A Child for a Friend
When Lily was approaching the last months of her pregnancy, her younger brother left home, and her father turned to drink. From that moment on, Lilys life plunged into misery.
Every morning began with Lily opening the windows to let in fresh air, clearing bottles from under the table, and waiting for her father to finally rise from his drunken stupor.
Dad, you really mustnt drink. You only just recovered from your stroke.
Ill do as I please. Whos going to stop me? Its the only way I can bear the pain.
What pain, Dad?
The pain of knowing Im of no use to anyone. Not even to you. Im a burden, Lily. I should never have been born. Never shouldve married and brought children into this world destined only for my feebleness and poverty. All in vain, my dear. Its easier to drink.
Already in a foul mood, Lily grew cross.
Nothing is in vain, Dad. Others manage even worse than us.
How much worse, love? You grew up without a mother. And now youre about to bring another little one into poverty without a father. This is no life.
You never know, Dad. Nothings permanentlife can change in a moment.
Lilys heart ached as she recalled happier days, preparing to marry Edward. But the world had changed for her nowshe simply had to go on.
That very day, her father drank himself into a stupor again. Breaking under pressure, Lily cried out:
Have you really spent the money I put aside, Dad? How did you even find it? Rummaged through all my things, didnt you?!
Everything in this house belongs to me, her father declared. Including my pension, that you try to hide from me!
So you spent the lot, didnt care how well live?
Why should I care? Im a sick man. Youre grown, its your job to look after me now!
Lily frantically searched the cupboards.
Im sure I left two packets of pasta and some butter herenow theres nothing! What are we to eat for supper?
Deep in shock, Lily slumped into a chair and hid her face in her hands.
She had no idea that Aunt May, in her absence, had been plying her father with drink, taking what she fancied from the house.
May, sly as a fox, slithered into their lives and did all she could to unravel the family even further.
That night Lily cried herself to sleep, worn out and broken, her stomach empty.
Morning arrived, and there was a knock at the doorMay strolled in, dressed in smart coat and boots, making no effort to remove them as she crossed the threshold.
Morning. My friend from the council told me youre behind with your bills. Soon youll be cut off if you dont pay. What on earths going on, Lily? Fancy a cuppa?
She didnt wait for an answer, instead made her way to the kitchen and rifled through the cupboards.
Ill put the kettle on, youre pregnant after alljust like my daughter Sarah Oh dear, cant find tea or sugar. The place is bare. Lets pop to the shops.
Lily avoided eye contact.
Aunt May, I cant offer you tea. You should go.
But May was persistent.
Youre in a bad way, I can see that. Remember how I said you should come stay with me? Well, Im not asking, Im insisting. Move in with me. Theres nothing here for a baby. Your fathers always drunk, youre starvingnever mind the fruit and vitamins you need. Pack your things; youre coming with me.
Lilys head spun so much that she had to sit down. Tears streamed as May enveloped her in a hug.
Listen, I know how you feel about me. Ill never be forgiven for Sarah taking your fiancé. But Im not heartless. I cannot watch you suffer. Like it or not, Ill look after you.
The rest passed in a dazeMay helped Lily pack, then called a cab.
***
On the day Lily went into labour, May barely left her side.
Pay attention, Lily, May whispered firmly. Ive told the staff youll be giving up your child. When shes born, dont hold her, dont nurse her. Dont even look.
Struggling with the pain, Lily replied, Oh Aunt May, I dont care any more. I just want the pain to end.
Rememberon your own, youll never manage. Ive already found a respectable couple keen to adopt your baby this very day.
After hours of agony, a baby girl arrived.
Seven pounds, five ouncesa healthy baby.
The nurse wrapped the wailing infant and whisked her away without so much as letting Lily see her.
The doctor, though, fixed Lily with a stern look.
Whats this? You wont even look at your healthy, beautiful daughter? Nurse, bring her back. Put her to her mothers breast.
Lily shook her head, eyes brimming with tears.
I dont want her. I cant even feed myselfnever wanted this. Better for her to go to someone who needs her. Ill write it in black and white for you.
Dont be hasty. At least, look at your little girl.
Screwing her eyes shut, Lily suddenly felt a small, gentle touch on her hand.
The nurse laid the swaddled baby next to her. The child whimpered and rooted about, opening her tiny mouth. Lily at last looked upon her daughter.
That small, helpless face peered up through squinted eyes, reaching for her, little arms clutching at Lilys chest.
There you are, Mum. Feed your little one, the doctor smiled. Seeing Lily tremble at the sight of her baby softened her heart.
Shes beautiful, and she needs you. Not some strangers, understand?
Flooded with tears, Lily embraced her daughter and nodded.
For the next hours, Lily recovered with the girl tucked by her side, unable to look away.
So awakened her mothers love.
This is what gives my life meaningmy daughter. Never mind that Edward is gone or my father failing. My little girl needs me, and so Ill stay for her.
***
Lily was pulled from sleep by Mays voice.
May, now in a dressing gown, entered and appraised Lily lying in the hospital bed.
Have you forgotten our agreement? she murmured. You promised youd sign her away after birth. The adoptive couple are waiting.
Aunt May, Ive changed my mind. Im not giving her up.
You havent a farthing, Lily. Youve nowhere to go. What will you do?
Ill go home. Ill manage. I wont trouble you any longer.
Mays face sharpened to a cruel grimace.
Have you gone mad? With what money will you care for her? What, beg on the streets?
Her daughter woke, wailing at Mays shouting. Lily got up to comfort her.
Dont touch! Ill give her a bottle. Tell the nurses youve no milk, May declared.
Lily shook her head.
Youve no say here. Shes my daughter and I told youIm keeping her!
You cant! You promised! May spluttered, wild-eyed.
Leave.
May stalked out. From the neighbouring bed, Lilys ward-mate spoke up.
Who was that?
My aunt.
Good heavens. Dont listen to her. You did right, sending her packing. Im Clara, by the way. If you ever need anything, Ill helptheres kindness left in this world.
Im Lily.
Nice to meet you. You know, I thought for a moment she meant to bundle off your baby. Shes very odd.
***
Just before discharge, Lily was summoned to the corridor.
There, Sarah, her ex-friend, waited anxiously, her own belly round.
Hello.
Lily sat with care, Sarah beside her.
I heard you had the baby?
Yes, a girl.
Sarah seemed nervous.
Look, you know Mums found a couple wholl adopt your child. Theyre very nice, well-off, would do anything for her.
She squeezed Lilys hand.
Theyre offering you ten thousand pounds. Imagine ityou could buy a little flat or put down money for a home.
Lily nodded. A whole ten grand? Well, if youre that concerned, give them your own child, not mine.
Sarah pouted but clung to Lilys sleeve.
Wait, Lily. Give her to me. Ill look after her, since shes Edwards daughter too.
You think you could manage two?
You dont understand, Lily. My whole familys unravelling!
Lily pulled away, intending to leave. Sarahs grip tightened, her eyes wild.
I need this baby, Lily!
Let me go.
Some hours later, Edward himself barged in, and Lily recoiled.
Youve given birth? May I see?
No, and youd best save your attention for Sarahs baby arriving soon.
We need to talk. Since she was born, I cant think straight. I want to take the childif you give her up, Ill legally adopt her.
Lily shook her head.
Im not like you. I wont abandon anyone who needs me. No, you cant have her. You shouldnt have come.
Edward, too, was oddly insistent.
Give her here! You had no right to have my child! Ill take whats mine, one way or another.
You? Mummys darling? Go ask your mothers permission first.
Lily shoved him aside, took up her daughter, and appealed to the nurses.
Would you mind not letting anyone in to see me? I dont want visitors. Its like Piccadilly Circus in here!
Epilogue
On discharge day, Lily left hospital with her baby in her arms.
Her ward-mate Clara left too, welcomed by her husband and mother.
Standing on the steps, Lily spotted the Smiths car. Out stepped Edwards mother, Valerie, scrutinising Lily through narrowed eyes.
A chill ran down Lilys spine.
Valerie looked at her like a she-wolf about to pounce.
Clara noticed and stood by Lilys side.
Whos that, Lily?
Edwards parents.
Theyre watching you like a hawk. This feels all wrong. I told you, my mothers room is ready for youcome home with us.
Lily agreed, for she too felt uneasy.
***
Staying with Claras family brought Lily unexpected happinessClaras cousin, John, a lifelong bachelor, began courting her.
John was kind and loyal, soon marrying Lily and adopting her daughter as his own. He even lent a hand to her failing father.
As for Sarah and Edward, their union ended.
It turned out Sarah had feigned pregnancy, strapping on a false belly to fool the entire Smith family.
May, desperate to keep up appearances, confessed to her son-in-law that Sarah had suffered a miscarriage months ago. She proposed they quietly adopt Lilys child instead.
Edward, dont be cross with Sarah. Yes, she lost her baby, but youre not blameless yourself. We both know your child is about to be born elsewhere. Why not just take Lilys baby? Officially adopt her. Shes practically yours. To spare your parents worry, well keep quiet about the miscarriage and pretend Sarah gave birth. Take the child, and well say shes Sarahs.
Edward agreed with the planuntil Lily refused to give up her daughter. This left Sarah and her mother in a true bind.
Valerie, Edwards mother, furious at the deception, threw Sarah out and demanded Edward divorce her.
And so, looking back now, I realise that amidst hunger, heartbreak, and the duplicity of those I once called friend, a mothers devotion triumphed, and lifeagainst the oddsbegan anew.
