O' for the love of Shakespeare Read Online Free PDF

to describe my parents’ relationship. 
    “Oh just sit down you are no help at all.”  Mum
seethes as my dad who not saying a word returns to the dining table groaning
once more as he takes his seat.  I smile thinking that the quote ‘many a good
hanging prevents a bad marriage’ from Twelfth Night could also fit quite
adequately to their situation.
    The big positive about coming to my parents’
house, is mum’s cooking, a skill that I unfortunately have not inherited. 
Living by myself, I exist mostly on take-away and microwave meals and I really
miss having a home-cooked meal.  This is the main reason why generally on most
Sundays, I return home.  Mum’s Sunday roast is the best.  This is how mum
shows, in her own small way, that she really does care for us.  As a special birthday
treat, mum has made my favourite Baked Alaska for pudding, something I would
never dream of trying to cook for myself.  I take a bite, savouring the sweet,
warm and cold mix and think that perhaps mum really is magical - just like a
temperamental Fairy.  A bleep from my phone wakes me from my daydream, it’s a
text from Vic.
    “How’s dinner going with the folks? Change of
plan I’m staying with Oliver tonight at his place so will meet you tomorrow at
Euston at 8 xx.”
    I make an over dramatic huffing noise, as the
plan was that I would meet Vic at her apartment and travel to Euston together. 
This way I would be able to make sure we got there on time for the train. 
    “Everything alright dear?”  Mum says as she
clears the dishes away glancing with a frown at my mobile phone.
    “Yes all fine just sorting out travel with Vic
for tomorrow, I won’t be a minute.” 
    “Where is it you’re off to again?”  Dad leans
back in his chair giving his stomach a little more room.  He really does love mum’s
cooking, perhaps a little too much.  
    “Stratford-upon-Avon Dad, Warwickshire.”
    “Just you and Vic going?”  Mum calls through
the serving hatch.  I knew she wasn’t listening to me earlier.
    “Yes just us, why who else would be coming?”  I
look up from my phone.
    “Oh I don’t know maybe Vic’s boyfriend?  When
she was over the other week she said it was getting quite serious.  Not that
you would know what serious looks like, would you darling?”   Dad saying
nothing, instead simply shakes his head and looks down at the newspaper he now
has spread out across his lap.  I look back at Vic’s text message.  She’s
staying over at Oliver’s apartment again, maybe there is a man out there good
enough for Vic to spend more than just a few months with.  I make a mental note
to remember to ask about him when I see her in the morning.  Perhaps mum is
right - maybe things are more serious between them than I have wanted to
realise.  I type a quick response before mum can tut at me for being on my
phone whilst still at the dinner table.
    “Fine but please don’t be late we have to get
that train.  Dinner is as excruciating as always!  Hope being taken up the
Shard isn’t too painful. Love J x.”
    I manage to get through the rest of the evening
biting my tongue, laughing at dad’s fairly offensive jokes, asking mum all the
right questions to keep her talking about herself to keep the criticism to a
minimum.  By eight-thirty I have hit my limit of enjoying my parents’ company
for the week, possibly even the year.
    “So, I should be hitting the road before it
gets too late, still got to pack you know,” and kill myself.  “Thank you for
tonight though it has been, well, lovely.”  I smile as convincingly as possible
at both of my parents who are now seated on their separate armchairs.
    “Dinner was a success wasn’t it?”  Mum looks up
at me imploring me for praise.
    “Best ever Mum, thanks.”  She glows from the
compliment.
    “You know if you tried you could learn to cook,
your complexion would look so much better for having a few more vegetables and
healthy meals during the