Whats your name, lovely? The stranger knelt down beside the girl. Olivia! she replied shyly. And yours? My name is Charles. Your mother and I will be living together now. From this day, its you, me, and your mother were one family!
Not long after, Olivia and her mother moved in with Charles. Her new stepfather had a roomy flat in London, with three spacious bedrooms, and Olivia was given her own little room. Charles was always kind, bringing sweets and toys for Olivia, while her father only ever called when he wanted to argue with her mother.
Soon after, Olivias mother told her that her father had started a new family and moved away. Olivia was heartbroken, for she loved her father dearly. Her mother could shout at her and even smack her bottom at times, but her father had never raised his voice or his hand. Olivia remembered the day her parents separated so clearly her mother yelled at her father, and even tried to strike him. What lingered in Olivias memory was the strange phrase her mother spat out at her father as they parted:
Dont think you were the first to betray me youve had horns for ages, like a stag!
Then her mother packed their bags and they went to stay at Grandmas. Olivia was terribly confused by this horns business, as her father was bald and had not a single hair on his head. After that, her parents never saw each other again.
Everything seemed to go smoothly with Charles until Olivia started her first year at primary school. She wasnt fond of school, was rather cheeky in the playground, and her parents were often called in sometimes Charles had to go instead of her mother. He was strict about Olivias studies, and would often help her with homework himself.
You mean nothing to me, you cant boss me around! Olivia would sometimes shout, repeating what shed heard from her grandmother. Actually, Im your father now, as Im the one who feeds you and buys your clothes. Charles would reply.
By the time Olivia was ten, her real father returned to town. By then, Olivia had learned well what having horns truly meant. I expect even his second wife fooled him once or twice, so he left her too, her mother remarked at the time. Her father requested to meet with his daughter, and her mother agreed. Olivia was thrilled to see her dad.
How are you, darling? her father asked. Not very well, Olivia sighed, my stepdad is always telling me off. Hes nobody to you, what gives him the right? her father said stiffly. Gran always says that, but he doesnt care. Olivia moaned, stretching the truth since Charles never shouted at her once. She just wanted her father to worry about her. Dont fret, Ill sort it out. her dad replied.
While walking through Hyde Park, they found that on the playground the children could only climb eight of the slides alone; the rest were for children and adults together, but her dad refused to ride the carousel. Then Olivia told him that her birthday was coming and she was dreaming of a fancy new smartphone. When her mother came to collect her, she told her dad that Charles never raised his voice at Olivia, but he refused to listen.
My dads a right miser! Olivia complained to Charles. He didnt buy me a thing in the park, just gave me a bit of ice cream. That was all! Charles, youre better than my dad. Lets make up for your fathers mistake and spend the weekend at the childrens centre.
Yet, their planned trip was cancelled when Charles had a crisis at work. He also ignored Olivias hints about the new smartphone.
Dad, Charles tricked me! Olivia sobbed to her father. He said wed go to the fun centre at the weekend, then told me I didnt deserve the trip or a new phone.
This little fib worked wonders her father hurried to buy her a smartphone. Before, hed paid little heed to her wishes, but now, with such a turn of events, Olivias wish was granted. Sadly, the phone was a cheaper model, as her father didnt have enough pounds for one of the fancier ones.
Couldnt you have waited for your birthday? Charles asked. Id rather have a dog! Olivia exclaimed. Oh no, youll have to walk it and you know you never want to do that! the stepfather retorted.
These words sent Olivia into a frenzy she called her father, tears streaming, and cried: Daddy, please take me away from them! Charles keeps on at me and wont stop lecturing!
Soon after, rows and quarrels began among them all. During that time, Olivia was sent to stay with Grandma once more. Then, her mother arrived with her bags and announced she was leaving Charles. Her father returned to his wife too, for she was expecting a baby. Now, Olivia would have no new smartphone nor a puppy, and Grandma certainly wouldnt allow so much as a little cat!
