Are you thinking about me at all? Emma asks quietly, turning to her husband Ian. I get that you love your daughter. Im not trying to cut you off from her but isnt it odd that your exwife keeps pulling money out of you through the child? Because of her whims we have to skimp on everything. When will this stop?
Emma gets home early from work and sets the table. Its Friday, so later that evening Ians daughter from his first marriage, elevenyearold Emily, will arrive. The doorbell rings and Emma rushes to the hallway. Ian and his stepdaughter stand in the doorway. Emily doesnt look at Emma, slips into the flat and says a curt Hi. Ian gives Emma a guilty glance and mutters, Hi love, how was your day?
Fine, Emma replies, trying to hide her irritation, come and have dinner. A tense silence settles over the table. Ian tries to lighten the mood, chatting about his day, but Emily answers in monosyllables or stays silent, openly ignoring Emma. Emma eats quietly, feeling a lump rise in her throat.
Dad, Mom says she urgently needs money for a new winter coat, Emily blurtes out, hers is old and shes embarrassed to go to school with it.
Alright, Emily, Ian says calmly, well talk after dinner. Emma feels a fire building inside her.
More money, more endless pleas, she thinks. How many times can this go on?
After dinner Ian and Emily retreat to Emilys bedroom to do her homework. Emma remains in the kitchen washing up, hearing fragments of their conversation.
Dad, you know Mum really needs it. Shes the one supporting us, and her Emilys voice drops.
Can my husband not buy her a coat? Ian asks timidly.
Dad, what does my husband have to do with it? He has no money! I wouldnt ask you if it werent terrible. Youre a man, you should support her! And youre my dad! Emily snaps.
Emma cant take it any longer. She flings the sponge into the sink and storms into the bedroom.
Ian, we need to talk, she says firmly.
Not now, Emma, Ian tries to dodge, were doing homework.
No, now, Emma insists, Emily, can you give us a minute? Emily scowls but steps out. Emma slams the door shut and turns to Ian.
How long is this going to continue? she asks.
What do you mean? Ian pretends not to get it.
The money, Ian! Your exwife, Emily, everything! We can barely make ends meet, were paying the mortgage, Ive cut myself off from everything, and you keep handing her cash! Its outrageous!
Its my child, Emma. I cant turn my back on her, Ian starts to defend himself.
Did you ever think about me? About us? We have needs too! I cant get a dentists appointment because were short of cash! Emma snaps.
I understand, Ill talk to Claire Ian begins, naming his exwife.
That wont work! She never listens! She always gets what she wants! Maybe you should remind her that she has a husband who also has to look after his own family? Emma hisses.
Dont bring Claire into this, Emma, Ian frowns, shes a good mother.
A good mother? If she were, she wouldnt dump all her problems on you! Its convenient that you foot the bill, Emma retorts.
Enough! Ian erupts, Dont talk about my childs mother like that!
And dont forget you have a real wife! A wife who loves and supports you! Emma shouts.
I love you, Ian says quietly, but I cant abandon my child.
Then maybe you should decide who you love more? Emma challenges.
Ian hangs his head in silence.
Whats with the shouting? Emma asks, looking at the tearyeyed Emma, Are you arguing?
No, Emily, Ian says, trying to calm his daughter, everythings fine.
No, its not fine! Emma cries, Your father and I are fighting because of you and your mother!
Because of me? Emily raises an eyebrow in surprise.
Yes, because you constantly demand money, because you treat me like an empty space! Emma explodes.
What am I supposed to do, love you? Youre a nobody to me! Emily snaps, I have my mum! Emma feels as if shes been slapped. She looks at Ian, expecting something, but he just bows his head.
You know what, Emily, Emma manages, you can stay here as long as you like, but Im done pretending everythings alright. My patience is over. She leaves the room, leaving Ian and Emily alone. Closing the bedroom door, Emma grabs her phone and dials her friend.
Hi, she says, choking back tears, I need to talk.
The next day Emma meets her friend at a café in London. She looks pale, barely touching her food. After listening, the friend asks, Emma, are you seriously thinking about a divorce?
I dont know, Emma admits honestly, I love Ian, but I cant live like this any longer. Hes torn between me and his former family, and I feel like an outsider. Im exhausted.
I get it. Maybe give him another chance to talk? the friend suggests. Explain how you feel, what you need.
Ive told him a thousand times! Emma waves her hand, He seems to understand, but nothing changes. He doesnt want to hurt his daughter, yet hes hurting me.
What about Emily? Have you tried talking to her? the friend asks.
Talking to her is useless! Emma shouts, She only listens to her mum and does everything to get under my skin. She doesnt see me as a person.
You know, kids often mirror their parents, the friend notes, maybe you should try to find common ground with her?
She cant stand me! She ignores me on purpose! Its impossible, Emma snaps.
But what if you give it a go? the friend persists, If you show her you want a better relationship, she might change her attitude.
Emma thinks it over. She knows her friend has a point. If she wants to save the marriage, she has to try everything, even swallow her pride and reach out to the stubborn teen.
Alright, Emma finally says, Ill try. I just dont think itll work
That afternoon, when Ian brings Emily home, Emma decides to act. She emerges from the kitchen with a tray of scones and tea. Emily is sprawled on the sofa, phone in hand.
Emily, Emma says, would you like some tea and a scone?
Emily looks up and gives Emma a disdainful stare.
Im not hungry, she replies.
Just give it a try, Emma offers, placing the tray on the table, I baked them myself. Emily reluctantly takes a bite.
Delicious, she mutters.
Im glad, Emma smiles, Come sit, Ill get you a cup. Emily sits down, still looking uneasy. Not long ago her stepmother was yelling at her; now shes being offered tea politely.
Emily, I wanted to talk, Emma begins, I know you dont like me being around your dad.
And I dont have to like you, Emily cuts in, Youre not my mother.
I get that, Emma nods, Im not trying to replace anyone. I just want us to get along. Your father suffers because of our fights. Emily watches her cup silently.
I know you love your mum a lot, and thats fine. But it doesnt mean you have to hate me. I love your dad too.
Youre lying! Emily exclaims, Youre both always arguing!
We argue because its hard, Emma admits, but that doesnt mean we dont love each other. She waits, hoping for a reaction. Emily continues to stare at the pattern on the tablecloth.
Emily, Ive never wished you any harm, Emma says softly, I just want us all to be happy. Youre the daughter of the man I love most, understand? Emily lifts her head, meeting Emmas eyes. The hostility seems to melt away.
Really? she asks quietly.
Really, Emma replies, I could swear on it right now.
At that moment Ian walks in, surprised to see Emma and Emily sitting together in quiet.
Is something wrong? he asks.
Were just chatting, Emma answers with a smile.
The evening passes pleasantly. Emily plays Twister with her stepmother, and Ian laughs heartily. For the first time, Emily feels no resentment toward Emma. She discovers that her stepmother can be kind, not cruel.
