The Unwanted Mother

THE UNWANTED MUM

Jack, sit down! We need to have a serious word. Rebecca planted herself at the kitchen table, the look on her face leaving no room for debate.

Her husband slid into the seat next to her. Rebecca dabbed her teary eyes with a tissue.

I honestly dont know what were going to do about Mum, she started. Shes barely getting about now, and with her ramshackle old cottage, she wont survive this winter. The roofs close to caving in as it is.

So what are you suggesting? Jack eyed her warily.

I told youIve no idea.

Rebecca, you always expect me to fix this. Shes your mumyou decide.

Jack, we simply cant have her living with us. Its just not practical, is it? Weve only got a two-bedroom flat, and two growing lads. Where would she even go? It was clear shed already made her mind up about her mother but was trying to find the gentlest way to break it. There’s that care home in town. The private one.

Youre thinking of putting your own mum in a home?

We dont have any other option. They say its quite nice, actually.

But you said its private, Jack pulled a face. How much?

Sixty pounds a dayif you pay for the whole month up front, its about eighteen hundred. She hesitated. Still, shed get proper care, nurses on hand. Its a lot for us but well cope.

Jack shook his head, not liking it one bit. Feels a bit rotten, doesnt it? She always brought us jam, chutney, little treats for the grandkids. Did everything with her whole heart. And now

Its not like my heart isnt breaking too, Rebecca sighed. I just cant see what else we can do.

He slumped back, exhaling. Sure theres no other way?

I thought of selling her cottage. She signed it over to me years ago. But whos going to buy it in November? Not exactly prime property, is it?

Have you told her any of this yet?

Not yet. Well go at the weekend, tidy up the garden, and Ill talk to her then.

Ill sort the garden out with the boys, Jack said. But when it comes to the home, thats your chat, not mine.

She can stay there til spring, at least. If she hates it, well think of something.

No, Rebecca. Feels like once shes there, thats it. No going back. Feels a bit heartless.

***

It had been a week since Lydia had moved into the Willowbrook Retirement Home. She kept telling herself Rebecca hadnt had a choicewalking wasnt easy anymore, let alone living alone at her age.

But this wasnt how shed pictured her golden years. Shed dreamt of sharing them surrounded by family. Fat lot of good that did; who needs a feeble mum?

A nurse appeared at the door. Mrs Fletcher, your grandsons are here.

Her face lit up. Even the younger, Charlie, now towered over her, while Harrys head nearly skimmed the door frame.

Hello, love! Lydia beamed. How are things here?

Alright. Foods good, nurses are nice, she said briskly, fussing over them. Sit down, sit downtheres cake!

We cant stay long, Gran. Brought you some bitsfood and warm clothes from Mum.

Thank you! And hows school?

Fine, both replied, almost in unison.

Keep at it! Harry, youre in your last year, arent you? Decided whats next?

Think Ill do my degree here in town.

Wheres your mum and dad? Sent you off alone, did they?

Dads at your place, said Harry.

Oh, tell him to dig up all the carrots! Frosts coming soon. And dont forget to pick the cabbagesthose hearts are massive this year.

Charlie whipped out his phone. Hold on, Gran. Ill ring him.

Dad, Gran says to pick all the carrots and cabbages.

Will do, came his dad’s voice.

Let me! Lydia practically grabbed the phone. Jack, dig up the carrots but leave them to dry a couple of days before you put them in the cellardont rush. Cabbagesleave the stalk on and push them into the sand in the back section. Carrots to the other side, but just the big ones. Small oneskeep for yourselves!

Got it, got it. Dont fret, Mum!

And find my Tilly, alright? Poor cat, shell be hungry.

Ill find her.

She handed the phone back with a sigh.

Gran, well get going, ok? Harry got up.

Wait! Lydia rummaged for her purse. Hereyou both take twenty. Treat yourselves.

But Gran

Go on, take it! Dont need any money here.

Thanks, Gran!

They left, and Lydia wandered to the window, watching them leave and feeling the familiar sting of tears.

***

Jack parked his battered Vauxhall opposite their block; next to it, Colin from the next stairwell was just pulling up in his Ford. Spotting Jack lugging sacks of carrots and cabbages, Colin called out, Been at the allotment, have you?

Something like thatmy mother-in-laws place.

Were thinking of buying an allotment. Or a little place out of town now the kids have moved out.

Tell you what, Colin Jack spoke, a plan hatching. You’ve got that four-bed on the second floor, right?

Yeah, plenty of space these days.

How about we swap? I give you our two-bed, and you get my mother-in-laws cottage and veg garden as a bonus. She cant manage it, poor thing.

Ooh Colin scratched his head. Let me chat to Pamcould be interesting.

Have a word. Come round this evening for drinks.

Will do!

***

Jack had a wash, grabbed some dinner, then collapsed on the sofa. Rebecca was in the kitchen, prepping for the boys coming back. Youngest one from football, oldest well, he was in love now.

About time at seventeen, she thought. Lets just hope he keeps out of trouble. Cant get Charlie in the door latelylives in the street

The doorbell rang. Wiping her hands, Rebecca hurried to answer.

Oh, hello, Pam! Colin! Everything alright?

Rebecca, were here for a chat.

Come straight in! She looked confused. Whats happened?

Didnt Jack tell you? Pam grinned.

No! Whats going on?

Your lot want to swap flatsyour two-bed for ours. Plus the cottage and garden.

Rebecca blinked, then bustled about, ushering them in. Oh! Well right. Lets get the kettle on. Jack! She poked her sleepy husband on the sofa. Get upthe neighbours are here!

He scrambled for the bathroom.

Pam eyed up their little flat approvingly. Very cosy, you know.

Someone going to explain, please? Rebecca demanded.

Your chaps want to swap our four-bed for your two-bed and your mums cottage, Pam explained. Good-sized place youve got!

Jack returned, and Rebecca pounced.

So whats this all about, then?

If we agree, we move into the bigger place, Mum moves in with us.

A thoughtful silence, Rebeccas lips twitching into a mysterious smile.

Well! Lets have a brew, then you lot can come see our flat.

Brew?! Jack snorted. This is a time for something stronger than tea!

***

That night, Jack and Rebecca lay in bed, wide awake, imagining where everything would go in their soon-to-be large flat. Mostly, Rebecca chatted away, until she realised Jack was nodding off.

Oi! Not asleep already?

Dont say a word to your mum yet. Lets get sorted and then bring her over.

***

On a soggy autumn morning, Lydia sat at her window in Willowbrook, mood as grey as the drizzle outside.

Three weeks now. Looks like theyve forgotten me. Useless old mum, thats me. The boys came once, daughters called twice. First time to tell me shed sold my cottage, or swapped it for something. Sounded dead chuffed, too. Well, at least theyre paying up to keep me hereeighteen hundreds not pocket change. Nowhere else for me to go.

Second time, apologised, said she was busy, theyd visit soon. Young ones always busy, arent they? Maybe they’ll turn up todayit is Saturday. If only Id learned to use a mobile

She drifted into grim thoughts, when suddenly she spotted Jacks car pulling up at the gate.

They havent forgotten! Oh, but hes alone and empty-handed. Has something happened?

She watched the door anxiously. Jack stepped in and smiled.

Hello, Mum!

Jack? Whats happened?

Pack your bitswere taking you home.

Home? Just for a visit?

Noproperly home. Pack everything.

Will you stop being mysterious!

The boys wanted it to be a surprise for you.

Lydia began bustling about, barely containing her excitement. Her roommate, Jean, fresh back from her physio, looked over.

Where you off to, Lydia?

My son-in-laws taking me homefor good! she said, beaming.

Lucky you. Looks like Im in here till my times up.

Oh Jean, your turn will come. Its not easy for them, these days. Were a handful.

***

On the drive, Lydia worried: Whys he taking me? Theres only two bedrooms. Ill just be under their feet. God, Ill be in the way. Theyll probably send me right back here after a week.

But they didnt stop at Jacks flatinstead they headed to the posher block nearby. Confused, she glanced at Jack.

In you go, he said with a grin, and up the stairs they went to the door of a spacious new flat. Her grandsons burst out.

Gran, come and see! This is ours now! cheered Charlie.

Rebecca met her at the door and swept her into a hug.

Mum, youre moving in with us. Come on, let me show you your new room.

The room was small but cheerful, with a tidy bed and new wardrobecosy, and just for her. She could hardly believe shed be living right under the same roof as her family.

And then, through the door padded a familiar furry shape, purring around her legs.

Tilly! Lydia squealed in delight, tears streamingnot from sadness, but from sheer, overwhelming happiness.