Happy people always smile
Emily stared out the rainsplattered window of her flat in Manchester. A soft summer drizzle fell, the sun had already peeked through, yet the drops kept pattering gently against the glass. She waited for her daughter to return from work, having just arrived home herself, planning to make dinner while watching the world blur outside.
She thought, *When Lucy grows up and starts dating, Ill have to face her boyfriend, David. Hes older, a bit shady, never meets my gaze. How do I tell Lucy? Shes falling in love for the first time; if I ruin this, I become her worst enemy. Ive hinted that David isnt right for her, but she brushes it off. If only I knew the proper way.*
Emily had raised Lucy alone. Shed never married. It had simply happened that way. In her third year at university, shed dated Mike, a fellow student. He never finished his degree; he was expelled at the end of his third year. Emily had been relieved, because she realized she was pregnant and needed to tell him.
Youre making things up, Mike snapped when she confronted him. How am I supposed to know this is my child? I dont want any kids. He turned and vanished.
Emily was stunned. She hadnt even had a chance to explain that no one else had ever been in her life. Mike had never even looked her way at university, flitting from one girl to another. Then theyd kicked him out.
Lucy, somethings happened, Margaret, Emilys mother, demanded, seeing her daughter sobbing alone in her bedroom.
Something happened, Mum. Mike left me and Im pregnant, Lucy blurted out.
What? Ive warned you a thousand times to think before you act. Youre in your third year you need to finish university, not raise a child. It will ruin your life and I wont be there to help. Go to the hospital, see a doctor. Youre an adult now; you must own your choices, Margaret said, her voice hard as stone. Her cold stare cut deeper than any words could.
Emily knew there was no help coming from her own mother. The next day she walked into the local NHS clinic; the queue was short. A young woman with a baby sat nearby, her sixyearold child tugging at her skirt. As the next patient left the waiting room, the woman stood, rubbing her swollen belly.
Hold on a moment, love, Ill be right back, she said, disappearing into the examination room.
Lucy perched beside Emily, fidgeting with her feet. The clinic was drab, posters on the walls trying to cheer children. A freckled little girl with light brown hair turned to Emily and asked, Auntie, why do you look so sad? Are you sick?
No, dear, just, Emily swallowed, not wanting to explain the storm inside her.
Do you have children? the girl persisted.
No, Emily replied.
Too bad, the girl giggled. My mum says children are happiness. Im her happiness. Even when I misbehave, she scolds me but still says Im her joy. She tells me to always smile, never cry. Yesterday Tom tugged my braid and I cried, but Mum said I must smile. I smiled, and Tom gave me a sweet as a reward. Now were friends again.
Emily felt a crack in her heart melt. The childs innocence struck a chord, and a sudden clarity flooded her.
What am I doing here? Let Mike walk away, let Mum stand against me. I will not let anyone dictate my fate, she whispered to herself.
At that moment the mother of the little girl emerged, hand in hand with her daughter, their smiles warm enough to light the whole corridor. Emily felt a surge of resolve, leapt up, and left the clinic. Her feet carried her instinctively to Grandma Kate, her late husbands mother. Though Margaret had cut ties with her motherinlaw after the divorce, Emily still visited Kate, who adored her granddaughter.
Come in, dear, Kate said, smoothing Lucys hair. Even if your mother opposes, Ill help you. You can stay with me. Youll manage, and Ill be here for everything. No guilt, just love.
Emilys eyes filled with tears of gratitude. You were right, Gran. Lucy is my joy, my whole world. I cant imagine life without her.
A key turned in the lock and Lucy entered, cheeks wet from wiping away tears.
Whats wrong, love? Sit down and tell me, Margaret coaxed, pulling Lucy onto a kitchen chair.
David? Lucy choked out.
Yes, Margaret whispered, bracing herself.
Lucy burst into fresh sobs. Emily handed her a glass of water; Lucy gulped it down as Margaret stroked her shoulder, then held her tightly. Something inside Emilys own chest tightened and tears began to flow.
Lucy finally managed to speak. Hes married, Mum. I didnt know. His wife lives in Sheffield. Hes only here on a longterm assignment, renting a flat. Id been at his place many times; there was never another woman.
How did you find out? Margaret asked, voice cracking.
The wife showed up one day. While David was in the bathroom, she grabbed his phone, read our messages, saw my number and wrote it down, Lucy explained, shaking.
Emily felt a strange relief rather than tragedy. She sensed Davids deceit. Lucy would eventually meet someone genuine, she was sure.
Did she call you? Margaret pressed.
Yes, she asked to meet. We went to a café near his flat. She was calm, not angry. She just asked him to leave us alone for the sake of their two children, Lucy said, the anger fading into resignation. It was like a thunderclap out of a clear sky. I felt foolish, but Im not crying anymore.
Dont blame yourself, love. Hes a liar, and thank heavens you saw through him. If youd known he was married youd never have dated him, Margaret soothed.
Exactly, Mum. I told his wife I wont speak to him again and blocked him, Lucy declared.
Good job, dear.
Emily understood this wasnt the first nor the last scoundrel shed faced, but her heart ached for Lucy.
What about David? Shouldnt he talk to you?
He called recently. I told him Im done, Ive blacklisted him, Lucy replied, wiping her eyes.
Your pain is real, but you did the right thing, Margaret said, though another wave of tears escaped.
Lucys voice faltered. Mum, I need to tell you something Im Im pregnant she whispered.
How far along? Margaret asked, trying to stay steady.
About two months, Lucy murmured, eyes downcast.
The words struck Margaret like a spear. The cycle was repeating. She looked at her grown daughter, the one shed never broken, and realized Lucy needed her now more than ever.
Dont worry, love. Well get through this. Youll have my support, my love. The baby is our familys future. Ill help you with everything, Margaret promised, tears mixing with a smile.
Thank you, Mum. Youre the best, Lucy sobbed, clutching her.
Time passed. Emily stood at the doorway of Kates cosy cottage, watching Lucy cradle a newborn boy swaddled in a soft beige blanket with a blue ribbon. Balloons and flowers filled the room; Kate had prepared everything for the little grandson and her beloved daughter. A tiny cot, a pram, and a shelf of rattles waited. Emily and Lucy exchanged smiles, their hearts full. Because, as they knew now, happy people always smile.
