The hospital ward feels suffocating and oppressive. Anna covers her ears, desperate to block out the relentless crying of newborns next door. She yearns for nothing more than to run away from this placeto forget it all like a terrible nightmare.
Annie, love, do at least have a look at her! begs the elderly midwife, Aunt Maisie. Shes the very image of you, two peas in a pod!
No! Dont even try to persuade me! Ive signed the papers, havent I? What more do you want from me? the young woman chokes out, barely holding back tears. I have nowhere to take her! Dont you understand?
Shh now! Youll frighten the baby. Nowhere to go, you say? Are you homeless? Aunt Maisie squints. Youve a mum, a dad?
Yes, just my old mum. She needs help herself. I cant just turn up in the village with a baby. People would laugh at me!
Well, let them laugh! Itll give them something to talk about! Aunt Maisie smiles. But lets be serious; people will gossip and forget, but youll be biting your tongue in regret for the rest of your life. Youll never forget leaving behind such a little one.
Anna hides her face in her hands and finally breaks down. Maisie senses she nearly has her; just a bit more
See, shes got your noseall sweet and button-like. And just look at those eyes, going to be a blue-eyed beauty, just like her mum.
ButI havent even got any nappies. And how on earth am I supposed to get home with her? I havent got a penny to my name, Annies resistance falters.
Is that all youre worried about? Well help you. The charity fund will supply what you need, and well gather a little trousseau for your darling. Ill see you right onto the train myself. Well? What will you call your daughter?
Evelyn
Lovely name! Suits her perfectly. Here, take little Evie and feed her. Ill be back in a tick.
Holding her breath, Aunt Maisie gently hands the baby to Anna, who takes the child with trembling, uncertain arms. Tears trail down Annas face. As she presses the baby close, she realises she could never leave her behind for anything in the world.
Well then? Did it work? the doctor asks quietly outside.
It did! the midwife grins, wiping her own moist eyes.
At the station platform, Anna feels as though shes finally waking from a nightmare. She clings tightly to her daughter, terrified the little one might somehow be taken from her. Aunt Maisie stands close by as promised, seeing them off.
Thank you. I can hardly believe I ever thought of leaving her, Anna murmurs.
Youve had a hard time, thats sure. But tough times will pass, and your daughter is forever. I made an unforgivable mistake once, and Im still paying for it, Maisie replies.
What mistake? Anna asks, surprised. You always seemed like such a saint to me.
I once faced the same choice. No mum, no home. I wanted rid of an unwanted pregnancy. No doctor would helpthey said it was too late. So I went to a backstreet woman for help. It worked, I suppose, but Ive been infertile ever since.
Oh, Maisie, Im so sorry. Wasnt there anything you could do? Anna asks, shaken.
No, Maisie shakes her head. Good man, my husband, but when he found out wed never have children, he left too Her voice cracks and she cant hold back her tears.
Im so sorry You helped deliver so many babies and never held your own, Anna says quietly.
Look after Evie, Annie. And remember, if you ever need anything, you know where to find me.
The two women embrace as if they are family. Soon the train arrives. Anna keeps waving from the window until Aunt Maisie is a small figure on the platform, now and then dabbing her eyes.
The journey home is long and hard. Anna approaches her childhood cottage, one hand cradling her daughter and the other carrying the large bundle the hospital had given her. How will mother take us? What will she say? Anna is anxious, uncertain what to expect.
Anna? Is that you? The neighbour, Mrs Jenkins, pokes her head out from behind the garden gate.
Yes, Auntie Nadine. Is mum home?
You mean you dont know? the woman exclaims. Your mothers been gone these six months now.
Perhaps its for the besther mother wouldnt have had to witness such disgrace, Anna thinks bitterly.
Is that your child? the neighbour nods at little Evie.
Yes. Shes mine, Anna answers proudly.
With wobbly legs, Anna steps into the garden. She wants to scream and weep with despair, but, holding her daughter, she must be strong. Its alright, my darling, were a team now. Well be just fine.
***
Ten years have passed. Christmas is just around the corner. Anna busies herself at the stove, while Evelyn gazes out at the wintry garden path.
Mum, why dont I have a nana? Evelyn asks suddenly. My friends say they spend every Christmas with their grandmas and grandpas, and always get lovely presents.
Im sorry, sweetheart, your nan passed away long ago. She never got to meet you, Anna says with a wistful smile.
But what about my other grandma? Evelyn frowns.
What other one? Anna is taken aback.
Well, everyones meant to have two grannies, her daughter persists.
Another one Actually, yes, Evelyn, there is someone. Would you like to go visit her with me? Ill bring some scones. She works at the maternity hospitalshes kind and ever so lovely, Anna smiles, thinking fondly of Aunt Maisie.
No sooner said than done. The next day, Anna and Evelyn travel into town. At the maternity hospital, Anna asks if she could see midwife Maisie Evans.
She hasnt worked here in ages! the receptionist explains. Retired now, for health reasons.
Oh, but weve come such a long way hoping to visit her. Could you give us her address or phone number?
Sorry, thats not allowed. Who did you say you are? the elderly woman asks sternly.
Im her niece, Anna fibs, realising they wont hand out such details to strangers. Its been so long since I saw Aunt Maisie. Ive lost her address somewhere.
Please! Wed really like to see her! Evelyn pleads.
Well, let me see what I can do. The woman relents with a sigh.
Fifteen minutes later, she returns, quietly slipping Anna a scrap of paper. Here you are, dear. Give my regards to Maisie.
Thank you so much! We will! Anna beams.
Hopping into a taxi, Anna and Evelyn soon find themselves at Maisies address. Annas heart pounds as they climb the stairs to the third floor. Please let us not be too late she prays. The door opens almost straight away. Aunt Maisie, to Annas relief, is in fine form.
Good evening! Anna beams.
The older woman peers closely, trying to place this unexpected visitor. Anna? she whispers.
Yes! And you havent changed a bit! Anna laughs. This is little Eviedo you remember?
Of course I do! Maisie laughs. Dont stand on the doorstep! Come in, my girls!
Half an hour later, the two women are sitting over tea, chatting about lifetheres so much to share. Evelyn is contentedly playing with the cat on the sofa, watching her favourite cartoons.
Anna, stay with me a while. Im all alone, and you and your daughter are too, Maisie says quietly. Evie can go to a nice school, and you can find work.
Oh, I dont know I couldnt just abandon my cottage Perhaps youd come live with us? We could have a garden, get a cow even. The air is wonderful, the river nearbyso much lovelier than the city, Anna tries to persuade her.
We could try! I always dreamed of a little vegetable patch, but a cow! Maisie laughs, her eyes shining with joy and hopein that moment, she seems years younger.
Its settled then! Youre coming with us! Anna grins.
Nana Maisie, will you always stay with us now? Evelyn hugs her fondly.
Yes, my darling. I always wanted a granddaughter like you, Maisie says, holding the child close.
The next day, the three of them, their suitcases brimming, set off for the village. Each woman feels her own kind of happinessAnna, glad to no longer face the world alone; Maisie, who never dared dream shed find family and a new life in the countryside near the end of her days; and Evelyn, finally with a beloved grandmother by her side.
