Little Maisie could never quite figure out why her parents didnt seem to love her. She got on her dads nerves, and her mum went through the motions of caring for hermore concerned with keeping Dad happy than with Maisie herself.
Dads mother, Grandma Eleanor, insisted it was just because they were busy. Your dad works hard, your mum toothey want you to have everything, shed say. And then theres the housework
The truth came out when Maisie was eight, overhearing a row between her parents.
Nora, this soups too salty *again*! Dad bellowed. You cant do *anything* right!
But, Nick, I tasted itit was fine Mum stammered.
Everythings *fine* with you, isnt it? Couldnt even give me a son! The lads at work take the mickreckon Im cursed!
Unlikely, really. Nick was a stern, no-nonsense lorry driver whod seen his fair share of life, but the bitterness in his voicethe sheer *resentment* towards Mum for giving him a daughtermade Maisies stomach twist.
Now she understood why theyd always packed her off to Grandmas when Dad came home from a haulhe just couldnt stand the sight of *not a son.*
Maisie loved staying with Grandma Eleanor. They did homework together, cooked, sewed little dresses Still, it stung, knowing her parents felt that way.
Not long after the argument, Nick and Nora suddenly announced they were moving to a big cityLondon, supposedly. Theyd stuck around too long, wanted a fresh start, maybe even a son. (Dads idea, naturally. Mum just nodded along.)
Only one problemthey didnt want Maisie coming with them.
Youll stay with Grandma for now. Well fetch you later, Mum mumbled, avoiding Maisies eyes.
Good. Id rather stay with Grandma *anyway*, Maisie shot back, chin highthough her heart ached.
Fine! Shed stay with Grandma, her friends, her teachers.
Her parents could do as they pleasedshe was *done* caring.
Maisie had just turned ten when Nick and Nora finally had their precious sonher little brother, Oliver. Dad announced it over a grainy video callthey hadnt visited once in all that time. Mum rang occasionally; Dad sent his regards.
They sent Grandma Eleanor money now and then, but mostly, Maisie lived on her pension.
Then, a year later, Mum suddenly declared Maisie *had* to move in with themeven making the trip to fetch her.
Oh, darling, she chirped. Well all be together now! Youll finally meet your baby brother
I dont *want* to go, Maisie scowled. Im happy here.
Dont be silly! Youre older nowyou *must* help your mother.
Nora, rein it in! Grandma cut in. If you think youre turning my granddaughter into free childcare, think again!
Shes *my* daughterthis isnt your business! Mum snapped.
But Grandma wasnt one to back down. Push this, and Ill report you for abandonment. Youll lose custodyand the shamell follow you forever!
They argued. Maisie didnt hear the restGrandma sent her to the shopsbut Mum never mentioned moving again. She left the next day.
The next ten years passed without a word. Maisie finished school, then college, and landed a job as an accountant at a small firm, thanks to Grandmas old friend, Frank Thompson.
She started dating a bloke named Dave, a delivery driver, and they planned to marrybut then Grandma Eleanor passed. The wedding was postponed.
Nick and Nora showed up for the funeraljust the two of them. Oliver was left with a neighbourno place for a boy at such a sad affair.
Maisie barely noticed. She was numb with grief.
Which was why she didnt register Dads words at the wake until it was too late.
Hmm. Place needs work, he mused, eyeing the flat. Wont fetch much.
Nick*really*? Mum hissed.
What? Best sort this now. Weve got Oliver waiting
Frank raised a brow. Sort *what*, Nick?
Selling this place, obviously. Oliverll need a flat soon. This wont cover much, but its a startwell have the mortgage paid by the time hes eighteen.
Maisie, tear-streaked, stared out the window.
Youd toss your own daughter out? Frank asked.
Shes grown! Let her husband house her, Dad scoffed.
Frank exhaled. Nat was right about you. Wont work, though. Theres a willthis flats Maisies now.
Dad paled. You *conned* her, didnt you? he spat at Maisie. Well contest it!
Try, Frank said coolly. But know thisI wont let you hurt her.
One legal consultation later, Dad realised the law wasnt on his side.
Maisie, have you no *shame*? he tried instead. Youll marryyour husbandll provide. Oliver *needs* this
No.
Fine! Well *buy* you out£50,000. Enough for a deposit
I said *no.*
You little
Leave, or Ill call the police.
Maisie had no intention of betraying Grandmathe only one whod ever truly cared for her. And she *liked* having a roof over her head.
Dad hated copspreferred to avoid them. He and Mum left that day, silent for four years.
In that time, Maisie married Dave, and they had a daughter, Ellie. Money was tight, but they were happy.
Then Mum called.
This is *your* fault! she sobbed. If you hadnt clung to that flat, your dad wouldnt have taken extra shiftswouldnt have been on that road!
Youre distraught, Maisie said quietly. Do you need help with the funeral?
She pitied Nickbut as she would a stranger.
I dont want *anything* from you! Olivers an orphan nowlive with *that*! Mum hung up.
You know this isnt on you, love? Dave murmured.
Maisie sighed. Yeah.
A year later, Mum reappearedolder, lips tight, barely looking at Maisie.
We need money. Olivers starting uni soon, she demanded. He wont get grants*youll* help. This is *your* doing.
No, it isnt, Maisie said flatly. And no, I wont.
Mum sneered. I see how you live. Your new sofa. Your telly.
(Theyd saved two years for the refurb. The rest was a loannearly paid off.)
Maisie didnt explain. Asked about Ellie yet?
Shes got *both* parentsshes fine. Olivers got *no one*
*Enough.* The answers no.
Mums lips thinned. Fine. Have it your way.
A week later, Maisie got a court summons.
Youre *suing* me? she asked, incredulous.
Ill *make* you help your brother, Mum hissed. The laws on *my* side.
And Im not your child, then? Maisie whispered, hanging up.
In court, Mum put on a showsobbing about how shed *had* to leave Maisie with Grandma, how shed lost her husband, how Oliver was all she had.
The judge looked sympatheticuntil Maisie spoke, calm and clear, laying out the truth.
But the clincher? Mums pension and wages put her well above hardship.
The case was thrown out.
Mum left without a wordjust a hateful glare.
Maisie didnt kid herself. She knew Mum would be back.
Some people just never learn.
