Back to Fan FictionAll the usual disclaimers apply. I would like to thank my Mother in Law who without knowing it has helped tremendously with this story, she is a great ……model!
by
Rosemary
(nash.family@net.ntl.com)
Of course any normal mother would have been worried sick and have flown in immediately to support her grandchildren, but his was not any normal mother. Her reaction had been of surprise and indignation. It was all that sluts fault. Her son was lost at sea and all because he married that woman. Niles had hung up on her then disgusted but not surprised.
When they had been found safe and well Niles had left a message on her answer phone to inform her of the happy news. Needless to say they had heard nothing since. Not that anyone cared less, they had done their duty in keeping her informed and that was the extent of their interest in what she thought.
Now home safe and well and delighting in each other Fran and Max had far more important things to think about than what Elizabeth might think. As far as Max was concerned when she had chosen not to attend his wedding she had thrown away any right to be thought of as his mother.
Perhaps it was their total indifference to what she thought that began to rile her, or perhaps somewhere in her inner self she did really care about her son and grandchildren but she found herself thinking more and more about Max and his children. After all, they were her only grandchildren. She found herself wondering what they were doing and how things were going. Max had been home for a month and had not phoned her the whole of that time. That woman must have him just where she wanted him, she thought.
Of course she was right, Fran did have Max exactly where she wanted him, and where she had fanaticised about having him for five years. Indeed she had him there very frequently and his mother would not have been pleased. Max was extremely glad to be wherever Fran wanted him to be and felt completely relaxed and happy for the first time in years.
The more he saw Fran as the children's mother the more he realised what a failure as a mother his had been. When he had been upset or worried the last people he would have turned to would have been his parents but his kids were so very different. They loved Fran and took their problems to her all the time. He was delighted when one of them bought a problem to him but knew it was only because Fran had broken down the barriers that he had erected between them and himself.
Sure sometimes they argued and defied him but even that was good. He had never known his parents well enough to actually argue with them and he had known from teen years that if he got anywhere in life it would be because of what he was, not who his parents were. But still deep inside he longed for his mothers approval and love. Yes, he dismissed those thoughts ruthlessly but he always half hoped that one day he could call her a friend.
When Niles opened the door that busy Saturday afternoon the very last person he expected to see was Max's mother. He fought the instinct to slam the door in her face and made himself smile politely at her as he showed her into the lounge. Fran was in the kitchen with Grace overseeing her homework. Fran found herself learning more from the kids than she had ever picked up at high school and she loved helping them with research and understanding.
"Oh my god," exclaimed Niles walking into the kitchen.
"What's the matter?" they both asked him.
"She's here," he exclaimed putting on the kettle.
"Who's here?" asked Fran.
"Mrs. Sheffield, the old one. Here in the living room demanding tea," he replied.
Fran went very quiet. She had dreaded this moment. She had had several sessions with her therapist to help her deal with just this situation. Max was at the theatre. Now she was the lady of the house and would greet her mother in law with dignity and studied politeness. After all she kept telling herself it was her he had chosen .She was not just the Nanny, she was his wife. Grace looked up at her.
"Are you alright Fran?" she asked gently.
"Yeah sweetie, of course I am. I must go and greet our guest," she replied rising. "You finish your homework and then come and join us, OK?" Grace nodded her assent.
Fran took a deep breath and made her entrance.
"What a pleasure to see you," she announced bravely.
"Yes it must be," came the vicious reply.
Fran ignored the icy tone in the woman's voice and tried to radiate hospitality and charm. "Tell me, what would you like me to call you?" she asked extending her hand in welcome. Elizabeth glared at her but years of training cut in and she shook Frans hand politely. After a pause she replied "Mrs. Sheffield will do, I think." Fran resisted the temptation to snap back but instead laughed.
"I suppose I could ask you to call me that too, after all that's who I am," Fran smiled still trying to look sincere. "But I guess that might cause confusion, so Fran will do." She sat down next to her mother in law, still smiling. "Niles is just getting us some refreshments. I do hope that you are going to stay with us during your visit."
"I'm here to visit my son and Grandchildren. I will be staying for a week. Please see that my room is made ready," she sneered at Fran as if she were a servant.
She knew she couldn't go on ignoring the constant rudeness this so called educated sophisticated woman was throwing at her. Now was the time to set matters straight. Fran took a deep breath. "Listen Mrs Sheffield, let me make this perfectly clear to you now, I am married to your son and I am the Lady of this house. Now I am know of how much you despise me and I must say that that's your loss. I must also reassure you that I am just as fond of you. Max was upset that you refused to come to the wedding but your gesture was totally pointless because it went ahead. Actually nobody, especially me, really missed you. Max and I are both very much in love the only people we really needed were each other and the people we love."
"Really," exclaimed a stunned mother "I've never been spoken to like that in my life."
"What a shame. This must come as a shock. I am delighted to welcome you to our home but on our terms." Fran felt empowered. This was going just as she had planned.
"Well I shall talk to my son about that when he returns," she spat back.
"That will be very nice for you. But do please try to talk with him and not at him, I've found with Max that he likes to be listened to," Fran said smiling.
"Well of all the cheek, don't you tell me how to speak to my son you slut," Elizabeth spluttered. Her face was turning a pretty shade of red.
Fran hesitated just a second. "Remember," she told her self "It's me he chose. She's just lost her eldest son to someone she doesn't understand. Don't take the bait. " "Yes, I guess that to you I may seem a little like that," was her actual reply, "but I'm sure if you take the time to get to know me you'll discover that petty insults mean nothing when my husband and I understand and love each other as much as we do." Fran smiled sympathetically at her mother in law. "This must be very difficult for you, after all, we all would like to plan our childrens lives for them. It's always hard to realise that they are capable of running their own lives and making their own decisions."
Elizabeth stared open mouthed at Fran for once completely lost for words. She had expected to have a slanging match or something. She had not expected to be pitied and put on the defensive by this elegant, rational lady.
"I've asked Niles to prepare the spare room for you. Unfortunately only Grace is home at the moment and she is just finishing up her homework. I've asked her to come and see you when she's ready. You know these kids always looking for a reason to avoid homework and their studies are so important at this age. Don't you agree?" Fran asked innocently. Inside she was jumping up and down in victory.
Niles had been hovering in the entrance with the tea waiting for his cue and now he made his entrance. He winked surreptitiously at Fran sharing her moment of triumph.
Elizabeth held her cup delicately while she organised her thoughts. This was not going as she planned. She had hoped by surprising them her would put Fran off her stroke and cause confusion but instead she found a cool headed lady like woman. If it wasn't for the voice she would be almost acceptable as far as working class plebes could be anyway. Fran was sitting cheerfully recounting the adventure of the honeymoon. Despite herself she started to listen and get involved with the story.
"What? My Max got bitten by a poisonous insect?" she sputtered.
"Yes, it was so scary. The doctor said afterwards it could have killed him if I hadn't been able to get out some of the poison. I sat for hours trying to cool his fever. I was so relieved when he came round," Fran responded.
"You must have been terrified?" she asked, then realised she had just tried to empathise with this awful woman, and looked into her cup to hide her expression.
Fran however was too busy reliving the horror to notice. "Yes it was the worst moment of my life, closely followed by the best moment when he came to," Fran sighed. "Niles, has Grace finished her homework yet? I'm sure her Grandmother is impatient to see her."
"Nearly Mrs. Sheffield. She was just clearing up a few moments ago. I'll go and see. Please excuse me." Niles replied.
"Mrs. Sheffield," started Fran "Perhaps you would like to see the wedding pictures. I have the album here."
Fran handed the elegantly decorated book to her mother in law who took them with only a minimum of reluctance. A number of her relatives who had attended had told her how well organised and wonderful it had been.
"You know on second thoughts perhaps you ought to call me Mother," said Elizabeth as she took the book. Fran looked surprised, frankly so was Elizabeth she wondered what had made her say that.
"I'd be honoured, Mother," she paused and smiled. "Here look at this one of Max he was just so adorable. I'm sure you'll be amazed at how much the children have grown especially Brighton. He's just shot up."
"Hello Grandma, Mom I've finished most of my homework but I really need your help with the Maths. I can't quite get my mind round that trigonometry and you explain things so well," said Grace as she made her entrance. She winked surreptitiously at Fran who nearly choked holding back the laughter.
"Of course sweetie. Please come and join us," Fran managed to reply.
Fran had always been a strong woman but she was aware that while she had been the nanny she had cultivated another kind of strength, an ability to subtly control a situation. Now she was Mrs Sheffield and did not have to quite so subtle. Her confidence was growing every day as she luxuriated in Max's love. She gave Grace a hug and signalled her to sit next to her Grandmother.
"Oh," said Grace "You're looking at the wedding photos. Oh I do wish you could have been there grandma it was beautiful. Daddy looked so happy. Have you seen our dresses? It was magical, a real fairy tale."
Fran found herself thinking "and mother in law was the wicked witch" but she said nothing.
Elizabeth and Grace chatted on about the wedding and about school for sometime. Elizabeth was amazed Grace used to be such a shy little thing and here was an eloquent perfectly mannered little princess. Perhaps she had been a little harsh on Fran. After all Max was not stupid. Perhaps just perhaps this situation might be redeemable.
"Mother, " interjected Fran "you must be tired and need to refresh yourself. Grace why don't you take your Grandma upstairs and settle her in."
"Ok Mom. Hey Grandma would you like to see all my medals and certificates for Ballet and Violin?" asked Grace as she offered her Grandma a helping hand out of the chair."
"I'd love too darling, perhaps after I've refreshed myself. Do please show me my room," she said being led away by Grace.
Fran sat for a few moments catching her breath. Grace was being just perfect. She giggled again at the thought of her telling Grace how to do her trigonometry. Sure she had learnt all about that sort of stuff when Brighton was doing it but Grace never needed much help, she was a star pupil.
After a few moments she joined Niles in the kitchen.
"Oy Vay, I'm so glad that's over," she sighed opening the fridge and taking out a large cream cake. "I really need a cup of coffee with this," she grinned cheekily at Niles.
"Certainly Madam," he replied grinning.
"It's ok Niles, she's upstairs washing up. You can relax," she said cutting a huge piece of cake.
"Oh Fran, you handled that perfectly. Mr. Sheffield will be so proud of you, I am," he gave her a hug narrowly missing covering himself with cream. "Incidentally I took the liberty of phoning him to inform him of his mothers arrival. He should be here any moment."
"Thanks Niles, I hoped that you would. Perhaps you could pop upstairs and check that everything is ok with her majesty," she asked.
"I'm on my way," he said as he headed up the back stairs.
Max rushed into the kitchen. "Fran darling, are you alright? Niles tells me Mother is here," he said clasping her in a tight hug. They kissed passionately and lovingly. Fran pulled herself away.
"And why shouldn't I be? If I can cope with Ma and Yetta's friends I can cope with anyone," she said swaggering.
Grace came rushing down the back stairs. "Oh Daddy," she laughed. "You should have been here, Fran was magnificent. Niles and I listened to the whole thing. Grandma has told Fran to call her Mother."
Max looked at Fran with pride shinning from his eyes. "Tell me everything?" he asked one arm around his wife and one around Grace.
It was an hour later that Elizabeth emerged from her room refreshed and prepared to renew the battle. Grace caught her as she passed her room.
"Grandma, come and see my room will you." She insisted.
"Of course Darling" she replied a trifle surprised. Once inside Grace shut the door and turned to face her grandmother.
"Grandma, I really do miss you and want to get to know you better but please don't be difficult with Fran. She's like a mother to me. In fact she is my legal mother now. I know she sounds a little rough but inside she's a real lady and I love her," Grace made her little speech and stared at her Grandma earnestly. Elizabeth was stunned. Where was the shy little Grace she remembered? Here was an assertive intelligent young woman who reminded her strongly of herself.
"Now then Grace what makes you think I'm going to be difficult? Besides it real is none of your business you know. It is not right for children to interfere in adult matters." She said reproachfully.
"I know and normally I don't but I really want you to stay in my life and if you row again with Daddy we may never see you again. You see Daddy and Fran are married now and we are her family. If you make him or us choose you will be the loser. I don't want that. I do love you Grandma," she appealed. She had learnt a few things from Fran and her therapy over the years and she hoped it would work. Hesitantly she reached out and held her grandmother's hand and then hugged her.
Elizabeth was speechless. She had rarely hugged her grandchildren affectionately like this and she was surprised at how nice it was. Perhaps she ought to try and get on with the woman for the sake of the children if nothing else. She sighed. "Very Nice dear," she said unable to tell her granddaughter that she loved her. She was far too inhibited, such a thing was unheard off. In the past she had never given it much thought but now oddly she felt sad and frustrated by her own ineptitude at expressing effecting. "Come on now, darling, Let's go down stairs. I think that your father's home." Grace gave her one more affectionate cuddle and skipped over to open the door politely for her Grandmother.
Brighton was just emerging from his room. "Hi grandma, lovely to see you," he said as he put his arm around her shoulders and gave her a squeeze. "It was a shame you couldn't make the wedding we had a great time. Most of our English relatives came. You would have loved it." Once again Elizabeth was stunned. This was a very different reception from the children than she had ever had before. On previous occasions they had been cool almost scared of her. She rather liked this new relaxed affectionate attitude. Little did she know that all the children had been told by Fran to try and be as positive to her as possible and make her feel welcome.
Fran and Max were sitting beside each other on the sofa. Max stood up when he saw his mother. "Oh Mother, it is so lovely to see you," he said throwing his arms around her and hugging her. "I really do appreciate how difficult it must have been for you to discard you prejudices and come to visit. I am so proud of you." He kissed her affectionately on the cheek. Now this was definitely not the reception she had expected.
Her real reason for coming was to try and drive a wedge between her son and this slut and to point out how displeased she was with Max. "Yes quite," she responded as they all sat down. Niles managed to magically produce a buffet luncheon on cue and they sat and chatted as they ate. At least the rest of the family chatted, Mother had not quite decided how to react to all this friendliness. She didn't wish to appear churlish. After all if this slut could pretend to be polite so could she. Perhaps she ought to go home straight away but she looked across at Grace who gave her a huge grin and winked conspiratorially. Suddenly she saw the humour in the situation and found herself winking back. She too could play this game, and come out the winner.
The next two days went reasonably well. Occasionally mother let the odd bitchy remark slip out but neither Fran or any one else paid any attention. On one occasion at the meal table she had said something extremely provocative and very unkind. Fran had looked daunted for an instant then Brighton in his self appointed role as court jester had said "Growl" and mimed a cat scratching. The situation had been laughed off. Mother had tried to reprimand Brighton for his insolence but all he had done was blown her a kiss and said "Oh I do love you Grandma, you have such a great sense of humour." What could she say, except to join in the laughter.
She was getting quite fond of Brighton and Grace, they took her out and about in New York and showed her their favourite bits of the city. She found herself really enjoying being shown around by these two charming enthusiastic young people and she loved noticing the way girls looked at her handsome grandson. She began to realise exactly what she had been missing. Maggie was very tied up with college and her latest boyfriend and was rarely about but on the few occasions when they had all been together, appeared to be a charming sophisticated young woman.
However after every sunny day comes a storm and in this particular case it came in the form of Sylvia. She had been away for the weekend with Morty but couldn't resist calling in to see Fran as soon as she got back. Elizabeth and C.C were siting chatting over a cup of tea. Elizabeth had always been fond of C.C. and had always hoped the she and Max would make a match of it. But C.C. seemed distracted and most unlike her usual self. Sylvia barged into the room as soon as Niles opened the door. She headed directly for the older Mrs. Sheffield and screeched, "Lizzy, you look well. Amazing really considering how ill you must have been to have to miss your own son's wedding."
This was too much for Elizabeth. Nobody called her Lizzy, certainly not this harridan. "Mrs. Fine I was not ill at the time of the wedding. I declined the invitation to attend as I refused to see my son make the biggest mistake of his life in marrying your slut of a daughter," she snapped back.
Undaunted Sylvia replied "Well at least my Fran can make him happy which is more than you have ever done."
That was only the beginning and within a few moments a loud and vitriolic argument had developed. All the anger and frustration that Elizabeth had suppressed so far during her visit found a most satisfactory outlet in screaming insults at Sylvia.
Fran, Max, Grace, Brighton and finally Niles all came out to witness the two protagonists. They all stood, hands on hips, looking reproachfully at them like they were naughty children.
"And what are you staring at?" demanded Sylvia glaring at the audience.
"You Ma," replied Fran.
"And you Mother," added Max. "What on earth are you two screaming at each other like a pair of fish wives for."
"She started it," muttered Sylvia.
"No I didn't you did," replied Elizabeth.
"You did," replied Sylvia getting louder.
"You did," shouted back Elizabeth.
"STOP THIS NOW," shouted Max over the row. Suddenly there was complete silence. "I don't care who started it. I'm finishing it. Sit down and shut up. What the blood hell do you two think you are doing rowing like children in our house. Sylvia if you can't control yourself I shall get ruthless. And Mother I'm surprised at you."
"Yeah," giggled Brighton. "He'll ground you both for the month,"
"and stop your chocolate cake," added Grace. Then they both started laughing uncontrollably at the look on their grandmothers' faces. Niles's face gradually cracked as he joined in then Sylvia started to grin followed almost immediately by Elizabeth. Soon they could all see the funny side of the situation. The only person who seemed upset by the incident was C.C. who looked confused and distressed. Niles tactfully escorted her into the study and left the family to get on with it's own problems.
Silly as the incident was it cleared the air that had been in danger of becoming so sugary sweet they might all suffocate. The rest of Elizabeth's stay passed with out incident and despite herself she realised that she had enjoyed it.
As she was preparing to leave she came into the study to find Fran and Max. "Well Max, Fran I'm just about to leave. Thank you for a most interesting stay," she said extending her hand to Fran. "You know Fran, you and I will never be friends and I still think that Max will regret the day he married you, but I think we can agree to disagree. I will concede that you have been a reasonable mother to the children and Max does seem happy so we will let time decide shall we?"
"I think we understand each other mother, which is all we can ever hope for I suspect," added Fran.
"Goodbye Mother, Grace tells me that you have invited her and Brighton down to the south of France for the summer. I'm sure it can be arranged. It would be good for you to get to really know each other," said Max kissing his mother on the cheek.
"Yes, and give you two time alone to discover how mismatched you really are" replied his mother smiling. For once she was almost joking.
"How sweet of you," replied Fran, not really sure how to take it.
Then it was over. The first visit from her mother in law completed and everyone had survived. Relief surged over Fran and Max as the limo drove away.
"Come on let's go up to our room and celebrate," suggested Max as their passion increased.
"Lead on," replied Fran between kisses.
They had barely made it out of the office before they saw Niles, Grace, Brighton and Maggie doing the conga round the living room singing "She's gone home back to England, She's gone back home to England, it's party time, it's party time." Laughing they joined on the end of the line and all danced round the house like idiots. As they went past their bedroom door Fran and Max quietly left the line and vanished into the bedroom to continue the celebration privately.
The End
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