Hans, Has Your Sister Been Over Again? The Fridge Is Always Empty Afterwards! A British Drama of Fam…

Was your friend here again? The fridge is always empty afterwards!

Edward, has your little Daisy been by again? asked Sarah, peering into the half-bare refrigerator. Every time she visits, it seems weve no food left at all.

Yes, she stopped by, Edward replied, a bit sheepishly. She was complaining again about how dire things are for her and Peter. I couldnt very well let her leave empty-handedshes my sister, after all.

Did you give her any money as well?

Edward shuffled his feet. A couple of hundred pounds, he admitted. Daisy said Peters in trouble at work again and they can barely afford the rent.

Who would have thought I never understood why she felt the need to rush into marriage at twenty. Why didnt your mother try to stop her?

You know what Daisys like. Once she sets her mind to something, she wont be swayed. But dont worryshell get used to standing on her own two feet, eventually.

Sarah sighed heavily. Independence was all very well, but up till now, Daisy had only managed to live off her family.

* * *

Peter, as it happens, was still very much a lad, just venturing out to earn his keep. He wasnt one for splashing out on lavish gifts for his wife. Daisy refused to work, convinced it was Peters duty to look after her.

Daisy and Edwards mother, Margaret, took Daisys side as well. She saw how short the young couple was for money, so she always slipped Daisy some cash. And she insisted Edward do the same.

Shes still a young womanshe ought to look her best, Margaret would say. Daisy hasnt found a job that suits her yet, and Peters a bit tight-fisted. Its our duty to help.

Edward did what he could to oblige. But it wasnt long before Sarah reached her limit. She never understood why a chunk of Edwards pay should always end up in Daisys pocket, while she and Edward themselves scraped by in a rented flat, pinching every penny to save up for a place of their ownDaisy always seeming to come first.

* * *

One day, Sarah arrived home to find her mother-in-law, Margaret, and Daisy chatting with Edward in hushed tones. They went silent the moment Sarah walked in. Something weighty was clearly being discussed.

Mind if I ask whats going on? Sarah queried. Ive a feeling youre about to ask us for more money.

Oh, youre mistaken, Margaret laughed. This is a family matter; nothing for you to worry your head about.

Sarah snorted in disbelief and turned to the kitchen to prepare supper. No sooner had she started than Daisy marched in, flung open the fridge door, and announced, disappointed:

Whys it so empty? Sarah, havent you been shopping?

I have, replied Sarah, a touch sharper than usual. But my wages dont go in til the day after tomorrow, so I only bought the basics. If youre hungry, Im happy to warm up some soup.

No, thanks, Im not having that. I dont pay for food at allId rather order pizza, sushi, or go to a café with Peter.

Can Peters wages really stretch to all these treats? Youre forever saying youve no money.

Thats what familys for, Daisy said breezily. When were short, I ask Mum or Edward to help. Its normalfamilies support each other.

Margaret and Daisy left soon after. Sarah wasted no time asking Edward what that was all about.

Mum wants to sell the holiday cottage and was asking me for a favour. Shes planning to give all the proceeds to Daisy. Shes young and needs a good start.

What does that mean, exactly? Sarah was amazed. Dont you mind that your sister gets everything? As your wife, I think this is wrong. It wont do Daisy any good, you know.

You shouldnt meddle, Sarah, Edward said, serious now. The cottage belongs to Mum. Its her decision who gets the money.

Edward plainly wished to end the conversation and left the room. He felt sure his mother was doing the right thing, and was rather proud to do so much for Daisy.

* * *

Before long, the holiday cottage was sold. It became clear to Sarah that Daisy never intended to put the money to any sensible use. Restaurants, fashionable dresses, new gadgetsnothing but the high life.

When the money was gone, Daisy ran back to Margaret, moaning:

Im broke again, Mum! I want to learn to drive and get a car! Have you anything left to sell? Other parents buy their children flats, help them out Why are we so poor?

Margaret was taken aback. Shed never guessed Daisy would fritter the money away so fast. Once composed, she said gently:

Thats it for us, Daisy. I had hoped youd use the money wisely, maybe put some aside. Its time you looked for a job. Didnt you train as a bookkeeper? Try to get into an office.

Im not sitting at a desk all day, ruining my eyes! My husband should provide for meand so should you. Im only twenty! Am I really expected to fend for myself? Thanks for nothing!

Hold on, Margaret soothed. Well think of something. Maybe Edward can help again. Lets say its for something important. Theyre saving for a place, theres bound to be some spare.

Do you really think theyll give much? That Sarah is so stingy she even scrimps on groceries. At least Edward is always ready to lend a hand.

Lets go and see them, Margaret said, determined. They cant refuse me.

An hour later, Daisy and her mother were outside Edwards rented flat. When Sarah let them in, she immediately sensed their visit wasnt for tea and pleasantries.

Edward, weve a very important request, Margaret declared, barely through the door. Only you can help.

Sarah steeled herself. Lets see, theyre here for money, she thought. What else could it be?

Whats happened?

Daisy needs a car, but the cottage moneys all gone, Margaret admitted, embarrassed. So we thought you might help out.

Sarah couldnt believe her ears.

Its all gone already? You got a decent sum for that placewhere has it gone? Daisy, you should be more careful with your spending!

Dont you dare tell me what to do! Daisy snapped. Im young and entitled to nice things, not some frump off the jumble sale! I want to dine out, go to salons, and have the best. I wont spend my youth in poverty!

Ever thought of getting a job? Sarah mocked. Would save begging off your relatives all the time.

Edward, anxious to keep the peace, interjected:

Hang on, lets not argue. We cant afford a car for Daisy, but maybe we can help a little.

Good lad! Margaret beamed. I knew youd back us up.

Does it matter what I think? Sarah retorted. Im not funding Daisys lifestyle. Shes got a husbandthats his job. Therell be no money from me, end of discussion!

Edward shot his mother an apologetic glance and tried to calm Sarah.

This is our joint money, Sarah! I get a say too. Besides, Mums only asking for a loan, shell pay it back.

Of course Ill pay it back! Margaret protested. Or do you think Im a cheat? Its just to help Daisy through a spot, then Ill return every penny.

Sarah felt wretched, as if she couldnt trust Margaret. But worse still was the idea of losing their hard-earned nest egg for good.

No, we really cant help this time, she said quietly. Please understand, were saving for a home. That matters more than a car.

Come on, Mum, lets go, said Daisy impatiently. See? They only think of themselvesour troubles are none of their concern.

Daisy swept out in high dudgeon, with Margaret following. But as she left, Margaret hissed to her son:

Edward, well talk later. Don’t you think your wife is rather bossy these days?

As soon as the door closed, Edward rounded on Sarah with reproach.

How could you? What will Mum think of me now? That we dont care for family? That moneys more important to us?

Is this truly an emergency? Sarah retorted. When have they ever helped us? Lets face it: not a penny would come our way if the situation were reversed. Ive had enough of Daisy and her endless dramas.

A few days later, Edward and Sarah reconciled. But Sarah didnt realise Edward was willing to resort to deceit. He took the money theyd saved for their future home and brought it secretly to his mother.

Seeing her son with the precious envelope, Margaret praised him at once:

Well done, my boy! I always raised you right. Dont worry, youre helping Daisy nowone day shell help you back. And dont breathe a word to Sarah. Youre youngyou can always save again.

* * *

Browsing through the social pages one day, Sarah caught sight of new photosDaisy in the drivers seat of a shiny little car, beaming ecstatically. Sarah raised her eyebrows and asked Edward,

Did you know Daisy actually got herself a car? Did Peter win the lottery? She really does manage to get what she wants, doesnt she?

Yes, I know about it, Edward muttered, not meeting her eyes. We all chipped in a bit and managed to give her that gift.

We? Did you put in money yourself? Why didn’t you tell me?

Edward said nothing. Suddenly, Sarah understood everything. She darted to the chest where their savings were kept, and, with mounting dread, saw the money had vanished.

What have you done? she shouted at Edward. Have you honestly given all our savings to your sister? How could you do such a thing?

For the first time, gentle Edward’s temper flared:

Thats none of your concern! Im head of this family, and I made the decision. We can save for years to come; Daisy needs the car now. And if you cant show respect to my relatives, perhaps I ought to think twice about you as my wife!

Oh, is that so?! Actually, Edward, Im already deciding for myself. In fact, youre not my husband any longer! Im leaving for my mothers houseand dont forget, I expect half of our savings back!

Sarah began frantically packing her things, hoping for a word, a plea, something. But Edward sat in front of the television as though nothing had happened.

Is this really it? Edward, Im going now, Sarah said softly, standing at the door.

Go then. And if you dont change, dont bother coming back, Edward replied coldly.

Sarah moved in with her mother and filed for divorce a month later. It was impossible to live with someone who held her in such disregard. Of course, she hadnt forgotten about her moneywith the threat of court, she forced Edward to return her share. Afterwards, she would laugh about it with her friends: sometimes you have to separate just to save yourself from other peoples nerve!