Hens
Youre impossible, Grace! Its like talking to a brick wall! Even the simplest things go right past you. You think like an old hen! Whats that about?
And you You!
Grace Collins gripped her purse tighter and frowned at her companion. But that was all she could manage. Tears welled upunwelcome, unnecessary guestsand she quickly turned away to hide them from Sylvia Barker. But Sylvia had already spotted this crack in Graces composure and pounced triumphantly.
There! I knew I was right. Otherwise you wouldnt be crying! Oh, Grace, whats the point of all this? Soon our children will give us a real reason to be happy!
The pramgleaming white, and fiercely clutched by Sylviawas beautiful, no denying it. Grace too had admired the fancy carriage at first, but her daughter had gently asked her to choose something practical, especially given the British winters that brought months of drizzle and mud. The carriage Sylvia insisted on would struggle through puddles and slush; its beauty outweighed its usefulness.
Are you really going to keep sniffling? Sylvias voice took on a hard edge. Its just a pram! When were arguing about ballet classes or painting lessons for our granddaughter, you can yell at me then! Good heavens, Grace, must you always be such a mess? And your daughter too! Poor Paul, what did he get himself into! She sobbed through her entire pregnancy! Maybe thats the root of all these issues. I was never such a crier when expecting my son!
Sylvia stumbled over her words, shrinking back as Grace wiped her tears, turned, and hissed, Enough! Youve driven both me and Olivia to the brink. Now movelet me by! Grace shoved the pram aside. Olivia will choose whatever pram she wants. Ill pay. And nobody will be asking your opinion. If Im an old hen, youre not much of a woman yourself! More of a harpy, honestly!
She marched towards the shop exit, shot Sylvia a look, and shook her head.
Dont you ever get tired of being so sure youre always right, Sylvia? You bulldoze over everyone in your path without the slightest consideration. Dont call me again. I dont have the nerves for it. Its unbearable!
Grace flung open the shop door and nearly slipped on the icy steps.
Oh, for heavens sake! she cursed, unsure if her words were for the sudden burst of winter or for Sylvia.
A sneaky worm of doubt gnawed at heris this really how things should have played out? She almost turned back, ready to apologise and patch up their hopeless relationship. But enough was enough. For nearly three years, Grace had been made to feel guilty for everything. The way she spoke, the way she looked, the way she sat at the dinner table, the way shed raised her daughter. She endured, convinced that you couldnt change someones nature unless they wished to change it themselves. Sylvia saw no need to alter her ways. She was steadfast in her conviction that the world revolved around her. Occasionally, Grace even envied that self-confidencea quality she herself never mastered.
Grace raised her daughter alone. Life had dealt that card. Her husband had been a wonderful man, and Grace never allowed herself to wallow in what mightve been had he lived.
Shed known about Owens heart condition from the very start of university, where both were students. Quiet, modest Gracecuriously, the moral compass of the cohortcaught Owens eye immediately. But hed hesitated to approach her; day after day, a tall, handsome man walked her to campus. Only later did Owen find out it was her cousin, entrusted with looking out for her in a big city. One day Owen saw the suitor hug another girl in the street and, thinking Grace was being two-timed, rushed up to confront him.
What do you think youre doing? And what about Grace? Is this fair?
NickGraces cousinwas momentarily confused, then burst out laughing.
Oh, mate! If youd just asked, youd know were cousins. She stays with usIm her mums nephew. They thought she should study here in London, with family to keep an eye out. So do you fancy her?
I do. Very much, Owen confessed.
Well, what are you waiting for? Just tell her then!
So simple?
Why complicate life? Its short enough as it is.
Whether it was a joke or not, Nicks words proved prophetic. Grace and Owen were given just six years together.
But those six years were fullall the wedding bells, a rosy-cheeked daughter, the intertwining of two souls. When fate took Owen, Grace found herself living half a life, with half of her heart left to raise Olivia. She cared tenderly for Owens parents, who crumbled after his passing, and did everything to give little Olivia, so like her father, a loving and joyful childhood.
My daddys an angel! But Ive got two grannies, two grandads and a mumits wonderful! Olivia chirped at nursery.
As she grew up, she stopped calling her father an angel, but believed he watched over her.
Of course he does, Grace would reassure her. He loved you so much.
Olivia grew with the firm belief that love made the world go round. When youre loved, the sky is always brighter, the world more vivid. But a single unkind word could sap those colours, leaving everything pale and cheerless. Like her mum, Olivia wasnt one for confrontationless out of meekness, more because she always saw something good within people. If you showed them you noticed, kindness often emerged unexpectedly. The grumpy neighbour would smile the minute Olivia asked about her little dog, eager to share tales of her beloved pet. The road sweeperalways crosswould grumble, Morning, to Olivias greeting and then, caught up in the mood, greet other passers-by. Even Olivias own generation, who spent life with noses glued to their phones, would pause to listen when she spoke.
So naturally, Olivias calling was clearpsychology. Not using her gift for understanding people would be a waste. She genuinely listened, and cared.
At university, Olivia volunteered at a helpline, then became part of a rescue teama demanding but rewarding path.
It was during one call-out that she met Paul. He simply passed by as Olivia waited by her car for her colleagues; noticing she was shivering, he draped his jacket over her shoulders.
Oh! Youll catch cold! Olivia protested, handing it back.
Mum toughened me up. But your nose is turning blue, Paul joked. Wait a tickIll be right back!
He dashed off. Olivia realised a few minutes later she didnt even know his name. But he returned, handing her a coffee and his phone.
Give us your number?
He was so open and gentle, Olivia wrote her number on his palm with a smile.
They saw each other for just over six months before realising they couldnt stand to be apart. And then Paul introduced her to his mother.
Olivia was prepared for almost anything, but meeting Sylvia Barker was still an experience. Sylvia spent nearly a month preparing for her sons fiancéeoscillating from denial to acceptance, but never quite reconciled to the idea that her beloved Paul was grown up and ready for marriage.
Sylvia paid a long visit to her beauty salon beforehand, recounting the saga to all the stylists.
Do you really need to interfere though? asked Rita, her manicurist, filing away.
Oh, have a heart, Rita! You complain all your daughter-in-laws are horrors. And Im meant to just open my arms to this girl I know nothing about?!
Meet her first, muttered Rita, stung, grabbing Sylvias hand again. Dont work yourself up. It might be fine.
Sylvia didnt believe it for a second. She was adamant: the first meeting would be at her home, not at a restaurant as Paul suggested.
I want her to understand the family shell be joining, insisted Sylvia.
And there was plenty to boast about. Grandfathera distinguished academic. Grandmotherdirector of an esteemed London museum. Her late husbandtheatre director at one of the West Ends finest.
Dinner was splendid; Sylvias talents as a hostess were legendary. But Olivia calmly navigated the napkins and forks, praised each dish and won over everyoneincluding the exasperated Sylvia.
Who raised you, Olivia?
My mother.
And she sacrificed everything for you, I suppose?
Yes. She worked long hours, but every spare moment was ours.
Doctor, is she?
Yes. A dentist.
I see. A worthy profession then.
The evening, Sylvia tried every which way to ruffle Olivia, but she remained serene.
Later, Sylvia fussed to her husband, Shes like a statue! Not our sort at all. Where did Paul find this girl?!
Youre overreacting, her husband chided. Its a fait accompli, Sylv. Hell marry her, and thats that. You yourself raised him to take responsibilityremember that scruffy puppy he brought home in year three? You let him keep it, but you made sure he looked after it, not you. This is much more serious. And lets be honestshes a lovely, intelligent girl. What more do you want?
Sylvia had no answer. She wasnt sure what put her off about Olivia, but her heart ached at the thought of Paul setting out on his own.
At the wedding, Sylvia kept a brave facemakeup, hair, new dress all in place. But inside she felt chilled to the bone, sneaking off to weep quietly and not smudge her mascara. Her husband found her, held her, and reminded her, Remember how my mum greeted you?
He was rightshed been no favourite with her in-laws either. Theyd only warmed to her after she lost her first baby, a pain she endured in their enormous, labyrinthine London flat. That winter the city was battered by snow and ice; returning from an appointment, she slipped, fell hard on the steps, and lost the baby.
It was her in-laws, not her parents, who rallied aroundfinding the right doctors, and never once blaming her for managing alone instead of asking for help. When Paul was safely born, she trusted his grandmother utterly.
These memories softened Sylvia, and slowly, she became less prickly with Olivia, but channelled her energies into sparring with Grace instead. If nothing else, Graces unruffled nature got under her skin. For Grace, though, Olivias happiness always came first.
Olivia flourished in her marriage, and Grace did her best to shield the young couple, content to bear the brunt of Sylvias meddling for their sake.
The routine might have continued but for the day Olivia and Paul announced their big news, beaming.
Going to be a granny? Paul, is it true? Sylvia stood stunned, glaring at Grace, who was weeping for joy and hugging her daughter.
Mum, this isnt a joke. Olivia and I are having a baby.
Suddenly, Graces and Sylvias lives became a friendly sort of competition to spoil the parents-to-be. Each tried to take charge of preparations.
I bought the most adorable babygrowsso soft! When Olivia was tiny, I sewed all her things myself. Back then the shops were full of lovely fabrics and I adored making things for her! Grace cooed, sorting baby clothes.
Surely, its bad luck to buy anything before the birth? Sylvia pursed her lips.
Nonsense. Neither of us are superstitious. Besides, it saves panic later. Paul is always travelling. When would he manage?
Perhaps youre right, Grace, Sylvia sniffed, and the babys wardrobe soon bulged with new outfits while Olivia begged them both to slow down.
Its enough already! Soon well need a bigger house just for the baby clothes! she laughed.
The final straw came over the pram. Olivia browsed catalogues but couldnt decide. When health worries cropped up late in her pregnancy, the family took charge, agreeing it was easier for Grace and Sylvia to choose. Youve both done this before I trust you to pick a lightweight, practical one. Pauls away so much and Ill need to manage, Olivia said.
But the pram-whisper turned into an all-out row, driving the last wedge between Grace and Sylvia.
While waiting for her car to warm up, Grace muttered under her breath about Sylviathough why she was whispering, she didnt know. She hated ructions, always striving for harmony. But nobody quite tested her patience like Sylvia.
As her anger faded, Grace scolded herselfa doctor, unable to control her own emotions! She knew exactly who Sylvia wasshouldnt she have risen above it? Her late husband used to say, You cant give someone your own head to think with. Shed simply forgotten.
Then, suddenly, someone rapped at the frosty car window. Grace startled, rolled it down and found a flustered Sylvia peering in.
What now! This time, Grace let her irritation show.
Grace, its happeningOlivias in labour! Sylvia gulped for air. Paul couldnt get hold of youyour phone must be off!
Grace swore under her breath, grabbed her bag, and only then processed what Sylvia had just told her.
What are you standing there for? Get in the car. Quick!
For once, Sylvia obeyed instantly, sliding into the passenger seat. Well, go on! Lets move! she shrieked.
Grace tore out of the car park, taking the corner so sharply Sylvia squeezed her eyes shut in fright. She soon opened them to ask, We must be mad, Grace. Why are we panicking? Its just the first baby, not the last!
Im just so nervous, Sylvia! Please let everything be all right! Grace eased her foot off the accelerator, doing her best to steady herself.
Dont jinx it! Everything will be fine! Sylvia gripped the seat as they overtook a black cab, then sighed. Grace! Just thinkwere about to be grandmothers!
The little girl who arrived the next day would indeed have both of them wrapped around her finger. Graces gentleness would complement Sylvias quick wit and inventiveness. The love this child would receive would be enough to swim in, pouring over her as her grandmothers vied to outdo each other with affection.
And only Olivia would be in on the real secret, watching her daughter toddle through the park between her grandmothers, clutching a hand in each. Olivia knewlove, and only love, could bring together even the most determined rivals and give everyone hope.
Shed absentmindedly rest a hand on her tummy, weighing whether to share the news she held, or wait just a little longer. Then shed grin, calling after the chattering trio:
Grandmas! Dont spoil her! No ice cream before dinner or she wont eat her meal! I know what you two are likemy little hens
Sometimes, the greatest lesson in life is that no matter how many differences we have, love will always find a way to unite us.
