My mother asks me to take a paternity test, and I agree, even though I have never questioned that Poppy is my daughter.
My name is Victor, Im thirtyseven. Although I have everything I ever wanted, I still lack one thing a family. Since my father died six years ago, Ive been sharing a twobedroom flat in Manchester with my mother. I dont want to let her down or fall short of her expectations, so I finish a solid degree, land a decent job, and meet the standards she set for me. She waits impatiently for the day I announce Ive found a partner, so she can start doting on grandchildren.
Eventually I meet a woman named Ellie, a girl who grew up in a village in Yorkshire and is still a university student. Her family isnt wealthy, but that doesnt matter to me. My mother disapproves, saying Ellie isnt right for me. Still, I follow my heart for the first time and start dating her. After a few months I bring Ellie home, tell my mother were moving in together, and reveal that shes pregnant with my child. My mother doubts Ellies motives, suspecting shes staying in the city only to exploit us.
Despite my mothers objections, Ellie moves in. My mother accepts her reluctantly at first, but over time she becomes more tolerant. Ellie proves to be an excellent homemaker, and my mother seems to settle down. Yet she still hopes to stir up trouble between us.
A while later our daughter, Poppy, is born. My mother again asks for a paternity test; we comply, even though Ive never doubted that Poppy is mine. The test confirms Im the father, but my mother still refuses to accept Ellie as part of the family. She even suggests I should split up with Ellie and hand the child over to her.
Im furious and decide to leave my mothers house with Ellie and Poppy. Since then I keep only minimal contact with my mother, believing she is selfish and indifferent to my feelings. Its a shame she couldnt welcome Ellie into our family, but I wont compromise with her behaviour.
