The Crystal Kitten

The Crystal Kitten

Three sisters by the window

Mum, isnt that just like you and your sisters?

Vera sighed.

Almost. Are you planning on sleeping at all tonight? Ive got work to finish, and youll be nodding off at your party tomorrow.

Oh! Alright, Im sleeping now! Polly wriggled further under her duvet but poked her freckled nose out again. Will there be balloons? Is Milly coming? And

Vera grabbed her little girl, bundling her up tight, and covered her with kisses despite the indignant squeals.

Right, off to bed! Youll find everything out tomorrow!

She pressed Pollys well-loved teddy into her hands and left the room, switching on the nightlight as she went. Polly was still afraid of the dark, so Vera made sure a soft glow lingered on every landing.

Downstairs, Vera closed the kitchen door and opened up her laptop. The annual report wouldnt wait, yet she sat quietly for a moment, gathering her thoughts. Tomorrow would be exhausting, and not just because Pollys birthday had to be perfectwhich, of course, was a joy for Vera. She adored celebrations, especially when it was for her daughter. But tomorrow, the family would descend, and that was a far less cheerful prospect. Vera shook her head decisively and reached for the kettle. Problems had to be handled as they came. For now, the annual report was the main one. She placed a mug of tea beside her laptop and pulled a folder from her bag. Thank goodness shed listened to her gran and become an accountant. If shed gone for marine biology as shed once dreamt, life would have panned out very differentlya lot more romance, perhaps, but much less certainty. Vera allowed herself a brief daydream of the sea and smiled. Only a bit longer to hold out, then she and Polly would be off on holidayunless something else happened, of course. She exhaled, opened her eyes, and got down to work.

Vera was born to Lynda and William Kirkland, a long-awaited child who was cherished by everyone. Grandmothers rejoiced, while her parents marvelled at their rosy-cheeked little beauty.

Theyll need a playmate straightaway! insisted the grandmothers, and Lynda agreed.

So, Vera grew up with almost no age difference between her and her middle sister, Nadine. Best friends in childhood, always togetherthough they did compete at everything. At first, it didnt seem to hurt their relationship. They cheered each other on, each keen to outdo the other, but genuinely happy over every success. Lynda oversaw things closely, always reminding the girls that no one in this world would be closer than their own sisters. She charmed the headteacher and got them into the same class. On the first day, sitting at a shared desk, the two girls tapped each others new shoesa little sign: Im here, dont be afraid.

Vera was always the worrier. Nadine was the one whod abandon her half-finished maths homework to lean from the window and count passing birds, but Vera only left her desk when every last task was finished.

Vera! Is your exercise book in here? Youve already done our sums, right? Let me copy, quick, so we can go out!

Do it yourself! Vera would snatch her book back. Or Mrs Evans will split us up in the next test and what will you do then? Want some help with the topic?

Nadine would pull a face and sulk for a while, but it never lasted. Soon, shed be tugging Vera out to the ice rink or the ponds to feed the ducks.

The sisters were in year six when their youngest sibling came alongLucy. Lynda hadnt planned on a third. She told William she felt too old and worn out to start again.

But youve got two little helpers nowand me, William coaxed. And just imagine if its a boy! What a surprise, eh?

There was no boyjust Lucy. Loud, demanding, so utterly different from her big sisters that Lynda was at a loss at first. Soon enough, though, Vera and Nadine realised: Lucy was to be the centre of the family from now on.

Lynda quickly felt the difference between young motherhood and having another baby later in life. With the older girls, shed longed for a moments peace; with Lucy, she threw herself into the babys care, pushing everything else asideincluding her elder children. Errands replaced interest in their lives. Somewhere along the way, she failed to notice when a wedge began to grow between the sisters.

That wedges name was Simon. He lived just round the corner, but the girls paid him no minduntil Vera turned sixteen. She was hurrying home from tennis practice when Simon caught her on the street.

Vera, hold on a second. Got something to ask you! He fidgeted under her calm grey gaze, struggling to find the words.

She sized him up for a moment, then smiled gently.

Im in a rush, Mums waiting. Six oclock outside the flats, okay?

Simons face lit up. I really like you.

So Ive gathered, she laughed, the sound ringing out under the lime trees as she dashed off.

Who could Vera confide in about the giddy confusion of a first crushthe first date when you dont know what to do with your hands, that first nervous kiss that turned out to be so much sweeter than expected? Of course, she eventually told Nadine, but only after her sisters pestering grew relentless.

Later, Nadine could never explain to herself why she did it. She didnt fancy Simonhadnt, until suddenly nothing mattered more than catching his attention.

At first, Vera didnt realise. Then, it was already too late. One afternoon, seeing Simon and Nadine snogging in the estate, Vera walked past without a word. Once home she locked herself in her room, ignoring Lucys shouts at the door.

Vera! Whats got into you? Let Lucy in this instant! Lynda rapped, outraged.

Vera had always been a good girl. She opened the door, but when Lynda saw her daughters expression her heart missed a beat. She gently ushered Lucy back to the landing and closed the door.

Vera, love, whats happened? Darling, what is it? Lynda was nearly in tears herself.

Mum, it hurts. Vera hugged herself. Why? Why did Nadine do this?

Having untangled the story, Lynda held Vera tight.

My darling girl What can I do to help?

Vera stared blankly out the window, silent. How could she explain what burned inside her? There were no words for this pain.

Help me pack, Mum. I want to go stay at Grans for a bit. I cant stay here.

Nadine burst into the hall, red-faced from the cold, bumping right into Veras suitcase.

Oh! Where are you off to with all that?

Vera brushed past her in silence, leaving homeand never coming back. As Lynda wiped her tears, she gave Nadine a stinging slap.

How could you?

Nadine, clutching her cheek, watched after her mother as she stormed off with Lucy in tow, slamming the door so hard the crystal chandelier in the lounge tinkled mournfully.

No one in the Kirkland family was much good at bearing a grudge. A week or two passed, and Lynda began to speak to Nadine again. Vera took over two years before shed face her sister. She might not have done, but Lynda fell ill, and the sisters had to unite for their mothers sake.

Im sorry Nadines words trembled, her hands shaking so badly she couldnt even form a fist.

The sisters sat in the hospitals little garden, awaiting the end of surgery.

Whats done is done, Vera replied, turning towards Nadine.

So Nadine realisedher sister might have forgiven her, but shed never forget.

Nadine tentatively squeezed her thin wrist, surprised her fingers even obeyed. Vera didnt pull away, but she didnt squeeze back. They sat that way silently, hour after hour, until their father came out to announce the operation was a successit was just a matter of time now.

The sisters rotated their visits, Vera popping by several times a week to help with Lucy as well. Now she realised just how wilful and wild her youngest sibling had becomethere was no getting through to her. She did exactly as she pleased; authority meant nothing.

Once Lynda recovered, life swept the sisters apart again. Vera moved to a new city to care for her paternal grandmother, and stayed. Olga Irene passed away barely a year after her granddaughter joined her, leaving her a spacious flat.

Make yourself at home, love! Build your life as you wish. Just rememberalways trust your own choices. Even family can become strangers when it comes to their own interests.

Vera gave a wry little smile. She knew that all too well. She certainly didnt open up to her gran about her personal drama.

A few years later, Vera got marriedno invites, no fuss. There wasnt a real wedding, just a quiet registry office with Andrew, her now-husband, and a small toast between them. Andrew had no family left, and Vera didnt care to invite her own.

Their married life was peaceful and happythe only cloud was the absence of children. Both longed for a baby, but for some reason, it just didnt happen. The doctors could find nothing amiss.

So well wait until a child comes along in their own time, Vera insisted resolutely.

Years passed, but nothing changed. They even started considering adoption, but life had its own plans.

Vera stayed in touch with her family through sporadic letters and birthday cards. Twice, she and Andrew visited her parents, but Andrew never quite fit in. Vera made it clearher husband was her choice, and her familys opinions were not required.

I chose him. Thats all that matters, Mum.

Oh, Vera, your life is your own. Still, I cant help thinkingwith your background, your education, and your looks, you chose Andrew? Your life could have been very different

There was no point trying to explain to Lynda that Andrew was the best man in the world, as far as Vera was concerned. Life beside him was easy and calmregardless of her senior role as chief accountant, and Andrew working as a lorry driver, there was never any argument over household roles. They were content. Whenever Vera fell ill, Andrew did everything: nursed her, cooked, cleanednever once complaining.

Youve lucked out with your bloke! sighed Nadine, trying to wrangle her eldest while cuddling the little one. Wish I had a husband who helped! Its all on me. All mine does is complainleft that there, didnt clean this

Vera let her sisters grumbling float by, knowing it was just the usual act. Nadine was satisfied enough with her life. The same couldnt be said for Lucy.

Lucy grew up beautifulalmost excessively so. Vera and Nadine were good-looking too, but both faded into the background next to their youngest.

Our Lucys a real queen! Lynda would boast, admiring her daughter lounging in an armchair, barely watching as her elder sisters set the table. Some family anniversaryrelatives gathering shortly, which Lucy absolutely detested. She played the game for ten minutes, then slipped out, ignoring the disappointment of her parents.

After school, Lucy announced that education was quite enough for her.

Ill be a model! she declared, diving in at once.

What she hadnt reckoned with was how hard shed have to workharder, even, than in most jobs. The novelty wore off quickly. So, meeting the first successful businessman to show interest, Lucy moved straight in with him, caring little for his wife and two children. Efforts by Lynda to intervene were sharply rebuffed.

Leave me aloneif you want a daughter at all, let me live as I choose!

Lucy wanted a great deal and, in the end, received almost nothing. Hoping to win her lover, she became pregnant, not realising her fairytale would crumble. And thats exactly what happened. Lucy argued, made scenes, even tried to open the wifes eyes. That woman simply looked her up and down with disdain and flicked her hand dismissively.

My dear, youre not the first, nor the last. Im his wife. Hell never leave me.

Are you sure? Lucy glared at her. What a nothing of a woman, she thought. Still, where did her confidence come from?

Absolutely. Your naivety amazes me. Do you think youre the first to turn up here? Hardly.

But Im having his child!

Theres nothing stopping you. His legitimate children are with me. If you want to give birth, go ahead, but dont expect anything. Im a solicitorI know the law.

That was the end of it. Lucy stormed around the flat, but her boyfriends arrival finished things.

Sort yourself out. Ill provide the flat and child maintenance, but were through. Your child is your businessif you ever show up at my house, the money stops. Thats that.

Lucy stared at the door as it closed behind the man shed planned her future around, unable to grasp how this had happened to hershe had always had her way. Now she had nothing.

Caught up in the drama, Lucy missed her due dates. Still, Polly was born. Immediately after they returned from the hospital, Lynda took over. Lucy fell apart; at times she would obsessively mother the child, refusing anyone but Lynda, other times shed vanish for days while her parents searched frantically. Her absences grew until, eventually, tragedy struck. One night, after a party and reckless chase through the city, Lucy died in a car crash.

Grief swept over Lynda, hollowing her out completely. She stopped caring for the baby, drowning in sorrow, while William tried to be everywhere at once. Realising he couldnt cope, he turned to Nadine for help.

Ive got plenty on already, DadI cant take on another!

William shook his head and called Vera.

Vera didnt hesitate. She took annual leave at work, packed her bags, and moved in. Within a month, all the paperwork was done and Vera brought her one-year-old niece home for good. Only William, Lynda, Nadine, and her husband knew Polly wasnt Veras own daughter. While Vera handled the adoption process, Andrew sold their flat and finished renovating their new house at breakneck speed.

Andrew, youre brilliant! Everything is just how I wanted! Vera wandered through their new home, her thoughts whirling with dreams of a new life.

Little Polly brought a bright energy into Andrew and Veras livesthe giggling, lively child filled the void and gave life meaning. Nine years soared by as if in a day.

Veras connection with her family dwindled to brief holiday gatherings, where she always felt on display under a magnifying glass. Sapped by grief for her lost youngest, Lynda became unbearable.

Weve trusted her to you! Ill be watching to see how you manage. Off you went with hershouldve thought of your mother and lived close by!

Vera tried to tune out her mothers sniping, heartsore for her pain. As much as she hated to admit it, if anything had happened to herself or Nadine, it wouldnt have been so devastating for Lynda. But Lucythat was different.

Still, Lynda thawed towards Pollythe childs resemblance to her mother was striking.

What a lovely girl shes turning into, Lynda muttered, brushing away tears and fixing Vera with a stern look. Dont stifle her! Let her be happy.

Vera would squeeze Andrews hand, silently pleading for him not to say what they were both thinking.

Let it go, shed whisper with her eyes, and the argument would die before it began.

Why, Vera? Wouldnt it be better to spell everything out?

I dont know, Andrew. I just feel for Mum. All that anger comes from a place of pain.

But why do you have to bear it? Andrew wrapped his arms around her.

Maybe because Im the only one left who can?

What if she starts saying things to Polly?

She wont. Shed never hurt Lucys child.

And Vera was rightLynda might pour her venom onto Vera, but shed never risk disturbing her granddaughters happiness. She could see how loved Polly was, and though it pained her that Polly called Vera Mum, Lynda held her tongue, knowing how brutal the truth would be.

Vera closed her laptop and stretched. Past midnight already! She drank the last of her cold tea and gazed out the window, missing Andrew more keenly than ever. His work trip had come at the most inconvenient time, but hed be back the next dayeven if hed miss most of the party. Still, hed be there for the evening. She wondered what hed bought for Pollys present. It was a surpriseeven she didnt know.

Youll see! Youll both love it! hed laughed.

Vera smiled again, counting her blessings, and went to bed.

Mum! Happy birthday to me! Polly leapt onto Veras bed, smothering her with kisses. And to you! Congratulations, youve got me!

Thank you! Vera hugged her close and looked into her eyes. Happy birthday, darling! Wishing you health and happiness!

Polly pressed herself to Vera, breathing softly into her neck.

Am I grown up now?

You are! Started your tenth year, havent you? But guess what?

What?

Youll always be my little girljust a bit.

Thats good! Small ones get all the best love!

And you say you arent loved, hmm?

More tickles, more shrieks and giggles.

Alright, time for presents! Vera opened the bedside drawer. Ive got something special.

She handed Polly a small box.

Be careful with it!

Polly cracked the lid.

Mum Polly looked up at Vera and beamed. Its that one, isnt it?

Thats right.

Polly gently lifted out the tiny crystal kittenshe knew it had been her granddad Williams gift to Vera once.

For his eldest daughter Is that what Grandpa said?

Exactly.

Thank you! I always hoped hed be mine one day! Polly stroked the kittens tiny ears. Mum, but Im your only daughter

Vera smiled, and Polly searched her face.

Really? she whispered, barely audible. Vera nodded, and Polly jumped up, clutching the crystal kitten, and shouted at full volume.

Hooray! Im going to be a big sister! Mum, who will it be?

I dont know yet, my love.

Vera watched Polly bouncing around the room and, for some reason, felt tears in her eyes. Theyd waited so long for this.

Suddenly, Polly stopped in the middle of the room and turned to Vera.

This is the best present you could ever give me!

Vera threw back the duvet and climbed out of bed.

Polly started jumping again as Vera opened the wardrobe and took out a large box.

This is for you too.

The beautiful dress was a hitPolly spun around admiringly in front of the mirror.

Mum, what time will everyone come?

Vera checked her watch and gasped.

We overslept! Quick, weve got to hurry.

They just made it. By lunchtime, a delighted Pollydressed in her new clotheswas greeting guests, her laughter ringing from the playroom.

How are things? Lynda sank into an armchair, eyeing Vera critically.

All fine, Mum. Polly had an excellent yeartop marks, even in music. Shes a joy, really.

Value that joy. You were given it for free.

Vera sighed; talking to her mother was getting harder. Thankfully, Nadine appeared from the kitchen and the subject switched. Nadine chattered on about the children and her husband, Vera tuning in and out. She noted that Milly, the eldest, had aced her year just like Polly, while Victor had become the districts boxing champion.

A cry rang out, and everyone rushed to the playroom. Vera froze for a moment: Polly stood in tears in the middle of the room, the lovely white party dress already stained. Vera hurried over and caught her hands.

Nadine! First aid kit on the fridge! Quicklyget a bandage!

Everyone raced about. Only Milly sat quietly in the corner, scowling at Polly.

Polly, what happened? Vera knelt in front of her.

Its all a lie! Shes lying! Liar!

Whos lying? Vera tried to understand.

The cuts were shallow. After cleaning her up and finding a fresh dress, Vera sat Polly on her lap in the bedroom.

Will you tell me what happened?

At first, Polly was silent, her face buried in Veras chest. Then she looked up with Veras own grey eyes.