Measure with Your Heart, Test with Your Mind

Measure with the soul, check with the mind

Oh girls, I swear my mother-in-law has completely lost the plot! Imagineshe showed up yesterday with a great big pot of stew! Can you believe it? Apparently, mine doesnt do for her. My Jamies used to her version! Where do these women come from? Will we be like that one day? Because if so, someone may as well drop me off in the woods so I cant find my way home.

Calm down, Sophie! Liz reached over and patted her friends hand reassuringly. Maybe its, you know, menopause, or shes just bored? Jamies her only son, and now shes pottering around, trying to do good by him. So what if she makes her stew? Say thank you, gratefully ask for seconds, less cooking for you. Let her crack on.

Yeah right! If I act too pleased, shell move in with us! Its already like she lives here, the way she carries on. And do you remember the gift set we bought before Christmas?

The present?

Exactly. She threw it out!

What dyou mean? Liz was so animated, she managed to spill her tea across the white tablecloth.

She said it was dangerous for your healththe pants arent right!thats what she said! Sophie chuckled, half exasperated, half amused. I didnt even bother telling her how much it cost, or shed have had me for breakfast.

Cant please you, can she? Looks after your health and youre still cross! Liz broke into laughter, but caught herself, then with a grin added, Still, whys she rooting through your underwear drawer?

You tell me! Sophie tossed down her napkin, huffily dabbing up the tea. Oh, what am I doing! Ill never get this washed out.

Relax! said Olivia, whod been quiet until now. She rescued the napkin and handed Sophie her coffee. Youre all on edge. That wont do.

How can I not be? Girls, when we lived in the flat, it was bliss! Shed never pop round unannounced. Id spend half the day at home sketching out my cake designs and no one disturbed me. You cant explain work-from-home is still work, nor can she accept that I earn nearly as much as Jamie. But ever since we bought the house, I feel like Im an amoeba under a microscope! She turns up whenever she pleases, does what she likes, always saying its because she helped with the deposit. Fine, she did, but does that mean Im her slave now? Sophie let out a shaky sigh.

Change the locks.

I cant, Jamied just give her a new key. Shes his mum. Afterwards, hed be all upset! Might as well divorce him!

Oh, dont be ridiculous! Youre not yourself, Son. I remember you as the stroppiest girl in school. Wheres your fighting spirit gone? Liz pouted, pretending to be indignant.

It went the same place as all my hopes and dreams. Sophie took a large sip of wine and tried to shrug it off. No, youre rightI need to get a grip and sort this out. Im driving myself batty. Even my own son asked why I was so grumpy yesterday. What can I say? Because your nans driven me round the bend? That wont do.

Course it wont! said Liz. Im only going out with an orphan, thenno mother-in-law, just me and my stew! She beckoned to the waiter for dessert. Lets get some cake. Soothe the nerves.

Sophie dabbed at her eyes and managed a smile. Ah, wait till you see what I made for that last wedding! Couldnt believe it myself.

Heads bent together over Sophies phone, her friends gasped.

Blimey!

Sophie, whats that? Hows it even standing up like that? Its beautiful, it really is.

Trade secret! Sophie grinned. Jamie helped. He was building with his Lego and I got inspired. Dont even remind me how we delivered it! But Ive already got six orders lined up. Onlywholl watch Tom so I can get the work done?

Come on, set your mother-in-law on him! Keeps her busy.

Ooh, youre too trusting, Liz. Sophie laughed. Shes not interested in grandkid duty. Miraculously falls ill everywhere at once.

Well, send her and Jamie off to hers, then! Olivia suggested.

Sophie froze with her coffee halfway to her lips. Liv! Youre a genius. Theyll be out of my hair, shes happy, Tom gets his nans stew, and everythings on her terms. Ill just slip Tom a few sweetskeep her on her toes!

They all burst out laughing, knowing exactly how Tom went wild after sweets. At parties, Sophie always made sure he didnt get carried away.

How are you, Liv? Liz asked. Youve hardly said a word all evening. Your mother-in-law behaving herself?

Not much chance of her getting involved yetonly been a bit since the wedding, Olivia replied, tasting her meringue with a wince. Wouldnt mind knowing where all this sugar came from!

Go show them how its done! Liz burst out laughing, but quieted when she noticed Olivia staring off. Whats up?

I dunno. Listening to Sophie, Im starting to think maybe somethings missing on my end.

Maybe you just lucked out with a normal mother-in-law! Not everyone gets Sophies firecracker.

Olivias mind drifted back to her wedding, to what Jamies mum, Margaret, told her. Olivia, Im not here to make you like me or shower you with cash. We hardly know each other, and Ill admit Im fussy and sensitive in my own way, so getting along wont be effortless. Still, were family now. What matters is Jamies happiness. He chose you for a reason. All I see right now is a clever and lovely young woman, and the restwell, time will tell. I wont interfere; youre both grown-ups. If you need help, ask me. Otherwise, lets see how it goes.

Her forthrightness surprised Olivia. Not everyones so honest with a new daughter-in-law. She remembered first meeting Jamie at a friends wedding. She was off to the side, avoiding the mad scramble for the wedding bouquet, when a compact, smiley bloke wandered over.

Why arent you after the bouquet? Dont fancy getting married?

Nope, Olivia laughed. Shaky enough on these heelsId probably fall flat on my face.

Theyd chatted away the evening. Jamie walked her home, kissed her hand, and said goodnight.

Afterwards, Olivia sat up for hours, staring at the hand hed kissed, imagining what her gran would make of it.

Shed have said finally! Olivia grinned at the memory of Gran Ednas gentle squint and soft smile.

Gran Edna had raised Olivia ever since her dad passed away and her mum left for London in search of work. At first, her mum sent gifts and letters with a few pounds, but after a while, nothing. Edna was on the verge of contacting the police when a final letter arrivedMum had remarried and was having another baby. Gradually, Olivia realised she and Edna were her only family left. Her teenage years were spiky and angry, and she took it out on poor Ednanever giving her a moments rest.

When Gran fell ill, Olivia was just fifteen. Life turned upside-down overnightno friends, no weekends out, just caretaking and studying. Listening to Edna, who struggled to speak, Olivia would grip her hands to keep from crying.

Keep studying, Olivia. Youre on your own now, love, I cant help much longer. I want to go peacefully, knowing youll be alright.

Her gran fought bravely for three years, not one, as the doctors expected. By the time she passed away, Olivia was already at university.

Her mum only appeared months later, after the funeral, and was shocked that Edna left the house and tiny garden to Olivia.

Thats not fair. You ought to share, her mother insisted.

Olivia lost her temper then, for the first time ever, pouring out all the pain of abandonment. Her mother listened, then quietly walked out the door and was never heard from again.

At first, Olivia floundered, but her promise to Edna carried her through. Studying was easy, work was much harder to juggle. Lizs dad, who owned a furniture firm, offered a job.

Hes unsure youll stick it out, but I know you wont let me down.

Liz was a high-flying, glamorous lawyernot so lucky in love, alas.

All I want is a big family! Id swap my whole legal practice for it. Where is Mr. Right, honestly? I should be having my third by now!

Liz and Sophie were Olivias dearest friends. Despite their different backgroundsLizs comfortable household, Sophies single mum and povertythey stuck together throughout school and life. Sophie nearly lived with Olivia and Liz; it was Edna who held them close, making sure everyone ate her homemade soup and praised her pies.

When it was time for Ednas will to be questioned, Liz stepped in, ready to take on anyoneeven in secret, she straightened things out with Olivias mother, so there was no legal trouble.

And then there was Jamie. After two years together, Olivia married him. Liz caught her bouquet at the wedding, seized Jamies best friend Max by the arm, and swept him onto the dance floor.

A month later, Max was gone. Hes not my cup of tea, Liz insisted, and Sophie and Olivia, knowing their friend well, didnt argue.

Max still dropped by the house, but Liz kept her distance. Be careful with that one, Olivia. Hes not what he seems.

But to Olivia, Max seemed witty, helpful, always praising her to Margaretthough Margaret seemed less than enthused by his admiration.

Soon after, Olivia found out she was pregnanta miracle, as the doctors had warned that Jamies fertility problems meant theyd need IVF. Olivia was gearing up for that process, whenout of the blueshe was pregnant.

Its a miracle, Jamie! She sobbed with happinessMargaret, standing nearby, watched with pursed lips.

Is something the matter, Mum? Jamie asked on the drive home.

I dont know, son. Its unexpected, thats all.

What are you saying?

Margaret turned to him, eyes searching. Do you trust your wife?

Jamie bristled. Of course I do! Dont ever say that again.

Im glad, son, was all Margaret said, but she fell silent, gazing out the window.

Their little boy, Tom, arrived, and Olivia found herself completely absorbed. Margaret never pushed in, but never refused to help, either.

Back at the café, Liz waved at Olivia. Earth to Olivia! Whereve you drifted off to?

Sorry, just thinking. Come on, tell me about your latest date, Liz.

While her friends chattered, Olivia checked her phone: not a single text from Margaret asking when Olivia would be home. A golden mother-in-law, as it turned outshe was the one whod insisted Olivia go out with her friends.

Go, get some air! Youre no use to anyone stuck indoors. Ill look after Tom.

Olivia smiled to herself, grateful, but the strange feeling lingeredsomething unsettled, like a pebble in her shoe.

She tried not to fret. Instead she listened, sipped her wine, and after two hours, her phone rang, the caller ID making her jump.

Olivia barely remembered what happened nexther friends slapping her cheeks to bring her round, calling a cab, shoving ice water into her hands. When she got home, Margaret stood by the door, grey and shaken. Will you come with me? Im scared

Jamie had been killed in a car accidenta freak crash on a flooded road.

The pain that followed swallowed Olivia whole. Sometimes crying, sometimes scrubbing every surface of the house, desperate for something to fill the aching time. She offered for Margaret to move in, but Margaret shook her head.

I cant. His things are still here, it feels like hes still about. I keep thinking hell walk in and ask for pancakes.

Never asked me, Olivia tried to smile.

Well, we all need some little secret, dont we? Margaret smiled sadly. He said yours were better, anyway.

Tom ran between them, patting their faces with his chubby hands, confused as to where his daddy had gone.

Margaret became an essential part of their world; Olivia increasingly relied on her for Tom. Seeing them together, Olivia knew it was right.

As Christmas approached, Olivia felt worse. The three of them had been planning their first festive trip together, up to ScotlandJamie had always dreamt of learning to ski.

Ill conquer the slopes, you and Tom can build snowmen.

Better learn to stand up first! Olivia had teased.

But Jamie was gone, the tickets cancelled. That was, until Margaret made her suggestion.

Maybe we should still go somewhere, all of us. A change of scene might do us good. Plus, itll be Toms first Christmas he might remember.

Reluctantly, Olivia agreed.

Snowy Blackpool greeted them with rain and biting wind. Only once did they manage a walk on the beachwaves crashing against the shore, steely grey.

Pretty grim, isnt it? Olivia tucked Toms hat more firmly over his ears. Each surge of waves made him squeal and jump.

Its powerful, Liv. Its life. Margaret stood still, arms wrapped around herself. Instinctively, Olivia stepped up and hugged her. Margaret leaned her head back against Olivias shoulder.

Im glad I still have you both.

Still?

Yes, Olivia. I almost lost you, too.

What do you mean? Olivia frowned.

Max, Margaret said, almost spitting out the name.

What about him?

He came to see me after the funeral. Said Tom wasnt Jamiesthat youd had someone elses baby. He didnt say directly, but he implied it was him. Said he knew Jamie had fertility issues and youd decided to… you know.

Olivias hands fell to her sides. And you believed him?

How do you think Id be here, if I had? Margaret gripped her hands firmly. I threw him out. Jamie trusted you, Oliviacompletely. We never really knew each other while Jamie was here, but if youll have me, Id like us to be closer. I know its asking more for me than you, but stillI hope youll consider it.

No need, Olivia said softly. Were family. My gran always said, Whats a family if its not together? Anything else is empty.

I dont want us to be empty. Margaret drew Tom into the hug. Come on, my love, youre freezing. Lets get back. You can tell me about your gran, Liv.

They walked through Blackpools drizzle, talking, finally at ease.

At one point, Olivia asked, But why did Max do that? Why say such horrible things?

I dont know. Sometimes people act in ways you cant imaginejust out of spite. Its only important that we dont let bitterness win. Jamie was always one step ahead, but Maxs life never went to plan. Maybe that was enough for him. I dont want to dwell on it. Im just glad hes not in our lives anymore.

So am I.

Olivia didnt tell Margaret that Max had come to her flat too, nine days after Jamies death. Liz had chased him off in no uncertain terms, locking the door behind him and muttering, If he comes back, dont let him near, Liv. Hes not your friend, or even your enemyhes worse.

Now, Olivia understood exactly what Liz meant.

The last days of their holiday, they spent talking, remembering Jamie, and planning what came next. Tom dashed between the two, searching their faces, and they smothered him with hugs.

Six months later, Olivia found her old heels still in a box, wrestled them on and gasped, This is torture!

Beauty is pain! Margaret grinned, helping zip up her frock.

Cant I look nice in flats?

Not with that long dress. Take them with you, change once youre there.

She took Toms hand, handed over the bouquet, and said, Come on, well be late.

Oh, I cant, Olivia rushed. Liz would never forgive meshes waited all her life for this and Ill not ruin her moment.

Elizabeths wedding was big and a bit franticwaiting for the registrar who was late, exchanging rings, with Tom looking so proud to be trusted, guests bustling, presents piling up then, at last, calm.

Olivia, as bridesmaid, found Sophie fussing with the cake.

How are you?

Better, now Ive made up with the mother-in-law for the weekend, or Liz wouldve had no cake at all! Sophie muttered, shielding the cake with her arms. Everything must be done yourself!

What happened?

Herelook. Sophie nodded at the cake. It got bumped on delivery, I think. Practically in tears over it. Three days I spent decorating that.

Its a masterpiece, Soph! Liz piped up suddenly behind them.

Dont creep up on me like that! Are you trying to become a godmother early?

Not today, love! Todays my day. Whats with the long face?

Oh Sophie shifted, embarrassed. The cake, thats all.

Liz grinned, twirling a finger in front of her nose. Couldnt help myself. Had a sneaky nibble!

You absolute menace! Sophie gasped.

Deal with me later! Ive got dancing to do! And with that, Liz darted off.

What are you going to do with her? Sophie rolled her eyes, collapsing into a chair.

Wheres your lot, Liv?

Out there, dancing.

How are you?

Fine, Soph. Things are good.

Do you call her Mum yet?

Not brave enough.

Silly! I wish I had a mother-in-law like that

Olivia thought for a moment, watching Margaret laughing and dancing round with Tom, and realised Sophie was right. That word meant so much, and it belonged to Margaret as well as anyone.

Mum Olivia whispered it, testing the sound, met Sophies gentle gaze and, more sure than ever, said it againthis time aloud.

Mum.

And in that moment, Olivia understood: family isnt just measured by blood, or weighed by tradition, but built by love, trust, and the will to stand together, whatever life brings.