**Diary Entry 16th May**
Mum, Uncle Alex doesnt like me.
What are you saying, sweetheart? Laura crouched down in front of her daughter. Uncle Alex adores you. Look at the doll he bought youwould he do that if he didnt care?
The little girl frowned. There was logic in her mums words, but shed heard it herself!
He said it, Mum! He said I ruin everything and get in the way!
Emily kept her composure, knowing how hard it was for her daughter to accept her new partner. Surely she was just imagining things.
Thats not true. Uncle Alex loves you very much. Dont make things up.
The girl sniffled before darting out of the room, leaving Laura upset.
She and Sophies father had divorced two years ago. He hadnt been the worst dad, but he was a terrible husband. Laura had stayed far too long, trying to save the marriagefor Sophie, who adored him. But when he cheated, that was the final straw. She suspected it wasnt his first time.
She packed his things and handed him the suitcase when he got home from work.
Whats this? he asked, confused.
Its over. Were done. Take your things and leave, she snapped. That day, Sophie had been sent to her grandmothers to spare her the argument.
Later, Laura explained that Dad wouldnt live with them anymore, but shed still see him. Sophie had just turned fivetoo young to truly understand.
At first, her father did visittaking her out, bringing gifts. Laura never interfered; she was glad for it. But soon, his enthusiasm faded. Now he saw Sophie once a month, if that. Especially since hed gotten a new girlfriendhis child was no longer a priority.
Laura remained single for ages, distrusting men after everything.
Then she met Alex.
He seemed dependablesmiling, kind. He wasnt fazed when he learned she had a daughter. He got along famously with Sophiebuying sweets, giving presents. Laura was overjoyed. Finding a caring man was hard enough, but one whod accept her child? Nearly impossible.
Sophie, though, was wary. She never invited him to play, barely spoke to him. So when she claimed Uncle Alex didnt love her, Laura wasnt entirely surprised.
Seven was the age when children started growing up. She was probably jealous, afraid her dad would vanish completely now that Mum had someone new.
Laura knew they needed to talk, but not while Sophie was upset. Let her cool down.
That evening, Sophie asked to stay with Granny. Laura agreedshed be happy there. And she wouldnt mind some time alone with Alex.
Granny noticed something was off. Normally, Sophie was lively, full of gamestoday, she was quiet, brooding.
Whats wrong, love?
Mum doesnt believe me. But she believes Uncle Alex!
What happened, dear?
When Granny learned Laura had a new man, shed been pleased. Her daughter was youngno need to give up on love after one bad relationship. But she worried about Sophie. How would she adjust? And more importantlyhow would this man adjust to her?
When Laura moved in with Alex months ago, Granny always asked Sophie if things were okay. The girl just nodded, never elaboratingwhich made sense. These things took time. But tonight, hearing what Sophie had to say, Grannys heart ached. Her fears werent unfounded.
Uncle was home, Mum went to the shop, and I went to play outside. When I came back, he didnt hear mehe was on the phone. But I heard him. He told someone everything was great with Mumif only it werent for her daughter annoying him. Me. And he hoped Id stay at Grannys more often instead of home.
Did you tell Mum? Granny asked, stroking her hair.
I tried! But she said I mustve imagined itbecause Uncle Alex buys me presents, so he must love me!
Oh, goodness, Granny sighed. Dont worry, well sort this out.
Maybe I should just live with you? Sophie whispered. If Im in the way
Well talk about it. And trust me, you could never be in the way for your mum.
Once Sophie was asleep, Granny stepped into the kitchen and dialled Lauras number. It took a few ringsshe and Alex were having dinner, lost in each other.
Whats wrong, Mum? Is Sophie alright? It was lateunusual for Granny to call.
Are you alone or with him?
Were eating, Laura said, glancing at him.
Go to another room. We need to talk.
Lauras worry deepened, but she obeyed. Stepping onto the balcony, she inhaled the cool air and repeated her question.
Sophie told me what she heard Alex say about her.
Laura rolled her eyes. Mum always overreacted.
Shes jealous, making things up. Ill talk to her, dont worry.
Did you even try to listen? Granny pressed.
Laura admitted she hadnt. Shed dismissed Sophie the moment she spoke.
Granny repeated everything. Laura felt sick hearing it. Still, she struggled to believe it. Alex had always been kind to Sophie. But kindness wasnt acceptance. If they were to build a future, he had to understandLaura and Sophie were a package deal. Sophie wasnt going anywhere.
Ill figure it out, Laura murmured.
She stayed on the balcony a while longer, thinking. Then she decided to simply ask Alex. If he hadnt said it, shed know.
Back in the kitchen, he looked up. Everything alright? Sophie okay?
He sounded concernednot for Sophie, but because her absence meant their alone time would end. He could barely contain his irritation at the girl lately. Even watching TV was impossible with her around.
She heard what you said, Laura said flatly. That she annoys you. That youd rather she lived with Granny.
She hoped for shock. Instead, she saw fearand the scramble for excuses.
Thats ridiculous, he said, gripping his wine glass. I never said that.
She sighed. It hurt. Shed thought shed found the right manone whod embrace her child, who understood the responsibility. But that wasnt the case. And maybe it never would be.
Dont lie.
It wasnt like that! I just meant I wanted more time with youthats all!
She kicked him out that night. His parting words were cruelpredicting shed end up alone forever.
When Sophie returned and found Uncle Alex gone, she blinked in surprise.
What happened?
I decided were just fine on our own, Laura smiled sadly. Who needs anyone else? And know thisIll always be on your side. You can tell me anything. Im sorry I didnt listen before.
Years later, when Sophie turned thirteen, Laura would meet a man worthy of them bothone her daughter would love. But for now, it was just the two of them, knowing nothing mattered more than this bond.