Reconsider Your Choices

Did you register him on the tenancy? Sam Harper asked, his eyebrows shooting up. He could hardly believe his mother would even consider that. Their mother, Anne, had never entertained such ideas before.

Whats the problem? Does Igor have to be a permanent lodger? she whispered, glancing at the man who now shared their flat.

Hes already forty. He ought to have his own place by now!

Sams father had died when Sam was thirteen; his little sister Emily was only three. With their maternal grandmother gone two years earlier and no other relatives to turn to, the family was left to fend for itself.

Truth be told, Sam hadnt felt too much loss when his father passed. The man was always on night shifts, barely seen at home, yet he did provide for the family. Now, with only Annes modest wage as a shop assistant in a small supermarket in Birmingham to keep them afloat, money was tight.

Seeing his mother so unsettled after losing her main provider made Sam feel a pang of sympathy. He helped out wherever he couldodd jobs, chores, looking after Emily. He never complained when, a year later, Anne brought home a man called Nick.

Nick wasnt exactly what Sam had in mind for a housemate, but Anne seemed lighter, smiling more, even looking younger. That brief spell of happiness lasted a few months before Nick vanished.

He turned out to be married, Sam heard Anne sobbing to their neighbour, Mrs. Brown. He was only here on a work assignment. At least a cosy flat is better than a hotel!

Mrs. Brown sighed. Anne, you have two children. Youd do better looking after them than chasing after strangers.

Next came Stephen Clarke, a gruff fellow who liked to call Anne his little swallow and Sam and Emily his chicks. He stayed for half a year. Then Thomas Grey arrived quiet, unobtrusive, exceptionally polite and lasted three months.

Why did Anne keep drawing the wrong kind of men? Sam never knew. She was pretty, good with the house, caring after Thomas, there was a lull.

I dont need anyone, Anne told Mrs. Brown. God gave me good children; Ill raise them and be happy.

Sam let out a breath of relief. He was sixteen then and dreamed of going to university in Manchester. Thanks to his grandmothers early insistence, hed started school at six, so he couldnt leave without Annes blessing, nor could he abandon Emily to a mother preoccupied with new lovers.

What are you talking about, love! Anne burst out, waving her hands when Sam stammered about his plans toward the end of his Alevels. Of course you can go. Emily and I will manage. Im not sure I can help you financially, though.

Ill sort myself out, Sam said, feeling a surge of confidence. Are you sure well be alright?

Absolutely, Anne replied.

Sam didnt yet realise that Annes easy smile hid a deeper plan. He enrolled at university, moved into a dormitory, studied hard and took evening shifts in a local café. It wasnt easy, but Sam was ready for the challenge.

What he hadnt prepared for was how much he would miss his mother and especially his little sister. Emily adored him, looking up to him as if he were a hero. When she learned he was leaving, she cried a lot, but then she told him bravely that it was for the best and that she would wait for him.

A few months after Sams departure, Emilys voice over the phone they spoke at least once every three days grew weak and sorrowful. One day she broke down in tears.

Alright, my little mouse, Sam said firmly. Dry your eyes and tell me whats wrong. No lies, remember, lyings never right.

Emily obeyed, and within five minutes Sams skin prickled with what he heard.

After Sam left, Anne had taken in her brotherinlaw, Uncle Gary, a boisterous electrician who immediately claimed authority over the house. Gary was balding, ruddyfaced and certainly not handsome. He behaved like a king, ordering not only Anne but also Emily. Anne seemed to roll out a carpet before him, forgetting she had a daughter.

Eightyearold Emily walked to school two streets away on her own and returned alone. Anne stopped accompanying her to swimming lessons and the drama club, saying, If you want to go, youll have to do it yourself. Learn to be independent.

Gary insisted Emily should cook, wash, and iron for herself, while Anne still clung to some of the chores. He also barred Emily from leaving her room without his permission whenever he was home, and told her to keep out of his sight as much as possible.

Has mother gone mad? Sam muttered after listening to Emilys tale. Ill talk to her! Dont cry, my little mouse, Ill sort this out.

But talking didnt solve anything.

Am I not entitled to my own happiness? Anne snapped when Sam accused her of making Emily suffer. Garys a decent man! Emily is just spoiled and needs discipline.

Emily? Anne had always called her Emilypie in affection, and only in moments of anger would she use her full name, Emily.

Mom, are you feeling alright? Does anything hurt? Sam asked gently.

I feel perfectly fine, Anne replied, then softened. Emily is just being a bit dramatic she misses you, so shes making a fuss to get your sympathy.

Sam doubted that Emily was fabricating anything, yet he had no reason to distrust Anne either. He tried to focus on his studies, hoping to finish his exams early and land a job. Money was scarce; Sam didnt drink, smoke, or spend nights out at clubs.

He passed his exams with flying colours, but the job offer fell through.

Im scared of him, Emily whispered into the phone, trembling. Mom and he keep arguing, they never leave their rooms, and sometimes he walks around the flat in his underwear.

What do you mean never? Sam asked, his imagination already painting terrible pictures.

Yes, Im scared, Emily repeated, her voice shaking.

Sams mind raced, but he boarded the first bus back home, determined to see for himself. Gary stalked the flat like a tyrant, looking down on Sam, shouting at Anne, Your sons here, yet you havent even set a table for the men! Anne smiled sycophantically at Gary, Hold on, Igorboy, well get everything ready.

Sam refused to join Gary for a drink. He slipped into Emilys room, where she now wept with relief. From the hallway he heard Gary mutter to Anne, Hes got no respect for his elders, and Anne replied, trembling.

Within a couple of days Sam realized Emily hadnt invented the horror. Gary ruled the flat, issuing orders to anyone who entered. When Sam tried to push back, Gary snarled, Dont tell me what to do in my own house!

Look here, Anne intervened, her voice pleading. Garys also on the tenancy, so we need to find a way to live together.

Did you register him on the tenancy? Sam asked, his surprise evident. Hed never imagined Anne could do such a thing.

Whats the big deal? Isnt Gary just a temporary guest? Anne replied, glancing around nervously.

Hes forty, he should have his own flat! Sam retorted.

While they argued, the front door slammed. Gary, clearly offended, stormed out. Anne flinched, ready to chase after him, but Sam held her back.

Mom, whats happening? he asked, looking into her eyes. Is he doing something to you? Should we see a doctor?

What do you know? Anne burst into tears. Maybe for the first time in my life Ive fallen in love! And Gary loves me! Do you think its easy to live without a husband? she sobbed.

Sam felt lost. He felt sorry for his mother, for Emily, and for himself he couldnt leave them both unattended. His university life hung in the balance.

The biggest problem, though, was how to get rid of Gary. No amount of pleading with Anne seemed to work; it was as if Gary had hypnotised her.

Sam turned to the internet for answers.

Either you evict him yourself, or Ill take him to court, he declared.

What court? Gary lives here legally, Anne replied, undeterred.

Well see about that. You registered him when I was still a minor; now things have changed. Think about it, Sam pressed.

Gary, seeing the legal threat, packed his things and left after two days.

Anne now watched Sam with tearstained eyes, occasionally smiling, then disappearing for hours as if reconciled with a new lover.

Sam switched to parttime distance learning and found a job back in his hometown. He hoped his mother would eventually see reason, and he stayed close enough to step in if anything went wrong.

In the end, Sam learned that love and loyalty can blur the lines of right and wrong, but its vital to protect those you care for, even if it means standing up to the people you love. The true lesson was that freedom and respect are worth fighting for, no matter how tangled the family ties.