Unwanted Child – So, have you chosen a name for your little one? The elderly doctor, wearing a practiced professional smile, looked at his young patient. – We haven’t actually picked a name yet, – interrupted Natalia, seated on a chair by the bedside. – It’s an important decision; Dasha needs time to think carefully. – I don’t want to pick one. – The young mum spoke up unexpectedly. – In fact, I’m not taking her home. I’ll be signing her over. – What are you saying? – The woman leapt up, shooting her daughter a furious glance, then turned to the doctor. – She doesn’t know what she’s saying. We’re definitely bringing the little one home. – I’ll drop by later, have a rest for now. – The doctor had no desire to witness a family dispute. As soon as the man left the room, the woman rounded on the girl. – How dare you say something like that? What will people think of us? Moving to this town was enough of a scandal. That child must remain in our family. – And whose fault is that? – Dasha stared her stepmother down. – If you’d listened to me back then, none of this would have happened. I would’ve finished school and gone to uni. So if you want that baby, you have her. Dasha turned her back, making it clear the conversation was over. Natalia tried for another few minutes to get through to her, but a nurse soon popped in and asked her to leave. The patient needed rest. Now Dasha was alone in the ward. She sobbed quietly into her pillow, praying to every god she could think of just to make it all end. A timid knock made the girl dry her tears. She took a deep breath and said, “Come in.” She expected a nurse or perhaps even her father, but the woman who entered was a complete stranger. – Is there anything I can help you with? – Dasha struggled to maintain a mask of calm. – I overheard… quite by accident! The doctors were talking in the next room, – the woman hesitated, unable to voice her question outright. – Yes, I want to give the baby up. That’s what you wanted to know, isn’t it? – I saw your mum… – She’s not my mum! – Dasha snapped, losing her composure. – Just my stepmother with far too much to say. My real mum works abroad. – Sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you, – the woman faltered. – It’s just, I have three children and I spent my whole childhood in a children’s home. I feel so sorry for your little girl – she hasn’t done anything wrong! – They say babies that little get adopted quickly, – Dasha shrugged. – I can’t even bring myself to hold her, let alone anything else. If Nat had kept out of it, I wouldn’t even be here. – But you’re old enough to make your own decisions now, aren’t you? You’re over fifteen? – “Such shame!” – Dasha mimicked the stepmother. “How will we ever show our faces to the neighbours?” – I don’t understand… – Let me tell you, – Dasha gave a crooked smile, – maybe then you’ll stop judging me. **************************************************** Dasha’s last year at school was a disaster. Not only had her boyfriend Pasha been conscripted, their class had taken in a new boy – a flashy city lad, banished to their small town by his father as punishment for his behaviour with girls. He didn’t care about relationships, just racking up numbers. That was why he’d been sent away; his escapades were ruining his father’s reputation. Makar handed out expensive gifts, took girls clubbing and to fancy restaurants. One by one, her classmates fell for the act, each hoping to become the “prince’s” bride. Dasha was the only one who didn’t fall for his tricks – she was in love with Pasha and wanted no one else. Had the new boy finally got the message? It seemed so at first. How wrong she was. In late December, a friend held a birthday party. The whole class attended, including Makar, who paid the event special attention. But his intent wasn’t to celebrate the birthday girl. During the party, Dasha took a call out in the hallway. When she returned, Makar was sitting in her seat. She didn’t think much of it, until she suddenly felt very unwell… She woke in the morning, barely able to open her eyes. Beside her lay Makar, grinning. – See, all that effort for nothing, – he said casually. – Consider this my compensation. I’m honestly surprised. Your Pashka’s a real loser. Getting home was a struggle. Dasha could hardly walk in a straight line; passersby stared at her with disgust. She rang the doorbell instead of fishing for her keys; she knew her stepmother would be home. – Where on earth have you been? – Natalia snapped. – You didn’t come home, wouldn’t answer your phone, and just look at the state of you! If your father spotted you now… – Call a doctor and the police, – Dasha interrupted. – I want to make a formal complaint. He should be put behind bars. Natalia stiffened. Putting two and two together, she reached her own conclusion. – Who? – Makar, who else? – Dasha could barely speak. – No one else would dare. Call them, or I will. – Wait. – Natalia paced. She always looked for an angle. – They’ll get him off. We’ll do things my way. I’ll contact his dad and ask for a settlement. – Are you insane? – Dasha could hardly believe it. – A settlement? I’m going to the police now! – No, you’re not! – her stepmother grabbed Dasha’s arm, dragging her into the bedroom. She was too weak to resist. – You’ll be the one blamed; townsfolk will point and whisper. Leave it to me. Dasha had lost her phone somewhere along the way, or maybe left it at her friend’s. She was effectively trapped. Natalia locked her in, and her head spun worse than ever; she collapsed onto the bed… A couple of days later, Dasha got sent to her grandmother, who lived a hundred kilometres away. She didn’t want to worry the old lady, so she pretended everything was fine. A month later, she got the awful news. That night had left her pregnant. Natalia was thrilled. This baby would secure them an easy life! Granddad would pay, as he always had, covering for his son’s mistakes. Just keep it quiet until the fifth month. Dasha’s wants weren’t considered. The moment she suggested ending the pregnancy, Natalia flew into a rage and began watching her like a hawk. Granddad wasn’t thrilled, but handed over a hefty sum and promised regular payments. ***************************************************** – Do you understand now? I’ve suffered so much because of this baby. Pasha dumped me; he didn’t believe a word I said. Friends turned their backs, we had to move, and I didn’t even finish school! – I’m sorry for judging you before I knew the whole story, – the woman admitted, ashamed. – But the baby isn’t to blame. – Dasha, we need to have a serious word! – Natalia swept into the room, dragging her husband. – I’ll have to ask visitors to leave. This is a family matter! The woman gave a sympathetic look and left, closing the door firmly behind her. – I won’t let you ruin my perfect plan. Leave the baby here and you’re not coming home again. Where will you go then? Your dear granny’s dead, her flat went to your uncle. You’ll be out on the street. – No, she’s coming home with me. – An elegant woman entered the room. Dasha’s eyes lit up with joy. – Mum! You came! – Of course I did, I couldn’t leave you in trouble, – Albina hugged her tight. – If you’d told me, I would’ve brought you home long ago. I only thought it would be easier here for you to finish school. – I thought you didn’t want me, – Dasha sobbed. Despite everything, she was still just a child. – Someone kept telling me you wanted nothing to do with me. My presents were returned unopened, I could never get through to you. I thought I’d upset you. But never mind, – her mother said briskly, wiping away tears. – We’ll go home, and you’ll forget all about this… ****************************************************** Dasha left. Natalia took the baby, hoping for an easy ride. But when the powerful grandfather found out, he came and took the little girl for himself, making Makar finally own up to paternity. As for Dasha, she’s happy at last. She’s with the one person who’ll always help and never betray her…

Unwanted Child

What would you like to name your little girl? The elderly doctor asked with a kindly professional smile, looking directly at the young woman in the bed.

We havent decided on a name yet, chimed in Margaret, who was sitting beside the bed. Its not a decision to take lightly, Emily needs to give it some proper thought.

I dont want to name her at all. Unexpectedly, Emily herself spoke up, her voice flat. Im not going to keep her. Im signing her over.

How dare you! Margaret jumped up, flashing a furious look at her. She turned to the doctor. She doesnt know what shes saying. Of course well be taking the baby home.

Ill leave you to have some rest, said the doctor, clearly uninterested in witnessing their family quarrel.

No sooner had the door closed than Margaret turned on her stepdaughter with sharp reproaches.

How could you say such a thing? What on earth will people think of us? We moved here just to keep things quiet, you know that. This child should be part of our family.

And whose fault is that? Emily stared unblinkingly at Margaret. If youd listened to me back then, none of this would have happened. I could have finished school in peace and gone off to university or got a job. If you want the child so much, you take her.

Emily turned to face the wall, sending a clear message that as far as she was concerned, the conversation was over. Margaret fussed over her for a few more minutes before a nurse poked her head in and politely asked her to leavethe patient needed to rest.

Left alone, Emily buried her face in the pillow, quietly sobbing and willing the ordeal to simply end, praying to any and every god she could think of.

A quiet knock forced her to compose herself. She took a deep breath and called out,

Come in.

She expected either a nurse or, at worst, her father, but the woman who entered was a stranger.

Can I help you? It took every ounce of effort for Emily to keep her voice steady.

I overheard something… Accidentally, honestly! The doctors were talking near my bed, the woman stammered, clearly nervous about asking her question directly.

Yes, I do want to give up the baby, its true. Is that what you want to know?

I saw your mother…

Shes not my mother! snapped Emily, dropping her mask of composure. Shes just my stepmother, thinks too much of herself. My real mum works overseas.

Im sorry, I didnt mean to offend you, the woman faltered, clearly unsettled. Ive got three children of my own and I cant imagine giving any of them up. I grew up in care myself, and I just feel so frightened for your little girl. She hasnt done anything wrong.

Babies this young get adopted quickly, or so Ive been told, Emily shrugged. I cant even force myself to hold her, let alone anything more. If Margaret hadnt interfered back then, none of this would have happened.

But youre old enough to decide for yourself, arent you? You must be at least sixteen.

Margaret calls it a disgrace! Emily mimicked her stepmother mercilessly. How will we ever look our neighbours in the face!

I dont understand…

Ill tell you, Emily smirked bitterly, maybe then youll stop judging me.

**********************************************

The last year of school had been a disaster for Emily. Her boyfriend Paul had been called up for national service, then a new student had joined their class. Oliver, a posh London lad exiled to this small town for shaming his family, made a hobby of chasing after all the girls. He wasnt looking for love, just another conquest. Thats exactly why his dad sent him awayto save face.

Oliver gave out pricey gifts, took girls out to clubs and posh restaurants, and one by one they swooned, each secretly hoping she was his fairy-tale princess.

Emily was the only one who held out. She was in love, and only wanted Paul. Eventually, it seemed Oliver accepted that he stood no chance and moved on to other girls. Or so shed thought.

How wrong I was.

At the end of December, one of Emilys friends had a birthday party for the whole class. Oliver was there, of course, playfully polite, but it was clear he hadnt come just to celebrate.

Midway through the evening, Emilys phone rang. She stepped out to take the call; when she returned, Oliver was sitting in her seat. It didnt seem important, but soon after she started feeling ill

Emily could barely open her eyes the next morning. Oliver was lying nearby, looking smug.

See, you pretended to be above it all, he said, as if nothing had happened. Heres your compensation. I must admit, it surprised even me. Your Pauls such a mug.

Getting home that morning took everything out of Emilyshe was dizzy, could hardly stand straight, and people passing her on the street gave her looks of pure disgust.

She didnt even bother with her keys, just rang the bell. She knew Margaret would be in.

Where on earth have you been? Margaret raged as soon as she saw her. You didnt come home last night, didnt answer your phoneand look at the state of you! If your father saw you like this…

Call a doctor and the police, Emily interrupted flatly. I want to make a report. He should be locked up.

Margaret grew tense, weighing Emilys tattered appearance and grave words.

Who?

Oliver, who else, Emily found it hard even to speak. No one else would dare. Call them or Ill do it myself.

Just wait a minute, Margaret said, calculating. She was always looking for an angle. His family will buy him out of trouble anyway. Well handle this differently. Ill reach out to his dadlet him pay us some compensation.

Are you mad? Emily couldnt believe her ears. What compensation? Ill go to the police right now!

No, you wont! Margaret wrenched Emilys arm and hauled her into her room. Emily was too weak to fight back. Youll only make yourself look bad and give the town something to gossip about. Let me sort this out.

Emily had lost her phone somewhere along the way, or perhaps left it with a friend. She couldnt even leaveMargaret had locked the door. The room swam before her eyes, and she fell straight into exhausted sleep.

A few days later, Emily was sent to stay with her nan, who lived sixty miles away and was already quite elderly. She didnt want to worry her, so she feigned that everything was fine.

A month later, she discovered the worstshe was pregnant.

Margaret was over the moon. She was convinced the baby would set them up for life. Olivers father would pay generously, desperate to hush up his sons latest scandal. But theyd say nothing till at least five months had passed.

What Emily wanted didnt matter. When she said she didnt want the baby, Margaret kicked up a screaming row and watched her obsessively, not letting her out of sight.

Olivers dad was not pleased, but paid up. He promised a handsome allowance as long as they kept their mouths shut.

************************************************

Do you understand now? All I did was suffer for this child. Paul dumped me, refused to believe my side of the story. My friends turned their backs. We had to move away, and I never finished school.

Im sorry for judging without knowing the whole story, the woman faltered. But the baby hasnt done anything wrong.

Emily, we need a word, barked Margaret, storming in with her husband in tow. I think its time we had some privacy.

The woman cast Emily a sympathetic look and quietly slipped out, closing the door behind her.

You will not ruin my plans. If you leave the baby here, dont bother coming home. And where will you go? Your grandmas gone now, her flat went to your uncle. Youll be begging on the streets!

No, she wont leave with nothing, said an elegantly dressed woman breezing in. Emilys whole face lit up.

Mum! You came!

Of course I did. Do you think Id leave you alone in this mess? Alice hugged her tight. If only youd told me everything before, I would have taken you to live with me ages ago. I thought staying here would make finishing school easier for you.

I thought you didnt want me, Emily sobbed. However much I tried, I was still just a child.

Certain people made it sound as if you didnt want me around. My gifts always came back unopened, I could never get you on the phone. I thought you couldnt forgive me. But it doesnt matter now, Alice said, tenderly wiping away her daughters tears. Well leave, and itll all be behind us soon.

********************************************************

Emily left with her mother. Margaret took the baby, thinking a life of luxury awaited. But when Olivers father found out, he came and took the child himself. Oliver, despite his protests, was forced to accept his child.

But as for me, I finally found true happiness. Im with the one person I know will always have my back and never betray me. If theres any lesson I carry from this, its that you can survive the darkest momentsand that blood ties mean little without love. Its those who stand by you that are truly family.