I was allowed to choose which parent I wanted to live with. Two years later, I regretted my decision.
I always thought my father loved me more than my mother. He spoiled me, while she scolded me; he was the peacemaker, and she was quick to argue. So when I found out about their divorce, I even felt a little relieved. At thirteen, I didnt want to stay with my mum, and besides, I assumed my dad, as the breadwinner, could take better care of me. My parents asked for my opinionMum hoped Id stay with her, but she wasnt the least bit surprised when I chose Dad.
A year after we moved out, Dad found a new girlfriend. She was around the same age as my mum, and he adored her. She treated me well enough, but without the love and warmth Id known from Mum. When she and my father had a daughter together, it was like they forgot about me. Sometimes, the three of them went on trips without inviting me, or theyd have fancy dinners when I wasnt home. My old bedroom now had a cot in it, and I barely slept after the baby arrivedcrying at night, my stepmother turning on the light to feed her.
Dad didnt care how it affected my mood or schoolwork. He didnt even mind when I stayed out late with friends. Eventually, I realised this couldnt go on. I wanted to go to university, I had plans, and if I kept losing sleep, Id never manage it. So, swallowing my pride, I called Mum.
“Can I come over?” I asked, not daring to hope. I rarely called her, let alone visited.
“Of course, love. Stay as long as you like. Your sisters keeping you up, isnt she?”
I felt sorry for her. Dad had a new family now, new worries, while Mum was still alone.
I asked Dad if I could stay with Mum for a while, and he agreed straight away. He promised to send money but hardly ever called. Maybe because Im older now, but Mum and I get along like friends. She looks after me, supports me, while Dad and I just talk on the phone sometimes. He thinks Im grown up, but Mum still treats me like her little girl, making me dinner after work.
If I could go back, Id probably choose to stay with her. But then again, I might have regretted that just as much, wondering if the grass was greener elsewhere. Life has a way of making us question our choicesbut sometimes, the right path finds us in the end.
