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

So you dont like that I want a family of my own? I left home to carve out my own path, and now you turn up here and drag me back into the old ways.

Oh, Olivia, dont fret so much! I know village life could be tough for a city girl like you, but Ill always be here to help, William tried to reassure me. I know exactly what Im doing. Just be here with me!

I was in such a muddle.

Why on earth did I fall so hard for someone from the countryside? And how! My knees turned to jelly just thinking of him.

Im already twenty-eight with a promising career, while William, at thirty, has a big family and his own house out in the village outside Winchester.

We first met at the funfair in Southampton. He wandered in by accident while his mum was shopping; I was dragged along by friends.

We met, swapped numbers, and that was that. William kept turning up in the city to see me he was attentive, always listening, and before I knew it, my heart just melted. Unlike every other lad Id known, he was open, genuine, and kind.

When he proposed, I didnt take long to say yes.

Well, love, give it a go. Williams a village lad, decent and hardworking, Mum agreed. If it doesnt work out you can always come back home to the city.

I didnt have much to lose. I could work remotely my office actually encouraged it now. And at twenty-eight, I certainly knew my own mind. Besides, the country air was meant to be good for you, wasnt it? Still

So, Will, what exactly will my role be there? I asked.

My fiancée, he said. And next year, well have a wedding and then go on holiday. Ill have saved up so we don’t even need to think about money by then. He went scarlet at that. I know youve always had the best.

It all should have felt perfect yet something niggled at me. I couldnt put my finger on what, so decided to just chuck caution to the wind!

So, giving myself a weeks holiday and sorting my small two-bedroom flat (that I’d worked so hard to pay for), I packed the car and drove off to Williams village, suitcase in tow.

That first evening, I did rather enjoy. The summer was clinging on, and together we cheerfully watered the small veg patch before making dinner together. Working side by side, everything felt easy and warm.

Love, my parents are coming to stay! Will called out one Friday, home earlier than usual.

Why? I asked, a bit startled.

To get to know you and lend a hand. My brother and his wife are coming too, he said, pacing the room.

How long for? I asked, worry prickling at me.

Hopefully not long! Will shot me a sympathetic look. Well get through this. Promise!

Those remarks did nothing to settle my nerves.

Dont worry, darling. Treat it as a trial. If it goes wrong, youve always got your place in Winchester, Mum teased on the phone. Do what suits you. Theyll adjust, or not. Either way, thats Wills problem, not yours.

Honestly, what was I so worried for? I wasnt even married to him yet! His family wouldnt eat me alive.

Id just laid the table when I heard tyres outside. Theyd arrived.

Here they are! Will called from the kitchen.

We went out to greet them.

Well, hello, future daughter-in-law! his mum, Mrs. Mary Walker, boomed, wearing a bright loose dress with cropped dark hair and thick lashes. She gave her son a smothering hug and shot me a crooked smile.

Wills dad, Mr. Peter Walker, large-bellied and broad, nodded my way after greeting Will.

Wills brother, Ed, was tall and cheerful as he introduced himself. His wife fair-haired, rosy-cheeked, younger met my hello with an icy stare, before turning right back to Ed.

What are you gawping at? Come help with the bags! she snapped and flounced off to fetch the luggage.

I welcomed everyone in, hoping a spread would break the tension. Thankfully, I can cook.

Gosh, youve pulled out all the stops! Mrs. Walker approved.

Mr. Walker grunted approvingly.

Whats this? Chicken? Who makes it like that? Eds wife, Helen, whined, picking at her plate. People and their silly ideas. Not as if anyone wants to eat it!

Nonsense its delicious! Ed shot his wife a disgruntled look.

Youd eat anything. Its just food to you. Helen put her fork down with a huff.

Will gave me an apologetic glance.

Helen, mind your manners. Dont be so obvious with your envy. Olivias put a lot of effort in, he said, defending me.

And who even picks that name? Its just like our cow shes called Olivia too, Helen sneered.

I had to stifle a laugh.

What? Will hissed.

My friends guinea pig is called Helen, I whispered, but of course everyone heard.

Mrs. Walker shot me a dark look, Ed and Mr. Walker tried not to chuckle, but Helen flushed bright red.

How dare you! she glared at me.

Well, you started it. I assumed thats how you like to talk, I shrugged.

Ed grinned at me.

Im Eds wife, lawfully! And what are you? Just shacking up! Helen snapped.

At least I know how to behave. If Im a guest, I act decent, I replied, not backing down.

Im not here for you, Helen crowed.

And I certainly never invited you, Will finally snapped. Anyway, how long are you staying?

There was a heavy, surprised silence. Everyone stared at Will.

Well teach your little city slicker the ropes, then well go, his mum declared.

No need, Mum. We were managing perfectly fine. And well carry on, Will said.

Yeah, sure, youve just tied an idle city girl round your neck. Cant wait to see how long you last. Helen cackled.

If theres a slacker in this family, its not Olivia, Will retorted. Right, guests thanks for supper, but now you can rest.

He took my hand and, under the hostile stares of the family, we tidied up together, side by side.

Good to have dependable support, I thought. No one would push me around here. And if the worst came to the worst, I could always go back to my flat.

Saturday morning was anything but peaceful.

And whats all this, youre still in bed? We dont laze about till midday here! Wills mum burst into the room. And its high time breakfast was on!

I blinked at my phone.

Eight in the morning!

Mrs. Walker, theres plenty in the fridge for breakfast, I said, pulling the duvet higher. Can I at least get dressed?

Listen to Her Ladyship! It needs cooking, doesnt it? Up you get! she snipped before slamming the door on her way out.

Getting dressed and pulling myself together, I headed down to the kitchen.

Oh love, youre up already? Will greeted me, stirring at the stove.

Shed have stayed in bed all day if I hadnt! his mum grumbled.

I clenched my teeth.

Mum, whyd you even come into our room? I asked you not to, Will said, astounded.

Not only clueless, but idle as well? Helen chimed in with a smirk.

No one asked for your opinion, I shot back.

Whats wrong, Olivia? This is country life. Up early. When you get a cow, youll need to milk her at six. Not that you could! Helen sniggered.

Were not getting a cow, Will said firmly.

Why not? Your own milk and cream. Oh, I get it, Olivia cant milk one! Besides, she cant get up early. Helen laughed.

You cant, either. Amazing you cope at all, Will grinned.

Since you met Olivia, youve turned nasty and short-tempered, Mrs. Walker muttered.

Thats it. Im going home, Will. Ring me when this circus is gone, Id had enough of their jibes.

What? Shes the reason my son never visits or helps anymore! Rarely calls! And you still expect us to welcome you? Mrs. Walker exploded. Youre breaking up our family!

Enough! Will thundered. Silence fell.

So it bothers you that I want my own family? I left your home to make my way in life, and you show up now and drag me back! he said.

Son, youve lost your head! All your time, all your money goes on her. She just wants your money! his mum cried. Were trying to save you because we care!

Mum, Olivia earns her own way. Im saving for the wedding, Will said, stopping me from running. You want happiness for us? Then please go home. And you only come back if youre invited. Especially you, Helen.

As the family gathered themselves in shocked silence, Will gently led me back to our room, and then returned as they hurriedly packed their bags.

Its her or me, son! his mum tried one last time.

You managed to accept Helen all right, Will said.

Shes different! Helen huffed.

His dad and brother watched on, interested.

Well? Mrs. Walker pressed.

I choose happiness, Will answered, defiant.

Then I have no son anymore! she stormed out, leaving her bags behind for her husband Helen hot on her heels.

If you need us, were here, Mr. Walker said, taking Wills side. I can handle your mother.

Ed gave Will a hug. Look after your happiness. We need to sort a few things out amongst ourselves.

And with that, they all left.

It was awkward, but I realised just how serious Will was about me.

We got back to our happy routines, supporting each other, both of us knowing it hadnt been easy. Meanwhile, in Eds household, things were taking a different turn

Mum, Helen! Weve bought you a cow! Ed beamed at the two women.

What? Are you off your rocker? Mrs. Walker gasped.

Nope. Helen can milk her each morning and see her out to pasture, Ed said, dead serious.

Ed, this isnt funny! Helen bristled.

Well, you were so keen to teach Olivia country life we thought you should experience it firsthand, Mr. Walker added. And just so you know, breakfast is at seven hot, hearty, and not just toast. Country folk rise early.

Thus began their education.

All the criticisms theyd had for me came back to haunt them. Mum soon realised shed overdone it with me now, suddenly, she and Helen were expected to pull their weight. But their backgrounds were different, and it wasnt easy.

Mrs. Walker eventually made peace with Will, but she always thought twice before visiting us. Who knew what else I might be able to do?

And in the end, Will asked me to marry him, properly, the happiest Ive ever seen him.

Everyone celebrated at our wedding!

Not that Mrs. Walker or Helen ever truly warmed to me, but these days they kept their thoughts to themselves. Its safer that way.

Now, here we are Will and I, working side by side, helping one another, never again fearing anyone turning up uninvited. And Im happier than ever.