Emily had just been hired as a cleaner in London and was heading to her first job. It was a lovely townhouse in Kensington, but something startled herin the study, a framed photo of her mother sat on the mantelpiece. Then a man walked in.
Ill do a brilliant job, Emily repeated to herself for courage. She and her best friend Charlotte had moved to London days earlier, chasing their dream of performing in the West End. But first, they needed work to afford rent. Luckily, Charlotte found a job in a boutique, while Emily signed up with a cleaning agency.
It was perfectflexible hours, and she enjoyed tidying; it calmed her. If the house was empty, she could even practise her singing. But just before stepping inside, her mothers face flashed in her mind. Her mum, Margaret, had never approved of her dreams, let alone her moving to London.
Emily had grown up in Birmingham, not so far away. She had no father, and Margaret never spoke of him. For some reason, Margaret despised London. Shed smothered Emily her whole life, which only pushed her to leave. When she and Charlotte planned their escape, Emily knew Margaret would never allow it. She even suspected her mother might fake an illness to stop her. But Emily had to fight for her dreamsit was her life. So she left a note on her mothers dressing table while she slept and slipped away.
Days passed, and Margaret hadnt called, which was odd. Emily assumed she was just angry. Maybe shed forgive her once Emily made her West End debut. For now, she focused on cleaning the townhouse.
The agency said an older man lived here alone, so it wouldnt be too messy. Emily finally entered using the key hidden under the doormat, as instructed, and got to workfirst the kitchen, then the lounge, before moving to the bedroom. She hesitated at the studys threshold but saw no rules against entering. She avoided touching the desk too much and kept cleaning.
A grand fireplace dominated the room, with a mantel above and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves opposite. It looked like something from a film. She quickly tidied, then frozeseveral photos sat on the mantel, but one stood out: her mothers face. She looked much younger, but it was undeniably her. Why is Mums picture in this mans house? she whispered.
Suddenly, footsteps echoed, and an older man entered. Ah, hello! You must be the new cleaner. Im Edward Whitmore. This is my home, he introduced warmly. Nearly finished here?
Almost, sir. Butmay I ask something? Emily hesitated, fearing hed be upset. Whos this woman?
Who? He adjusted his glasses. Ah, yes. Thats Margaret. She was the love of my life.
Emilys pulse spiked. What happened?
She died in a coach crash. She was pregnant at the time. I couldnt even attend the funeralher mother hated me. It was madness I tried to move on but never could. To this day, I love and miss her, Edward said, removing his glasses before sitting heavily.
Sir, Im sorry to pry, but this woman looks exactly like my mother. Its uncanny, Emily admitted.
He frowned. What do you mean?
Well, my mumMargaretis her double. Older now, but the resemblance is shocking. Im 98% sure its her, she said, gesturing to the photo.
Margaret? Your mothers name is Margaret? Where did you grow up?
Birmingham, she answered, shrugging. Then her eyes widenedif this was Margaret, this man could be her father.
Edward covered his mouth. This cant be he whispered. May I have your mothers number?
She gave it to him, and he dialled on the desk phone. After a few rings, her mother answered. Hello? Caroline, is that you?
Edward glanced at Emily, then spoke. Is this Margaret Hayes?
Yes. Whos calling?
Margaret, its Edward, he said, voice already shaking.
Edward who? Wait Edward Carter? What could you possibly want after all these years? Margarets tone hardened inexplicably.
Emily and Edward exchanged baffled looks, but he pressed on. What do you mean, after all these years? I thought you were dead!
What?
Edward explained the supposed crash, how hed lost his fiancée and their unborn child. He added that Margarets mother had barred him from the funeral and cut all contact. But Margaret had no idea what he meant and shared her side.
My mother told me you called and said you wanted nothing to do with me. So I raised my daughter alone, Margaret revealed, leaving Emily stunned.
Thats not true Margaret, Id never have left you. I never moved on. I thought of you every day. I grieved for you and our child for nearly twenty years, Edward said. Margaret stayed silent.
I cant believe Mum would do that. But it sounds like her. I dont know what to do now, Margaret finally said. Waithow did you find out Im alive?
Mum, Im here, Emily cut in. She quickly explained everything and reassured her she was fine in London.
I cant process this. And I cant even ask my mother why she did itshes been gone for years. Anyway, when are you coming home, Emily? Margarets tone turned stern.
Not until Ive made it in the West End. And now well, Ive got another reason to stay, Emily said, smiling weakly at Edward.
Fine. But Im coming to London soon, Margaret said before hanging up. Edward and Emily stared at each other in silence.
So I guess youre my dad, she said brightly. He burst out laughing, and the tension melted.
Whats the lesson here?
Let your children chase their dreams. Emily left because of her mothers suffocation. Guide them, but let them choose their path.
Not all parents act in your best interest. Margarets mother committed a terrible wrong, and theyll never know why.
