Emily watches the rain through the kitchen window a gentle summer drizzle that hasnt quite let the sun go. She waits for her daughter Lucy to come home from work, having just arrived herself, thinking about what to cook for dinner.
She ponders, When Lucy grows up and starts dating, I dont like her boyfriend Dean. Hes older, seems shady, never looks me in the eye. How do I tell Lucy? Shes truly falling in love for the first time; if I ruin this, Ill become her worst enemy. Ive tried hinting that Dean isnt right for her, but she brushes me off. If only Id known the proper way to say it.
Emily raised Lucy alone; she never married. While studying in her third year at university, she dated Tom, another student. He never finished his degree the university expelled him at the end of his third year. Emily had been thrilled, thinking she was pregnant, and decided to tell him.
I havent thought of anything else, Tom snapped. How would I know the baby is mine? I dont want children. He walked away.
Emily is stunned. She never gets a chance to explain that she has no other support, that Tom is the only man she ever trusted. He simply disappears, ignoring her at university while flirting with other girls. Then the university dismisses him.
Helen, Lucys grandmother, asks, Whats wrong, love? when she sees Lucy sobbing in her bedroom.
Its happened, Mum. Tom left me and Im pregnant, Lucy blurts.
What? Ive warned you countless times to think with your head. Youre in your third year; finish your studies, dont raise a child now. It will ruin your life and I wont help you. Youre an adult; you must own your decisions. Helens tone is cold, her stare cutting deeper than any words. Emily realises theres no help coming from her own mother.
The next day Emily goes to the GP. The waiting room is almost empty; a young woman with a swollen belly sits with her sixyearold daughter. When the door opens, the mother gets up, holding her stomach.
Hold on a moment, love, Ill be right back, she says, hurrying inside.
The little girl sits beside Emily. The clinic is dull for children, so the girl starts looking at the posters on the wall, then turns to Emily. She has freckles on her nose, bright eyes, and wiggles her legs. Their eyes meet and the girl smiles.
Auntie, why do you look sad? Are you ill? she asks.
No, Im not ill. Its just, Emily says, not wanting to explain her turmoil.
Do you have any kids? the girl asks.
No Emily replies.
Its a pity. My mum says children are happiness. Im her happiness, she tells me that even when Im naughty she still loves me. She also says we should always smile and never cry. Yesterday Mike tugged my braid and I cried, but Mum told me to smile. I did, and Mike gave me a candy. Now were friends again.
Emily feels a warm grin spread across her face. The childs honesty and innocence melt something inside her.
What am I doing here? Even if Tom left and my own mother opposes, I wont give up, Emily thinks.
The girls mother exits, they smile at each other and hold hands. The sight fills Emily with such warmth and strength that she darts out of the clinic, her feet guiding her to Kate, her motherinlaw. Although Helen and Kate have not spoken since the divorce, Emily still visits Kate, who dotes on her granddaughter.
Come, love. Even if your mum objects, Ill help you. You can stay with me. Youll manage, and Ill be here for you. No guilt, just gratitude later, Kate says, patting Lucys head.
Emily snaps back to the present, whispering, Grandma was right. Lucy is my joy, my whole life. I cant imagine living without her.
She hears the key turn in the front door; Lucy steps in, wiping tears from her cheeks.
Sweetheart, whats wrong? Sit down and tell me, Emily says, guiding Lucy to a chair at the kitchen table.
Dean? Lucy asks, her voice trembling.
Yes, Emily replies. Lucy bursts into fresh sobs, the panic rising again.
Emily hands her a glass of water; Lucy drinks, while Emily rubs her shoulder. The mother holds Lucy tightly, and for a moment Emily feels tears well up too. Lucys eyes are red and swollen, but she eventually calms.
Lucy reveals that Dean is married, his wife lives in another city. Emily had sensed Deans secretive nature when they met; he answered questions reluctantly, his evasiveness confirming her intuition.
Mum, hes married, Lucy finally says through tears.
You didnt suspect? Emily asks.
No, Mum his wife lives in another town and hes on a longterm work assignment here, renting a flat. I never saw another woman when I visited. I only found out when his wife showed up unexpectedly, grabbed his phone in the bathroom and read our messages, spotting my number.
Emily feels a strange relief rather than tragedy. She trusts that Lucy will find true love later.
What happened next? Emily presses.
The wife called me, we met at a café. She didnt tell Dean about us, just asked me to leave him alone for the sake of their two kids. It felt like a bolt from the blue, Lucy explains, now steadier.
Dont blame yourself, love. Hes a deceitful man, thank God you discovered it. If youd known he was married youd never have dated him, Emily says.
Of course, Mum. I told his wife I wont contact Dean and I blocked him, Lucy declares.
Good girl, Emily praises.
Emily knows this isnt the first nor the last scoundrel shell face, but it hurts her daughter.
What about Dean? Did he try to speak to you?
He called recently, but I told him Im done and put him on a block list, Lucy replies.
Your feelings are raw, but you did the right thing, Emily comforts.
Lucy sobs again, then whispers, Mum, I also need to tell you Im pregnant
How far along? Helen asks calmly, the question pulling a buried worry to the surface.
About two months, Lucy murmurs, eyes downcast.
The words strike Emilys heart hard. The cycle repeats. She looks at her grown daughter, the one she never let break, and knows Lucy needs her support now more than ever.
Itll be alright, love. Ill help you. This child is ours, our grandchild. Well love them together. Im here for everything you need.
Mum, youre the best. I knew youd say that, Lucy says.
Nothing will stop us, Emily replies.
Time passes and Emily meets Lucy holding a tiny newborn boy, swaddled in a beige blanket with a blue ribbon. They arrive home to a nursery full of balloons and flowers; Kate has prepared everything for the little grandson and her beloved daughter. A crib, a pram, and rattles are already set up. Emily and Lucy smile at each other, feeling happiness flood their home. After all, the happy always wear a smile.
