S2 96. Enemy In My House

 - Here we are, Ilari opens the door and overjoyed Lucky comes to door wagging it’s tail like crazy.

- It’s much impressive than I thought, Bertta looks around. – This is more like manor than house.
Ilari looks proud.
– We have done quite a lot in here, he says.
– Yeah, getting sauna back to use was a big step, Iiro grins.
– Um, I meant what we have done with Venla, Ilari corrects his brother.
– Oh.
– Couldn’t done it without your help though, Ilari is quick to add seeing little brothers face going long.
– Thanks. Going to take shit now and then call Taika. Don't wait for me, Iiro says and goes the other way.

– Coffee would be nice, Bertta says looking around coming to second floor and seeing table already set with old china, gingerbreads and Christmas pastries.
– It’s all ready, Venla says from the doorway.
– At least someone knows how to treat an old woman after long travel!

- Nan, this my Venla, Ilari hurries to Venla's side, half hugs her and introduces the blonde woman for the first time. They all know Bertta and Venla met before but Ilari brushes it back.
- Nice to finally meet you, Bertta smiles and Venla gives her reserved polite smile.
– Venla Kilpi, Venla greet her varily.
– Oh I know. It read in your door!
– Mm.
– Looking very christmassy here.
– Thank you. Then Ilari takes hold of conversation and Venla sighs relieved. No one noticed how her hands were trembling.

Ilari talks casually with Bertta how things have been in Joutsa, his new station and hi recent promotion but Venla never sits down with them. She makes sure they have all they might need, pours the coffee like perfect host. When they have settled better Venla excuses herself.
– I need to go to prepare the dinner.
– Okay. Ilari nods.

Bertta frowns a little.
– Doesn't she care staying in company?
– She loves cooking. Ilari shrugs. Partly true. It felt like Venla is escaping into kitchen but he didn't want to make number of that
– I can tell. You have gained some weight young man! Bertta smiles to her grandson. - I remember your appetite!
– All thanks to Venla, Ilari grins. – There's no need to go to restaurant anymore when you have high class cook at home!
– Should I be upset for you to forget your old grandma’s cookings?
- It's not competition, Nan.

Venla chops the onions and is glad they gave her perfect excuse to cry. Bertta seemed even more intimidating than before. And that was before they even started dating with Ilari.
Here she is again, in her home. Evaluating, examining everything. Last time Venla clearly didn't passed the test whatever it was. Venla feels her nerves giving up. Just try to play cool and stay out of the way.

- I don’t think I can do this, Venla says when Ilari finds her sitting alone in stairs near their bedroom.
– What do you mean?
– Your grandma.
– Oh sweetie, Ilari touches Venla’s face. – You have been crying.
Venla whimpers.

– I’m so nervous! She whispers. – I feel she’s judging everything I do.
– Nan can look stern but she’s sweet person. You are the one judging her now.
– No. I can feel how she evaluates me constantly. Am I good enough for her golden boy.
– Oh come on. She's not here to pick up a fight. Ilari draws a long breath. - I didn't realise it's this hard for you. It's like you're scared to death.
- I am! My hands are trembling and my heart beats so fast it's hard to breathe.
- Ok. Right. Ilari thinks about the situation. - I'll cover for you tonight. If you want to call an early night I'll say you got little migraine. How does that sound.
- Thank you. That helps a lot.