**The Daughter-in-Law with “Baggage”**
“Olivia, has your son got married? I saw him with a woman and a little boy. Did he take her on with ‘baggage,’ then?” asked Olivias neighbour.
“Not married yet, but Id be only too pleased if he did,” replied Olivia, surprised.
It was unexpected news. Her son, Andrew, lived with her and hadnt mentioned any plans to settle down.
“Love, Ive heard youve been seen with a woman and her child. Are you seeing someone?” Olivia asked when she got home.
“Blimey, those nosy old biddies, cant keep anything to themselves. I wasnt going to tell you yet. Shes got a kid, so its nothing serious. Emmas a widowher husband died two years agoraising her son alone.”
“We met through work, and one thing led to another. Dont worry, I wont be bringing her home.”
“Well, thats a shame. I was getting my hopes up. And what if she has a child? Its hardly the end of the world.”
“No, Im not raising another mans kid. I want my own.”
“Shell have yours too. Youre 34how long are you going to stay single?”
“Im still young, Mum. Are you wishing ill on me?”
“How is starting a family ‘ill’? Its happiness, son.”
Andrew had his own flat but preferred living with his mother, renting his place out to save for a new car. Mum cooked, did his washingit was dead convenient. And the women he dated, finding out he lived with his mum, werent exactly lining up to marry him. Which suited him fine. A bit of fun, then off they went.
He never mentioned his flat, meeting women at their places or booking hotel rooms. Life was just fine as it was.
One evening, Olivia spotted Andrew with that woman, strolling leisurely down the pavement. Petite, with long chestnut hair, quite pretty. Who was she? Olivia wished she could meet her.
And then she didbumping into her outside the shops.
“Excuse me, are you Emma? Ive seen you with my son, Andrew. Im Olivia.”
“Hello. Yes, Im Emma. I know Andrew well. Lovely to meet you, Olivia. He mentioned he lives with you.”
“Fancy a cuppa? Have a chat?” Olivia suggested.
“Alright, theres a nice café just here. Their coffees lovely.”
Olivia noticed Emmas shynessshe felt a bit awkward herself, like shed imposed.
Seated, they ordered.
“Andrew mentioned your son. How old is he? Whats his name?”
“Tommys five. My husband died in an accident two years ago. We live in a tiny flat. After he passed, his parents sold our old placeit was in his mums nameand kicked us out. Im an orphan, raised by my nan. When she died, I sold her little house, put the money down on a mortgage here. I work retail. Thats my life in a nutshell.”
Olivia listened, liking Emma more by the minute. Green eyes, delicate features, a calm voice.
“Andrew never told me about you. Id have liked to meet you sooner.”
“Maybe he was afraid youd judge me for having ‘baggage.’ Or he just isnt ready for commitment. And Im not pushing. Were happy as we are.”
“Emma, you must bring Andrew and Tommy round. Id love that.”
“If Andrew agrees, wed be delighted. Its been lovely meeting you.”
That evening, Olivia made her move.
“Andrew, Im expecting you, Emma, and Tommy for dinner on Saturday. No arguments. I met her earliershes lovely.”
“Mum, why dyou always meddle? Inviting them round I dont even know if I want to marry her. Things are fine as they are.”
“Darling, Im not forcing you. But Id love to get to know her. Shes sweet.”
Andrew grumbled and stormed off. Just like his fatherfiery temper.
Olivias husband had left three years ago for a colleague. She hadnt fought itno point forcing love. Things had been cold long before.
James drank, travelled for work, and one day Olivia realised they were strangers. Andrew still saw him, mentioning bits now and then, but she didnt much care.
Emma, Tommy, and Andrew came for dinner. Tommy was quiet, just like his mum. Olivia fussed over them, serving treats shed bought. Even Andrew seemed happier than usual.
Watching them, Olivia thought, *If only theyd marry, give me a granddaughterId be over the moon.*
Soon, Emma and Tommy were regulars, even when Andrew wasnt there. Olivia adored their chats, their outings. She hoped Andrew would proposeEmma was perfect.
Then, for days, Emma didnt answer her calls.
“Andrew, whats wrong with Emmas phone? I cant reach her.”
“Weve split. Dont ask.”
“*What?* Why? Everything was fine!”
“Just happened. Didnt need the hassle.”
“What *happened*?”
“Tommys ill. Needs expensive treatment. Emmas panickingprobably expects me to help. How can I? Easier to walk away.”
Olivia stared. *How could he?*
“You abandoned the woman you love when she needed you? For *money*? Youre a disgrace.”
“How am I the villain? Why should I pay for another mans kid? I feel bad, but its not my problem. Emmas toughshell manage.”
“Youve got savings for that car! The old ones fineyou could *save a childs life*. Did that even cross your mind? Metals worth more than a life?”
“Oh, give it a rest, Mum.”
He left. Olivia sank into a chair, head in hands. How had they raised someone so heartless?
She had savingsemergency funds. Now was the time. Shed grown fond of Emma and Tommy and wanted to help.
Finally, Emma called back.
“Olivia, Im sorrythings have been mad. Tommys”
“I know, love. I want to help. Ill withdraw the money tomorrow.”
“You cant! Were nothing to you. Ill sort it.”
“Youre family now. Take it. And Andrews a fool. Forgive me for raising such a son.”
Emma stayed silent. The next day, Olivia handed over the cash. Emma vowed to repay her.
“Andrew, pack your things and move to your flat. Your tenants are goneits empty. I dont want you here anymore.”
“Bloody hell Over *her*? Caring for some strangers kid, but not your own?”
“Im ashamed of you. God knows wholl look after me when Im old.”
Andrew slammed the door on his way out. Olivias heart ached. Her only sonand *this* was who hed become.
A charity helped fund Tommys treatment, and he recovered. Olivia visited often, bringing treats.
She spoke to Andrew, but coldly. Emma never mentioned him.
Then Olivia noticedEmma was wearing loose dresses.
“Emma are you pregnant?”
“Youve guessed Five months. I hid it from Andrewthought hed accuse me of trapping him. I couldnt go through with ending it. Its a girl. Ill manage.”
“Oh, Emma, Im *thrilled*! A granddaughtermy dream! Ill help, I promise! Thank you, love!”
Olivia hugged her. Theyd be closer than ever, even if Andrew didnt know.
The birth went smoothlya healthy girl. Andrew wasnt told.
Olivia visited often, helping with the baby, buying gifts. They named her Lily. She looked just like Andrewdark hair, sharp nose.
*Oh, son such joy, and youre missing it.*
One day, Andrew saw his mum pushing a pram near her house. Emma was at the hospital, so Olivia was minding Lily.
“Mum, since when are you a babysitter? Need cash? Just ask.”
“I dont want a thing from you. Im managing.”
Andrew peeked into the pramand froze. Did he sense it? But he said nothing.
Then Emma arrived in a taxi.
“Andrew. Everything alright, Olivia? Has Lily been good?”
“Perfect, love. Fed, slept, now were out for air.”
Andrew stared. “Is this *yours*? You remarried? But shes tiny Whos the father?”
“Shes got a mum. Thats enough.”
“And a grandmother, mind you. Andrew
