Sarah, take her! I cant do this anymore! I cant even bear to touch her!
Elizabeth shook as she clutched the crying baby in her arms.
Sarah gently took her niece from Elizabeth and nodded.
Alright. But this is really your decision? You wont change your mind later?
No, what complaints could there be? Take her I dont want her!
The little one had been born just a month before. Trouble had shadowed Elizabeth from the beginning of her pregnancy. Sarah had chalked up her mood swings to the late stages, but deep down she worried. Her sister had been widowed over seven years ago, and her eldest children were long grown and living on their own. An impulsive seaside holiday, a fleeting romance, and an unexpected pregnancy had taken everyone by surprise. Elizabeth had never been one for spontaneity. At first, having the baby seemed to give Elizabeth joy. Yet soon, Sarah noticed her sister would suddenly begin buying heaps of baby clothes or hunting for the perfect pram, only to fall silent for weeks, locking herself away from the world.
Just before Elizabeth gave birth, she cut off all contact with the family. No calls to their mum, sister, or even her children. Alarmed, Sarah tracked her down to the maternity ward, where Elizabeth was about to sign the papers giving up her baby.
Elizabeth, whats going on? Why?
I dont know. I just feel nothing. Shes not mine.
What do you mean, shes not yours? Shes your child!
She wont be for long, Elizabeth turned towards the wall.
Sarah brought in reinforcements: their mother. With gentle persuasion, Elizabeth agreed to bring the baby home. Sarah and their mum insisted Elizabeth come live with them just for a bit of help in the early days. Really, it was so they could keep an eye on her. Elizabeth went through the motions, caring for her daughter mechanically, never lingering by the cot longer than necessary. The babys name was chosen by the grandmother, but she was always in Sarahs arms.
One day, Sarah spoke gently, Elizabeth, Ill take her. Ill raise her, but you know, in a while, who do you think she’ll call mummy?
I dont care, as long as its not me.
Within a week, papers were signed, and Sarah became her nieces official guardian. Elizabeth moved to another city.
Little Alice grew up a happy, lively child walking and talking earlier than most. Mummy meant Sarah.
Twelve years passed.
Mum, I got three As today, and were off to the pictures with my class tomorrow! Alices cheerful voice echoed through the flat.
Sarah answered the door it was Elizabeth.
Thats her?
Yes, Elizabeth, it is. But please-
Alice skipped in, curious, Hello! Im Alice, who are you?
In the kitchen doorway stood a tall girl with big blue eyes, glancing uncertainly from the woman at the table to the pale-faced woman by the window.
Im, well Elizabeth. Im your mother, Alice.
I warned you! Sarah rounded furiously on her sister, then turned to Alice. Alice, Ill explain.
No need, Mum. Lets hear her out. So, you say youre my mother? Alright. And?
Ive come to take you with me. I want you to live with me.
Why?
Youre my daughter.
No, Im not. I have one mum, and shes standing right there. I dont need another one. This is the first and hopefully last time Ill see you, Alice said, then left the kitchen.
Sarah sank into a chair.
Well, whats come of your visit?
Nothing yet. But I will get what I came for even if it means going to court.
Why are you doing this? You were the one who didnt want her. None of us ever understood why. And now, after all these years, you turn up as if shell leap into your arms? Sorry, Elizabeth. Go see mum for now. I need to be with my daughter.
My niece! Elizabeth snapped.
Sarah just sighed and closed the door, heading to Alices room.
Alice, love
Mum, wait. Before you say anything, I want you to know I figured it out. Remember last year, when we helped grandma clear out her attic? I found the guardianship papers. At first, I was furious no one had told me, then I thought about meeting her to ask why. But in the end, I realised it didnt matter. Youre my mum. I dont need anyone else.
Oh, Alice, my darling girl! No-one will ever take you away from me.
I wont let them, Alice laughed. Remember my classmate, Ben? His mums a solicitor family law is her thing. Give her a ring.
Well, lets not rush growing up too quickly, alright? For now, Im still mum, thank you very much! Sarah grinned, hugging her. But yes, well call and sort it all out.
There followed difficult weeks, nerves, and court hearings. But in the end, the judge let everything stand. Alices wishes were respected she wanted nothing to do with her biological mother.
Outside the court, the sisters paused.
Well, its over at last what a relief, Sarah breathed. What now?
Ill move away, Sarah. I wont interfere. Ill help dont shut me out. Theres an account for Alice, the documents are with mum, I left them.
Why did you do all this, Elizabeth? Why did you leave her all those years ago?
There wasnt any love affair, Sarah. There was nothing. Just a dark park, late at night.
Sarah gasped.
And you kept that to yourself? All these years?
There was nothing to fix. So I kept silent. I didnt even realise I was pregnant at first thought it was the menopause coming early. By the time I knew, it was too late. Please, dont tell Alice. Let her live her own life. Maybe one day, shell forgive me.
Sarah embraced her sister. Both gazed towards Alice, chatting with their mum.
Sometimes, the most frightening things in life can end up being the most beautiful, Elizabeth said, wiping her eyes. For the first time in years, Sarah saw her sister smile.
Sometimes, life hands us pain we never imagined we could bear, yet out of that darkness, love can still shine. And sometimes, family is not just who gave you life, but who stands beside you through it all.
