Unwanted Child
So, have you decided on a name for your little girl? The elderly doctor asked, peering over his glasses with a professional, well-practised smile.
We haven’t chosen one yet, chimed in Natalie, who was perched on the chair beside the bed. Emily needs a bit more time to think it over. Naming is rather important, you see.
I dont want to name her. Emilys sudden announcement caught everyone off guard. Im not keeping her. Im signing her over.
What on earth are you saying? Natalie shot up, glare in full force before turning it on the doctor. She doesnt mean that. Of course were taking the baby home.
Ill just come back later then. Do get some rest. The doctor clearly had zero desire to referee a family bust-up.
No sooner had the door swung shut behind him, Natalie rounded on Emily with all the disappointment she could muster.
How dare you say that? What will people think of us? Its humiliating enough that we had to up sticks and move here to keep this business quiet. This child belongs with us!
And whose fault is that? Emily stared back, unflinching. If youd listened to me in the first place, none of this wouldve happened. I couldve finished school and actually had my own life. So, if you want a baby so badlyshes all yours.
Emily rolled to face the wall, a not-so-subtle signal that the discussion was over. Natalie continued her tirade for a minute or two until a nurse poked her head in and asked her to kindly leave. The patient, apparently, needed peace and quiet.
Emily was left alone in the ward, quietly sobbing into her pillow, wishing any minor deity would hurry up and make all this go away.
A hesitant knock made her wipe her tears away, steady her breath, and call out, Come in.
Emily half-expected a nurse, or maybeGod forbidher dad. But in shuffled a woman shed never seen before.
Erm, can I help you? Emily fought to keep her composure, no easy feat.
I just Well, I overheard somethingcompletely by accident! The doctors were chatting right by my bed. The woman fidgeted, not quite brave enough to ask outright.
Yes, I really am signing over the baby. Thats what you wanted to know, right?
I saw your mother, and
Shes not my mother! Emilys mask shattered, her voice sharp. Just my stepmum who thinks she knows everything. My real mum works abroad.
Oh, Im sorry! I didnt mean The woman flustered. Its just, I have three kids myself, and I cant quite understand your decision. But I grew up in care, and it terrifies me that your little girl will end up there. She hasnt done anything wrong!
They always say babies that young get adopted in a flash, Emily shrugged. And I just I cant even touch her, let alone be a mother. If Natalie hadnt gotten involved, I wouldnt even be here now.
Youre an adult, arent you? Over fifteen?
Its a disgrace! Emily mimicked Natalies scandalised tone. How will we ever show our faces around here again!
I dont understand, love
Let me explain. Emilys smile was crooked. Maybe then youll stop judging me.
******************************************
Emilys final year at school was, to put it mildly, a disaster. First, the love of her life, Paul, was scooped up by the Army, and then some flashy Londoner was dumped in their class as punishment by his rich father. The boy, Marcus, made a nuisance of himself, chasing after every girl like he was collecting trading cards. Apparently, thats what got him banished from the city in the first placeruining Daddys reputation.
Marcus handed out expensive gifts, whisked people off to posh clubs, and had every girl falling for his act. Each one thought shed be the lucky princess to catch his eye forever.
Only Emily managed to hold out; she was loyal, after all, and didnt need anyone but Paul. Eventually, or so she thought, Marcus lost interest and turned his sights elsewhere. At least, thats what it looked like.
She couldnt have been more wrong.
It happened at the end of December, at one of her friends birthday parties. The whole class turned out, including Marcus, who graced the humble do with his presence. Unbeknownst to everyone, he had other motives.
Halfway through the night, Emilys phone rang. She stepped into the hall for some privacy, and when she came back, Marcus was sitting beside her place. At first, she barely noticed, but then everything went black.
The next morning, she woke up with a pounding headand Marcus, smiling smugly, in her bed.
See, that wasnt so bad, he drawled, as if nothing had happened. A little token of my gratitude. Honestly, Im impressedyou made it tough. Your Paul must be a right muppet.
Staggering home was an ordeal. Her head spun; passersby eyed her with disgust. She didnt even bother with her keysshe just rang the bell, knowing Natalie would answer.
And where have you been? Natalie snapped the second she appeared. You didnt come home, didnt answer your phone. And the state youre in! Your father would
Call a doctor. And the police. Emily interrupted. I want to file a report. He needs to pay for what he did.
Natalies eyes narrowed. After a tense beat, she seemed to connect the dots.
Who?
Marcus. Who else? Emily could barely croak the name. No one else has the audacity. Call or Ill do it myself.
Hold on, Natalie mulled over her options, ever the opportunist. Hell slip out of it anyway. How about I talk to his father? He can pay us compensation.
Are you mad? Emily gaped. Compensation? Ill go straight to the police myself!
Oh no you wont! Natalie grabbed her wrist and dragged her into the bedroom. Emily was too weak to fight back. Youll end up the only one to blame. Everyone in town will point and gossip. Ill sort it.
Emilys phone was missinglost somewhere between the party and home, if she had to guess. And with Natalie having locked the door, escaping was out of the question. Her head throbbed, and her bed seemed to call her name
A few days later, she was sent off to her grandmothers, a hundred miles away. The dear lady was well into her eighties, and Emily pretended all was fineshe didnt want to worry her.
Then, a month down the line, Emily got a shock. That night had left a legacy: she was pregnant.
Natalie was over the moon. This baby might just secure their futures! Marcuss billionaire dad coughed up a small fortune, eager to cover up the scandalagain. All Natalie had to do was keep quiet until things were safe and settled.
No one asked Emily what she wanted. Her one attempt to even mention the idea of adoption caused Natalie to fly into a rage and keep her on a tight leash, barely letting her out of sight.
Marcuss father, well, he wasnt delighted. But he handed over a generous allowance, and promised thered be more where that came from.
***************************
So, do you see now? Emily finished. That babyshe cost me everything. Paul dumped me; he never believed me. My friends dropped me. We had to move. I never even got to finish school.
I shouldnt have judged you before knowing the whole story, the woman murmured. Still the baby, shes innocent.
Emily, we need a word. Natalie stormed into the ward, hauling her husband along. Could you give us a moment please? Family business!
The kind woman squeezed Emilys hand and slipped out, shutting the door quietly behind her.
Youre not ruining everything Ive planned, Natalie hissed. If you leave this baby here, dont even bother coming home. Where exactly will you go? Beloved Grannys gone, her flat went to your uncle. Youll be left with nothing.
Shell come with me, obviously. An elegantly dressed woman sailed in, looking every inch a Londoner. Emilys whole face lit up.
Mum! she cried.
Of course I came, her mother, Belinda, said, wrapping her in a fierce hug. How could I leave you on your own? If Id known any of this, youd have moved in ages ago. I thought it would be easier for you here, to finish school.
I thought you didnt want me, Emily sobbed. For all that had happened, she was still a child.
I was told you wanted no contact. My gifts returned unopened, couldnt get through on the phone. I thought you hated me. But never mind that now, Belinda said briskly, wiping away tears. Well leave all this behind. Youll see.
************************************
Emily left without a second glance. Natalie took the baby, convinced her ship had come in, but fate had other plans. When Granddad heard, he picked up the little girl himself and hauled Marcus back to take responsibility.
Meanwhile, Emily found happiness at lastliving with the one person she could rely on, finally safe, finally loved.
