“Because He Takes After You”
Marinas voice trembled with barely contained frustration as she spoke. “Three years, Helen Victoria. Three years youve been demanding a grandson from me, scolding me for taking too long. And now you openly favour Paul, your daughters son. But my Alex is your grandson too! Or have you forgotten?”
Helen Victoria adjusted her perfectly styled hair and regarded her daughter-in-law with icy superiority. Behind her, in the living room, childrens laughter and music filled the airPauls birthday party was still in full swing.
“And when you ignore Alex, when you dont give him gifts like you do the other grandson,” Marina continued, “he gets upset. Hes ten now, Helen Victoria. Hes old enough to understandyou dont love him.”
Her mother-in-law let out a dismissive snort, waving her hand as if shooing away an irritating fly.
“Youre imagining things, Marina. I treat both grandsons the same. And honestly, why pick now to make a scene?” Helen Victoria raised her eyebrows indignantly. “Its my grandsons birthday, we have guests. I dont have time for your nonsense.”
With that, she spun on her heels and marched back to the party, leaving Marina standing alone in the hallway. A lump of hurt and anger rose in her throat. Leaning against the wall, she tried to steady herself. To Helen, her son was invisiblejust a pane of glass to be looked through while she focused on those who truly mattered.
Taking a deep breath, Marina returned to the celebration. The sight before her twisted her heart even tighter. Helen Victoria was fawning over Paul, cooing at his every word, ruffling his hair, slipping him sweets. Meanwhile, Alex stood in the corner, pressed against the wall, watching with poorly concealed longing. His small shoulders slumped, and the sadness in his eyes made Marina want to run over, scoop him up, and take him far away.
That evening, once Alex was asleep, Marina sat beside her husband on the sofa.
“Victor, we need to talk about your mother,” she began. “The way she treats Alex isnt right. He understands everything, and its hurting him.”
Victor rubbed the bridge of his nosea gesture Marina knew well. It meant he didnt want to discuss unpleasant things.
“Marina, youre overthinking this,” he dismissed. “I was the less-favoured child toomy sister always came first. Its fine. Alex will learn not to expect anything from Gran. Hell cope. Hes a boy, after all. And she does love him, just differently than she loves Paul.”
Marina stared at him, stunned. How could he say that so casually? How could he accept their son being neglected?
A week later, Helen Victoria turned up unannounced. Alex was doing homework at the kitchen table when the doorbell rang. At the sight of his grandmother, his face lit up briefly before dimming again, his gaze dropping.
“Alex, darling, Ive brought you a treat!” Helen declared, holding out a handful of cheap sweetsthe kind sold in corner shops. For Paul, she always bought expensive chocolates.
“Thanks, Gran,” Alex murmured, taking them.
Helen turned to Marina with a triumphant look.
“You see? Im not neglecting anyone. All this nonsense about favouritism.”
Alex shifted awkwardly before quietly excusing himself to finish his homework, gathering his books and slipping away. Marina knew hed realised his grandmother wouldnt spare him another thought.
Left alone in the kitchen, Marina tried again to reach her mother-in-law. Maybe if she mentioned Alexs achievements, Helen would show some interest.
“Helen, Alex won a certificate for coming first in his schools maths competition,” she said, pouring tea. “His teacher says he has a real gift.”
“Yes, yes, very good,” Helen replied absently, then perked up. “Paul won his swimming tournament last week! First place in the borough. His coach says he could be a champion!”
“Thats wonderful,” Marina said evenly. “But I was telling you about Alex. Hes started drawing toohis teacher says”
“Drawing?” Helen cut in. “Thats hardly serious. Now, sportthats something! Pauls so strong, such a sturdy boy. And top of his class in French! His teacher says hes never seen such talent.”
Marina clenched her jaw. Helen was still singing Pauls praises, ignoring every mention of Alex.
“…and just last week, Paul fixed his own bike! At eight! Such clever handsjust like his granddad.”
Marinas patience snapped. She slammed her palm on the table, making the cups rattle.
“Why, Helen? Why do you treat my son like this? You were the one who wanted a grandson from Victor! You pushed us!”
Helens face twisted as if shed bitten into a lemon. After a pause, she spoke reluctantly.
“I wanted my own grandson. A proper one. But Alex” She wrinkled her nose. “Hes just like you. Spitting image. Even the way he turns his headits uncanny.”
Marina froze, unable to believe her ears.
“You dont love him because he looks like me?”
Helen nodded as if explaining something obvious to a dim child.
“I never approved of Victors choice. But I thoughtfine, at least youd give me a sturdy grandson. Youre healthy enough. But he” She waved a hand dismissively. “Your double. Your mannerisms, your face. Its unnatural.”
Marina sat rigid, stunned.
“Maybe if you had another?” Helen continued, oblivious. “One that takes after our side?”
Marina shot to her feet, sending her chair crashing back. Rage darkened her vision.
“Another? Have you lost your mind? Get out,” she whispered, then louder, “Get out of my house! Now!”
“What?” Helen spluttered. “How dare you! This is my sons home!”
“Its our home!” Marina roared. “And I wont let you poison my child any longer! Leave!”
She flung the door open and pointed. Fuming, Helen snatched up her bag and stormed out.
“Youll regret this!” she hissed before the door slammed shut.
Marina leaned against the wall, covering her face. Her whole body shook.
That evening, she recounted everything to Victor. With each word, his expression darkened.
“She actually said that? She doesnt love Alex because he looks like you? And she wants us to have another?”
Marina nodded, tears spilling over at last.
“Victor, how can she hurt a child just for taking after his mother? Its monstrous! Our boys done nothing wrong!”
Victor pulled her close.
“Thats it,” he said firmly. “No more visits unless absolutely necessary. Alex comes first. Dont crywell sort this.”
Months passed. Life settled. Then everything changed again. Marinas parents decided to move closer, selling their house in the countryside for a flat nearby.
“Weve missed you and our grandson,” her mother, Valerie, explained. “And we thought you could use the help.”
Alex blossomed under their love and attentiontheir only grandson, whom theyd rarely seen before. The change in him was profound. His shyness faded, his smile returned. He was happier, more open.
Then came Alexs birthday. Marina hesitated but invited Helenperhaps time had softened her. Victors sister wasnt included.
Helen arrived with a small box. Inside was a cheap plastic carthe kind sold in bargain bins.
“Thanks, Gran,” Alex said politely before turning away. “Gran Val, Grandad Steve, can I open yours now?”
Marinas parents exchanged a glance and handed him a large package. Alex tore into ita high-end drawing tablet.
“Wow! Thank you!” He threw his arms around them. “This is the one I wanted!”
Helen pursed her lips.
“Such an expensive gift? Youll spoil him.”
Valerie turned to her calmly.
“Alex wants to be a graphic designer. Hes got real talent. This will help him.”
Beaming, Alex kissed his grandparents cheeks.
“Ive got to try it now! Dad, help me set it up!” He grabbed Victors hand.
“Coming, birthday boy!” Victor winked, and they disappeared into Alexs room with Marinas parents.
Left alone with Helen, Marina studied her mother-in-laws stunned expression.
“Something wrong, Helen?”
Helen bristled. “Paul just won”
“If youre about to talk about Paul,” Marina cut in coldly, “you can leave now. This is Alexs day. I wont let you ruin it. Ever again.”
“But Pauls betterits obvious!” Helen blurted. “Stronger, brighter”
Marina strode to the door and yanked it open.
“I warned you. Leave.”
“You cant do this!”
“I can. This is my home, and my sons birthday.” She all but shoved Helen out. “Goodbye.”
The door clicked shut. Marina exhaled slowly. No more tiptoeing around her husbands family. Her son mattered more. Her family mattered more.
From Alexs room came laughter and excited chatter. Smiling, Marina went to join them.
