**Diary Entry**
I couldnt help but wonderwould they send me back to the childrens home? That woman said they only took me in a hurry because they didnt know their own child would come. That I wasnt really theirs
Emily stood at the stove, flipping pancakes. Soon, her husband Daniel would be home from work, and theyd all sit down for supper together.
Odd, why was little Oliver so quiet in his room today? Normally, when Emily made his favourite pancakes, hed hover around, peering up at her with hopeful eyes and asking,
Mummy, can I have another one?
Shed give him one, and though hed already eaten his fill, hed soon be back, dragging out each syllable in that sweet, pleading voice:
Muuu-mmmy, just one more?
Emily knew he wasnt really hungryhe just wanted to say that precious word again and again. Mummy. Most days, shed set down the spatula, scoop him up (he wasnt too heavy yet, only five), and say, Come on, darling, shall we go meet Daddy from work?
And Oliver would beam, repeating, Yes, Mummy, lets go meet Daddy! His eyes shone with excitementhe still wasnt used to having parents, but now he did.
He had his own room now, his own bed. A climbing frame with swingsDaddy bought that for him! And toy cars, robots, building blocks, all his and no one elses. At bedtime, Mummy read stories, stroked his hair, and told him she loved him. Slowly, Oliver was filling up with that love, almost forgetting what came before.
Emily was about to call him when she felt a sudden little kick inside her.
She pressed a hand to her bellyanother flutter.
Every night, she prayed over this unexpected blessing. Theyd even picked a nameDaniel wanted to call her Lily, after his grandmother.
The doctors had said she couldnt have children. Thats why she and Daniel adopted Oliver. And now, a year later, here they werea daughter on the way!
Lost in thought, Emily nearly burned a pancake. She called out, Oliver, sweetheart, where are you? Youre so quiet today!
Still no answer. Strange.
She turned off the stove and headed to his room.
Dark. Where was he?
A rustling sound. She flicked on the lightOliver sat on his bed, fully dressed in his coat and hat. His backpack bulged with toy cars.
Why are you sitting in the dark? she teased. Come on, get out of those clothes. Whats all this? Going on an adventure? The pancakes are readyyour favourite, with jam and clotted cream. Oliver?
But he didnt smile. His eyes were fixed, too serious for a child. Then, softly:
Can I take my toys with me? She wont need them, will she?
Emilys heart dropped. What are you talking about, darling? Where do you think youre going? Was she failing him? Did he not feel loved? Was he worried about the baby? Just yesterday, hed been thrilled.
Are you sending me back to the home? That lady said you only took me cause you didnt know youd have your own. That Im not really yours
His voice wavered. Tears brimmed.
Oliver, my love, what lady? Then she rememberedMrs. Harris from next door, just days ago, had said, Thank goodness your own child is coming, then pursed her lips and glanced at Oliver. You rushed into it, Emily, didnt you?
Shed brushed it off, not wanting to argue in front of him. But hed understood.
And now he thought he didnt belong.
Emily pulled him close. At first, he stiffenedthen collapsed into her arms, sobbing.
Sweetheart, that woman doesnt know anything. Daddy and I love you so much. Youre ours forever.
She peeled off his coat and hat, and they sat together in silence, holding tight.
When Lily arrived, Oliver and Daniel stayed home, keeping things running until they could fetch Mummy and the baby.
Oliver was nervous. What if his sister didnt like him?
But when he saw how tiny she was, he softened. Mummy, she cant be aloneshe needs her big brother! Ill teach her how to play cars. Well have fun!
Now, he never left her side, waiting for the day shed move into his room.
Tonight, Emily called, Oliver, love, Ive got Lily readylets go meet Daddy!
He was already waiting by the door. Ill hold it open, Mummybring her pram!
They took the lift downstairs. ThenMrs. Harris walked in, laden with shopping bags.
Oliver gripped Emilys hand tighter.
Sweetheart, youre a gentlemanhelp her with the lift.
Yes, Mummy! Chest puffed with pride, he pressed the button, then raced after them.
Tomorrow was the weekend. Theyd all go to the park. Shame Lily was still too small, but soon, shed be big enough for the rides. And Oliver, her big brother, would hold her tight if she got scared.
Because they were familyforever.
