Blythe has never been wanted by her mother Jane since the day she is born. Jane treats her like a piece of furniture that can be moved whenever she likes. She constantly argues with Blythes father Ron, and when he finally leaves her for his legal wife, Jane snaps completely.
Did he really leave? So he never meant to ditch his mess! Hes broken my nerves! she shrieks into the phone. He lied to me, and now he abandons me with his child? Should I toss her out the window or leave her at the station with drifters?
Blythe covers her ears and sobs quietly. The lack of love from her own mother soaks into her like water into a sponge.
I dont care what you do with your daughter. I doubt shes even mine. Goodbye! Rons voice says over the line.
Jane, wild with fury, tosses Blythes clothes into a bag, throws in the papers, and, hauling the fiveyearold, shoves her into a cab. Ill show him! Ill show everyone! she mutters, announcing the address to the driver in an arrogant tone. She plans to dump the child at the home of Rons mother, Nina, who lives out in the countryside.
The driver bristles at the haughty teenagers rude replies to his timid questions.
Mum, I need the toilet, Blythe whispers, pressing her head against Janes shoulder, not expecting any kindness.
Jane snaps at her so harshly that the drivers hands clench, ready to strike. He has a granddaughter of his own, roughly the same age, and knows how a scream can shatter a childs spirit.
Hold on, youll get used to it, he mutters, trying to stay calm.
Jane turns away, staring out the window, her nostrils flaring with anger.
Take it easy, dear, or Ill actually push you out. Ill hand you over to social services.
Enough! Shut up! You think youre some protector of little girls? Ill file a complaint that you made lewd comments about my daughter. Who will believe you, the cab driver or a frightened mother? I raise my child how I see fit, so zip it!
The man clenches his jaw; dealing with someone so unstable is not worth his trouble, even though he feels sorry for the girl.
After about an hour and a half they arrive.
Wait, Im almost there! Jane shouts, turning away just as the driver slams the accelerator.
Walk it, you snake! a voice from the back seat yells.
Blythe spits out the words and curses.
This scum! she grabs her mothers hand and darts toward the garden gate, kicking it open.
Take it, you treasure. Do whatever you want with her. My son gave his blessing. I dont need her! Jane snarls in a guttural, smoky voice, then storms out on her heels.
Nina watches, bewildered, as her daughterinlaw disappears down the lane.
Mamum! Please dont go! Blythe cries, her tears smearing her cheeks as she scrambles after Jane, who has already stepped onto the road.
Get away from me! Go live with your grandma! Jane yells, trying to pull Blythes fingers away from her checked skirt.
Curious neighbours start to peek from their windows. Nina, clutching her chest, rushes after the shouting mother.
Come on, love. Come on. My dear little berry, she coos, tears streaming down her wrinkled face. She never even knew the girls true background.
Ron never mentions his illegitimate child.
I wont hurt you, dont be scared. Want some pancakes? Ive got cream too, Nina says sweetly, leading Blythe toward the house.
At the gate Nina turns and sees Janes car disappearing, kicking up dust. They never hear from her again. Nina embraces Blythe, treating her as a gift from God. She is certain the child is her ownshe even sees a likeness to the little Romy who visits the country home so rarely that Nina worries shell forget his face.
Ill raise you, Blythe. Ill get you on your feet and give you everything I can, as long as my strength lasts.
She brings her up with love and care, sends her to primary school, watches time fly. By the time Blythe is eleven, shes a beautiful, kind, thoughtful young lady, bright and wellread, dreaming of studying medicine, though only a college is within reach.
Its a shame my dad wont acknowledge me, she sighs, hugging Nina. In the evenings they sit on the terrace steps, watching the sunset together.
Ninas trembling hand runs through Blythes silky hair. She cant answer; her son Ron flatout refuses any involvement in his daughters life. Hes reconciled with his first wife and their son, whom he dotes on. He despises Blythe, calling her a raggirl whenever he visits, trying to belittle her at every convenient chance.
Youre a raggirl yourself! Nina snaps one night. You only come to beg for pension money while you work and your wife works too, and you still cling to your mother for a penny. Go away, Ron! Dont come back. Better never to return than to keep causing trouble!
Fine, mum, Ill die without you, I wont even bother with a funeral, Ron threatens, grabbing his son Vadim, who had been pulling Blythe around the house, shoving him into the car and speeding off, his eyes full of hatred. He never returns.
God judge him, bless Blythe, Nina murmurs, rising. Lets have tea and sleep. Tomorrow youll get your certificate!
Summer rushes by with garden chores, and soon Blythe must leave for the city to study.
I cant manage alone. Ill ask neighbour Victor to drive us to the dorm with the luggage, Nina says, hurrying to the town. Her health has been waning, and she needs to settle one last thing while she can.
Outside the dorm, Blythe clings to her grandmother.
Youre my joy, study above all. Later youll have to rely on yourself. Im old and frail. How long do I have left?
Blythe swallows her rising tears.
Stop it, Gran! Im not frail, Im in my prime!
Nina smiles, kisses her forehead, and, after saying goodbye, hops into Victors car, asking him to take her to the solicitors office. The paperwork is done, and the old lady returns to her village with a calm heart.
Blythe visits Nina every weekend, worries about her health, studies hard, and dreams of graduating with top marks and entering medical school to extend her grannys golden years.
Later she falls in love with her fellow student Sam. He is kind, also studying hard, and plans to apply to university. Nina rejoices at her granddaughters success. After college, Blythe graduates with a firstclass degree, and the young couple marries at twenty.
At a modest wedding reception in a cheap café, only Nina is among the invited guests.
Youre not just my beloved granny, youre mother and father in one, Blythes voice trembles, eyes brimming with tears. Youve given me a warm, real home. I love you, Gran. Thank you for everything.
She kneels before Nina, hugging her tightly, grateful beyond words, unable to imagine life without her. The guests are moved, some even weeping with the bride.
Stand up, Blythe, Nina whispers shyly, her heart swelling with pride.
Whats there to be embarrassed about? Sam booms, pulling Nina to sit beside him. Youre now the head of our big family! Welcome! he gestures to his extended clan.
The evening fills with toasts to the newlyweds and to Ninas dedication in raising such a wonderful daughter.
Soon after, Nina passes away peacefully in her sleep, as if a breath had finally left her after a lifetime of duty.
Blythe and Sam take turns caring for her, shuttling between the city and the village while Blythe finishes her medical studies.
One day, Blythe grasps Ninas hand firmly and says,
If Im gone, my son and his wife will try to take everything. Ive already signed the deed, everythings with the solicitor.
Grandma
Dont say a word! You never had real parents; I did my best for you. When Im gone, I want you to have a roof over your head. Sell my house with Sam and buy a flat in town.
Blythe bursts into tears, a lump choking her throat.
Thanks to her careful care, Nina lives another year and a half before slipping quietly away. True to her warning, Ron shows up from the city with his new family forty days later.
Clear out the house! he shouts, as if cutting a rope. While my mother was alive you could stay. Now shes gone, get out.
Blythe freezes, looking at his contemptuous face, his wife she has never met, and his son chewing gum, eyeing the cottage. He already imagines selling the place and buying a car.
Sam returns from the shop, eyes narrowed at the intruders.
Who are you guys? Dragging strangers here? Ron roars.
Sam calmly places a grocery bag on the table.
Im the legal husband. And who are you? I dont recall ever meeting you.
Ron turns beet red with fury.
Get out, both of you! he bellows, pointing at the door.
Excuse me, on what grounds are you so rude? Sam retorts. Olivia is the rightful owner. Want to see the deed?
What deed? Ron stammers.
Rom, that snake poisoned your mother. We need to go to court, now! Rons wife shouts.
I wont let you take her away! Ill prove shes not my daughter nor my mothers granddaughter! Ron shouts, pounding the air.
Pack your bags, raggirl. Well do everything to make you leave, his halfbrother snarls, the thought of losing his car making him even angrier.
They storm out, leaving a void. Olivia drops to the floor, covering her face, sobbing. Why are they doing this? He never gave me a candy as a child. Now he wants to strip me of my home.
Are they homeless? Or just greedy? she cries. Sam, youre the only thing left I have from Granny!
Sam lifts Olivia gently, hugging her.
Well put an ad out tomorrow to sell the house! Theyll have to drop their threats. Remember, Nina always said we should sell and move to the city!
Yes I never thought wed have to sell so soon. This is where I spent my whole childhood.
The house sells quickly to affluent buyers who have always dreamed of a country retreat. They dont even haggle. The estate is massive, lined with fruit trees, far from the road, windows looking onto pine woods, a wooden gazebo wrapped in vines, a solid brick manor that pleases the new owners.
Olivia and Sam buy a modest flat near the city centre, expecting a child soon and rejoicing at the prospect of a growing family.
Lying in bed, Olivia whispers to her late grandmother, Thank you, dear, you gave me life.
