Extra Baggage
Sarah, but shes got extra baggage! Or are you really all right with that? Julia leaned against the fence with an amused grin, eyeing her neighbour. Couldnt your son find someone better? Hes a decent lad, good-looking, and weve got plenty of lasses in the village. Instead, hes picked her!
Sarah sighed heavily. She wouldnt admit, even to herself, that she wasnt thrilled about her sons choice. Hearing it from her old nemesis made it sting that much more.
Children are a blessing, Julia, do you follow? Why is she so bad, anyway? Shes young, beautiful, pleasant-natured, and I know for a fact shes decent. And the child isnt a scandalhe was born in wedlock. Its not her fault shes a widow at that age; a twist of fate, nothing more. Well bring up her boy together, and Ill have another grandchild to spoil. So no more of your idle gossip!
Sarah pursed her lips and shooed the neighbours ginger tomcat, who was tiptoeing along the fence in her direction.
That brute! Hes had three of my chicks this week, Julia. Keep an eye on that moggy or Ill let Bruce out, and then therell be trouble!
Oh, Im trembling! Julia scoffed, nudging her fat, stripey cat off the fence. Well see who chases whom. Ill lock him in, hes a devil for chicks. If he werent such a brilliant mouser, hed be gone already. Still, a cats got to follow his instincts.
Well, let him keep his instincts inside the house!
Sarah sighed again. Oh, I’ve just rememberedjars! Your jam must be ready by now, surely.
Julia clapped her hands in exasperation. Here I am nattering, and whos keeping the pot from boiling over?
Oh, thatll be Olivia. She came down yesterday to help with the veg plot.
Olivia? In her condition?
Thats the pointeveryones in the garden, but she insists on making the jam. Cant sit still for a moment. An absolute treasure of a daughter-in-law.
Why do you praise your treasure when she’s out of earshot and give her orders face to face?
Its for the sake of peace! Julia snorted. Youll see when your turn comes to be a mother-in-law, youll have to be firm or they’ll walk all over you!
Well manage. Sarah waved her off. Are you borrowing jars or not? Ive too much to do to stand here chatting all day.
After ushering her neighbour away, Sarah turned to her baking. Tomorrow her son, Mark, would be arriving with his fiancée. Fiancée The word echoed oddly in her mind, and her hands came to rest on the floured table, gaze lost out the window. What will come of it all?
Sarah barely knew Emily. Shed only heard about her and seen her twice, from a distance, during visits to her sister in the next village. There was nothing remarkable about hera fair-haired, big-eyed young woman, tall enough for Mark. But not young young. Shed been married before and had a childa little boy, about three now. Fate hadnt been kind to Emily: orphaned young, raised by her grandparents, educated, married off. Just as the old folks celebrated the birth of their great-grandson, tragedy struck and Emily lost her husband in an accident.
Sarahs heart went out to her, but shed rather have sympathised from afar. Since her own husbands passing, Mark had become her rock. She both rejoiced in his company and worried for him; he was a grown man now, time for his own family, yet he delayed, claiming to wait for true love. Then came his announcementnot long agothat hed found it. With Emily.
Sarah rushed to consult her sister, as older sisters were always supposed to know best.
Whats got you in a flap like a startled hen? Linda had scolded.
Its not that, its justwhats she like? Hell bring her home, then what?
Well, hell bring her to you for a bit, but not for long. Didnt you know Ive handed over Grandads old house to Mark? Its too run-down to live in straight off, but the gardens decent. Theyll set themselves up there.
Sarahs thoughts came thick and fast. Hed move outwhere would that leave her? The villages were only a stones throw apart, the bus ran regularlybut still! Its one thing having your son at home, coming in every evening, helping out with the chores; quite another, him in his own house, with his own family. Shed see him only on birthdays and Christmas.
Why the long face? Arent you happy? Linda softened her tone and sat beside Sarah. You have to let him go. Marks grown. Its time he had his own home and a family.
Youre right, butIm scared, Linda. What if things dont work out? What if something goes wrong? And there’s the child to think of, too
Listen to me: I know the girls in the village, and Id say theres no one better than Emily.
And thats what frightens me! Shes almost too perfect.
Oh, for heavens sake! Youre impossible. If she was dreadful, would you be pleased? Stop it, Sarah! The important thing is their happiness. Dont do anything youll regret and risk losing your son.
Hows that supposed to happen?
If you cant accept her, youll lose Mark. Ive seen the way he looks at Emilyits love.
Sarah had listened to her sister, her heart twisting with worry. It tightened her chest at night, robbing her of sleep and growing heavier, even though she couldnt say why.
She shook her hands awake and went back to baking. The least she could do was make Emily feel welcome; Linda was right, she mustnt let Mark see her doubts. Time would tell if this was the right choice, but for nowshe had to try.
One by one, little pasties lined up on the baking tray. Sarah caught herself remembering how her late husband had loved them.
Little nibbles, hed say, no matter how many you eat, you want more! Delicious.
Hed take her hand and kiss it, making her laugh until she had to pretend to pull away. How she wished for his advice and comfort now.
Another sleepless night, tossing and turning. If only morning would come quickly
Emily stood behind Mark, too shy to look Sarah in the eye. Her little boy, Charlie, wriggled in her arms, taking in the new surroundings with bright-eyed curiosity. A big dog was sitting on its chainstrange, it wasnt barking. Grandads always did. A cat, tail in the air, was marching off somewhere. Charlie wriggled, glancing at his mum.
Let him have a wander, Sarah said kindly. Ill put Bruce awaynothing to worry about. Youll see him from here.
Sarah examined her soon-to-be daughter-in-law. She was slight, pale; hard to believe such a sturdy little boy was hers. Something shifted in Sarahs heart, softening that knot of worry. Charlie came over, looking up at her with trusting eyes.
Wheres the cat gone?
What cat? Sarah frowned. I havent got a cat. Where did you see him?
Charlie pointed. Sarah gasped.
Come on then! Before that wretch gets to my chicks!
Charlie dashed alongside the woman he wasnt quite sure how to address. They caught the cat just as he was eyeing the chicken run.
Pesky thing! Shoo! Away with you! Sarah half-laughed, brandishing her slipper.
Charlies laughter was infectious. Good-natured boygentle, too. She fetched a chick for him to see, but he just stroked it gently.
Hes small, Mum! Charlie said.
Sarah ushered him back inside, and soon he was perched on her lap, nibbling pasties. Catching Emily glancing nervously at Mark, Sarah smiled.
Youve got a lovely boy, Emily! So clever, and he enjoys his foodevery grannys dream!
Emilys sigh of relief made Sarahs knot slacken a little more. She was so anxious for her child, so carefulthat meant she was a wonderful mum. Sarah realised the knot of worry was finally shrinking, leaving only a faint prickle.
As Mark chatted easily about wedding plans, Emily kept her head bowed. When he left the room, Sarah leaned over.
Why so quiet, love? she said, pushing the dish of cherries closer to Charlie. Eat up, darling, theyre sweet.
Theres nothing to say, really I told Mark I didnt want a big wedding. Just a quiet register and done.
And he disagrees?
He says it wouldnt be right. His whole family expects him to have a proper do. It would be rude not to.
Hes got a point, but you mustnt stay silent. Why not a wedding?
Emilys gray eyes lifted uncertainly to Sarahs. I’m scared. Happiness loves quiet, doesnt it? My first wedding was big and joyful, and look what happened
Sarah reached over. I know losing your husband was hard, love. But listen: if he loved you, hed want to see you happy, not mourning forever. We all get a share of joy and sorrow, but no one knows whats in store. I believe we should accept what life gives us, however we can. There’s no escaping fate, but we can be grateful.
Emily hesitated. I was afraid
Of what?
That youd judge me, for marrying again. Especially a man like Mark, who could have had anyone. I know Im lucky
Charlie crawled off Sarahs knee and peered up at her. Who are you?
Im your grandma now, Charlie. Call me Granny Sarah.
All right! Charlie nodded solemnly.
The wedding was held as Mark wished, a proper village affair. The relatives loved to gossip, but when Sarah pursed her lips at their mutterings, everyone quickly fell into line.
For almost a year, Mark and Emily lived in Sarahs house. Her doubts faded. Watching Emilys gentle care for Mark, Sarah realised she needed to let go of her worries about her son. It wasnt easy, and sometimes annoyance still flared in heryet Emily seemed gifted at smoothing things over, never taking offence, quietly keeping peace.
Why dont you ever let yourself have a good cry, Emily? Talk to Mark, and let it all out. Maybe then Sarah would calm down, Julia said one afternoon, shooing her cow out the gate with a stick.
And have everyone gossiping after a row? Good advice! Emily shot back with a wry smile.
Proud as ever! Not always a virtue, you know.
Its safer to trust your own instincts than listen to busybodies, Emily replied crisply and went inside.
That was the end of another rumour in the village.
Mark started building their new home right after the wedding. Within a year it was ready, and he and Emily moved in. Chores, work, days flying by. One morning, when Emily felt something wasnt right, she went to the doctor.
Pregnant? she gasped.
Is it a surprise? Or is the baby not wanted?
No, of coursewanted. Only last time was so different, with my first son.
The pregnancy is a little tricky, so youll need bed rest. But well do everything to keep you and baby healthy.
Sarah arrived that evening to help with Charlie. As Sarah unpacked the bag of treats shed brought, Emily looked uneasy.
Something wrong? Sarah asked.
Oh, its nothingjust for a moment you looked so cross, I thought you were angry with me.
Sarah raised her brows in surprise. It was Julia, of courseher sharp tongue had soured Sarahs mood that day, and it ached, all the way to her sons house.
First, she comes with extra baggage, and now shes poorlywhat will she give him next, Sarah? Maybe theres still time to
I dont know what possessed your mother, Julia! How can you be so spiteful? What did Emily ever do to deserve your hatred?
Nothin, all right! I was only joking! Let it be, I meant nothing by it!
Sarah turned away sharply and walked to the bus stop, trying (and failing) to calm down before she reached Emilys. Emily noticed.
Dont pay me any mind, love. Its just that two old biddies had a bust up on the bus, set me on edge. Why cant people live in peace?
Emily shook her head with a smile. She could always tell when Sarah was fibbing, so if she was trying to comfort, it meant she wasnt angry.
Come onlet me help pack your things?
All ready. I just I hate going into hospital.
You must, Emily! For the babys health. Dont fret about CharlieI wont let him out of my sight. Everything will be fine.
Mark drove Emily to hospital. And so began those slow, anxious days of waiting. Weeks passed, but finally, doctors were pleased with the results.
Just a bit longer and well send you home. Under watchful eyes, of courseyou do have help?
Oh yes, Emily smiled. My mother-in-laws fantastic. Not the sort from jokes and horror stories.
Well, thats good! Rare to hear someone say that.
While Emily packed, Sarah was frantic at home. Charlie had disappeared that morning. As he was always so obedient and never went beyond the gate, Sarah had set him out to play in the garden while she cooked. Emily was due home any day, so the house should be just right. She kept half an eye on Charlie in the sandpit while she chopped vegetables; then, distracted by the compote on the boil, she turned away just a moment. The next time she looked out, Charlie was gone.
Where have you got to? she muttered, wiping her hands on her apron.
She stepped outside to search the garden. No sign of him. The gate, to her horror, was swinging wide open. The last time shed seen Charlie had been only a few minutes earlierbut now he had vanished.
In truth, Charlie had heard some ruckus beyond the gate. Two older boys were tormenting a small black-and-white puppy, yanking its neck with a bit of rope.
Let him go! Youre hurting him! Charlie rattled the gate until it flew open.
The boys just laughed, teasing Charlie as they kicked the puppy. Charlie darted about, trying to snatch the dog from their grasp. Without realising, he followed them as they turned down one lane after another, until an angry woman shouted at them, made them drop the rope and run. Charlie, dazed, clutched the frightened puppy as the boys vanished. Suddenly, he realised he had no idea where he was. Hed never played out on his own before; his mum had been too worried about cars.
What sort of children torment living creatures! Shameful! the woman shook her head, storming off. And youare you going to hurt him too?
No, of course not! Hes so little, it hurts him!
Thats more like it!
Charlie remembered what his mother had told him: If you get lost, dont walk aroundstay in one place until someone finds you. Clutching the puppy tightly, he spied a bench outside a garden and sat down to wait, certain his grandma or mum would come for him.
He had wandered much farther than Sarah would ever have expected. She and Mark frantically searched the nearby lanes, never dreaming Charlie could have ventured so far.
When Mark returned home, he saw the open gate and immediately checked on Emily, who was pale with exhaustion.
Wait here while I bring the car in, then Ill fetch gran and Charlie from the shop, he reassured her, masking his anxiety.
He found Sarah wandering a neighbouring street, beside herself.
Mum! Wheres Charlie?
Hes gone, Mark! I only turned my back for a second. Hes disappearedweve searched everywhere!
Calm down, mum, please. Which way did you look?
All the close lanesbut surely, he couldnt have gone far!
Well, best to be sure. You keep looking nearby, Ill search farther afield. And, mum? Dont go home just yetEmily cant be upset right now!
It took Mark another hour before he found Charlie dozing on the bench, arms around the black-and-white puppy, who barked at Marks approach.
Youll be a fine guard dog one day. Mark ruffled the puppys ears; then stroked Charlies hair. Wake up, champ.
Daddy Charlie murmured, blinking. I stayed right here like you said, didnt wanderI remembered.
Good lad! And whos this? Mark nodded at the dog.
He looks like Bruce. Grans Bruce. Can we keep him?
Of coursewe cant have a home without a dog, now can we? Lets see what a mighty beast he becomes.
Puppy in one hand, Charlie in the other, Mark hurried home. Sarah was at the corner, desperately searching.
Mum, its all righthes safe. Dont worry.
Sarah gathered Charlie in her arms, tears streaming.
You gave me such a fright, darling.
Im sorry, Gran! I wont do it again, I promise.
Who could say he wasnt her own grandchild? Let Julia gossip all she likeshe was Sarahs as much as her own flesh and blood.
Emily only learned the full story later. Charlie, instinctively knowing not to worry his mum, didnt speak of it. Instead, the house rang with laughter as Emily and Charlie bathed their new, exceptionally flea-ridden puppy together.
I missed you, mum!
I missed you more!
His little sister, Lily, was born right on timenoisily into the world. She was named after Grandma Sarah, who, suddenly, was the happiest shed been in years, finding reason to visit each week, just to help out. She worried that Emily would hold a grudge over Charlies adventure, but Emily never did.
He couldve gone missing with me just as easily, mum. Dont blame yourself. Hed rescue a butterfly from a puddle, if he saw one.
Hes got a good heart. Thats a gift, Sarah replied proudly.
She gave advice only when asked, offering her hands more than her opinions. When Emily accepted gratefully, Sarah felt she could move mountains just to earn her gentle, Thank you, mum.
Watching Charlie dash across the garden to hug her, and seeing Emilys happy, open smile as she handed over baby Lily, Sarah knew she was exactly where she belonged, and shed done the right thing.
Off to see your granddaughter again, are you? Julia called from her gate, spying Sarah locking up. Youre spoiling that lot!
My grandchildren, Juliathere are two of them, Sarah replied firmly.
Theres only one thats really yours, though
There are two, Julia. Both of them are mine, through and through. Not that youd understand Sarah tucked her keys into her bag. Shall I tell you a secret, Julia, seeing as you like telling people how to live their lives?
Oh, go on then, surprise me.
Love works both ways. If you want to be loved, you have to make the effort yourself. Thats why my children and grandchildren love me. What about you?
They respect me! Julia huffed.
Thats something, I suppose. But, if you ask me, loves better than respect any day. Isnt it, Julia? Sarah winked as she glanced at her watch. The bus would be here any minute, and she couldnt waither family was waiting for her.
And so, Sarah learned that true family is built not just by blood, but by kindness, forgiveness, and opening your heart. It was loveplain and simplethat made them whole.
