When my mum was alive, she spent plenty of time with me while my dad was always at work. After she passed away, Dad still couldnt find any time for me. He quickly remarried and brought home my new stepmum. Emily was a striking young woman in her twenties; she needed somewhere to live and was after Dads money. She didnt like children at all since, truth be told, she barely stopped being one herself.
She made me call her Auntie around her friends, and when we were out, she made me tell strangers we were sisters. I never really knew what she told Dad about me, but hed always look at me with that cold stare, constantly finding reasons to scold me, and threatening to pack me off to my nans house in the countryside. He often tried to frighten me with that, never realising that Id have happily left in an instant.
My nan was wonderful and always full of laughter. She taught me amusing little rhymes and jokes that I still fondly recall and share with my own children now that Im thirty. She loved me deeply and never failed to make time for me, just as Mum did, and summers at her cottage were the absolute highlight of my childhood. Thats why, in Year 5, I asked Nan if she could persuade Dad to let me come and live with her.
How on earth would you get to your school from here? Nan wondered. Wed have to transfer you to the school in the village. Would you be all right with that?
I wouldve done anything not to live with Emily.
Thats how it happened. Dad, honestly, was quite relieved to leave me with Nan. He simply sent through money every month, making sure we werent left short. He and Nan would often argue over the phoneshed always give him a piece of her mind for never bothering with me, and warned him that Emily would leave him sooner or later. Dad, of course, never believed her. Meanwhile, I grew up, went to college, and eventually moved back to the city.
I got myself a job, and finally I was able to bring my dear nan up from the countryside to a lovely rented flat. She was the very first to hear about my boyfriend, and on my modest wedding day, Nan was my only family guest, as neither Dad nor Emily could be bothered to come. Both were caught off guard when I rang them. Emily didnt even recognise my voice, and Dad just offered a quick Congratulations and said he was busy with other matters.
Somewhere deep down, I always knew Dad chose that woman over me, but as a little girl, I just didnt understand. Now I do, but theres no anger left in me. Its all thanks to my nan, who took me under her wing when I needed it most, never letting me feel unloved, and gave me a real childhood.
I truly hope that every child growing up in a similar situation is lucky enough to have someone like my nan. Sometimes, its better to find that love away from your parents than to stay in a family where nobody needs you.
