My Family
Oh, Daisy, you look absolutely beautiful! Margaret gasped, stepping into her daughters room.
Daisy stood by the mirror, patiently letting her best friend and part-time stylist, Emma, finish adjusting the veil. The final bobby pins were carefully placed, and Daisy turned to her mother.
Really, Mum? Is it all right?
Perfect, darling! You’re the most stunning bride! Margaret couldnt help but smile as she recalled her own mother uttering those exact words to her on her wedding day. It seemed every mother must say that to her daughter in a wedding dress.
They had spent ages choosing the perfect dress. Daisy was terribly particular when it came to clothesnever one for trends or other peoples opinions. What mattered was that she liked it. With excellent taste and a lovely figure, nobody had ever accused Daisy of dressing poorly. So she chose her wedding dress not for fashions sakeit wasnt revealing or voluminous or overly trendy. She wanted something different, something just for her. The bridal shops consultants were at wit’s end trying to please heruntil Lucy, the shop owner, stepped in.
Ive got something you might love, Lucy said.
She disappeared and returned with another garment bag. The moment she unzipped it, Daisy let out a small gasp. It was perfect!
Simple lines, no embellishments. Expensive fabric. Daisy gazed at herself in the mirror, certainthis was the dress. It fit perfectly, as if made for her. No alterations needed.
Well? What do you think?
Ill take it! Daisy cried.
Lucy smiled, a glint of sadness passing through her eyes before disappearing. Why should this girl know Lucy had originally ordered the dress for herself? Her own wedding would never happen now. You simply cant get married without love and trust; one cannot exist without the other. Ah, Oliver, why did you have to be that way? She loved him, wanted a family, children, but he lied to her, struggling between two women, unable to choose. Now, the choice was made Lucy shook the thoughts away. No sense longing for what never wastime to move forward.
Theres a stunning veil to go with it. Ill fetch it.
Daisy winked at her mother. Told you Id find what I wanted, didnt I?
Margaret nodded, feeling happier than shed been in years. Shed remember these days as some of the best of her life. She was swept back to her own wedding; back then, you simply couldnt buy whatever dress you fancied. You had the limited options at the local bridal shop, or you made do with something homemade. Margarets dress was lovingly sewn by her mothers friend at the dressmakers. One aunt found the fabric; another, the trimmings. The result was a beautiful dress, though it didnt bring her any luck. Margaret and her husband split when Daisy turned two. New love, new struggles In the end, Margaret and the child were left behind. Daisy grew up fatherlessher dad, Charles, paid maintenance regularly, ever so proper, lest people doubt his character. Still, he absolutely refused contact with Daisy.
I dont want any extra strings, hed said.
Margaret didnt argue. A father who doesnt care is no better than none at all.
She tried to give Daisy a proper father figure. But Daisy and her stepfather never bonded. The man Margaret married and lived with for barely a year didnt like children at all. He adored Margaret, in his way, but the notion of raising her daughter didnt appeal. Once, during an argument, he suggested sending Daisy to her fathers family. Margaret quietly packed his things and sent him away.
Well manage just fine, love. We dont need anyone, shed said, hugging Daisy.
Daisy didnt understand much at the timeexcept that her mum had chosen her. It sank in deeply, perhaps explaining why, even through Daisys teenage years, she and Margaret never had any serious rows. To Daisy, her mum was everything.
Daisy, its time, or you’ll be late. Margaret gently straightened the veil and pressed a kiss to her daughters forehead. Be happy, my dear girl!
Daisy giggled, throwing up her hands. Mum! If you make me cry now, Emma will kill me. She spent an hour getting my make-up just right. If I start blubbing, it’ll all fall apart!
With a hug, Daisy whispered, Ill do my best
The wedding day flew by in a blur. Margaret returned to her now-silent flat, closed the door, and perched on the hallway bench. That was itshe was alone. Daisy would be living with her husband Ben in the flat Margaret had just gifted them. Ben had no place of his own, and when Daisy mentioned the prospect of living with his parents, Margaret said nothing then. But later, after Ben left, she quietly handed Daisy the keys.
Theres no need, love. You live in your own place. Just you two.
But Mum, what about the tenants?
I sorted it ages ago. Theyll be out before your wedding.
But its money your money! We planned to rent for a while
How much do I need, darling? Ill manage. Im strong, still working. Ill cope. You should live properlynot renting when you have your own place.
Daisy danced around clutching the keys. Mum, thank you! My dream of having my own home just got closer!
Home?
Yes! A big, bright house, enough space for everyone. And at least three bedrooms for the children! Daisy flushed and cuddled Margaret. Is that too much?
As many as you want, sweetheart! As long as you and your little ones are happy and healthy.
Im so glad you understand me
And you know, your children will have a young gran too. Margaret chuckled, kissing Daisys head. A homea real one. Live the life you want, my girl!
Margaret didnt mention the awkward conversation with Bens family that had taken place the day before.
The families had decided on a proper English gathering at Margarets home. Shed spent all day in the kitchen, eager to show off her cooking. With just her and Daisy, elaborate meals were a rare chance.
Bens parents struck her as pleasant at first, but that changed once Bens mother, Helen, prodded at her plate and pursed her lips. Strange not quite our kind of food.
Margaret raised an eyebrow. The fish pie, her grandmothers secret recipe, was always a hit. Bens father ate heartily, clearly impressed. But Helen kept going.
Does Daisy not cook? Well need to teach her. Well, never mind, well manage. Our house is bigplenty of room for everyone. Its probably better they live with us for a while. Daisy will learn how things should be done for Ben. He’s used to plenty of attention. Hes our only child, after all. Daisys your only daughter, too?
Yes.
And you raised her alone? No father?
Yes. Thats how it was.
Of course, setting an example of a complete family is so important. Hows a girl supposed to know her proper role if there was never a man around? Daisy seems lovely, but it must be hard for a child brought up by just a mother to adapt to family life.
Margaret listened, managing to hold her tongueDaisy nudged her foot under the table several times: Dont, Mum. Daisy had warned her: Ben was nothing like his parents.
Hes really good, Mum. Youll see. And whatever you hear, please dont be upset. He finds it hard, too, but what choice does he have?
Margaret finally understood what Daisy meant. She wanted to get up and throw these people out of her house, but she knew Daisy was wise and surely had weighed all the pros and cons before choosing Ben.
Clearing the table, Margaret hesitated in the kitchen, startled when Helen appeared behind her.
Now we can talk without the children, cant we?
Helens husband, John, stood at the doorway, silently watching Margaret with what almost looked like sympathy. He disliked his wifes attitude, but said nothing. Margaret nodded, bracing herself.
Margaretno need for middle names, its just us. You see, as a mother, I worry terribly about my only child. I need to know everything is right for him. He’s at a crucial moment in his lifeand I hope he wont have to go through this sort of thing again and again
Helen paused, expecting a response, but Margaret just listened. It was a skill shed picked up as the surgery administratorlet people talk, and theyll say more than they ever intended.
Its not that we dont like Daisy Helen continued. But I have a lot of questions for you. Im sure you know about Ben and his family.
I do.
Any hereditary issues? Why did you split with her father? Was he a drinker? Unreliable?
Nothing of the sort.
Really? You must understand, I need to know what Daisys genetics might mean for future children, and if Ben should be having kids with her. I know youre a nurse, so you must appreciate how serious this is! I can overlook the fact she grew up in a single-parent home, and that, busy as you were, you couldnt give her as much guidance as youd like. But I need to know what Im agreeing to as her mother-in-law.
Margaret felt her patience unravel. Words shed been holding back all evening now threatened to erupt, possibly ruining her daughters future. Before she said a thing, though, Daisy appeared, signalling her with urgent eyesnot now.
Mum? Daisy asked.
Yes, love. Im almost done. Will you set out Nans tea set?
Margaret calmed herself. As soon as Daisy left, she turned to Helen.
Daisys family health is excellent. I can show you any information you need, so theres nothing to worry about. I wont be asking about your family tree. I expect the young couple will handle that themselves. And Helen she cut Helen off, I understand your concerns, but I hope you wont let them force your son to keep making the same hard choices.
Margaret fetched the homemade Victoria sponge and nodded towards the sitting room. Shall we join the others? Would you mind helping with this, Helen?
Helen took the plate, and Margaret checked the tea. John caught her eye, and for the first time, she saw approvalalmost gratitude. She made it clear for the rest of the eveningconversation about the past was over. Everything else could be handled.
Until the wedding, they didnt see each other again. Daisy and Ben already had jobs and managed all expenses themselves. Parental help wasnt needed.
Two years later, Daisy and Ben sold Margarets old flat and bought a plot for building a house. Pregnant Daisy, having spent years researching construction, became such an involved project manager that even seasoned builders were happy to follow the ladys instructions. Of course, they didnt finish before the baby was born, and when Daisy left hospital, Ben brought her and their newborn daughter, Sophie, to stay with Margaret.
Sorry about imposing, Margaret, Ben said, laying the tiny, blanketed baby on Margarets bed, but Daisyand me, toowere calmer here for now.
You did exactly right, Ben, Margaret smiled, watching him hover nervously. Dont be scared, Dad. Go on, unwrap her a bit, shes warm in there.
Im worried
No need. Shes yours. Parental instinct, Ben. Give it a try.
Margaret nudged Daisy, who entered just then. Let him be!
Ben managed the first bath, the first walk, without a hitch. Helen visited the next day.
This isnt a mans job, looking after a baby.
Stereotypes, Margaret replied firmly, smiling at her son-in-law as he gently held little Sophie.
No point admitting how much she wanted to take overgrandmothers always think they know best and forget they once knew nothing themselves.
Sophie thrived. When they finally moved to their new house, Daisy soon hoped for a second childbut then disaster struck.
Mum, Sophies got a temperature! Daisys panicked voice over the phone made Margarets knuckles whiten on the steering wheel.
How high?
Very. And nothings working.
Ring the ambulance. Im coming!
Speeding through the night, Margaret prayed fiercely. Please, let it be nothing serious
But her prayers must have been put on hold.
A&E, the high-dependency unit, and forty-eight agonising hours waiting after the doctor said, Were doing all we can.
Daisy barely moved, frozen outside intensive care. Margaret didnt try to leave her, just brought her tea and coffee, and made her eat.
Youll need strength, love. Once Sophies out of here, shell need you more than ever.
Ben darted between work and hospital. Margaret hugged him when he seemed about to collapse.
Hold on, Ben! If you fall apart, Daisy will lose it completely.
Helen arrived soon after Sophie was admitted.
How did this happen? Where did she get it? Is it inherited? An infection?
Helen, enough! Margaret snapped, unable to contain herself for the first time. What difference does it make?
Helen hesitated, seeing Daisy, eyes shut tight, whispering anxiously to herself, Ben by her side holding her hand, and Margaret glaring in a way Helen had never seen. Sorry
Margaret simply nodded. Some people just dont know when to keep quiet.
After two days, Sophie pulled through and immediately demanded her mum. Doctors moved her to the ward, and Margaret finally breathed. The rest would be sorted.
A few days on, Margaret visited again. She played with Sophie and made sure Daisy ate something. As she was gathering her things to go, Daisy stopped her.
Mum, wait. Bens coming in a bit. We want to talk to you.
When Margaret learned why, she closed her eyes, happiness washing over her.
Mum, will you help us?
Of course! Didnt need to ask!
Daisy sighed with relief. Two kids, and Sophie still needs so much care I cant manage without you.
Oh, youd manage just fineyoure not on your own, are you? Look at your husband!
Ben stuck his head out from under the blanket, where Sophie had covered him playing hide-and-seek. So, you dont mind?
Move in with you? I do mind, but I suppose Id have to. Margaret didnt ask why Ben hadnt gone to his own mother. Just for a while, mind! Only until Sophies better. Just think of me as a seasonal worker.
Mum!
What? I havent a better comparison. I know you need help now, but living with you all the time isnt right.
Id love it if you were always near
Margaret hugged Sophie and stood. Im always here. I promise, love. But Daisy, I am a seasoned singleton. You need your own family. Thats how it should be. Help is one thing, moving in is another. Thats the end of discussion! Right, Sophie? She kissed her granddaughter and left.
At home, as she packed, the phone rang.
Margaret? Dont you think this is all a bit odd? Helens tone was as forthright as ever. Surely Id be more usefulthey need me more than you! You have work, Im freeand I know kids better than you.
Helen, its not up to me. Shouldnt you be talking to the kids? My job is just to help.
Ben wouldnt even listen to me! I dont know what charm youve got over him. His own mother! Outrageous!
I cant explain, really. Ask him, perhaps?
Youre impossible to talk to! I think you should refuse. Say youre busy.
Helen, listen to yourself. I wont ask whybut Ill ask this: When did you last see Sophie?
What for? Youre always there. Cant even bring her a meal, youve already taken care of it!
Theres your answer. Sorry, got to go.
Margaret put the phone down and pondered. A family’s peace can shatter so easily, but rebuilding it is hardsometimes impossible. Helen might never realise, but Margaret did. She decisively called Ben.
We need a chat.
Three years later.
Nan, are you taking me to dance today, or is Grandma Helen?
Me, today. Grandma Helen is out with Paul, and Mums at work.
So Im eating lunch with you?
Thats right, sweetheart.
Brilliant! Will you make those buns againthe ones from last time?
You liked them, did you? Then yes. Margaret glanced at Sophie in the rear-view mirror, nestled in her car seat.
Nan
Yes, darling?
Are we going to the zoo with you this weekend, or with Grandma Helen?
With everyone! And Grandads coming, too. He could use a nice walk, couldnt he?
And will you buy me balloons?
And ice cream. And candyfloss.
Amazing! Sophie grinned. Just make sure Paul gets a balloon too, all right?
All right, love, Margaret smiled.
Nan
Yes?
Can I tell you a secret? The biggest, most secret secret?
Of course!
Mummy says I might get another brother or sister soon.
Margaret raised her eyebrows in surprise. Well, that explained Daisys mysterious smiles lately. Ever since Margaret had insisted on helping from a distance, letting both grandmothers share the load, Daisy had grown closer to her, but now told Ben the big news first.
The road hadnt been easythered been arguments, adjustments. But together, they managed. Some adapted, some learned when to keep quiet. Sophies health and the new babys life were at stake. In the end, Sophie and Paul gained two loving grandmothers and a wonderful grandad.
How do you know? Margaret lowered the music a little.
Mum and Dad were talking last night. Thought I was asleep. Nan can I wish for a sister?
Why ask?
If its a boy, hell be sad if I say I didnt want him.
Margaret smiled. Do you love Paul, sweetheart?
Loads!
Then youll love a new brother, too, if thats who you getand hell love you. All right?
Okay!
So lets wait and see who Mummy says youre getting, hm? And do you know what else?
What?
I always wanted a brotheror two, even.
Really?
Swear on it.
Thats all right, then! Sophie busied herself with her favourite toysa rabbit from Nan, a bear from Grandma Helen. Ill wait for a brother, too.
And do you know what else? Margaret turned down Daisy and Bens road. Its like a Christmas presentyou never know whats inside till you open the box.
Have you bought mine yet? Sophie peered slyly up as Margaret unbuckled her.
Your Christmas present? Not yet, too soon. But for your birthdayyes! And do you want to know a secret?
Yeah!
Grandma Helens got you one, too. But Im not saying what!
Ohh! Sophie pouted.
Dont pout! Your birthdays just round the corneryoull see soon enough.
All right! Sophie grabbed her bunny and trotted up the path.
Margaret fetched Sophies swimming bag and nodded to Helen, approaching with Paul on her hip.
Hello, Grandma!
You cheeky thing! Helen laughed. Weve been out walking
And were off to dance. Just need to get changed.
Margaret watched Sophie press up against Helen, chattering away excitedly, and thought how easy, and how hard, it was to love those around you. To listen and hear, to see and know that youre needed, and to need them in return Thats what it is to be a family.
