So, are you going to send me back to the childrens home? That lady said you rushed into taking me because you didnt know a baby was coming. And Im not really yours
Emily stood by the stove, flipping pancakes. Her husband would be home from work soon, and theyd all sit down for dinner together.
OddLiam was unusually quiet in his room today. Normally, when Emily made his favourite pancakes, hed hover nearby, peeking up at her and asking, Mum, can I have another one?
Shed give him one, even though hed already had plenty, but soon enough, hed be back, dragging out each syllable with delight: Muuuum, can I have one more?
Emily knew Liam wasnt hungry anymore. He just wanted to say that word*Mum*over and over, as if he couldnt believe it was real. And usually, shed set the spatula aside, scoop him up (he was still small, only five), and ask, Shall we go meet Daddy from work?
Liam would beam and repeat, Yes, Mum, lets go meet Daddy! His eyes would shine with wonderhe still wasnt used to having parents, a home, a room of his own. A proper bed. A climbing frame with swingsDaddy had bought that for him! And toy cars, robots, building blocks, all his and no one elses. In the evenings, Mum read him stories, ruffled his hair, and told him she loved him. He was so full of that love now that hed almost forgotten what life had been like before.
Emily was about to call him when the baby kicked against her hand.
She pressed her palm to her belly, and the little girl nudged again.
*God, please let everything be all right.* Theyd already picked a nameThomas had suggested Catherine, after his grandmother.
The doctors had told Emily shed never have children, so she and Thomas had adopted Liam from the childrens home. And now, a year later, their little girl was on the way.
Lost in thought, Emily nearly burned a pancake. She called out, Liam, love, whats keeping you so quiet today?
Still no answer. Could he not hear her?
She turned off the stove and headed to his room.
Strangethe light was off. Where was he?
A rustling sound came from inside. Emily flicked the switch and saw Liam sitting on his bed, fully dressed in his coat and hat. His backpack was stuffed with his favourite toy cars.
What are you doing in the dark? Emily laughed. Come on, get changed. Are you off on an adventure? Lets go have those pancakes with cream and jam. Whats got into you, love?
But Liam didnt smile. His gaze was fixed, oddly serious, before he suddenly asked, Can I take my toys with me? She wont need cars, will she?
Emilys heart sank. What are you talking about, Liam? Where do you think youre going? Had she failed him? Did he not feel loved? Was he jealous of the baby? But just yesterday, hed been thrilled.
Will you send me back to the childrens home? That lady said you only took me because you didnt know a baby was coming. That Im not really yours
His eyes were wet, his voice small.
Emilys breath caught. That *neighbour*the one shed run into days ago, whod muttered, *You rushed into it, didnt you?* while eyeing Liam. Emily had brushed it off, sure he hadnt understood.
But he had. And now he thought he didnt belong.
She pulled him into a hug. At first, he stiffenedthen crumpled against her, sobbing.
Oh, love, no. That lady doesnt know anything. Daddy and I love you more than anything. Youre ours, and no ones taking you away.
She peeled off his coat and hat, and they sat together, holding tight.
When Catherine was born, Liam and Thomas held the fort at home before rushing to meet Mum and the new baby.
Liam had been nervous. What if his sister didnt like him?
But when he saw how tiny she was, he grinned. Mum, shes too little to be without a big brother! Ill teach her how to play with carswell have so much fun!
Now, he never left her side, waiting impatiently for the day shed move into his room.
In the meantime, he was Mums little helper.
That evening, she called, Liam, love, Ive got Catherine readylets go meet Daddy from work!
He was already in the hallway, bouncing on his toes. Mum, Ill hold the dooryou bring the pram!
They rode the lift down, stepped outsideand there was *that woman* again, lugging shopping bags.
Liam tightened his grip on Emilys hand.
Sweetheart, be a gentleman and hold the lift for her, Emily murmured.
Yes, Mum! Chest puffed out, Liam pressed the button, then dashed back to her side.
Tomorrow was the weekend, and theyd all go to the park. Shame Catherine was still too small for the rides, but soon shed grow, and hed hold her tight if she got scared. Because they were brother and sisterforever.
