Became the Maid: When Alevtina announced her plans to remarry, her son Russell and daughter-in-law…

Became a Maid

When Margaret told us she was planning to remarry, my wife Emma and I were stunned and unsure how to react.

Are you quite certain you want to turn your life upside down at this age? asked Emma, glancing at me for support.

Mum, must you do something so drastic? I said, feeling anxious. I know youve been on your own for years and you devoted so much of your life to raising me, but it just seems reckless to marry now.

Youre both young, thats why you think like that, Mum replied calmly. Im sixty-three, and none of us can tell how much time weve got. But I deserve the chance to spend the rest of my days with someone I love.

Well, dont rush into anything, I tried reasoning with her. Youve only known this David for a couple of months, and youre ready to upend everything for him.

At our age, waiting isnt wise, and I dont want to waste any time, Mum said. Besides, what else is there to know? Davids two years older, lives with his daughter Becky and her family in a three-bed flat, gets a good pension, and has a cottage out in Kent.

And where will you live? I asked, worried. We share this house, and to be honest, theres just no room for an extra person.

Dont fret. David isnt after our space, Ill move to his place, explained Mum. The flats big, Becky and I get on just fine, everyones grown up, so theres really no reason for arguments.

I worried, but Emma persuaded me to accept Mums decision. Perhaps were just being selfish? Emma admitted. Of course, its convenient for usyour mum helps out, she often looks after Lily. But if shes got a chance for happiness, we shouldnt stand in her way.

It would be one thing to just live togetherdo they really have to register the marriage? I muttered. The last thing we need is Mum in a white dress and some tacky wedding reception.

Well, theyre old-school, itll probably make them feel more secure, Emma reasoned.

In the end, Margaret married David, whom shed met by chance on the high street, and moved into his flat. At first, things seemed pleasant enoughthe family welcomed her, David was kind, and Mum genuinely believed shed finally found happiness late in life, allowing herself to enjoy each day wholly. But soon, the reality of living with her new family started to show.

Would you mind making a roast dinner tonight? Becky asked one evening. Im snowed under at work and dont have a spare minute, but youve got some time, havent you?

Taking the hint, Margaret took charge of the cooking, and before long, she was shopping for groceries, cleaning the house, doing the laundry, and even travelling out to the Kent cottage.

Now that were married, the cottage belongs to both of us, David announced. Becky and her husband dont have time to go there, and the grandchilds still little, so you and I will manage everything ourselves.

Mum didnt argue; she liked being part of a big, friendly family, one that ran on mutual support. Her first marriage had been a disappointmentmy father was lazy and sly, and left for good when I turned ten. Twenty years had passed since, and wed never heard from him. Now, everything seemed right, so the work never bothered her and the tiredness felt worthwhile.

Mum, youre not cut out for grafting at the cottage, Id say. Every visit, your blood pressure must go through the roof. Is it worth it?

Of course it is, I enjoy it, Mum replied. With David, well have a bumper harvest and share it with all of you.

But I had my doubts, especially since nobody from Davids side ever invited us over, not even to meet properly. Emma and I asked David round a few times, he always promised to come but never found the time or energy. Eventually, we gave up, accepting that the new family didnt care much for getting to know us. The only thing we wanted was for Mum to be happy.

At first, she wasshe found fulfilment in her chores. But the demands grew and started wearing her down. Every trip to the cottage, David would clutch his back or complain about chest pain and instantly need a rest, leaving Mum to lug branches, rake leaves, and haul rubbish.

Not stew again? groaned Anton, Davids son-in-law. We only had it yesterdayI thought thered be something else tonight.

I just didnt have time, and couldnt get out for shopping, Mum apologised. Ive been washing all the curtains and rehanging them; Im exhausted and needed to sit down for a bit.

I get that, but I cant stand stew, Anton said, shoving his plate aside.

Tomorrow, Maggie will lay on a feast for us all! David quickly chimed in.

And of course, the next day Mum was on her feet from sunrise, cooking an elaborate meal, only to have it wolfed down in half an hour. After that, shed clean up, and the cycle would repeat, day after day. Becky and Anton only grew more critical, and David always sided with them, making Mum out to be the culprit.

Im not a youngsterI get tired, and I dont see why I have to do everything by myself, Mum finally objected after another complaint.

Youre my wife, so youre should keep the house in order, reminded David.

Being your wife should mean I have both responsibilities and rights, Mum sobbed.

Shed calm herself, carry on, and work just as hard to keep the peace. But eventually, she snapped. That day, Becky and Anton had plans to visit friends and decided to leave their little girl with Mum.

Why not let her stay with Grandad, or take her with you? Im off to my granddaughters birthday today, Mum insisted.

Why should we all have to accommodate your plans? Becky snapped.

Im not asking you to, but I dont owe you anything either, Mum reminded her. I told you on Tuesday, my granddaughters birthday is today. Not only did you all ignore that, now you expect me to stay home for your convenience.

Thats just not on, David flushed angrily. Beckys plans are in ruins, and as for your granddaughtershes only little, it wont matter if you congratulate her tomorrow.

It wont matter if we all pop round to see my family todayor you could mind your granddaughter while Im gone, Mum persisted calmly.

I knew nothing good would come of marrying you, Becky spat. Shes a mediocre cook, hardly keeps the house clean, and only thinks about herself.

After everything Ive done for you these past months, you really think that? Mum asked David. Be honestdid you want a wife or just a housekeeper for everyone?

Thats unfairnow youre making me the villain, David protested.

I asked a simple question. I deserve a clear answer, Mum stuck to her guns.

If thats how you feel, do as you like, but in my house, such attitudes toward duties wont do, David stated proudly.

In that case, Im resigning, Mum said, and set about packing her things.

Would you take back your hopeless mother? she asked, dragging her bag and a present for Lily. I went, got married, now Im backdont ask me anything just yet, just tell me: will you have me, or not?

Of course! Emma and I embraced her. Your room is ready and were glad youre home.

Are you really glad, just for me? she wanted to hear it clearly.

Why else do people welcome their own? Emma replied.

Then Mum truly knew she wasnt a servant. Yes, she helped with chores and looked after Lily, but Emma and I never took advantage or tried to walk all over her. Here, she was Mum, Gran, mother-in-law, and familynot the maid. Margaret returned home for good, filed for divorce herself, and made her peace with what shed experienced.

From all this, I’ve learnt an important truthno matter your age, youre never obligated to become a servant in someone elses home, especially not when what you really need is love, respect, and family.