When Emily went to pick up her son from nursery, he darted into her arms, embracing her neck and whispering earnestly in her ear:
Mum, Mum, lets take Olivers grandma home with us!
What? Which grandma? What on earth are you talking about? Emily was puzzled by her sons request. Come on, put your coat onyour dads waiting in the car.
That one over there! Jamie pointed at an elderly lady slowly leading a boy to the exit. Olivers grandma! Im telling you!
Dont be silly. Shes someone elses grandma.
So what? Jamie whined. Just ask hermaybe shell be my grandma as well. Please?
You already have grandmastwo of them, actually! Why would we need another? Enough of that. Pop on your trousers.
Oh, Mum Jamie put on an utterly woeful face and struggled into his warm trousers. My grandmastheyre not proper grandmas. Olivers is. Shes a real one.
How can you say that your grandmas arent real? Emily chuckled hesitantly. They are! After all, theyre mine and Daddys mums, not Olivers.
Doesnt matter, Jamie gazed at his mother with longing. Just because theyre your mums doesnt mean theyre real grandmas.
What do you mean by that? What makes a real grandma?
She lets Oliver shout Grandma! at the top of his lungs, Jamie tried to explain. One of mine insists I call her just Lynn, and the other scolds me if I ever yell Gran across the playground.
What do you mean, she scolds you?
She says, What do you mean, Gran? Im still young! Dont embarrass me in front of the neighbours!
You mean my mum says that to you?
Yeah. And she also said you fob me off with her. But Olivers grandma tells him hes the best thing in her life. I wish I could be someones best thing.
Surely not my mum cant have said that Emily frowned, her voice gentler. Come on now, get dressed, love. Dad will start worrying. And Lynnshe doesnt scold you, does she, for calling her gran?
She doesnt scold me, Jamie muttered, shaking his head. She just doesnt answer when I say it. And if I call her Lynn, she praises me. And Mum, why cant my grandmas cook proper food?
What are you talking about? Emily stared at him, bewildered. Do your grandmas starve you when you stay with them?
Yes, her son replied instantly.
Dont be ridiculous. They spoil you rotten! Ive seen what you eat at theirs.
Well Jamie grimaced. Sausages, frozen pies, salad Thats not real food.
What do you want, then?
Pancakes.
Pancakes? Emily echoed.
Yeah. Or crumpets. Today, Olivers gran told him, Once were home, Ill make you some hot crumpets. With clotted cream and jam. Remember how we made jam together in the summer? Oliver just lit up and nodded happily. But my grandmas never make jam with me.
Oh, Jamie Emily gazed at her little boy, feeling a pang of guilt. How about we have some jam with our tea tonight? Well stop at the shop.
But shop jams never as nice
How do you know?
I asked my grandmas Theyve bought it before
And did you ever ask them to make crumpets for you?
Yeah Jamie shoved his arms into his coat. They said it takes too long. They just take me out for pancakes at the café. But theyre cold and the jam is too sugary. Olivers grandma says theres nothing better than crumpets hot from the pan.
Oh, yes Emily sighed dreamily, taking Jamies hand as they left nursery. Nothing better. I remember my nana used to make them for me, too
As they walked to the car park where Jamies dad was waiting, Emily pulled out her phone and rang her friend.
Sophie, are you home? she asked awkwardly.
Yes! Sophie replied.
Can I ask a favour? And no laughing.
Whats up?
You once boasted you make the best crumpets. That your son devours them by the dozen.
So?
Share your recipe When her friend laughed, Emily exclaimed, I said no laughing! I really need it.
Come overIll teach you myself.
When?
Right now.
I cant, Ive just picked Jamie up, Chris is waiting in the car
Come over together. Your lad can meet mine. Ill be expecting you. Sophie hung up with a cheerful finality.
The next day, Emily took the afternoon off. She visited her mums house and started to teach her how to make crumpets. Her mother huffed and puffed about the modern lot and all the bother, but Emily told her firmly:
Mum, if were such a nuisance, Ill never bring Jamie over again. Do you even know what makes a real gran? And why dont you ever make jam in the summer? Youve got a grandson now!
Her mum wanted to retort with something sharp, but saw the resolve in Emilys eyes and just stayed quietfor once.
