The Unwanted Wanted Granddaughter: A Summer’s Day of Secrets, Strangers in the Playground, and a Family’s Fight for Their Little Princess

Author Walton MerrittReading 12 minViews 3

– Look, over there! Thats her, I swear! whispered a tall, elegantly dressed woman to a rather simple-looking man beside her. Lets just watch for a moment or two.

A little girl of about five was happily playing in the sandpit, determinedly constructing what she declared would be a real princesss castle. At present, this castle looked suspiciously like an ambitious heap of sand, but Sophie was adamant she didnt need any help from grown-ups. She could manage perfectly well on her own, thank you! Besides, she still needed to dig a moat around the castle and hollow out a cave for the dragon. Someone had to defend the realm!

It was a sizzling summer day, and Sophie, safely under the shade of a big canvas canopy stretched over the sandpit, was perfectly comfortableher parents far less so. Cautious as ever about heatstroke, Sophies mum had retreated to the shade, dispatching her husband to fetch cold drinks and ice creams. Distracted by a buzzing phone, Natalie only took her eyes off Sophie for a second. It was exactly the opportunity that the keen onlookers nearby had been waiting for.

– Hello, poppet, said the woman boldly, sitting herself down right beside Sophie, causing the little girl to flinch away in alarm. In her panic, Sophie lost her balance and toppled straight onto her half-built sandcastle, flattening it nearly down to the base. Instantly, her lips trembled and her eyes welled up. All that work! Ruined! Oh, dont cry, darlingits only a pile of sand! Tell you what, Ill build you a proper castle, if you like.

– MUM! Sophie sucked in a huge breath and screeched at the top of her lungs, recalling every single stranger danger lesson from nursery and home.

She scrambled out of the sandpit in a flash, just dodging the grab from a complete strangera manwhod tried to stop her.

Natalie, hearing that unmistakable cry, tore across the playground, phone tumbling from her hand. The panicked voice on the line was still faintly audible in the grass.

– Oh, sweetheart, Natalie scooped up her daughter. What happened, darling? Are you all right?

– That strange ladysob and a man! hiccupped Sophie, clinging tightly to her mums neck. He tried to grab me! Mummy, Im scared!

Sophies dad arrived on the scene seconds later. He gave Sophie a quick once-over, reassured himself she was unhurt, and then glared daggers at the pair whod terrified his daughter.

A sixty-ish woman pursed her lips sourly as she watched the touching family tableau. That girl There was no mistakeshe was her granddaughter! Hair, eyes, facethe spitting image of Michael at that age, only with pigtails.

– My, youve gone a long way, the woman began, with all the warmth of a tax inspector, looking over her ex-daughter-in-law. And how dare you whisk my granddaughter off to the far side of nowhere?

– Mark, take Sophie homeI can handle this, Sophies mum ordered briskly, entrusting him with their precious cargo. And ring Dad. Tell him to send a couple of his lads, just in case.

– Oi, dont you dare! I want to see my granddaughter! the older woman protested, though she made no effort to follow Mark. Two metres tall and built like a rugby playerwhat did she think theyd do, tackle him? Why didnt they check if Natalie had remarried

– Mrs. Wilkinson, Natalie drawled, eyeing her ex-mother-in-law as if shed stepped in something unpleasant. What on earth are you going on about? Granddaughter? Have you forgotten, or shall I remind you

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

– So, hows my future grandson? the woman demanded, barely letting Michael and his wife in from the hospital.

– Ive told you alreadywere having a girl, Natalie replied through gritted teeth, praying her mother-in-law would finally go back to her own house. Lately, the woman only seemed to leave at bedtime! Natalie had perfected the art of hiding in her own bedroom, clutching her stomach and claiming a headache.

– The doctors made a mistake, mark my words, Mrs. Wilkinson declared, as if reading from scripture. Wilkinsons only have boys, always have!

– Is that why you disowned your eldest? Because his wife had a girl? Natalie snapped, bone-tired of the same old song and dance day after day.

– That child wasnt his! Mrs. Wilkinson exploded, her temper legendary. Tanya tricked him! Silly fool believed her! If only hed listened to meMEhed have known better! Let some woman wrap him round her little finger, unbelievable!

– Tanyas got the DNA results, and you know it. You checked the paperwork at least five times yourself. All that effort to convince Alex the papers were a forgery.

– They were forged! How dare you question me? Insolent girl Mrs. Wilkinson hissed, barely stopping herself from raising a full-blown scene. Not todaybetter not upset the baby, the family needed an heir, after all. Her friends already had grandchildren, and here she was

– Im going for a lie-downif thats all right. Feel a bit dizzy.

Natalie fled to the sanctuary of her bedroom, door locked behind her. More and more, she wondered if shed made a dreadful mistake marrying Michael. She loved him, yesbut this mother-in-law business Her own mum had been right: You’d be better off moving halfway across the country from that one.”

Twice now Natalie had broached the idea of moving away with Michael, but hed shut it down each time.

How could they? Leave his mother to fend for herself? What about his dad? The man was practically welded to the sofa, hadnt hit a nail in years, couldnt be trusted with the shopping. And his brother? They hardly spoke, not since Alex refused to listen to reason, and let himself be duped.” DNA test or not, you could always fake that sort of thing

So Natalie had compromised, asking Michael simply to have a word, maybe get his mother to give them more space.

– Mum means well! Michael objected, defending the indefensible. She gives great advice, helps out around the house. You could at least be grateful! Why are you always hiding in the bedroom

– I only hide away, as you put it, because your mothers constantly on my case! Natalie finally snapped. Honestly, how could he blame her? She just wanted to avoid more drama! And if she doesnt back off, she wont be seeing her granddaughter at all! Ill just take Sophie and stay with my parents! And in case youve forgotten, my fathers a retired colonelhell see to it. Understood?

After this outburst, Mrs. Wilkinson toned things downmarginally. Daily visits continued, only now with strict time limits. The nitpicking abated, but Natalie knew in her bones it was only a matter of time before the next round.

There was also the fact that the woman was utterly allergic to the prospect of a granddaughter. No, only a grandson would do! It was a Wilkinson thingboys only! The row with Alex, her unexpectedly sensible elder son, was evidence enough of her fixation.

And Michael? He was just as blinkered. Only a son would do! Daughters didnt count! He even glared at the scan results as if theyd personally insulted him.

– If its a girl, youre both out on the street, Michael warned one evening, merrily pickled. Just means its not mine. Im not Alex, you cant pull the wool over my eyes!

After that, Natalie knew she was well and truly done. The carousel called marriage had gone far enough, and it was time to start thinking about a divorce. Her dad knew people, hed help sort things outquickly.

Sophie entered the world, quite predictably, as a healthy baby girl. Michael, naturally, erupted in a full-scale tantrum right there in the maternity ward, not remotely bothered by his stunned audienceincluding a terrified new mum tucked into the neighbouring bed. Hospital security soon whisked Daddy Dearest from the premises.

The next day, Mrs. Wilkinson paid Natalie a call. She didnt yell, having witnessed her sons performance, but she did offer her viewsin vocabulary better suited to a back-street pub. Just as she hit repeat, in strode Natalies guardian angel: a man in uniform, complete with rank and authority. With a single arch of the eyebrow, he sorted matters. He even warned Mrs. Wilkinson shed have bigger problems if she continued to pester Natalie.

Michael wasted no time. Straight off to file for divorce. Alas for him, the law was clear: with motherhood comes certain rightsa bloke cant just file for divorce before the babys first birthday, much to Michaels horror. So, he promptly disowned Sophie and applied to contest paternity.

Their solicitor nearly choked on his tea when he heard the Wilkinsons Dont Have Daughters argument. Absolutely barking. No DNA, no casesimple as that.

– I dont fancy your chances, mate, the solicitor admitted. Especially since, if Im not mistaken, your brothers got a daughter as well.

– Its not his! Michael insisted.

– But theres a test result

– Faked! Michael, thoroughly brainwashed by his mother, was completely unhinged.

– Just so you know, if theres a court-ordered test, it will count as irrefutable proof.

– I dont careshe wont ever be my daughter, end of!

In the end, a DNA test wasnt needed. Natalie wanted nothing more to do with this ridiculous family and agreed to the divorce. She knew better than to risk Michael popping up years later and suddenly deciding Sophie was his. Better an official single mum…

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

– So, have you remembered yet? And why didnt you bring Michael with you?

– Michael Michaels gone, the older woman replied dramatically. Your daughters all we have left. But dont worry, well raise her well, turn her into a proper person

– You? Raise her? Not a chance, Natalie hissed, seething. Youre nothing to my daughter. Your son is nothing, and so declared by the courts! If I see either of you near her again, Ill be calling the police. Attempted abduction. And my father is very well-respected in this town, so dont expect any leniency!

– You dont understand, we have no one else!

– Youve got your eldest son. Alexs got a little girl, go and pester them.

– He wont even look at us, muttered the older woman, staring at the ground. Only now did she seem to realise just what a mess shed made.

– Sensible man, Natalie remarked approvingly. After everything youve put us through, you still want something from us? Need I remind you what you used to call my daughter?

– Miss Wilkinson, is there a problem here? Two sturdy blokes in uniforms strode swiftly over to the daughter of their boss.

– Yes, just a minor one. Please see to it that these people leave town.

– But

– No buts, said the officer, stepping forward. The Wilkinsons beat a hasty retreat, a smug smile spreading across Natalies face. Off you go.

Natalie made her way home, her mood positively brilliant! One passing thought did cause her to frown, though.

– Someone needs to keep an eye on those Wilkinsons. Lets make sure they stay putdont want them showing their faces around here again! Ill have a word with Dadhell know what to doThat evening, as the sky blushed pink behind the neat rows of houses, Natalie watched Sophie splashing in the garden with her new ice cream. Safe, giggling, utterly herself. For the first time in years, Natalie felt the aches of the past loosen their grip. She glanced at her phone: no new messages from unwanted numbers, only a cheerful string of family selfies from her parents and their raucous terrier.

Sophie paused, spun in the grass, and waved. Mummy, come see! I made a REAL moat this time! Natalie grinned and knelt beside her, getting damp and dirty without a care.

Perfect, she said sincerely, admiring the crooked ditch circling a mound of overturned flowerpots and hastily gathered pebbles. You built that all by yourself. Brave girl.

Sophie shrugged. I didnt need any old Wilkinsons. Just you, Mummy.

Natalie hugged her, breathing in the warm, sun-drenched scent of her daughters hair. Youll never need more than that, love.

And in that small, golden momentsurrounded by home and peaceNatalie knew theyd both finally escaped every shadow their past had tried to cast. The future, gleaming and untroubled, belonged wholly to them.

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…

The Unwanted Child “How would you like to name your baby girl?” The elderly doctor smiled with professional courtesy at his young patient. “We haven’t decided on a name yet,” interjected Natalie, sitting on the chair beside the bed. “It’s a big decision—Dasha needs time to think.” “I don’t want to name her at all,” the young mother suddenly replied. “I’m not going to keep her. I’m going to sign her away.” “How can you even say that?” the older woman jumped up, shooting a furious glare at the girl before turning to the doctor. “She doesn’t know what she’s saying. Of course we’ll take the baby home.” “I’ll come back later—you should rest.” The doctor was clearly uninterested in witnessing the family drama. As the door closed behind him, Dasha’s mother unleashed a torrent of rebukes. “How dare you say such a thing? What will everyone think of us? We’ve already had to move to this city just to keep things quiet—this baby belongs in our family.” “And whose fault is that?” Dasha looked her stepmother square in the eye. “If you’d listened to me back then, none of this would have happened. I’d have finished school and moved on. If you want this baby so much, you take her.” She turned to face the wall, ending the conversation. Natalie tried a few more minutes to change her mind, but a nurse poked her head in and told her to leave; the patient needed rest. Dasha was left alone, muffling her sobs in the pillow, wishing it would all be over. A timid knock at the door made her wipe her tears. She took a deep breath and said, “Come in.” She expected a nurse, or maybe her father, but the woman who entered was a complete stranger. “Can I help you?” Dasha struggled to maintain her mask of calm. “I overheard… completely by accident! The doctors were chatting just outside my room.” The woman hesitated, clearly reluctant to ask her question. “Yes, I want to give up my baby. That’s what you want to know?” “I saw how your mother—” “She’s not my mother,” Dasha cut in sharply. “Just a stepmother, and a self-important one at that. My real mum works abroad.” “Sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you,” the woman faltered. “It’s just… I have three kids myself and I can’t understand your reasons. I grew up in care and I’m so scared for your little girl… she hasn’t done anything wrong.” “Little ones like her get adopted quickly, or so I’ve heard,” Dasha shrugged. “I can’t make myself even hold her, let alone more. If Natalie hadn’t interfered, I wouldn’t be here.” “But you’re old enough to make your own decisions now, over fifteen, right?” “It’s such a disgrace!” Dasha mimicked her stepmother’s voice. “How will we ever show our faces in town?” “I don’t understand…” “I’ll tell you,” Dasha smirked. “Maybe then you’ll stop judging me.” ******************************************************** Dasha’s final year of school was an utter disaster. Not only had her beloved Pasha been called up for service, but a new boy arrived in their class—a posh Londoner, banished to their small town by his influential father as punishment for too many ‘adventures’. He pestered all the girls, not after a relationship but a ticked box for his list. That’s why his father had sent him away in the first place—he was damaging the family’s reputation. Makar showered them with expensive gifts, took them to clubs and fancy restaurants. One by one, the girls gave in, each thinking she’d become the ‘prince’s fiancée.’ Dasha held her ground. She was in love—no one but Pasha existed for her. Soon enough, it seemed Makar realised she was off-limits and moved on. Or so she thought. She was wrong. At a friend’s birthday party in December, the entire class gathered, Makar among them. But he wasn’t there to wish the birthday girl. In the thick of the party, Dasha took a call in the hallway. When she returned, Makar was sitting at her place. She thought nothing of it—until she began to feel ill… In the morning, Dasha barely managed to open her eyes. Next to her lay Makar, grinning smugly. “Well, you finally gave in,” he said, as if nothing had happened. “Think of it as compensation. I always knew your precious Pasha was a fool.” Getting home was a struggle for Dasha. Her whole world was spinning. Passersby shot her looks of disdain. She rang the bell—her stepmother would be home. “Where have you been?” Natalie snapped. “You didn’t come home, ignored your phone, and just look at the state you’re in! If your father saw you like this—” “Call a doctor, and the police,” Dasha interrupted. “I want to file a report. Let them arrest him.” Natalie stiffened. Putting two and two together, she came to her own conclusion. “Who?” “Makar, obviously—I couldn’t imagine anyone else being so brazen. Call them, or I will.” “Wait.” Natalie calculated rapidly; she always looked for personal advantage. “He’ll just wriggle out of it. We’ll do something else—I’ll contact his father. He can pay us off.” “Are you mad?” Dasha was aghast. “I want justice, not hush money! I’ll go to the police myself.” “You’re going nowhere!” Natalie grabbed her arm and pulled her into the room. Dasha was too weak to resist. “You’ll be blamed, the whole village will gossip. I’ll sort everything.” Dasha had lost her phone somewhere, or maybe left it at her friend’s. The door was locked. Her head reeled—all she wanted was to lie down… A few days later, Dasha went to her grandmother’s, a hundred kilometres away. The old woman knew nothing—Dasha just pretended everything was normal. A month later, Dasha’s whole world collapsed—she was pregnant from that night. Natalie was overjoyed. This baby would mean financial security! Granddad would pay up handsomely to make the problem go away. Just say nothing until after five months… No one ever asked Dasha what she wanted. When she suggested having the baby adopted, Natalie exploded in a furious tantrum and refused to let her out of her sight. Granddad was not happy, but produced the cash, and promised more. ********************************************** “So now you see,” Dasha finished. “I’ve been through hell because of this baby. Pasha dumped me—he didn’t believe a word. Friends abandoned me. I had to move, didn’t even finish school!” “I’m sorry—I was judging you without knowing the facts,” murmured the woman. “But the little girl still isn’t to blame.” “Dasha, we need to talk!” Natalie appeared, dragging her husband along. “If you don’t mind, this is a family matter.” The stranger gave Dasha a sympathetic look and left, closing the door tightly. “I won’t let you spoil my plans. If you leave the baby here, don’t bother coming back home. Where will you go? Your precious gran is gone, her flat’s your uncle’s now. Will you beg on the streets?” “No, she’ll come with me.” An elegantly dressed woman swept into the room. Dasha’s eyes lit up with hope. “Mum! You came!” “Of course I did. I couldn’t leave you alone,” said Albina, wrapping her daughter in a hug. “If you’d told me everything earlier, I’d have taken you home ages ago. I wanted you to finish school here, thought it’d be easier.” “I thought you didn’t want me,” Dasha sobbed, suddenly a child again. “Someone told me you didn’t want to see me. Presents came back unopened, you never answered… I thought you couldn’t forgive me. But never mind,” Albina said cheerfully, wiping Dasha’s tears. “We’ll go home together and start fresh…” ********************************************************************* Dasha left. Natalie, hoping for a comfortable life, took the baby. But when the influential grandfather found out, he came and claimed his granddaughter. Makar, reluctantly, had to acknowledge the child. Dasha, though, is happy at last—living with the one person she can truly trust to always be there for her.

010