Page 110 of The In-Laws

Melanie jumped in before Frank tried to persuade them that they’d have to sleep over in her place. ‘Not unless you want to. This is your home. I’ll rent somewhere nearby so you can always come home to sleep in your own beds if that’s what you’d prefer.’

‘See? I told you she doesn’t want anything to do with us. She’s thrilled to get out. I bet this was Mum’s idea.’ Joni looked at her father.

‘No, it was … it was fairly mutual,’ Frank said.

Melanie gestured to Frank. ‘Your dad is an exceptional person. I was lucky to meet him and you are blessed to have him as a parent. I know I’ve come up short on the parenting front, but Frank balances my weaknesses out. I love you both, I want you to be happy, and I think this arrangement will be best for all of us.’

‘Best for you, more like.’ Janis snorted. ‘Don’t try to tart it up as a great solution for all of us.’

‘Dad would never have left you. This is you doing what you always do – suiting yourself.’ Joni backed her sister.

Melanie was taken aback by their venom. Had her relationship with them fallen this low? She knew they didn’t have her on any pedestal, but their fury towards her was a surprise. She hadn’t expected it to be so strong and pointed.

‘Now, girls, come on. Your mother and I have decided to separate. It’s a mutual decision. Don’t be so hard on her. She loves you as much as I do.’

The twins laughed. ‘Nice try, Dad. The only thing Mum loves is work,’ Janis said.

‘I do love you. I may not be the best at showing it, but I do,’ Melanie said, in an attempt to defend herself.

‘Girls, I understand this is a shock and a lot to take in. Take a minute. Do you want to ask any questions? Would you like us to go through it again to clarify anything? We are here for you.’

Melanie frowned. What was there to clarify? They’d explained it all.

The twins shook their heads. ‘No,’ Joni said.

‘It’s not a huge shock,’ Janis admitted. ‘You are way more like room-mates than husband and wife, and Mum has never been into motherhood.’

‘Can we go now?’ Joni asked.

‘Yes,’ Melanie said, relieved it was over.

‘Come and talk to me if you have any concerns,’ Frank said, as the twins hurried out of the room.

Melanie stood up. ‘Wow, they really hate me.’

‘No, they don’t. They’re upset. They need to process the news. I’m sure they’ll have questions and concerns – noone wants their parents to break up. We need to be extra sensitive to their needs for the next while.’

‘I think we’ve done everything to make it as seamless and pain-free as possible,’ Melanie reminded him. ‘Their lives won’t change much at all.’

‘Their mother is moving out. It’s a big deal, Melanie.’

Melanie sighed. ‘Okay, yes, it is a bit of a shock, but they’ll be fine, Frank, once they realize that day-to-day their lives are the same.’

‘I hope so. I’ll miss you,’ Frank said.

Melanie reached for his hand. ‘Me too, but we know we’re doing the right thing.’

Her phone buzzed. She let go of his hand and picked it up to take the call.

37. Amanda

Amanda sat in front of her son and husband, who were looking expectantly at her. She waited for the waitress to put down the coffees and leave.

‘What’s going on?’ Ross asked.

Amanda let out a long breath. ‘What’s going on is that our son is still doing cocaine.’

‘Excuse me?’ Ross was shocked.

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