband, glancing at his wife reproachfully.

Youd eat anything so long as its on a plate, Ella snorted, laying down her fork ostentatiously.

Thomas looked apologetically at Clara.
Ella, show some respectand dont let your jealousy leak out quite so obviously! Clara put in a lot of effort, he said, defending Clara.

And who comes up with a name like Clara? Our old cows called Clara, the blonde fired back sharply.

Clara stifled a laugh.

Whats funny? Thomas asked quietly.

My friend has a guinea pig called Ella, Clara whispered, but just loud enough for the table to hear.

Mrs. Matthews frowned at her daughter-in-law, the men tried not to break into laughter, and Ella quickly flushed crimson.

How dare you! she snapped at Clara.

Well, you started it. I just assumed you were used to that sort of conversation, Clara shrugged lightly.

Vlad cast an admiring look at his brothers fiancée.

Im Vlads wife. Properly! And you? Youre justliving with him! Ella stood up with a flourish. Thomass mother nodded approvingly.

Well, at least I have manners, and when Im a guest, I try not to be rude, Clara countered.

Im not here for you! Ella shot back triumphantly.

I never invited you, Thomas muttered, obviously irritated. Are you planning to stay long?
A sudden silence fell over the table; everyone stared at Thomas.

Well stay until your city girl learns some countryside habits, Mrs. Matthews grumbled.

Mumno, please. We were doing just fine by ourselves; well manage perfectly well, Thomas insisted.

Yeah, youve saddled yourself with a useless layabout. Lets see how long that lasts! Ella gleefully piped up.

Theres only one layabout in this family, and its not Clara. Thomass response was short and sharp. And now, dear, unexpected guests, thank you for supper; its time to rest.

Thomas offered Clara his hand, and together they cleared the table, under the puzzled and displeased stares from the rest.

Clara realised how valuable it was to have a strong supporterand she wasnt about to let herself be pushed about. If it came to it, she could always return to London.

Saturday morning dawned far from peacefully.

Still in bed? We dont sleep in past midday in this house! Thomass mother strode into their room. And its high time for breakfast, too!

Clara glanced at her phone in disbelief.
Eight in the morning!

Mrs. Matthews, theres everything you need for breakfast in the fridge, she responded, pulling the duvet tighter. Can I get dressed first?

Dont you sound the proper lady! Things in the fridge dont cook themselves, do they? Up you get! the older woman clucked, loudly slamming the door behind her as she left.

Clara dressed, composed herself, then went down to the kitchen.

Oh, darling, youre up! Thomas greeted her from the stove, busily making tea.

She wouldnt have got up if I hadnt woken her! his mother piped up.

Clara gritted her teeth.
Mum, what were you doing in our room anyway? Thomas asked, still shocked. Didnt I say?

Looks like weve got an idler as well as a hopeless case here! Ella sneered.

Nobody asked you! Clara snapped back.

Whats wrong? Thats rural life for youearly mornings. Once you get a cow, youll have to be up at six to milk her, the blonde remarked with a smirk.

Were not planning on getting a cow, Thomas answered simply.

Why not? Fresh milk and cream! OhI suppose Clara doesnt know how to milk a cow! Not much of a farm wifeup at the crack of dawn and all. Poor thing! Ella burst out laughing.

Well, you dont know how to milk a cow either, and you seem to survive, Thomas replied with a cheeky grin.

Youve become irritable since Clara came along, Mrs. Matthews scolded.

Thomas, Im going home. When this circus leaves, ring me if you still want to see me, Clara could take no more of the rudeness.

What? You! Since you turned up, my sons forgotten his family! He hardly visits, never helps out! Youre ruining our family! the older woman erupted.

Enough! Thomas thundered. Suddenly, all fell quiet.

So you dont like that I want to build my own family? I left your house, started my own life, and you came here just to drag me back!

But, son, your heads been turned! All your time and moneyshes taking you for a ride! Mrs. Matthews wailed. Shes a gold-digger, and you let her! Were only trying to save you!

Mum, Clara supports herself, and Im just saving for our wedding, Thomas said quietly, taking Claras hand before she could leave. If you really want the best for me, go home! Youre only welcome here by invitation from now onespecially you, Ella.

While the family reeled from these words, Thomas led Clara gently back to their room. He returned to find his family making hasty preparations to leave.

Son, you choose: me or her! his mother demanded.

But you accepted Ella, Thomas replied, saddened.

Hardly the same thing! the blonde muttered.

His father and brother watched events unfold with quiet interest.

Well? Mrs. Matthews urged.

I choose happiness! Thomas announced firmly.
Thats it! Ive no son! she retorted, storming out, leaving her husband to haul the cases. Ella followed suit, in high dudgeon.

If you need anything, youve got us! his father grinned. He understood what Thomas meantunlike his mother. Ill keep your mum in check.

Thomass brother gave him a hearty hug.
Take care of your happiness, mate. We need to do some rethinking in our family!

And with that, the relatives departed.

Clara felt awkward, but she finally understood that Thomas truly valued her.

They carried on, working together through the day, each supporting the other through the challenges.
Meanwhile, Thomass family house was lively.

Mum, Ella! Weve bought you a cow! Vlad grinned mischeviously.

What? Are you out of your mind? Mrs. Matthews eyed her son mistrustfully.

Nope. From now on, Ellas up at dawn to milk her and take her to pasture, Vlad replied, perfectly serious.

Oh, Vlad, reallythats not funny! Ella protested.

Well, you were so keen on teaching Clara about country life, so we thought that was just what you needed! Mr. Matthews said with a shrug. And dont forget, Mumbreakfasts at seven. Something hot and hearty, not just toast. Farm folk start early.

And thus, the education of the ladies began!
Oh, they had a lively time of it!

Every little thing theyd said to Clara was thrown straight back at them. Mrs. Matthews soon realised shed been too harsh on the younger woman, especially since now they were being urged to work as hard as Clarawhich simply wasn’t possible for them.

Too busy!
Mrs. Matthews eventually made peace with Thomas, but was wary of visiting his homejust in case Clara proved too competent for comfort.

In the end, Thomas proposed to his beloved, and all of them celebrated together at the wedding.
Although Mrs. Matthews and Ella never quite warmed to their new relation, they tried to keep quieta much safer choice.

Clara was happy. She and Thomas continued to do everything together, ever-supportive, never again afraid of surprise visitors crashing in on their life.