They let me choose which parent I wanted to live with. Two years later, I regretted my decision.
I always thought my dad loved me more than my mum did. He spoiled me, while she scolded me; he was the peacemaker, and she was quick to argue. So when I found out my parents were divorcing, I was almost relieved. At thirteen, I didnt want to stay with my mum, and besides, I figured Dad, as the breadwinner, could take better care of me. They asked for my opinionMum hoped Id pick 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 Mum, and he was smitten. She treated me well enough, but without the warmth or love my mum had shown me. When she and Dad had a daughter together, it was like they forgot about me. Sometimes, the three of them would go on trips without inviting me, or theyd have fancy dinners when I wasnt around. My room now had a cot in it, and I couldnt sleep properly after the baby was borncrying at night, my stepmother coming in to feed her, turning the light on
Dad didnt care how it affected my mood or my schoolwork, and he didnt even seem bothered when I stayed out late with friends. Eventually, I realised I couldnt go on like this. I wanted to go to universityI had plansand if I kept losing sleep, Id never manage to study. So, for the sake of my future, I swallowed my pride and 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 sister getting on your nerves, is she?”
I felt sorry for her. Dad had a new family and his own worries, but Mum was still completely alone.
I asked Dad if I could move in with Mum for a while, and he agreed straight away. He promised to send money, but he never called. I think it was easier for all of us this way. Maybe because Im older now, but Mum and I get on like friends. She looks after me, supports me, while Dad and I only talk on the phone sometimes. He thinks Im grown up, but Mum still treats me like a kid sometimes, making me dinner after work.
If I could go back, Id probably choose to stay with her. But then again, I mightve regretted that just as much, wondering if the grass was greener on the other side.
