“You’re a Monster, Mum! Kids aren’t for people like you!”
Emily kept studying, trying to ignore the shouting. One night, she went clubbing with her mates in London and met Daniela handsome bloke whose parents were abroad for work. She fell head over heels and moved in with him practically straight away.
They lived it up, thanks to his parents sending money. Every night was either parties out or house raves. At first, Emily loved itbut soon, she was drowning in debt, skipping lectures, and failing her winter exams. She was at risk of getting kicked out.
She promised to turn things around and retake her exams. Buried in books, she even locked herself in the loo when Daniels mates came over. She scraped through, but when she begged him to calm downfinal year was loominghe just laughed.
“Come off it, Em. You only live once. Youth doesnt last. When else are we gonna have fun?”
She was too embarrassed to tell her mum they were living together unmarried. Whenever she rang home, she lied, saying theyd tied the knot and would have a proper wedding when his parents got back.
Then one day, Emily felt dizzy in class. Nauseous. Horrified, she realisedshe was probably pregnant. The test confirmed it.
Since it was early days, Daniel pushed for an abortion. They rowed like never before, and he vanished for two days. When he came back, he wasnt alonehe brought some drunk blonde who could barely stand. Exhausted, Emily screamed at him, trying to shove the girl out.
“Shes not going anywhere. If you dont like it, *you* can leave, you nutter!” he snarled, shoving her hard.
She grabbed her coat and ran. She walked all the way to student halls, face swollen, mascara streaked, tears streaming. The warden took pity and let her in.
The next day, Daniel turned up, begging forgiveness, swearing hed never lay a hand on her again. For the babys sake, she believed him.
She barely passed first year. Terrified of going homewhat would her mum say?but staying in London scared her too. Daniels parents were due back soon, and she was showing.
When they arrived and found out Emily was from up north and barely scraping by, his dad had a *chat*. He offered her cash to disappear and leave his son alone.
“Think about itwhat kind of dad would he be? All he cares about is partying. And whos to say the kids even his? Take the money and go home. Trust me, its for the best.”
Humiliated, Emily refusedthough she regretted it later. Daniel stayed silent. She packed her bags and went back to her mum.
The second her mum saw her bump on the doorstep, she knew.
“So, youre back alone? Didnt get married, then? Your posh London boy had his fun and dumped you? Did he at least give you money?” she snapped, blocking the doorway.
“Mum, how could you? I dont want his money.”
“Then why come here? We barely fit in this flat as it is. I thought youd landed on your feetmarried, living the high life. Now youre knocked up. Where are we supposed to put a baby? And whos *we*?”
Emily frowned. “What dyou mean?”
“While you were gone, I got a boyfriend. Im still young, you know. I deserve happiness too. Raised you alone, never put myself first. Now its my turn. Hes younger. I dont want him staring at *you*.”
“Where am I supposed to go, Mum? The babys due soon,” Emily whispered, fighting tears.
“Go back to the father. *He* can look after you.”
Her mum was ice-cold. No pity, just disdain. It was like talking to a stranger.
Emily grabbed her bag and left. Sat on a bench, sobbing. Where could she go? If her own mum didnt want her, who would? She even thought about stepping in front of a carbut then the baby kicked, like it sensed danger. She couldnt do it.
“Emily?” A familiar voiceSophie, an old school friend. Seeing her pregnant and in tears, Sophie took her home.
“Stay with me. My parents are away till autumn. Well figure it out.”
With no other choice, Emily agreed.
Sophie worked at a hospital and was studying nursing. Two days later, she came back excitedan elderly woman needed a live-in carer. Her daughter refused to take her.
“I didnt mention youre pregnant. Come on, its your chance.”
Emily hesitatedhow could she care for an old lady *and* a baby? But she was desperate.
The daughter, a snooty woman, agreedbut no pay. “Youll get her pension for expenses. But the house is *mine*. Dont get any ideas.”
So Emily moved in with Mrs. Wilkins, caring for her and sharing her story. When little Matilda was born, the old lady even helped soothe her.
Time passed. Matilda took her first steps, but Mrs. Wilkins grew weaker and passed. At the funeral, her daughter coldly told Emily to leave.
“I warned youthe house isnt yours.”
But while sorting paperwork, they found a will: Emily inherited the flat. The daughter threatened court, but neighbours vouched for Emilys care.
With a stable home, Emily worked and raised Matilda. Years later, her mum reappearedclaiming she was ill, had sold her flat for treatment. Feeling guilty, Emily took her in.
Until one day, she overheard her on the phone: “Shes not listening Im stashing rent money See you soon”
It was all lies. Her mum had never sold the flatjust rented it out to fund some bloke.
“Mum! Youre a monster! Lying to me again!”
“Wait, its not what you”
“I dont care. Get out of my house.”
Sophie tried to calm her: “You dont pick family. She messed up, but shes still your mum.”
Emily relentedbut her mum had already left. Years later, when she *really* fell ill, Emily cared for her till the end.
Hatred just breeds more hatred. If a mother cant love her own child, what love can she expect in return? But still familys family.
