WE’RE ALL STILL ALIVE
SHARI
12th August2023
Pickles runsinto the house barking, letting me know that someone is probably about to ring the doorbell, and sure enough the wind chime sound tinkles through my phone a split second later.
I push myself up from the outdoor sofa, stretching to the sound of all my joints cracking, and make my way to the door. I’m fully expecting it to be some sort of delivery I’d forgotten about, so I’m completely gobsmacked when I see Grace and Phil on my doorstep.
“Hi, Shari. Sorry to drop in unannounced. May we come in?”
I can’t quite get my head around the fact that Brad’s parents are here. At my house. Without an invitation. But I step aside and let them in, not bothering to hold Pickles back as he circles them, shedding his black fur all over Grace’s cream trousers. Petty? Maybe. Satisfying? Definitely.
“I’ve been reading outside since it’s a nice day, would you like to sit out there or would prefer to be indoors?”
“Outside is fine, dear,” Phil smiles gently. I show them to the seating area – not that my garden is so huge it’s hard to miss, but because I’m still somewhat befuddled.
“Can I get you anything to drink? Tea, coffee, something cold?” Code for: are you staying long?
“Oh, tea would be lovely, thank you. Wouldn’t it, Philip?” Phil nods along and my stomach sinks. Damnit, they’re planning to be here for a little while then.
With a tight smile, I rush to the kitchen to escape the awkwardness and contemplate phoning Brad. Does he know they’re here? I feel like he would have warned me if he knew.
Whilst the kettle’s boiling, I dig my phone out of my back pocket and decide to drop him a text.
Shari: Your parents are at my house.
As I pour the boiled water into each mug to steep the teabags, my phone dings with a reply.
Brad: What?? As in, they’re at your house right now?
Shari: That they are.
Brad: Why? Did you invite them?
Shari: What do you think?
Brad: Fair point. I’m sorry, Blaze, I had no idea they were going to bombard you before coming to me. Especially as it’s so far out of their way. Do you want me to come and get them?
The image of Brad shepherding his parents away from me like unruly children makes me chuckle.
Shari: No. That’s far too much of a drive for you. I want to see why they’re here, but if they set up camp, I’ll let you know.
Brad: Ok. Just call me if you need backup x
I pocket my phone and load up the tray with all the tea paraphernalia before heading back outside. Placing the tray on the table, I hesitate for a moment, but manners win out.
“I made some Victoria sponge cupcakes this morning, if you’d like a sweet treat as well?”
“I love Victoria sponge! I’ve never had one in cupcake form. If you truly don’t mind, I’d love to try one…” Phil trails off with his eyes wide, tapping the tips of his fingers together.
“Of course not,” I smile. Grace still hasn’t really said much since they arrived, so I decide to grab us one each anyways.
“So,” I start, unsure of what to say in the mounting silence when I sit back down. “Not that it isn’t lovely to see you both,” it isn’t, “but what brings you to my house today?”
Phil starts coughing, presumably it started as a laugh at my sardonic tone, but then he choked on cupcake. Grace starts slapping his back, “Oh, Philip, stop being so dramatic. Drinkyour tea.” When he finally gets himself back under control, Grace turns to me with a tight smile.
“Well, Shari, it’s simple. I believe I behaved rather unkindly towards you when you came for lunch a couple of weeks ago. And I would like to apologise for that. So…I’m sorry,” she nods as if to punctuate that her obligatory apology is done.
