Socks
Oh, my sweet boy! My darling! Why are babies so utterly adorable? exclaimed Margaret, cooing over her grandson, showing him off proudly to the camera.
Harrys six-month milestone was celebrated with great fanfare. Entertainers, balloons, a grand, beautiful cakethe grandparents went all out. Alice, his mother, hadn’t been so keen on a lavish party. Of course, she appreciated her parents efforts to spoil her and the baby, but just as it was in her own childhood, she quickly grew tired of all the noise. It seemed Harry took after her; within half an hour of festivities, he was howling, forcing Alice to carry him indoors. She shut the windows tight, sat in an armchair with Harry, and within minutes, he was peacefully asleep.
Youve had enough excitement, my joy. Its much too soon for such grand affairs.
Her mum, Margaret, came upstairs, bringing along her gift from the hall table.
Asleep, is he?
Hes tired, Mum. I told you, its too soon for all this fun.
Nonsense, hell get used to it! We can afford to celebrate our dear grandsons milestones. You know how long we waited for him! Just look what I bought! Isnt it precious?
Rustling paper disturbed the baby, making him fidget uneasily.
Mum, can we do this later? Alice got up and paced the room, rocking Harry gently.
Typical Margaret. She sulked, setting her gift box on the side table. Youre not even interested! I spent all that time choosing it!
Of course I am, Mum! Im sure its lovely, Alice replied, offering a peaceable smile. Could you fetch me a drink? Im absolutely parched.
Just put him down and come get it yourself.
Hell wake up.
So what? Then well get on with the party, Margaret huffed.
Mum, if he wakes up now hell be crying for an age. Please, just accept that, will you?
Margaret tutted. Alice, you have to discipline a child from the very start! Well-behaved little ones dont scream their heads offthats just bad manners!
Alice flinched, pausing in her gentle dance around the room. Shed heard it all before: well-brought-up children dont fuss. Werent all good little girls (and now, their own children) meant to be perfect in every way? Back straight, chin up, first position! No arguing!
Ill go back to the guests. At least come down soon, Alice. It’s not proper for the party to continue without the hostess.
Take my place, please, Mum.
Margaret swept out, leaving Alice to sink into the chair again, cuddling her son tightly. What an arduous journey it had been to bring this little boy into the world!
Alice was born into an exceptionally respectable family. Her grandfather had been a renowned professor; her grandmother, chief surgeon at a top hospital. Her father dutifully followed the family tradition and also became a doctor. Alice never quite understood how such a clever, assertive man had allowed himself to be moulded by her mother, Margaretwho was worlds apart from academia. Margaret scraped through university and promptly placed her diploma out of sight, focusing instead on finding a suitable husband (or, rather, Alices grandmother did the searching). Grandma Rose was remarkably efficient; introductions were made at Margarets parents anniversary party, and soon after, Margaret had charmed Andrew, leading to a lavish wedding. The newlyweds moved into a flat bought for them by their families. Alice arrived two years later and was promptly passed into the exclusive care of her grandmother. Rose took charge of the nanny and personally selected which classes a little girl ought to have: two languages, ballet school, a private music teacher.
Everything about a child should be beautiful!
Weekends were spent in museums and theatres with stern supervision. Alice rarely saw her parents: her father devoted himself to work; her mothers parenting consisted of quick cuddles before dashing off to social engagements.
Grandmas efforts paid offAlice won a place at the ballet academy and, later, a well-known theatre. Her career was going splendidly until she met her future husband, Peter. Nobody except her father liked him.
My goodness! Its preposterous! Rose exclaimed, lying on the sofa, fingers to her temples. Alice, think! What are you doing with that boor? He cant string two words together!
Grandma, few people can hold their own next to you, Alice replied, tucking her feet under herselfa gesture that would typically earn a scolding, but not this time.
What are you saying? Rose demanded, sharp eyes narrowed.
Im saying very few on earth can match your intellect.
Rose frowned, not entirely convinced.
And, Grandma, Alice added softly, I dont just like Peter. I love him. Isnt love what truly inspires art?
Oh bother art! How will you live with him?
Happily and, if possible, forever.
Alice fought for her own happiness, enduring lectures and pleas to change her mind. But looking into Peters eyes, she said yes, and that was that. For Peter, Alice was a visiondelicate, gentle but unyielding. He felt both her strength and her vulnerability. He wanted to shield and cherish her.
I may not have much to offer yet. But I promise Ill do all I can to make you happy. I know how to love you. That, at least, I can give.
That was all Alice needed. Shed finally found someone who wanted her just as she was, without demands or expectationsno more trying to measure up.
Things werent easy. Peter had no wealthy relatives or family connections. His father was long gone, and his mother, Susan, had raised him alone. Susan had devoted her life to teaching primary school children, eventually becoming a deputy head, beloved by her pupils and, most of all, by her son. Susan always managed just the right words, always believed in Peter. Shed downsized her home and gifted the proceeds to help him start his businesswhich, thanks to his cleverness and drive, flourished and soon became a market leader. Even Rose eventually acknowledged Peters talent. Her last bit of resistance faded away when her great-grandson was born.
Alice desperately wanted a child. She didnt aim for greatnessjust simple happiness. But nature had other ideas. Years of tests, two operations, and nothing. Alice cried herself to sleep, hiding her tears from Peter, telling herself he deserved to be a father. She steeled herself, voiced her decision to him, but instead of an argument, Peter laughed.
Im sorry, love! Its just… Listen, silly woman, since when does my love for you rely on whether or not we have children? You are my life! How can you not see that?
Alice wept with mingled relief and frustration, clinging to him.
Conceding that motherhood might never be hers was one thing, but accepting it was much harder. Margaret didnt help, always sighing about friends becoming grandmothers while she was still free as a bird. Friends invited Alice to their childrens parties, making her selection of gifts a bittersweet ordeal. Eventually, the hullabaloo died down. Alice stopped wistfully watching toddlers at the playground and, after some thought, decided to open her own ballet class.
I need something to do, or Ill go bonkers!
Peter didnt quite grasp her motives until Susan stepped in.
Peter, do you realise how hard this is for her? For a woman who loves her husband, nothing could be more important than giving him a child. She needs your support. Whatever she wants to do, let her.
I understand, Mum.
Peter found a suitable studio, and Alice clapped her hands in delight.
Its perfect! Well done you!
Preparing the studio, recruiting pupils, leading classesall of it engrossed Alice, distracting her from her worries. She attributed her first symptoms to exhaustion. It wouldnt be the first time.
Alice, I hope you dont mind me asking, and you neednt answerbut are you expecting? Susan asked gently over coffee one afternoon.
Alice froze, seething inside. Did Susan really have to touch a sore spot, knowing everything?
Please dont be cross! Its justyou seem
Youre mistaken, Alice cut in, standing, but swayed and almost collapsed onto the sofa.
Susan signalled the waitress for water.
Just stay here.
Minutes later, she returned, setting a small box before Alice. Lets find out, shall we?
Perplexed staff watched as two women, arms linked, danced a wild jig among the tables, both weeping and laughing. Their happiness was infectious; other customers beamed, realising something wonderful had happened.
Harry arrived, healthy and strong, giving the midwives quite a time.
Are you a former dancer? the neonatal doctor inquired, examining a weary Alice.
Yes.
Youve done marvellously. Hes perfect!
Alice now woke each morning almost painfully happy, afraid it was too much for one person.
Youre not alone, darling. Share it with me; now were two, Peter would say, gazing at Harrys tiny face swathed in lace, the very one Margaret had bought for the occasion.
Coming home from hospital was a nightmare for Alice. Margarets plans had dominated, complete with photographers swarming around Alice and Harry to document every moment. Guests cheered on the front steps, and at home, a feast awaited.
All Alice wanted was a hot shower and a rest.
Mum, why all this?
It must be done properly, Alice! Its a celebration, after all! Im so happy!
Alice realised there was no point arguing. Forcing herself up the stairs, she groaned seeing how many guests still awaited. Apparently, not everyone had made it to the hospital.
Theyre our closest friends and family! Margaret declared.
Alice caught Susans eyeshe was grimacing quietly by the door. It was getting harder for Alice to stand as the stream of well-wishers continued.
I hope you dont mind, but Im going to borrow Alice and the little one for a bit, Susan announced, steering Alice upstairs to the bedroom.
Lie down. Ill get everything ready. Are you hungry?
Alice nodded wearily. Watching Peter settle Harry in his cradle, Alice felt she ought to go back downstairsbut Susan was fierce.
Who says you have to? Susan frowned. Theyll manage perfectly well. Youve done your duty.
Alice exhaled with relief, and tiredness overwhelmed her. She curled up, watching Susan move about the room.
Sleepy? Susan threw a fluffy throw over her and smiled. Rest now. Ill watch the baby.
For Harry Alice drifted off, not seeing the gentle smile Susan gave her. Harry was Peters fathers name.
Margaret came up a while later, indignant to find her daughter asleep and not receiving guests.
What do you call this?
I call it a young mother doing precisely as she should. She needs total rest, or our boy wont be breastfed.
Oh, thats nonsense! I didnt breastfeed Alice for more than two days, and she grew up just fine. Margaret stepped forward, intent on waking Alice, but Susan resolutely blocked her path.
Lets mark this new chapter together, just us grandmas. Tell me, should he call us Granny or by our first names?
Peter closed the bedroom door behind them, silently thanking his mother. His relationship with his mother-in-law was always fraught. Margaret was perfectly happy to benefit from all Peter provided, yet never considered his opinions. Mild-mannered and patient, Peter struggled not to snap when it came to Margaret. His father-in-law, Andrew, respected his business acumen, but preferred not to meddle in the familys matriarchal setup.
You cant change her, and theres no point stirring up a row at home.
Alice woke after an hour and a half, momentarily disoriented. Harry stirred, laughter came from downstairs, and she came to herself. After feeding him, she waited for Peter and finally made it to the bathroom. Sitting at a little table by the window, she devoured the delicious soup Susan had made, asking for tips on childcare.
They showed us some things at the hospital, but its such a drop in the ocean. Im frightened, Alice admitted, putting down her spoon.
Eat up! And stop fretting! Children are far tougher than people think. Youre his mum; youll know whats best for him. Doubt yourself less. I know it echoes all the clichés, but its true. Just give it a go.
Time proved Susan right. Alice found her feet quickly. Although her anxiety never quite vanished, it became manageable.
The first six months flew by. Susan popped round twice a week to help with Harry but usually ended up tidying or cooking. At first, Alice was put out, but Susan reassured her.
This time is fleeting, Alice. Every giggle, every glance is precious. Its gone in a flash. Dont waste it. Enjoy your baby. I can still mop a floor and make dinner.
Margaret came less often but turned each visit into a production.
Alice, look at this pram I found! Absolutely marvellous!
Mum, ours is perfectly fine!
No comparison! Bundle him up, were going to try it out!
Margaret refused to call her grandson by his name for ages.
Where did you dig up Harry from? Why not something else? Its so plain!
Mum! Its a royal name! Whats wrong with it?
Hell be teased at a good school, mark my words!
Then well go to a normal school. Besides, isnt it up to the parents to name their own child?
No, your grandma named you. I wouldve chosen differently.
Well, at least I chose my own sons name.
Margaret would huff, take Harry and head outproud with his smart pram, snoozing baby, and herself: youthful, attractive, hearing, What a charming baby! And what a lovely mum! She secretly relished being mistaken for Harrys mother, but village gossip soon set everyone straight. After that, Margaret stopped taking Harry on outings, merely popping in for coffee, offering a peck and departing on errands.
I shall be his party-granny!each time, a new bright toy would settle on the nursery shelves.
The family settled into its roles, calm restored.
The disastrous scene at Harrys six-month party nearly sparked a row. Alice smiled at her waking son, reaching for the box brought by Margareta lovely silver rattle.
Look, Harry! Isnt it beautiful?
He turned the sparkling toy in his small hands, flashing his first toothy smile.
Whats the other gran given you, then? Alice asked, opening the bag Susan had left.
A white little outfit, hand-knitted by Susan, so soft that Alice pressed it to her cheek.
And socks! Look how beautiful! Your gran is so clever, darling!
Margaret suddenly entered, gasping in admiration.
Oh, how darling! Is this designer?
No, Susan knitted it.
Margaret examined the jumper. Could she not have bought something better? Its a big milestone! Nothing wrong with splashing out a bit. Honestly!
Mum!
Am I wrong?
Alice shrank under Susans glance; Susan stood in the doorway, hearing every word. She nodded to Alice, placed a glass of squash on the dresser and quietly left. Alice settled Harry and then, coming down, discovered Susan had gone.
Peter! I feel dreadful about what happened
You didnt say anything wrong. Why be embarrassed?
I shouldve stood up for herimmediately!
Dont fret. Mums wiseshell see it for what it is.
Alice struggled to repair things, but Susan always waved it off.
Dont dwell, Alice. My feelings arent hurt.
Still, Alice couldnt shake the sense something was broken. She sought a way to mend it.
One day, alone with Harry upstairs, Alice fell very poorly. She tried Peters phoneswitched off, likely in meetings. Her father would be at the hospital, probably in surgery. She rang her mother.
Hello, hello! All fine your end? Hows the boy? We havent seen you since the party, isnt that a shame? I told you the bash was a hit! Everyone loved it!
Mum
No need to thank me! Oh, call waiting! Sorry, love! Click. Busy tones after that.
Pain mounting, Alice rang for an ambulance, then Susan.
Alice?
Please The room spun. Harry
Susan had never dashed so fast. Not bothering with shoes, she grabbed her bag, flew out, and flagged a taxi.
You trying to get yourself killed?! the cabbie barked as he swerved to avoid her.
My daughters unwell! Hurry, please!
He obliged, swerving through the streets. Dont worry, thirty-years no accidents. Well make it!
The ambulance arrived seconds after the taxi. Susan ushered the medics in.
Up here! Quickly!
Alice barely understood what was happening.
Were taking you in.
Why? Where? she tried to protest.
Alice, its needed. Dont fuss. Ill look after Harry. Peters on his way.
The operation was a success; Alice was kept in for two weeks. Her father insisted she rested.
Its no joke, Alice! Harry needs his mum strong and well.
Once home, Alice hugged Harry tightly and immediately called her mother.
Mum!
Alice! How are you?
Not great. I need your help.
Ohthe thing is, Ive a holiday booked, flying in two days. Cant get the money back. Id been looking forward to this trip!
Alice closed her eyes, hung up, and accepted shed have to cope alone. She fed Harry and lay down, exhausted.
She woke to someone moving about the room.
Sorry! Didnt mean to wake you! Susan smiled, Harry in arms. You hungry? I made your favourite soupand some fruit jelly and buns. Ill let Peter hold Harry, and bring it up. If you dont mind, Ill stay for a couple of weeks until youre fully well.
Alice burst into tears.
Oh, darlingdont cry! The doctor says you need good spirits, nothing else. Lets focus on that. Now, watch this.
Susan set Harry on the floor, making sure he stood firm. Gently, she let go of his handsand Alices tears dried instantly as she watched her baby totter towards her, delighted, and fell into her arms. She scooped him up, turning to Susan in wonder.
Feeling a bit more cheerful? Good! Now, lets get some food in you. Youll need all your strength soon enoughwhen this young man isnt just walking, but off running!
And so, Alice learnt that true family is found in those who step up when you need them most, and that the greatest gifts in life are sometimes handmade, delivered quietly, from the heart.
