Hey love, I’ve got a story for you it’s about little Olivia and how she ended up with her nan, Nina, after a pretty nasty family drama.
Olivia was never really wanted by her mum, Jane. From day one Jane treated her like just another piece of furniture in the flat here or not, I dont mind. She was always fighting with Olivias dad, Robert, and when he finally left her for his proper wife, Jane completely lost it.
Right, youre off? So you never meant to ditch your mess in the first place! Youve ripped my nerves apart! Lying to me on the phone and now youre dumping me and our baby? Ill throw her out the window or leave her at the station with drifters! Jane blew up, clutching the phone.
Olivia shut her ears and started sobbing quietly. A mothers coldness soaked into her like water into a sponge.
Whatever you do with my daughter, I dont care. I doubt shes even mine. Bye, Robert said flatly over the line.
In a fury, Jane tossed Olivias tiny coat and papers into a bag, grabbed the fiveyearold and hailed a cab. Ill show him! Ill show everyone! she muttered, giving the driver a snide, to the outskirts of Brighton, please. Her plan was to dump Olivia with Roberts new wife, who lived out in the country.
The cab driver wasnt having any of Janes haughty tone. When Olivia, hugging her knees, said, Mum, I need the loo, Jane snapped at her so harshly the drivers hands twitched, ready to give her a slap. Hed got a granddaughter his own age, and he knew how it felt to be shouted at.
Hold it, love. Youll get used to my proper mum later, he muttered under his breath.
Jane turned away, staring out the window, her nostrils flaring with rage.
Take it easy, dear, or Ill actually drop you off. Ill take the girl to social services, she hissed.
Are you kidding? Shut up! You think youre a protector of little girls? Ill file a complaint that youve been leering at my daughter and making lewd suggestions. Wholl believe you, the cabbie or a terrified mum? Ill raise her my way. So zip it! Olivia shouted back, tears welling.
The driver clenched his jaw hed rather stay away from a lunatic than get involved, even if it pained the little girl.
After about an hour and a half they pulled up at a modest cottage. Jane stepped out, heard the driver slam the accelerator.
Walk it, you snake! shouted someone from the car.
Olivia spat out a curse, grabbed her mums hand and bolted through the gate.
Take it, you beast! Heres your treasure do whatever you want with her. My son gave his blessing. I dont need her! Jane barked, her voice smoky, then strutted away on her heels.
Nina, who lived on a little farm outside the town, watched in disbelief.
Mum! Please dont go! the little girl wailed, smearing her tears with dirty fists.
Jane tried to pull Olivias hand away from her checkered skirt, but the baby darted after her, shouting, Stop it! Go back to your grandma!
Curious neighbours peeked out, and Nina, clutching her chest as if it might burst, raced after them and caught the wailing toddler.
Come on, love. Come on. My dear little berry, she cooed, tears sliding down her crinkly cheeks. Shed never even known the girls real name.
Robert never bothered to acknowledge the outofwedlock child. Nina promised Olivia a warm home, saying, Ill raise you proper, my dear. Ive got enough love and a bit of saved cash.
She took care of her, sent her off to primary school, and watched the years fly. By the time Olivia turned eleven, she was a bright, kindhearted lass, dreaming of medical school, though she was only in college at the moment.
Its a shame dad wont recognise me, Olivia sighed, hugging Nina on the terrace steps as the sunset faded.
Ninas hands trembled as she stroked Olivias silky hair. She had no answer for that. Robert, now living with his first wife and their son, barely gave a thought to his daughter. He called her a ragtag whenever he visited, trying to make her feel small.
One day, after a heated argument, Robert shouted, Youll get nothing from me! Im not paying a penny. Youre old, youre useless! He stormed off, vowing never to see her again.
Nina, eyes flashing, retorted, Youll die a lonely old man, and I wont be there to mourn you. She turned his back, shook her head, and went back to Olivia.
A week later, the familys house was sold to a wealthy couple who loved the countryside a stone manor with apple trees, pinefilled views, and a vinecovered gazebo. Nina and Olivia moved into a modest flat near the town centre while they saved for university.
Olivia visited Nina every weekend, helping with the garden, studying hard, and hoping to graduate with honours so she could become a doctor and look after her nan.
She fell in love with her classmate, Sam, who was also aiming for a medical career. Nina beamed with pride as the pair finished college, got their red diplomas, and married at twentytwo. The wedding was a simple affair in a cheap café, with only Nina in the guest list.
Youve been my mum, dad, and everything, Olivia choked, tears spilling, you gave me a real, warm home. I love you, Nan.
Nina squeezed her hand, blushing, Youre my pride, love.
Sam laughed, Welcome to the family, Nina! Youre part of our big crew now.
The night was full of toasts, laughter, and a few happy tears. Soon after, Nina grew frail and, after a year and a half, slipped away peacefully in her sleep.
A few weeks later, Robert showed up with his new wife and son, demanding the house back.
Clear out! he barked. While my mum was alive you could stay, but now its yours to leave.
Olivia froze, staring at his contemptuous face, his gumchewing son, and his wife shed never met. He was already scheming to sell the property and buy a flashy car.
Sam, carrying a grocery bag, stepped in. Im the legal husband now. Who are you? he asked coolly.
Robert flushed, What deed? Show it.
Sam smirked, We have the deed, mate. Your mums been drugged, were taking this to court.
A shouting match erupted, fists flailing, threats flying Pack your bags, you ragtag! until they both stormed out, leaving Olivia curled on the floor, sobbing.
Why are they doing this? Ive never even had a candy from dad, she whispered through tears. What will happen to my home?
Sam pulled her up, hugging her tight. Tomorrow well put the house on the market. Well make sure they cant torment you any longer. Nina always said we should sell and move to the city, right?
Olivia nodded, the house that held all her childhood memories soon sold to a wellheeled buyer who loved the orchard and the pine woods. Ninas old stone manor became theirs.
The couple bought a cosy flat near the centre, dreaming of a baby soon. Whenever Olivia fell asleep, shed think of her nan and whisper, Thank you, love, for giving me life.
