The Crystal Kitten

The Crystal Kitten

Three sisters by the window

Mum, that’s just like you and your sisters, isnt it?

Eleanor sighed. Almost. Are you planning on sleeping tonight at all? I’ve got work to finish, and youll be falling asleep at your party tomorrow.

Oh! Right, off to sleep! Molly burrowed under her duvet, then popped her button nose out again. Will there be balloons? Is Ella coming? Are

Eleanor bundled her daughter into the covers and kissed her soundly despite muffled protests. None of that! Time to sleep. Youll find out everything tomorrow!

She put Mollys favourite teddy in her outstretched arms, switched on the nightlightMolly was still afraid of the dark at tenand left, ensuring a warm glow lit the hallway.

Eleanor padded downstairs, closed the kitchen door behind her, and fired up her laptop. There was plenty on her plate, but for a moment she simply sat in the hush, gathering her thoughts. Tomorrow would be a long day. Not just because of Mollys birthday and the endless details to arrange. Eleanor didnt mind the chaos; she loved special occasions, especially for her daughter. Tomorrow, though, relatives would descendand that she could have done without. With a brisk shake of her head, Eleanor reached for the kettle. Best get onworry about things as they come. For now, the annual financial report wouldnt finish itself.

She set her mug of tea by the laptop and pulled out a thick file of paperwork. Sometimes she was thankful shed taken her grandmothers advice and become an accountant. Had she chosen marine biology, as she once dreamed, life would have been far more adventurousbut who could say what certainties shed have had? For a moment Eleanor shut her eyes and pictured the sea. Almost soon enough, she and Molly would be off on holiday. Provided nothing else cropped up. She exhaled, opened her eyes, and dove into her work.

Eleanor was born into the Clifton family, the much-adored daughter of Margaret and Andrew Clifton. After years of waiting, her arrival was celebrated by grandparents and parents alike.

You must have another, so theyve someone to play with! the grannies insisted, and Margaret listened.

The middle sister, Daisy, was born not long after Eleanor. Best friends in childhood, the two were as close as peas in a podand endlessly competitive. At first, this only meant spurring each other on, each striving to outdo the others achievements. They celebrated each other’s successes and their mother Margaret, keen to keep the peace, reminded them daily: Youll never know anyone closer than your own sister. She managed to get Eleanor and Daisy assigned the same class in school. On the first day, the girls nudged each others new shoes under the desk. Dont worry, I’m right here! Eleanor was the more anxious; she carried a seriousness about her from the start. Daisy, by contrast, could abandon her half-finished maths homework and start counting magpies out the window. But if Eleanor set to work, she wouldnt stop until everything was done.

Elle, wheres your maths book? Youve done the sumslet me copy them so we can go out!

Do them yourself! Or Mrs Browning will split us up again next test, and youll be stuck! Eleanor retrieved her notebook. Want help with the topic?

Daisy would snort and sulkbut never for long. Soon enough, shed be tugging Eleanors sleeve, begging to go ice skating or to feed the ducks at the pond.

Theyd just started Year Six when the youngest, Lucy, arrived. Margaret hadnt planned on having a third; two was plenty, she thought. The unexpected news of another baby left her unsettled.

Starting all over again! Andrew, Im not a spring chicken anymoreIm tired.

But youve got two helpers now, love, and Ill be here. Maybe its a boy this time! Can you imagine?

No such luck. Lucy was borndemanding, noisy, and so unlike her sisters that Margaret was thrown at first. But it wasnt long before Eleanor and Daisy realised: Lucy was running the show now.

Margaret was struck by how different late motherhood was. With her first two, shed mostly craved peace and quiet. With Lucy, she threw herself into mothering and pushed everything else to the sideincluding the older girls. Before long, errands and chores filled their days; Margaret seemed less interested in what was going on in their lives. She didnt notice the moment a black cat crossed between Eleanor and Daisy.

That cat had a nameSimon. He lived on the street behind theirs and meant nothing to either of them till Eleanor turned sixteen. Rushing home from netball, Eleanor was intercepted by Simon in the estate car park.

Eleanor, got a minute? I need to talk to you, he murmured, shuffling under her calm grey gaze.

Eleanor looked at him a moment, then smiled gently. Im in a rushMums waiting. Six oclock in front of my flat?

Simons face lit up and he nodded. I like you!

I gathered, her silvery laugh chimed under the lime trees, and off Eleanor ran.

Who to tell about her first flutter, that moment when a boy became suddenly not-a-stranger but some strange union of friend and more? Her awkward first date, the nerves, the thrill of a first kissshe told Daisy, eventually, after Daisy pestered her endlessly.

Daisy never could explain to herself why she suddenly wanted Simons attention too. Shed never much liked him, but now it felt like the only thing that mattered.

Eleanor noticed nothing until it was too late. Upon seeing Daisy and Simon kissing in the park, she walked by in silence. At home, Eleanor locked herself in her room, ignoring Lucys shouts from the corridor.

Eleanor! Why are you like this? Let Lucy in immediately! Margaret rapped indignantly on the door.

Eleanor was always the good one. She opened up, but when Margaret saw her eldests face, her heart lurched. Gently ushering Lucy away, Margaret shut the door and turned to Eleanor, nearly in tears.

What is it, love? Please tell me.

Mum, it hurts. Eleanor wrapped her arms around herself. Why? Why would Daisy do that?

Once Margaret unravelled what happened, she hugged Eleanor close. My darling girl. How can I help?

Eleanor stared dry-eyed out the window. She couldnt say what burned inside her; how could you put words to such pain?

Help me pack. I need to stay at Grans for a while. I cant be here.

Fresh from hockey training, Daisy breezed into the flat and nearly bumped into Eleanor with her suitcase.

Where are you off to?

Eleanor pushed past in silence and left for good. Wiping her tears, Margaret gave Daisy a hearty slap.

How could you?!

Daisy, clutching her cheek, watched her mother, little Lucy in tow, slam their door so hard the crystals tinkled on the lounge chandelier.

The Cliftons werent the type to hold grudges. A week or two passed, then Margaret started speaking to Daisy. But it was two years before Eleanor could bear to talk to her again. Perhaps it would have been longer, but it was Margarets illness that drew the sisters back together, united against a common fate.

Im so sorry Daisy stared at her trembling handsthey shook so she couldnt even make a fist. They sat on a hospital bench, waiting for the operation to finish.

Dont dwell on the past Eleanor turned to her.

And Daisy knew her sister might have forgiven her, but would never forget.

Daisy reached over, surprised her fingers obeyed her, and squeezed Eleanors wrist. Eleanor did not move away, but she didnt respond either. So they sat, hour after hour, until their dad appeared and announced all had gone wellthe only thing was to wait.

The sisters split their timeEleanor made several weekly visits to help out and mind Lucy. It was then she first realised how unruly Lucy was becoming. No one had influence over her; she did as she pleased, paying no mind to parents or sisters.

Margaret recovered, and life drew the sisters to different corners. Eleanor moved to Southampton to look after her fathers motherher Granand ended up staying. Gran died a year after Eleanor moved in, leaving her a spacious flat.

Make yourself a life, my girl. And trust your own choiceseven your nearest and dearest may forget you when their own interests are at stake.

Eleanor smiled dryly. No one needed to tell her that. But she kept her troubles from Gran.

A few years later she marriedno family, no guests. In fact, there wasnt even a proper wedding. She and Arthur simply signed the register, went out to dinner, and called it a day. Arthur had no family; Eleanor didnt invite hers.

Their marriage was peaceful and content; the only sadness was their lack of children. Both longed for a child, but month after month, nothing happened. Doctors only shruggednothing was wrong with either of them.

Well just have to wait for a miracle! Eleanor said, ever hopeful.

As time passed, they considered adopting from a childrens centrebut fate had something else in store.

Eleanor kept up with her family mostly through brief letters or cards. Once or twice, she and Arthur visited Margaret and Andrew, but Arthur never fit in, and Eleanor put an end to her familys interference.

I chose him, Mum. Youll have to accept that.

Oh, my darling, your life is yours. Still, with your looks, your educationyou could have had anyone

Eleanor could never make her mother see that no one could be better for her than Arthur. She felt calm and happy with him. Eleanor had become chief accountant at a big local firm, and Arthur worked as a driverbut there was never any question of who was in charge. They were simply happy together. Arthur doted on her when she was ill, helped around the house, never hesitating to cook or wash up.

You lucked out with your man! Daisy would sigh, as she chased her eldest around and juggled her baby daughter. If only I had help! I do everything myself, and all my husband ever does is criticise!

Eleanor tuned out her sisters grumbling; she knew Daisy was happy, all the same. Lucy, however, was another matter entirely.

Lucy blossomed into a beautyif anything, too captivating. Her sisters were attractive, but Lucy made heads turn.

Lucys our queen! Margaret would beam, as Lucy lounged indifferently in an armchair watching her sisters set the table for their parents anniversary. Lucy hated family gatherings, only tolerating the required ten minutes before slipping out, despite her parents disappointment. She didnt care in the least.

Finishing her A-levels, Lucy declared she was done with school. I’m going to be a model! she announced, then set about her new life. She hadnt reckoned on how hard shed have to workit was hardly the easy ride she expected. Bored, she soon moved in with the first businessman who charmed herdespite knowing he was married, with kids. When Margaret tried in vain to intervene, Lucy snapped:

Stay out of my life, or Ill cut you off. Im going to do things my way and thats final!

Lucy wanted a lot, but got very little. Seeking to hold onto her lover, she became pregnant, not realising it might spell the end of her fairy tale. And thats precisely what happened. Lucy argued and pleadedshe even tried to enlighten her lovers wife. But the woman merely looked her up and down and replied:

My dear, youre not the firstand you certainly wont be the last. Im his wife. He wont leave me.

Oh, youre that sure, are you? Lucy was incensedthis pale, mousy woman radiated something Lucy couldnt explain.

Its not arrogance. Its experience. You’re not the first to come to me like this. But do what you pleasewe have two children together. If you want your baby, have itbut dont expect anything. Thats not just me speaking as his wife, but as a solicitor.

That ended the conversation. Furious, Lucy paced the flat waiting for her lover to come home, determined to fight for her future. When he arrived, his words floored her.

Sort yourself out. Ill pay the rent and child support. Dont expect to see me again. The childs yoursdont ever bring them to my door. Im done.

Lucy stared in shock at the door that had just shut on all her plans. Until now, she had always got what she wanted. But now

Lost in her battle, she let the time pass, and before she knew it, Molly was born. From the first days, Margaret took over entirely. Lucy spiralled; some days she was a whirlwind of maternal energy, refusing to let anyone but Margaret near the baby, only to disappear for days on end, leaving her parents desperately searching. The absences grew longer, until one night Margaret’s world was torn apartLucy was killed in a car accident after a rowdy party.

Shattered, Margaret withdrew completely, unable to care for the baby, lost in her grief. Andrew tried to keep everything together, but struggled, finally asking Daisy for help.

Ive got enough on as it is, Dad. I cant take another child!

So Andrew called Eleanor.

She didnt hesitatedidnt ask a single question, just took compassionate leave and came at once. A month later, all the paperwork was in order and Eleanor brought her year-old niece home to Southampton. Only Eleanors parents and Daisy knew Molly was not her daughter. As she completed the adoption, Arthur sold their flat and hurried through the last bits of building work on their new house.

Arthur, youre a marvel! Its exactly what I wanted! Eleanor wandered the rooms, dreaming of a fresh start.

Little Molly filled their life with the joy and meaning theyd longed fora lively, cheerful, bright-as-a-bell girl, who brought sunshine to every day. Nine years flew by in a twinkling.

Eleanor barely spoke to her family during that timea few gatherings on major holidays, where she always felt under scrutiny. Margaret, never recovered from Lucys loss, had grown almost unbearable.

Youve got her now! Well, lets see how you manage! Off you whisked herever think of settling near your mum?

Eleanor let the barbs slide, pitying her mother. She knew as sad as it was, if something happened to Eleanor or Daisy, her mother would have coped. But Lucyher golden girlwas different.

Still, Margaret thawed when she looked at Molly, so like her lost mother.

Shes such a beautiful child, shed say, dabbing at her eyes, giving Eleanor a stern look. Dont stifle her! Let her be happy!

Eleanor would squeeze Arthurs hand under the table, begging him not to react to the biting comments.

Leave it, shed mouth. The storm would pass.

Why not just sort things out and say your piece, Elle? Arthur would ask.

I dont know. I just feel sorry for Mum. Its not malice, just pain.

But why must you put up with it? Arthur would reply, pulling her close.

Well, who else is there? Shes only got me now.

And if she tries the same tricks with Molly?

I dont think she would. She wouldnt hurt Lucys child.

And Eleanor was right. However much resentment she poured onto Eleanor, Margaret never said a word to Molly. She could see how happy the child was, and painful as it was knowing Molly called Eleanor Mum, Margaret kept silent, not wanting to shatter the girls world.

Eleanor turned off her laptop and stretched. Goodnessit was after midnight! She sipped the dregs of cold tea, went to the window, and wished Arthur was home. His business trip had come at the worst time, but hed be back tomorrow. Maybe hed miss the main festivities, but hed make it for dinner. She wondered what surprise hed bring Molly. Hed just laughed when she asked.

You’ll see! Youre both going to love it!

Eleanor smiled, grateful yet again for her husband, and went to bed.

Mum! Happy birthday to me! Molly bounded onto the bed, smothering Eleanor with kisses. And you, too! Congratulations on me!

Thank you! Eleanor hugged her tight. Happy birthday, sweetheart. Wishing you health and happiness, my love.

Molly snuggled against her mum and sighed contentedly. Am I grown-up now?

You are! Ten whole years! But you know what?

What?

To me, youre still just a little girl! Eleanor grinned.

Let me stay little! Grown-ups dont get as much love!

Oh, is that so? And who here doesnt love you?

Eleanor tickled her, making Molly squeal and wriggle.

All right, time for gifts! Eleanor reached for her bedside table. I’ve something special for you.

She handed Molly a tiny box. Gently!

Molly opened it, eyes wide. Mumits the one, isnt it?

It is. Eleanor nodded.

Molly removed a small crystal kitten from the boxshe knew her grandfather Andrew had once given it to Eleanor.

For the eldest daughter Thats what Granddad said, did he?

Exactly.

Thank you! Ive always hoped itd be mine. Molly stroked the kittens delicate ears. But Im your only daughter, arent I?

Eleanor smiled, and Molly searched her face.

Really? The whisper was barely audible. Eleanor nodded, and Molly leapt up, kitten clutched tight, and shouted, Hooray! Im going to be a big sister! Mum, who is it?

Dont know yet, darling.

Eleanor watched her daughter bouncing with joy and felt tears prick her eyes. She and Arthur had waited so many years for this.

Molly suddenly paused, turning to Eleanor. Thats the best present you could ever give me!

Eleanor threw off the duvet and got up.

Molly started dancing again as Eleanor pulled a big box from the wardrobe.

This ones for you, too.

The beautiful new dress made Molly twirl before the mirror. When is everyone coming, Mum?

Eleanor glanced at the clock and gasped. We overslept! Quick, well have to rush.

They made it, and by noon, Molly, resplendent, was greeting her guests, her laughter echoing down the hallway.

How are things? Margaret slumped into an armchair, eyeing Eleanor.

All fine, Mum. Molly did brilliantly this year. Straight As. Music school as well. Shes an absolute delight.

Well, appreciate this blessing. She came to you for a reason.

Eleanor sighedtalking to her mother grew more difficult each year. Thankfully, Daisy wandered in, juggling stories of her kids and husband, her tales half complaints, half pride. Eleanor, as usual, only half-listened, noting Daisys eldest, Ella, had finished the year on top marks, while Victor had just become the local boxing champ.

Suddenly, Mollys wail shattered the chatter. Eleanor raced to the playroom. Her daughter stood midpoint, sobbing, her white dress marred with stains. Eleanors breath caught; she gently held Mollys shaking hands.

Daisy! First aid kittop of the fridge! Quick! Bandages!

Everyone bustled about in panic except for Ella, who sat quietly in the corner, glowering at Molly.

Molly, darling, what happened? Eleanors voice trembled.

Its not fair! Shes lying! Lying!

Whos lying? Eleanor struggled to make sense of it.

The cuts were luckily shallow. Once Mollys hands were bandaged and she changed, Eleanor took her onto her lap in the quiet of her bedroom.

Tell me, sweetheart. What happened?

At first Molly only hid her face in her mothers chest. But after a time, she looked up with those same grey eyes of EleanorsEleanor cradled Molly, stroking her hair. After a while, Mollys words tumbled out, wet and messy.

I was showing Ella the crystal kitten andshe said it wasnt really mine. She said neither am I. Molly hiccuped. She said I dont belong.

A thousand sharp needles pressed Eleanors heart. She steadied her voice. You do belong, dearest. You belong with us, always.

But she said Im not really your daughter! She saidsaid you took me because nobody else would. Tears rolled anew. Is it true?

Eleanor pulled Molly closer, feeling the weight of secrets, the ache of family history. Finally, she pressed a kiss to Mollys brow. Listen to me, sweetheart. You are my daughter. I chose youwhen you were just a tiny miracle. I chose to love you forever. That’s stronger than anything anyone else will ever say.

Molly sniffed, gazing up. But am I really yours?

Youre mine by heart, Eleanor said softly. And always will be. Family is made by love, not just by bloodand you are every bit my child as if Id wished you into the world myself.

Molly wrapped her arms around Eleanors waist. Promise?

Promise. Eleanor smiled, blinking back her tears. And the crystal kitten? Its yours forever. Thats something only the bravest, kindest daughters get.

Gradually, Mollys breathing steadied.

Later, when the laughter of cousins drifted up from outside and the grown-ups called for cake, Molly uncurled herself from Eleanors lap. She tiptoed to the windowsill, where sunlight made the crystal kitten sparkle and dance.

Mum, she whispered, can we put it somewhere the sun always shines on it?

Eleanor nodded, understanding. She lifted Molly and helped her set the kitten high, where every morning the light would ignite it in rainbows. For a moment, together, they watched it gleama promise of all endings, and beginnings.

Below, the party surged on, spilling through the garden, and soon Molly was swept back into the fray, bandaged hands holding tightly to the kittens mystique. Eleanor watched her go and felt, with quiet certainty, that somehow everything had come full circlethat wounds could heal, and that love, fiercely chosen, was the strongest magic of all.