Fine, we wont evict you for the holidays. Make three spare rooms my sisters and niece will stay over. Youll sleep in the kitchen.
MrsGrace Whitaker, and you forget Im the sole owner of this house? Ive got the title deeds to prove it. So dont even think about barging in the police will have you out on your ear.
It was a chilly Thursday after work and Victoria Price was heading for the towns shopping centre. In two weeks it would be NewYears, and an old schoolfriend, Olivia Hart, had invited her over.
Victoria knew the guest list would be a small army: Olivias daughter and husband with their two kids, Olivias sister and her niece a university student. Shed been a regular visitor to Olivias flat for years and knew everyones taste, so she wanted to buy the presents in advance.
Picking gifts was Victorias forte; handing them over, her favourite sport. She could already picture herself drifting through aisles lit with tinsel, inspecting items, watching the clerk wrap a purchase in sparkling paper.
Her good mood evaporated the moment she stepped outside. By the car, RuthBennett the sister of her exhusband was waiting.
Vic, hi! Ruth called. Why so long? Im turning into an icicle over here.
Good afternoon, Ruth. Didnt expect to see you.
Why not? Were family, after all, Ruth replied. At least weve been called that for twenty years.
Glad were finally not, Victoria said, reaching for the car door.
But Ruth held her back.
Listen, Vicky, Ive got a favour. Actually, the whole clan has one.
What clan? Ive been off the family radar for a year. No favors, thanks.
No, just hear me out. I dont know how you and Michael split the assets, but Mum still believes the house you live in belongs to us.
You bought that place with Mike, and he spent a decade fixing it up. We all gathered there for Christmas and May Day. What now?
Mum planned a Mayday birthday bash for the whole lot tables on the veranda, just like we always did. And you shut us out. You disappeared.
I dont get why youre spilling this. I was just visiting a friend, felt like going. Sorry, I forgot to ask you first.
And forget about our family gatherings in my house. When Mike and I went our separate ways we agreed: flat, car and garage for him, house for me. We signed the papers. So youre welcome to meet at Mikes flat. Thats it.
Vic, Mum asked if we could host guests on the 31st like old times. A crowd will turn up we wont have anywhere to put all the relatives, Ruth said.
Grace Whitaker asking? Unbelievable! Twenty years she only nagged me, now shes asking for a favour. Tell her Im not having it. Book everyone a hotel.
Victoria slipped into the car. The spirit of gifthunting had fled. Ill shop tomorrow, she muttered and drove home.
She and Michael had been together for nearly twenty years. Theyd bought the house ten years prior. A year ago Michael announced, At fortyfive lifes just beginning, and hinted hed start a new chapter with his attractive young secretary.
Victoria didnt try to stop him, but she also didnt let him walk away with everything. She kept the house and the familys savings; Michael got a twobed flat, a used Toyota Corolla and a garage.
Because Victorias only dependant was her universitygoing daughter, Michael didnt press for joint accounts.
A few days earlier EllieTaylor called, saying shed be staying in a student hall for NewYears.
Mum, you okay with that? she asked. Ill be home for the holidays.
So Victoria accepted Olivias invitation; shed have company and, thanks to Ruth, she knew the drama wasnt over. She was right.
That evening her former motherinlaw rang.
Victoria, arent you taking on too much? Youve hijacked Mikes house and now think we cant find you?
Fine, well all celebrate NewYears in my house the one my son graciously let you stay in. Clear?
Very well, we wont chase you out for the holidays. Prepare three bedrooms my sisters and niece will sleep there. Youll camp in the kitchen.
Grace Whitaker, and what of the fact Im the sole proprietor? I have the deeds. Dont even think of forcing your way in the police will have you out.
Well see who gets the police. Anyway, get the rooms ready; well bring the food, you wont have to cook a thing. And dont argue youll remember this NewYear forever!
In my opinion, Mikes mother has gone completely off the rails, Victoria thought.
Grace was never a peacemaker, but her current tirade surprised Victorias exdaughterinlaw. Was she hoping Victoria would cower and obey?
Once, Victoria had been the model daughterinlaw; the other two had eventually accepted the matriarchs authority. Now, after the divorce, Graces words only left Victoria bewildered: what were they expecting?
Meanwhile, in Graces flat, a plan was taking shape.
Ruth, you and Oliver are in charge of groceries. Buy everything we can, early. Well be cooking on the 31st and the morning of the 1st.
Well handle the cold cuts and hot dishes. Sophie and Molly will do the salads. Well pack everything in containers, and well borrow the serving sets from Victoria I know she still has two sets. Michael left his dishes behind when he moved out.
Mum, what if she refuses to let us in? Ruth asked.
Let her try! Were twelve people the whole clan. Shell be embarrassed. Imagine the scene.
Shell open the door and on the porch will be Uncle Kevin, Aunt Lucy, Len and Natalie, and the rest. Do you think shell shut the door on them? Shell let us in, help set the table theyre family!
On the evening of 31December, at nine oclock, four cars pulled up outside number14 East Street.
Strange, Oliver, Ruths husband, remarked. The lights off. Maybe Victorias not home?
Where could she be? Shes at home. And Ellies probably just arrived. Theyre hiding, playing catandmouse, Grace chuckled. Ring the bell.
No one answered, the door stayed shut.
I have a spare key, Grace declared. I knew Victoria might try something, so I kept one.
She slipped the gate open and the whole gaggle marched into the courtyard.
Hold on, Ill open the house. Lights on, bring everything to the kitchen, well set the table in a flash. As for Victoria, let her hide if she wants were not inviting her to the table.
About twenty minutes later a clamor rose from the hallway.
The lady of the house has arrived, Oliver announced.
But it wasnt the lady.
Victoria was busy helping Olivia lay the table; the guests were due any minute.
Her phone rang abruptly.
MsVictoria Price? Your alarm has been triggered. The police are on their way.
Yes, there are twelve people here claiming to be relatives with my permission.
I didnt invite anyone. Most likely your exhusbands family. They entered without invitation.
Will you be filing a report?
Of course. Im out of town and wont be back until the day after tomorrow.
The uninvited bunch spent a few hours at the police station. By the time they got back to Graces flat, the salads had wilted and the hot dishes cooled.
When Victoria finally got home, Michael called, demanding she hand over the police report.
Vic, I thought youd changed the lock. Didnt you?
I didnt. No point damaging the door. I just installed the alarm and use the old key.
Why did you lock the old one when you left?
I expected your mother to show up with her brigade, so I left the old lock shed have the key and set the alarm to catch them.
So you deliberately set the alarm to trap them? You wanted them arrested?
My dear Mike, your side could have celebrated at home, but they chose the police route. Thats not my fault.
By the way, I had to tidy up and air the house after they left the food theyd already set out was a bit ruined.
Why didnt you tell Ruth youd put the alarm on?
Why not? There are signs on the gate and door: Protected by Police. Everyone reads signs.
Pass my regards to your mother, Ruth, Oliver and everyone else, and let them know Ill never host them again.
This time Ill withdraw the report, but next time the law will have its say
What do you think of the exinlaws antics? Drop a comment, give a like, and enjoy the drama.
