“So how am I supposed to explain to everyone why you’re not at Mum’s party?” the man asked, bewildered

And how am I supposed to explain to everyone why youre not coming to Mums celebration? Tom asked, lost for words.

Thank you, the meal was delicious, Tom said, moving his plate aside. Catherine, I need to talk to you.

You know, Tom, I think I can guess what its about.

Oh, do you? And what then?

About your mothers birthday.

Thats right. Its the tenth today, and her birthdays the eighteenth, Tom replied quietly.

And mines on the twentieth. You remember that, I hope? Catherine shot back.

Of course I remember, love

Tom, dont even start Im saying No right off the bat!

But you havent even heard my suggestion, Tom protested gently.

I dont want to. Ive already reserved a table for Saturday at the Swan for ten people. Eight of them are my guests, and the rest is us. Youre welcome to join if you want. If not, well celebrate just fine without you.

The twist of it all was that Toms mothers birthday was on the eighteenth of September, and Catherines followed just two days later.

For three years now, the start of September sent Tom into turmoil, desperately trying to orchestrate both occasions without offending either his mother or his wife. So far, he had failed every time.

Catherine, Mum suggests we celebrate both birthdays together, at her place on Saturday. Honestly, its sensible. Why spend extra money and gather the family twice in one week? Besides, Thursday is a nightmare for most people, but everyones free on Saturday.

Tom, who told you I want your cousins and mums nieces and nephews at my party? I invited my friends whom you know quite well, by the way, Catherine replied coolly.

Mum will be upset, Tom sighed.

And the fact that I was upset both last year and the year before does that not count? Or did you forget already?

I thought it all went rather well

Oh really? Lets remind you. Two years ago, wed just married in April. Come September, your mum had her big birthday. What did you say to me then?

Catherine, Mums turning sixty, she wants a quiet family do at home, so lets not plan anything else for Saturday.

And I, taking time off work, spent half of Friday and Saturday morning in your mums kitchen peeling, slicing, cooking, marinating, you name it.

Then I ran about serving food from the kitchen all afternoon. Mind you, nobody even congratulated me on my own birthday!

Thats not true Zoe congratulated you! Tom argued weakly.

No! When you told your sister it was my birthday that week, she just smiled, It was, but now its over. Whats the point talking about it?

I spoke to Mum about it after, and last year they did congratulate you at the table.

Speaking of last year! Friday, the twentieth there I was, playing head chef and kitchen porter again. When I asked Mrs. Vera why Zoe wasnt helping, do you know what your mum said?

Zoe was getting her nails done heavens forbid she showed up with untidy hands! And tomorrow, shed be off early to the beautician and hairdresser.

Of course, Zoe turned up to her mothers party looking immaculate. Me? I barely managed to change out of my apron before the guests arrived. And, yes, last time they did make a toast for me.

But after that, I was forgotten. And you know what? Neither last year nor the year before did I get any gifts except from you and my parents. So this year, do Mum a favour and let her know not to count on me!

But she wont manage on her own

Tom, Mrs. Vera still has a son thats you and a daughter, Zoe. Im sure youll both cope. Meanwhile, Id like to spend MY birthday with my FRIENDS.

And what am I supposed to tell everyone when youre not at Mums party? Tom asked, his voice trembling.

Oh, Tom, dont play the innocent! None of them will even notice unless someone needs a clean plate or something fetched from the kitchen. Youre all such a tight-knit team, I just feel like an extra wheel.

Catherine made it clear: she had the right to spend her birthday as she wished. But Toms mum and sister disagreed, insisting a daughter-in-law should always join in with the family.

So in the days leading up to the twentieth, the pair tried relentlessly to convince her to submit to family tradition and be present at Toms mothers dinner.

Catherine, Mrs. Vera would call, weve built such a lovely tradition, joining our birthdays the past two years. Why are you suddenly refusing? What on earth is wrong?

Its quite simple, Mrs. Vera: I want to celebrate with my friends, and Id rather not do it in someones lounge while dashing between rooms I want the chance to actually be with my guests!

But we have such a nice time with family at home! the older woman protested.

Thats because youre sitting and chatting, while Im running around fetching drinks and clearing plates. Thats not my idea of a celebration!

I never thought youd refuse to help your husbands mother! the mother-in-law huffed.

Zoe was more forceful:

Catherine! Dont be ridiculous! Mums sorted out half the menu, Dads been to the market, everythings ready. You need to decide what youre making!

Mums sent Tom the shopping list. Stop resisting and consider whether its worth fighting with your mother-in-law. Saturday will be over before you know it, and then you can meet your friends as much as you want.

Zoe, Im not being stubborn I told your mum weeks ago I had plans! Honestly, youre more than capable of helping Vera.

For Tom, this was torture. Hed have to choose whose celebration to attend. He didnt want to hurt either his mother or his wife.

Although Catherine never demanded he join her, Tom couldnt ignore the likelihood shed feel slighted if he went to his mothers instead.

Catherine said no more about Saturday. Then, Friday afternoon at work, she took a call from her mother-in-law:

Catherine, where are you? Please tell me youve given up this nonsense about the restaurant. Im waiting for you theres so much to do before tomorrows party!

Mrs. Vera, Im at the office! I told you before this time I wont be coming to help prepare. Let Zoe help you instead.

And you honestly think Tom will approve of such behaviour towards his own mother and family? the older woman snapped.

Look, marrying Tom doesnt mean I have to spend my entire life being at your familys beck and call!

I have my own life, my own interests, my own friends and, by the way, theyre also Toms friends! I wont give all that up only to become your cook and scullery maid.

On that unhappy note, the conversation ended.

On Saturday, Tom took his gift and went to his mothers. At four oclock Catherine headed to the Swan, where her table was ready.

Her guests arrived right on time. The seat beside her stayed empty. No one asked questions everyone knew the situation.

They cheered her, brought gifts, laughter lifted the table, but Catherines gaze slipped to the door, hoping against hope Tom would come.

And he did almost an hour late, bursting in with a bouquet of her favourite tea roses.

Cathy, I barely escaped! Truly, I had to run for it. They talked about you, by the way Auntie Rachel wanted to know why there was no mushroom salad on the table. She was hoping for your recipe.

And dinner was a sorry sight this time. Oh, and Zoe sat with a face like thunder she managed to break two nails helping Mum.

For the next couple of years, Catherine only helped with family dos as a consultant soon enough, she was expecting and then became mum to a little boy.

When Mrs. Veras sixty-fifth rolled round, she held her party in a restaurant.

And what was it she wanted, that daughter-in-law of mine? Everything was perfectly lovely, but she had to go and make a scene! the bewildered mother-in-law repeated to anyone whod listen

Do you think Catherine was right? Leave your thoughts below, hit like and subscribe Im always happy to welcome new readers!