The Unwanted Child — So, have you chosen a name for your little girl? — The elderly doctor smiled his professional smile at his young patient. — We haven’t decided yet, — Natalia, who was sitting by the bed, interjected. — Naming a baby is a serious matter, Dasha needs to think carefully. — I don’t want to. — To everyone’s surprise, the young mother herself spoke up. — I’m not planning on taking her home at all. I’m going to write a refusal. — What are you saying? — The woman shot up, then gave the girl a furious look and turned to the doctor. — She doesn’t know what she’s saying. Of course we’ll take the baby. — I’ll come back later. Try to get some rest, — the doctor said, clearly uninterested in witnessing a family row. As soon as the man left, Natalia turned on the girl with reproaches. — How dare you say something like that? What will people think of us? We had to move to this city as it is, trying to keep everything quiet. That baby is staying in this family. — And whose fault is that? — Dasha stared right at her. — If you’d listened to me back then, none of this would’ve happened. I’d have finished school in peace and gone off to uni. So, if you want this baby so much, you can have her. She turned to the wall, signalling the conversation was over. Natalia tried for a few more minutes to talk sense into her daughter, but then a nurse came and asked her to leave. The patient needed rest. Dasha was finally alone in the ward. She wept quietly into her pillow, praying to every god she knew for it all to end soon. A timid knock at the door forced Dasha to wipe away her tears. She exhaled deeply, then said: — Come in. Expecting a nurse or, at worst, her father, Dasha was surprised to see a complete stranger. — Can I help you? — Who could know how hard it was to keep up her mask of cool composure! — I just overheard… By complete accident! The doctors were talking in the corridor… — The woman fidgeted, clearly not sure how to voice her question. — Yes, I want to give up the baby. It’s true. Is that what you wanted to know? — I saw your mum… — She’s not my mum! — snapped Dasha, the mask cracking in a flash. — Just my stepmother who thinks the world revolves around her. My actual mum works abroad. — I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you, — the woman stammered. — It’s just… I have three kids of my own, and I can’t understand… I grew up in care, and I’m worried for your little one. She’s blameless in all this! — Babies this little are adopted quickly, that’s what they told me. — Dasha shrugged. — And I can’t even force myself to hold her, let alone more than that. If Natasha hadn’t got involved back then, I wouldn’t even be here right now. — But you’re old enough to decide for yourself — you’re over fifteen, aren’t you? — It’s such a scandal! — Dasha mimicked her stepmother’s tone. — What will people say? — I don’t understand… — I’ll tell you, — Dasha gave a crooked smile. — Maybe then you’ll stop judging me. ***************************************************** Dasha’s last year at school had gone terribly. On top of her beloved Pasha being conscripted into the army, a new boy joined the class. Fresh from London, his wealthy dad had exiled him to the provinces as punishment. His reputation for chasing girls had already gotten him into trouble. Mak was flashy: expensive gifts, club nights, posh dinners. One by one, the girls fell for his act, each thinking she’d be his princess. Dasha was the only one who resisted. She was in love; she wanted no one but Pasha. Eventually, it seemed Mak had accepted she was off-limits and set his sights elsewhere. Or so she thought. How wrong she was. The trouble started at a friend’s birthday party just before Christmas. The whole class was there, including Mak, but he was clearly up to something. Halfway through the evening, Dasha left the room to take a call. When she returned, Mak was sat in her seat. She didn’t think anything of it… but soon began to feel ill… In the morning, Dasha woke groggy and confused — Mak lying beside her, grinning. — See? You put up such a fight for nothing, — he said as if nothing unusual had happened. — Consider this some compensation. I’m honestly surprised. Your Pasha’s a real mug. Getting home was a nightmare. She could hardly stand, and passersby looked at her with disgust. Too weak to fish out her keys, she rang the doorbell. She was certain her stepmother would answer. — Out all night, not answering your phone, and look at the state of you! Your dad would have a fit if he saw you! — snapped Natasha. — Get a doctor and the police, — Dasha interrupted. — I want to report it. He needs locking up. Natasha hesitated, then, piecing things together, came to her own conclusions. — Who? — Mak, who else? — Even speaking made Dasha queasy. — No one else would dare. Call them, or I’ll do it myself. — Let’s not rush things, — Natasha calculated quickly. — He’ll just get away with it. Let’s do things differently. I’ll contact his father and ask for compensation. — You’re mad! — Dasha couldn’t believe what she was hearing. — What compensation? I’ll go to the police myself! — No you won’t! — Natasha yanked Dasha to her room. She hadn’t the energy to resist. — You’ll just get blamed — everyone will gossip. I’ll handle it. With no phone and the door locked by her stepmother, escape was impossible. Her head spinning, Dasha collapsed onto her bed. A few days later, she was sent to her grandmother’s, a hundred miles away. She pretended nothing was wrong to save the old woman worry. A month on, Dasha got the worst news imaginable. That night had left its mark — she was having a baby. Natasha was ecstatic: this baby would set the family up for life! The grandfather would pay handsomely to protect his son. Keep quiet until the fifth month, was the plan. Dasha’s wishes? Ignored. At word that she might want to terminate, Natasha kicked up a huge fuss and watched her every move. The grandfather was none too happy but coughed up money, promising more to come. **************************************************** — So you see? — Dasha’s voice was bitter. — I’ve been through hell because of this baby. Pasha dumped me. My friends turned their backs. We had to move. I didn’t even get to finish school! — I’m sorry, — the woman replied quietly. — I blamed you without knowing. — Dasha, we need to talk! — Natasha barged into the room, dragging her husband. — Visitors out, this is a family matter! With a sympathetic look, the stranger left, closing the door behind her. — I won’t let you ruin my plans. Leave that baby here, and you’re not coming home. And where will you go? Your beloved gran’s gone, her flat’s gone to your uncle. You’ll be on the streets! — No — she’s coming with me. — A well-dressed woman strode into the ward. Dasha’s eyes lit up with joy. — Mum! You came! — Of course, darling. I couldn’t leave you to struggle. — Albina hugged her tight. — If only you’d told me sooner, I’d have taken you home right away. I thought it would be easier for you to finish school here. — I thought you didn’t want me, — Dasha sobbed, for all the world still a child. — Someone told me you wanted nothing to do with me. My gifts sent back unopened, you never picked up. I thought you couldn’t forgive me. Well, never mind, — she wiped Dasha’s tears. — We’ll go, and you’ll forget all this… *************************************************** Dasha left. Natasha kept the baby, still dreaming of easy money. But when the powerful grandfather learned the truth, he came and took the baby. Mak was made to accept his responsibility, though he fought it. Dasha is happy now. She’s finally living with the one person who’ll never let her down…

Unwanted Child

So, have you decided on a name for your little girl? The elderly doctor asked, his professional smile warming the hospital room as he looked at his young patient.

We havent chosen a name yet, interrupted Fiona, perched on the chair beside the bed. This is something Emily needs to think through carefully.

I dont want to choose one, the young mother muttered, much to everyones surprise. Im not planning to take her home. Ill sign her over.

How can you say something like that? Fiona shot up, giving Emily a furious look before she turned to the doctor. She doesnt mean that. Of course, were taking the baby home.

Ill leave you to it. Try to get some rest, the doctor said, clearly uninterested in lingering for a family row.

No sooner had the door clicked shut than Fiona started in with the finger-wagging.

How dare you talk like that? What will everyone think? Weve already had to move here to keep this quiet. That child belongs in our family.

Whos fault is that? Emily stared her stepmother down. If youd bothered listening to me then, none of this wouldve happened. Id have finished school in peace, maybe even gone off to uni. If you want the baby so badly, you can keep her.

Emily turned her back and faced the wall, signalling she was done talking. Fiona tried for a few more minutes, but a nurse stuck her head in and asked her to leave, saying the patient needed peace and quiet.

Now that she was alone, Emily buried her face in the pillow and sobbed, desperate for it all to just be over.

A hesitant knock at the door had her hurriedly wiping her cheeks. She breathed in deep and said, Come in.

She was expecting a nurse, maybe even her dad, but the woman who entered was a complete stranger.

Can I help you with something? Emily asked, trying to sound calm though her voice shook.

I overheard… The woman shifted uncomfortably. I just happened to hear the doctors were talking by my room…

Yes, its true. I want to give the baby up. Thats what you were curious about, wasnt it?

I saw your mum earlier

Shes not my mum! Emily snapped, her composure cracking. Just my stepmum always full of herself. My real mum works abroad.

Im sorry, I didnt mean to upset you, the woman stammered. But Ive got three kids myself and… well, I grew up in a childrens home. I couldnt help but worry about your little one. Its not her fault.

Ive heard babies this young get adopted pretty quickly, Emily shrugged. But I cant even bring myself to hold her, let alone anything more. I wouldnt even be here if it werent for Fiona meddling.

Youre old enough to decide for yourself, arent you? Youre over fifteen?

Oh, what a disgrace! Emily mimicked her stepmothers sigh. What will the neighbours say?

I dont understand… the stranger admitted.

Let me tell you the whole story, Emily said with a crooked smile, then maybe youll stop judging me.

* * *

Emilys last year at school was a nightmare. Not only had her boyfriend, Ben, been called up for national service, but there was a new boy in their class sent from London by his dad as a punishment for his wild behaviour back home. Dominic was chucked out to the countryside and made it his business to flirt with every girl around. He didnt want a girlfriend, just another notch on his bedpost. Thats exactly why his father had sent him away to stop his scandalous antics.

Dominic flashed expensive gifts, took girls to clubs and fancy dinners. They all fell for it, each hoping shed be the one to tame the prince.

Emily, though, held out. She only wanted Ben, and she wasnt shy about making that clear. Dominic, seemingly getting the hint, turned his charm elsewhere or so Emily thought.

How wrong she was.

In late December, one of Emilys mates hosted a birthday party. The whole class came, Dominic included but his real focus wasnt the birthday girl.

At the height of the festivities, Emily stepped out into the hall to take a phone call. When she returned, Dominic was sat beside her empty chair. She thought nothing of it at first, but soon she felt dizzy

The next morning, Emily forced her eyes open. Dominic lay next to her, smirking.

See? That wasnt so hard, was it? he said, as if nothing had happened. Consider this your compensation. Honestly, Im surprised Ben is a proper muppet.

Getting home was agony, her legs barely cooperating, her head spinning. People on the street shot her disgusted looks.

Rather than fumble with keys, Emily just rang the bell, knowing Fiona would be home.

And where have you been? Fiona raged when she opened the door. Didnt sleep at home, ignored my calls and look at the state of you! If your dad saw

Call a doctor. And the police, Emily cut in. I want to make a report. He should pay for this.

Fiona hesitated. She sized up Emily and, piecing together the clues, reached a private conclusion.

Who was it?

Dominic, who else? Emily could barely speak. No one else would dare. Are you calling or shall I?

Hang on, Fiona said quietly, always the opportunist. Hell find a way out anyway. Well try something different. Ill contact his father let him pay us off.

Have you lost your mind? Emily couldnt believe her ears. A payoff? Im going to the police!

Youre going nowhere! Fiona snapped, yanking Emily by the arm into her room. She didnt have the energy to fight. Youll just get blamed for it anyway. The whole village will point and tut. Ill sort everything.

Emily had lost her mobile, left it behind or dropped it on the way. Fiona locked her in, and she couldnt even leave not with the room spinning so perilously. Her bed seemed to swallow her whole.

A few days later, Emily was shipped off to see her grandmother who lived miles away in a sleepy village. Emily pretended all was well, not wanting her gran (who was getting on) to worry.

A month after the incident, Emily learned the devastating news: she was pregnant.

Fiona was delighted. The baby meant financial security for them all! Dominics dad would pay out, just to quietly help his son. Best not to say a word until she was showing.

Nobody asked Emily what she wanted. The moment she mentioned wanting to terminate the pregnancy, Fiona flew into a rage and began monitoring her every move, never letting her out of sight.

Dominic’s father wasnt thrilled, but he handed over a tidy sum, promising more.

* * *

So, now you understand? Emilys eyes brimmed with tears. Because of this baby, I lost Ben he didnt believe a word of it. My friends disappeared. We had to move. I didnt even finish my A-levels.

Im sorry, the woman said softly. I shouldn’t have presumed. None of that is your daughters fault, though.

Just then, Fiona stormed in, dragging Emilys father behind her. We need to talk as a family. Outsiders, please leave!

The woman gave Emily a gentle look and slipped away, pulling the door quietly shut behind her.

Im not letting you ruin my plans. If you leave this baby here, youre not coming home. Where will you go? Your nans gone now, and her flats passed to your uncle. Will you live on the streets?

Shell come with me, came a calm, assured voice. A well-dressed woman walked in. Emilys face lit up with relief.

Mum! Youre here!

Of course, I am. Did you really think Id abandon you? Her mother, Lisa, hugged her tight. If youd told me sooner, Id have taken you away ages ago. I thought you were better off here, finishing school.

I thought you didnt want me, Emily whispered, her voice childlike again.

I was told you wanted nothing to do with me. My gifts were always returned, and you never picked up my calls. I thought Id lost you. Never mind, Lisa wiped away her daughters tears. Well go somewhere new, just the two of us. Youll be okay.

* * *

Emily left. Fiona took the baby home, dreaming of an easy life. But when Dominics dad heard, he came and took the child for himself. Dominic was forced to acknowledge his daughter, despite kicking up a fuss.

As for Emily, shes finally happy. Shes with the one person whos never let her down and who never will.