Another Child
Katherine trudged back to her flat after work, stepping into the empty rooms. She would immediately turn on the telly, cranking up the volume to pretend someone was home. Her daughter Emily had already married and moved out. And her husband her husband James had left her for a younger woman.
Katherine still couldnt believe James had betrayed her. Twenty-four years together, no major fights, no bitterness. They had even dreamed of celebrating their silver anniversary at a fancy restaurant. But fate had other plansall their dreams crumbled.
“Mum, I never thought Dad could do something like this,” Emily sobbed. “Im furious with him. I wont speak to him again.”
“Sweetheart, dont do that. He left me, not you. Youre still his daughter, and he loves you just the same. Dont cut ties with him,” Katherine urged, not wanting to turn Emily against her father. She blamed herself too.
“Maybe I didnt love him enough, didnt pay enough attention. Perhaps I focused too much on my career and not enough on family.”
James had fallen for a younger woman he met at a pub while having drinks with mates after work. Their eyes lockedhers a warm brown, sparkling with mischief. That gaze stuck with him, and before he knew it, he was at her rented flat. Alice didnt object, and soon enough, he was swept up in the whirlwind of an affair. He couldnt keep lying to Katherineshe already suspected. The confrontation was painful, but James confessed.
“Katie, Ive fallen for someone else. I know Ive hurt you, but I dont want to lie to you.”
Katherine came home from work one evening, changed into comfy clothes, when her phone buzzed. It was her sister, Margaret.
“Hey, Katie, you home? Ive got something to discuss. Ill be over in a bit.”
“Im home, come on over,” Katherine said, relieved not to spend another evening alone.
Margaret arrived, loud as ever, arms full of shopping bags. She unpacked fancy cheeses, crackers, and a bottle of wine. Katherine frowned.
“Mags, whats with the feast? Whats the occasion?”
“Occasion? More like a disaster. My Sophies pregnant. Shes not even eighteen yetbloody idiot.”
“Seriously?” Katherine gasped. “She turns eighteen in three months, right?”
“Exactly. But shes too far along for an abortion. I raised her, cared for her, and now she cant even get married properly. The bloke she was seeing bailed. She doesnt want the baby, and neither do I,” Margaret snapped, pouring wine.
Katherine listened, uneasy.
“Anyway, lets drink, Katie. I need to unwind. My minds a mess. Sophies been clubbing, coming home at dawn. No wonder the bloke refused responsibility.”
Margaret downed half her glass. Katherine took a sip.
“Weve decided, Sophie and I,” Margaret continued. “Well leave the baby at the hospital after birth. But Im worriedwhat if the child grows up and goes looking for her mum? Starts demanding things”
Katherine stared, horrified. “Mags, are you mad? Sophies young, but you? This is your own flesh and blood!”
“Oh, dont lecture me, Katie. You know Im not as proper as you. We dont need this child. Sophie has college to finish. And shes not the motherly typeshed dump the baby on me. And Ive got my own life to sort out.”
Katherine thought hard. “How far along is she?”
“Far enough. Its a girl. Probably just as reckless as her mum,” Margaret huffed, lighting a cigarette.
“Mags give the baby to me. Please. Dont leave her at the hospital. Ive got a good job, a stable income, a proper home.”
“Oh, come off it,” Margaret scoffed. “And when she grows up, youll tell her everything.”
“No, I wont. On my life, I wont. Shell be my daughter. Shell never know unless you tell her.”
It took hours, but Katherine convinced her sister. Then came another problemformal adoption required a two-parent household. James had left, but they werent divorced yet. She didnt want to ask himhe had his new life now.
Sophie gave birth to a healthy girl and signed the papers without even looking at her. Katherine, with help from an old friend who worked in social services, secured guardianship. She named the baby Rose.
Bringing Rose home, Katherine took leave but refused to quit her well-paid managerial job. She called her mother, Anne, who lived nearby.
“Mum, I need to talk to you urgently.”
“Ill be right over.”
When Anne arrived, she froze at the sight of the newborn in the crib.
“Katie who is this? When did this happen?”
Margaret had kept quiet about Sophies mess. Katherine hadnt said a word either.
“Mum, sit down. Ill explain everything.”
Anne was stunned. “How could Margaret let this happen? We raised you both the same!”
Once Anne calmed down, Katherine pleaded, “Mum, help me. Rose is your great-granddaughter. I dont want to quit my job. Could you look after her?”
Anne smiled. “Of course, love. Youll be a wonderful mother, and Ill be happy to help.”
Margaret never called to ask about the baby. But when Emily visited, she adored Rose instantly.
“Shes my little sister now! Shes gorgeous!”
Rose grew up bright and kind. By four, she could name every chess piece.
On Roses fifth birthday, Katherine threw a party at a nearby café. When they got home, the doorbell rang. It was Jameslooking miserable.
“Hi. Can I come in?”
“Sure.” Rose dashed to the hallway. “Its my birthday! Who are you?”
“Rose turned five today,” Katherine said. “This is my daughter.”
“I know. Emily told me.” He stepped out, returning with a giant dollhouse.
“Wow! Thank you!” Rose beamed, running off.
Katherine made tea. James hesitated.
“Katie youre even more beautiful now. Can I visit you both? I left Alice. It wasnt right. Ive been alone for two years.”
“But I have a daughter nowand shes not yours.”
“Thats why I love you more. If youd let Margaret abandon Rose I wouldnt be here. I want her to call me Dad.”
After a moment, Katherine agreed. James visited often, helping financially and emotionally. He took Rose swimming and to dance classes.
One day, after Roses recital, they sat at home, laughing over cake. Rose suddenly said, “Daddy, I really wanted you and Mummy to come see me today.”
James nearly choked on his teashed called him Daddy for the first time. He spun her in his arms.
“Youre my little girl.”
“Are we a family now, Daddy?”
“Yes, my love. We are.”
James and Katherine formally adopted Roseafter all, theyd never divorced. Just in case Margaret or Sophie ever changed their minds though that seemed unlikely.
