Now youll have your own childtime to send her back to the orphanage.
When will my son finally get himself an heir? Margaret frowned, annoyance etched across her face as she stared at her daughter-in-law sitting at the kitchen table.
You know as well as I do that weve been trying for three years, Alice replied with a heavy sigh. Every visit began this way, the same accusatory question. What could she possibly say? The specialists had assured her and David there were no problems with either of them.
Exactly my point. Married all this time, and still no child to show for it. Margarets mouth curled into a thin, contemptuous smile. I suppose you had quite a wild youth, didnt you?
Margarets insinuations made Alices hands tremble with anger. She snapped her laptop shut. Work was hopeless today. Ive never given you reason to think such a thing, and Id thank you not to speak to me like that!
Oh? And what if I dont? Will you run and tell David on me? Margarets tone grew mocking. Arent you worried he might take my side? I *am* his mother, after all.
The answer was a resounding slam of the door. Of course, Alice wasnt going to complain to Davidnot out of fear hed side with his mother, but because she didnt want to upset him with more family drama.
**************************************
Alices relationship with her mother-in-law had been sour from the start. Margaret disapproved of everything about her: too plain, not dressed well enough, couldnt cook to her taste the list was endless. Margaret made no secret of wishing David would choose someone fitting, but thankfully, David knew how to stand his ground.
Theyd married, and Margaret seemed to calm down a littleprobably helped by the fact that the newlyweds moved into a flat on the other side of London, far from the family home.
But it didnt take six months for Margaret to find a new complaint: the lack of grandchildren.
At first, Alice managed to laugh it off, claiming they needed time for themselves, wanted to build their careers. Margaret would counter sharply that babies should come sooner rather than laterand more than one, if possible.
Eventually, Alice gave in to the relentless pressure. And thats when problems began. For three long years, Alice underwent test after test, took various medications, desperate for resultsbut nothing changed.
One doctor gently suggested that perhaps stress was to blame. Margaret burst out laughing when she heard this: Change your doctor, not your attitude, dear.
************************************
After another painful encounter with her mother-in-law, Alice sat scrolling through her social feed, trying to distract herself. Every photo of babies pulled at her heartstrings. She truly wanted a childnot for Margarets approval, but for herself.
A post caught her eye: a woman working at a childrens home, describing the countless little ones who had no family.
Alice paused. Could she love someone elses child as her own? She pictured a beaming baby, arms outstretched towards her. With a determined breath, Alice pulled the keyboard closer and started researching.
There were endless forms to fill, health checks to pass, bureaucracy to trudge throughbut her longing for a child was stronger than her fear.
She just needed Davids agreement. Nervous, Alice broached the ideaand was surprised at how easily he said yes. He even suggested adopting an infant, as young as possible. And so, they did.
After months of waiting, their family grew by one: tiny, five-month-old Emily, who stole their hearts the moment they laid eyes on her. Margaret alone voiced protest, but for once, no one cared for her opinion. David even threatened to move away if Margaret didnt stop her scenesforcing her into reluctant silence and a display of grandmotherly affection in public.
Seven years passed. Emily finished her first year of school, surrounded by friends. She was sweet, bright, and full of life. Alices love for her daughter knew no bounds.
That summer, the family journeyed to the Cornish coast; golden sand, gentle sun, and warm wavesthe picture of happiness, especially with Margaret far away, unable to reach them.
Towards the end of their holiday, Alice started to feel unwell, though she kept quiet to avoid worrying her loved ones. Back in London, she decided it was best to visit the doctor immediately.
David, ever perceptive, noticed her discomfort and insisted they cut their holiday short, promising to bring the family back at Christmas. Alice reluctantly agreed.
The results caught them both by surprisedelighted surprise. Alice was pregnant. Emily, delighted most of all, was already trying to step into the role of big sister.
Margaret didnt find out until a few months later, when Alices pregnancy was obvious. Seizing her chance when she found Alice alone, Margaret turned up unannounced.
I wont bother asking why you didnt tell me earlier, Margaret said brusquely, eyes fixed on Alices rounded stomach. I have a different question.
Alice, a sense of dread building, asked, What is it?
When will you return Emily to the childrens home? Margaret spoke without a hint of irony. Now youll have your own, its time for the foundling to go back.
Alice stared, stunned, trembling. How could anyone say such a thing about a child*her* child?
Are you serious?
Margaret sniffed, meeting her gaze coldly. Completely. So, when?
Get out, Alice hissed, barely able to hold herself back. And dont you ever set foot in this house again.
She all but shoved Margaret out the door before collapsing inside, reeling. Should she ring David? He had an important business meeting today but she knew shed have to tell him.
*******************************************
Margaret stormed straight to her sons office, ignoring the receptionist and barging right in.
That wife of yours threw me out like a common criminal!
Hello to you too, David replied, exasperated. What on earth did you say to make my patient wife snap?
I just asked when youll be sending that girl back. At last youll have a proper child. That will take a great deal of your attention and, frankly, your money.
David crushed the pen in his hand, fury twisting his face. How could you even suggest such a hideous thing? Were never giving up Emily. Shes my daughterwhether you like it or not.
Margaret stared back, defiant. Why should she be? Shes adopted, and already old enough to understand if you explain things sensibly.
Dont dare say a word to her, David growled, flinging the broken pen aside and slamming his fist on the desk. Did you hear me?
And just how will you stop me? Margaret retorted, rising from her chair. Theres no room for that girl in our family. Ill make sure of it.
She swept out, leaving David staring at the closed door, lost in troubled thought. His secretary hovered apologetically, but he scarcely noticed. At last, he made his decision. David reached for the phone.
**************************************
Alice wandered through the park, watching with a tender smile as Emily gently spun around her toddling little brother. Emily had embraced her new role as big sister with earnest joy.
On a nearby bench, two ladies discussed their own daughters-in-law over cups of tea. Alices thoughts drifted to Margaret, unbidden.
Since that dreadful visit, they hadnt seen her again. Within a week, David had moved the family across the country to Yorkshire, realising it was the only way to protect Emily from Margarets spite. He knew his mother would think nothing of telling the world that Emily had been adopted.
Now peace reigned. They had their precious daughter, their little son, and another on the way.
David occasionally phoned his father, who let him know Margaret hadnt changedshed only shifted her attention to tormenting his recently married sister. David sympathised, but it seemed his sister didnt mind her mothers interference.
So be it. They had their life; he had his. Looking at his family now, David felt nothing but joy. He could only wish others the same happiness.
