The Unwanted Child — So, what would you like to name your little girl? — The elderly doctor’s professional smile turned toward his young patient. — We haven’t thought of a name yet, — Natalia, seated beside the hospital bed, jumped in. — This is an important decision; Dasha still needs time to think. — I don’t want to, — the young mother suddenly replied, taking everyone by surprise. — I have no intention of keeping her. I’m going to sign her away. — How can you even say such a thing? — The older woman snapped, shooting an angry look at the girl before turning to the doctor. — She doesn’t know what she’s saying. Of course we’ll bring the baby home. — I’ll check back later; you need to rest — The doctor had no desire to witness a family row. As the door swung closed behind the man, the mother rounded on her daughter with accusations. — How dare you say something like that? What will people think of us? We’ve already had to move to this town and do everything quietly. That baby should stay in our family. — And whose fault is that? — Dasha stared her straight in the eye. — If you’d listened to me then, none of this would’ve happened. I’d have finished school and maybe gone off to university. If you want the baby so much, you can keep her. Dasha rolled away toward the wall, making it clear she was done talking. Natalia sat trying to reason with her daughter for another minute before a nurse arrived and politely asked her to leave — the patient needed to rest. Left alone, Dasha sobbed quietly into her pillow, wishing anything to make this nightmare end. A timid knock forced Dasha to wipe her tears, take a deep breath, and call, “Come in.” She expected a staff member, perhaps her father, but the woman who entered was a stranger. — Can I help you somehow? — Dasha struggled to keep up the mask of calm. — I just… overheard. By accident! The doctors were talking outside my room, — the woman hesitated, unsure how to ask. — It’s true, I’m signing away the baby. I suppose that’s what you want to know? — I saw your mum… — She’s not my mum! — Dasha cut in sharply, dropping any pretense of calm. — She’s only my stepmother, who thinks highly of herself. My mum works abroad. — Sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you — the woman flushed with embarrassment. — It’s just, I have three kids and… well, I spent my whole childhood in care. I’m frightened for your little one — she’s done nothing wrong. — Babies that small get adopted fast, or so I’m told, — Dasha shrugged. — I can’t even bring myself to hold her, let alone more. If Natasha hadn’t interfered, I wouldn’t even be here right now. — But you’re old enough to decide for yourself. You are over fifteen, aren’t you? — “It’s so shameful!” — Dasha mimicked her stepmother. — “How will we show our faces about town?” — I don’t understand… — I’ll explain, — Dasha’s smile twisted bitterly. — Maybe then you’ll stop judging. **************************************************** Dasha’s last year of school was a disaster. First, her beloved Pasha had been sent off to the army. Then, a new boy joined their class — a spoiled London lad, exiled to their backwater by his father as punishment. He pestered all the girls, not for relationships, just for ticking boxes. That’s why his father sent him away: he was ruining the family reputation with his antics. Mack gave out expensive gifts, took girls to clubs and restaurants. The girls all fell for him, hoping they’d be his “princess.” Dasha was the only one who resisted — she was in love and didn’t want anybody but Pasha. Eventually, it seemed Mack got the message and lost interest. Or so she thought. She couldn’t have been more wrong. In December, one of Dasha’s friends had a birthday party — the whole class came, Mack included. But he wasn’t there for the birthday girl. Partway through the party, Dasha stepped out for a phone call. When she returned, Mack was sitting by her seat. At first, she thought nothing of it, but soon after she began to feel unwell… She woke the next morning barely able to open her eyes. Mack lay beside her, grinning. — See, and you played so hard to get, — he said carelessly. — Call it compensation. Even I was surprised — your precious Pasha’s a real sucker. Dasha struggled to make it home. She felt weak and dizzy. Passing strangers looked at her with disgust. She rang the bell instead of fishing for keys (she was sure her stepmother was home). — Where have you been? — Natasha exploded when she saw her. — You didn’t come home, didn’t answer your phone, and look at the state of you! If your father saw you… — Call a doctor — and the police, — Dasha interrupted. — I want to make a statement. He should be jailed. Natasha stiffened. She sized up Dasha’s appearance and words, and drew conclusions. — Who was it? — Mack, who else, — Dasha could barely speak. — No one else would be that brazen. Call them, or I will. — Wait. — Natasha paused, already plotting how to profit. — His family will just pay him out of any trouble. We’ll do this another way. I’ll talk to his dad — let him compensate us. — Are you insane? — Dasha couldn’t believe her ears. — Compensation? I’m going to the police myself. — Like hell you are! — Her grip was iron, yanking Dasha into the room. She was too weak to fight. — You’ll end up the guilty party, the whole town gossiping. Leave it to me. Dasha’s phone was gone — lost or left behind. She couldn’t go out; her stepmother had locked the door. The bed beckoned… A few days later, Dasha visited her gran, a hundred miles away. Her gran was elderly — Dasha didn’t want to worry her, so she acted normal. A month later, the awful truth emerged: she was pregnant. Natasha was thrilled. This baby would guarantee their security! Granddad would pay handsomely, protecting his own reputation. Best to keep it a secret until she was five months along. Nobody asked Dasha what she wanted. When she hinted at abortion, Natasha flew into a rage, watching her like a hawk. The potential granddad wasn’t thrilled, but coughed up the cash, promising more ‘child support.’ ************************************************ — So now you see? — Dasha continued. — That baby cost me everything. Pasha dumped me; he didn’t believe me. My friends turned away. We had to move. I didn’t even finish school! — I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have judged you, not knowing the facts, — the woman said softly. — But your baby isn’t to blame. At that moment, Natasha swept into the ward with Dasha’s father in tow. — Dasha, we need a word! Visitors out, please — this family business! The woman offered Dasha a sympathetic nod and slipped out. — I won’t let you ruin my plans. If you walk away from that baby, don’t bother coming home. Where will you go? Your beloved gran’s gone now, and your uncle has her flat. Are you going to beg? — No, she’s coming to me. — An elegant woman entered the room. Dasha’s eyes filled with hope. — Mum! You came! — Of course I did. I couldn’t leave you in trouble, — Albina pulled her into a hug. — If you’d told me sooner, I’d have brought you back ages ago. I thought it’d be easier for you to finish school here. — I thought you didn’t want me, — Dasha wept. She was still, for all that had happened, just a child. — Someone said you didn’t want to hear from me. My gifts came back unopened, I could never reach you on the phone. I thought you couldn’t forgive me. Well, never mind — we’ll leave, and put it all behind us… ******************************************************** Dasha left. Natasha took the baby, hoping for a cushy life. But… once the powerful grandfather found out, he came for the child and took her away. Mack was forced to acknowledge the baby, despite his resistance. As for Dasha, she is happy now. She’s with the one person who truly cares for her, and will never betray her…

Unwanted Child

Have you chosen a name for your baby girl? The elderly doctor asked, his professional smile in place as he looked at me.

We havent decided yet, Mum answered before I could speak, sitting stiffly on the chair by my bed. Its an important decision. Grace should think it over carefully.

I dont want to, I replied, taking them both by surprise. Im not going to keep her at all. Ill sign the papers and relinquish her.

Dont talk such nonsense, Mum snapped, glancing daggers at me before turning anxiously to the doctor. She doesnt know what shes saying. Of course, well take the baby home.

Ill come back later. Try to rest, the doctor said, clearly uninterested in being dragged into a family dispute.

As the door closed behind him, Mum rounded on me, her voice tight with accusation.

How dare you say something like that? What on earth will people think of us? We moved all the way to Canterbury for a fresh start, thinking we could keep all this quiet. This baby must stay in our family!

Whose fault is that? I shot back, glaring at her. If youd bothered to listen last year, none of this would have happened and Id have sat my A-levels in peace! If you want the baby, you keep her.

I turned my back to the wall, making it perfectly clear that I was done with the conversation. She kept fuming, but just then a nurse poked her head in the door and told Mum to leave the patient needed some quiet.

Finally alone, I wept quietly into my pillow, silently wishing this mess would all be over soon.

A gentle tap at the door startled me. I wiped my tears quickly, trying to compose myself.

Come in, I managed to say, bracing myself for another lecture.

I expected a nurse, or perhaps my stepdad. Instead, a woman Id never seen before entered.

Can I help you? I asked, struggling to keep up a façade of calm.

I overheard Completely by accident! She hesitated awkwardly. The doctors were talking near my bed.

Yes, Im giving the baby up, I replied flatly. Is that what you wanted to know?

I just I saw how your mum behaved

Shes not my mum! I interrupted, my composure crumbling. Shes just my stepmother, always putting herself first. My real mum works abroad.

Im sorry, I didnt mean to upset you, the woman apologised, looking distinctly uncomfortable. Its just, I grew up in care myself and I know how tough it can be. Ive got three kids of my own now, and I worry for your little one. None of this is her fault.

They say babies this young are adopted quickly, I shrugged. I cant even bring myself to hold her, let alone love her. If Natasha hadnt interfered that night, I wouldnt even be here now.

But youre old enough to make your own choices, arent you? Youre over sixteen?

Oh, its such a scandal, I mimicked Natasha scornfully. How on earth will we show our faces around here?

I dont understand

Shall I explain? I gave a bitter little laugh. Maybe then youll stop judging me.

****************************************

My last year at school couldnt have gone worse. My boyfriend Luke was drafted for National Service, leaving me alone. And to top it all, a new boy arrived from London, banished by his wealthy father for getting into trouble with girls tarnishing the family name and all that.

James showered girls with designer perfume, invites to fancy London clubs, and expensive gifts. One by one they all fell for him, each hoping shed be his princess.

I alone stood firm. I was in love with Luke, utterly faithful, and resisted Jamess stupid charms. He eventually seemed to get the message and turned his attention elsewhereor so I thought.

How wrong I was.

At the end of December, we celebrated a friends birthday. All of us came, including James, who seemed to be extra charming. But he hadnt come for the party.

During the evening, I took a call outside. When I went back in, James was sitting next to my seat. I thought nothing of ituntil I started to feel dizzy

The next morning, I woke with difficulty. James was beside me, grinning.

Finally, he said, as if nothing at all had happened. You made such a fuss, you know. Consider this compensation. Didnt think youd let me, after all. Bet your precious Lukes useless in comparison.

Getting home was agony. My head was spinning, my legs barely carried me, people nudged away from me in the street.

I didnt bother hunting for my keys, I just rang the bell. I knew Natasha would be in.

Where the hell have you been? she snapped. Out all night, phone switched off! If your stepdad saw you like this

Call a doctor. And the police, I interrupted, my voice shaking. I want to make a statement. He should be arrested.

Natashas expression changed as she took in my bedraggled state.

Who?

James, obviously, I muttered, barely able to talk. No one else would dare. Call them, or I will.

Hold on, Natasha hesitated, always thinking of herself. Hell wriggle out of it, like they always do. Better we go to his father and make him pay compensation.

Are you out of your mind? I stared at her in disbelief. Compensation? Im going to the police, now!

Oh no youre not! she snapped, grabbing my arm and marching me upstairs. I was too weak to resist. The whole village will blame you and itll all be for nothing. Ill deal with it.

Id lost my phone somewhere, maybe left it at my friends. Not that it matteredI couldnt get out, Natasha had locked the door. Dizzy and barely awake, all I could do was collapse onto my bed.

A few days later, she sent me off to Grannys in Sussex. I tried not to worry herit would have broken her heart to know the truth.

And then, a month later, I got the news. That night had left me pregnant.

Natasha was beside herself with delight. This baby was a ticket to a comfy life! Jamess dad would pay handsomely to hush everything upagain. I just had to keep mum about everything till I started to show.

Nobody asked what I wanted. When I told Natasha I wanted a termination, she threw a fit and watched me like a hawk, never leaving me on my own.

Jamess dad wasnt pleased, but he paid up. And promised to keep paying a generous allowance.

************************************************

Now do you see? I suffered all that because of this baby. Luke left me, didnt believe a word I said. My friends turned their backs, we had to move. I didnt even finish sixth form!

Im sorry, I shouldnt have judged you without knowing, the woman said, guilt in her eyes. But the baby none of that is her fault.

Grace, we need to talk, Natasha swept into the room, hauling her husband behind her. Can we have some privacy? This is a family matter!

The woman gave me a sympathetic look and left, shutting the door tightly behind her.

I wont let you ruin my plans. If you abandon this baby, dont bother coming back home. And where will you go? Your beloved gran is gone, her flat went straight to your uncle. Youll be out on the streets.

Shell come with me, came a calm, elegant voice.

I turned and my face lit up with hope.

Mum! Youre here!

Of course, love. I couldnt leave you alone in all this, she said, wrapping me tightly in her arms. If only youd told me sooner, Id have brought you to live with me ages ago. I thought youd have an easier time finishing school with them.

I thought you didnt want me, I sobbed, suddenly feeling every bit the child I still was.

A certain someone claimed you didnt want to speak to me. My presents kept being sent back, you never picked up the phone. I thought maybe you hated me. But never mind, she said as she wiped my tears. Well leave this all behind, just the two of us

********************************************************

I left with Mum. Natasha took the baby, hoping for easy money. But, when Jamess father found out, he came and claimed his granddaughter himself. James had to officially acknowledge her, despite fighting it.

And me? Im finally happy. Im back with my mumthe one person wholl always support and never betray me.