“What kind of trouble has been here? Call your family and have them come sort this mess out,” Lila fumed.

What on earth happened here? Call your family and tell them to come sort this mess out, Lily fumed. Im not cleaning up after them. Ive had enough of constantly washing the bed linen after your mates crash at our cottage. Theyve made a habit of it.

Listen, Mum called earlier, her husband, James, mentioned over dinner. She and the relatives are planning a barbecue this weekend.

Good for her, Lily snapped. Let them go. Where do we come into it? She had no love for her mother-in-law.

Well, they want to use our cottage, James explained, as if it were obvious. They dont have one, and Ive got to be at the garage on Saturday. I told them we couldnt go, so Mum asked for the keys.

Lily had no choice but to agreesomething she later regretted. When they visited the cottage the following weekend, she froze at the sight. The place looked ransacked.

The berries theyd picked were gone, the floors were filthy, and a single pot of stale soup sat on the stove. The kitchen curtain had vanished. Lily couldnt fathom what had happened. His parents were in their sixties, for heavens sake!

She confronted James.

What on earth happened here? Call your family and make them clean up! she stormed. Im not doing it. Im sick of washing sheets after your friends stay over. They treat our cottage like a free B&B.

Oh, stop fussing. Just chuck it in the washing machine and hang it out, he muttered.

Next time, you do it! Are you happy with the state of our place?

But James never called them. Lily gave him the silent treatment until they made up. Theyd only been married two yearsmarried for love, though now Lily wondered if shed rushed into it. No kids yet.

Life rolled onwork, home, home, work. Weekends were for walks or trips with friends. Everything changed when Lilys mum suddenly remarried and moved to another city. The family cottage passed to Lily.

Suddenly, Jamess entire family adored her. Now, someone was always begging to visit their cottage. Everyone knew barbecues tasted better outdoors!

Relatives appeared out of thin aircousins, aunts, uncles, even Jamess granall flocking to the countryside for riverside feasts. And his mates, too.

Everyone stayed overnight. James cheerfully manned the grill. Lily was fed up, but she didnt want to sour things with his family and friends. Still, something had to give.

Now, weekends filled her with dread. When Lily and James married, his mum was already elderlyshed had him late. His sister, Mary, was ten years older. His mother came from a village and somehow believed everything was communal.

She and Mary helped themselveslotions, shampoos, sponges, even Lilys slippers. Then, Jamess mum called again, asking for the keys. This time, Mary wanted to take her boss for a weekend barbecue.

As usual, no one asked Lily how she felt.

Well give Mum the keys, James said. He remembered Lilys reaction last time but didnt bring it up.

Lily knew she had to actand James wasnt on her side. Brainstorming options, she rang her mum and vented.

Ill sort it, her mum said briskly.

Twenty minutes later, she called backher sister and husband would stay at the cottage. Dont worry, Aunt Helen will handle it.

Lily gasped. Shed always been terrified of Aunt Helen. Childhood summers at her place had left lifelong scars. Oh yes, Helen knew how to lay down the law.

That evening, Aunt Helen phoned.

Well, niece, keeping secrets? You shouldve called sooner. Now, how shall we play thislightly, or full force? She chuckled darkly.

Lily shuddered. Did you ever tell them the cottage is in your name? Helen asked.

I dont think so. They all assume its mine.

Dont fret, darling. Ill sort it beautifully.

On Sunday, Jamess mum called, furious. You sold the cottage? Wheres the money? Why didnt you tell us?

Turns out, Mary, her boss, and the in-laws had arrivedonly to find five strangers already barbecuing.

Who are you? Jamess mum gasped.

And who might you be? a formidable woman countered, stepping forward. This is my cottage. I dont know you. How did you get in?

Panic set in. Mary babbled about family and borrowed keys. The womanclearly in chargestared her down until she faltered. Jamess mum stayed quiet.

The keys were confiscated, and they were politely told to leaveor else.

Lily heard her mother-in-law shrieking down the phone. James was baffled, speechless.

Give the phone to your wife, the older woman demanded. The cottage isnt yours!

Did you ever ask? Lily said coolly. Or did you just assume everythings yours?

Do you realise Mary invited her boss? There are layoffs comingshe was trying to save her job! If shes sacked, its on you!

Not my problem. Aunt Helen owns the place. You never consulted me. Buy your own if you want to holiday.

Im never going back thereand neither is my family! James snapped.

Their first real fight. He was livid. Mary got sacked. Ill never forgive you, he spat. My family loved you, and you betrayed us.

Lily was sure Mary was fired for other reasons. Strangely, she didnt feel guilty. She hadnt started this. Their marriage had hit a dead end.

Mum, I think Im divorcing James.

Your choice, love. Where will you live? Ive rented my flat out. You could stay with Helen.

Thanks a lot, Lily muttered. Ill rent somewhere.

She filed for divorce, moved out, and never went back to the cottage.

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