Dear Diary,
Not everything is smooth for me, I confessed, feeling the sting of my stepfathers constant criticism.
A stranger leaned close to me and asked, Whats your name, love?
I answered, Blythe! and then, And yours?
He smiled and said, Im Charles, and your mother and I will be a family now. Its just you, me, and Mum together.
Soon after, Mum and I moved into Charless spacious threebedroom flat in Manchester. He gave me my own bedroom. Charles was kind; he regularly bought sweets and toys for me, while my biological father only called when he wanted to argue with Mum.
One day Mum told me that my father had started a new family and had moved elsewhere. The news hit me hard because I loved him. Mum could shout at me and spank my bottom, but Dad never did. I remembered clearly how, during the divorce, Mum screamed at Dad and even threatened to hit him. She finished with a cutting line that has stayed with me ever since:
Dont think you were the first to put antlers on me; youve been wearing them forever, like a stag!
After that, Mum packed our things and we went to live with Grandma in Liverpool. I could never understand why Dad was said to have antlers when he was bald and smoothskinned. By then Mum and Dad were truly over.
Charles remained gentle until I started firstgrade. I never liked school, but I caused mischief during breaks, so often Mum and Charles were called to the headteachers office, and sometimes Charles had to go in place of Mum. He took my education seriously, sitting with me for homework and reading lessons aloud.
Theyre just a stepparent, they cant teach me anything! I would mutter, echoing something Grandma once told Uncle Victor.
I am, in a way, your father, Charles would reply, because I feed you and clothe you.
When I turned ten, Dad returned to town. By then I understood the meaning behind putting antlers on someone. Mum whispered, He probably had another lover, which is why he left. Dad asked for permission to see me, and Mum agreed. The reunion was pleasant.
You doing okay, love? Dad asked.
Its not great, I replied. My stepdad always nags at me.
What gives him the right to shout at you? Dad snapped.
Grandma says the same, and he doesnt seem to mind. I exaggerated, hoping Dad would worry about me because Charles never raised his voice.
Alright, Ill look after that, Dad said.
One afternoon we walked in the park and learned that, of all the rides there, children could only go on the roundabout alone; every other attraction required an adult, and Dad refused to join. I hinted that my birthday was coming up and that I dreamed of a new smartphone. When Mum came to fetch me, she said Charles never shouts at me, yet Dad seemed deaf to my pleas.
Dads such a miser! I exclaimed to Charles. I wanted to have a go on the rides, but he wouldnt let me. He only bought me an icecream in the park, nothing more. Charles, youre better than my dad.
He promised, Well fix Dads mistake and spend the weekend at the childrens entertainment centre.
The plan fell through when Charles had to dash to work for lunch, so instead of the aquapark we headed home. He ignored my hints about the new phone.
Dad, Charles lied to me! I sobbed to my real father over the phone. He said wed go to the centre and let us climb the ropes, then told me I didnt deserve anything elseno aquapark, no smartphone.
Despite that blatant lie, the deception seemed to have a magic effect on Dad; he bought me a cheap smartphone because his purse wasnt deep enough for a premium model.
Couldnt you wait for your birthday? Charles asked.
I dream of a dog! I shouted.
Not a dog, he retorted, because youd have to walk it and youd be lazy all the same!
His comment triggered a hysterical fit. I immediately rang Dad, pleading, Dad, please take me away from them! Charles is just teasing and teaching me the hard way.
Soon everyone was arguing, and while the chaos unfolded, Mum sent me to Grandmas house. Later Mum arrived with a box of belongings, announcing that she and Charles were getting a divorce.
The adults finally saw through my little scheme. My biological father returned to his wife because she was pregnant. Now I wont get the new smartphone, nor the puppy I longed for, and Grandma has already ruled out letting me have a cat.
