“Because He’s Just Like You”
For three years, Margaret, Marina had endured it. Three years of her mother-in-laws constant remarks about wanting a grandson, the subtle jabs that she was taking too long. And now, right in front of everyone, Margaret doted only on little Paul, her daughters son. But what about Alex? Was he not her grandson too?
Margaret adjusted her immaculate updo and regarded her daughter-in-law with icy superiority. Behind her, in the sitting room, childrens laughter and music carried onPauls birthday celebrations, uninterrupted.
“And when you ignore Alex, when you dont give him gifts like you do the other grandson,” Marina pressed, her voice trembling, “he notices. Hes ten now, Margaret. Old enough to understand you dont love him.”
Margaret scoffed, waving a dismissive hand as if shooing a bothersome fly.
“Youre imagining things, Marina. I treat both grandsons the same. And really, must you make a scene now?” She arched a brow in irritation. “Its my grandsons birthday. I havent the time for your dramatics.”
With that, she turned on her heel and swept back into the sitting room, leaving Marina standing alone in the hallway. The hurt lodged in her throat like a fist. Alex was nothing to his grandmotherjust invisible, a pane of glass she looked straight through.
Drawing a steadying breath, Marina returned to the party. The sight before her twisted her heart further. Margaret fussed over Paul, showering him with affection, ruffling his hair, pressing sweets into his hands. Meanwhile, Alex stood by the wall, shoulders slumped, watching with quiet envy. His eyes held such longing that Marina wanted to snatch him up and take him far away from it all.
That evening, after Alex had gone to bed, Marina sat beside her husband, James.
“We need to talk about your mother,” she began tightly. “The way she treats Alexits cruel. He knows. Hes hurting.”
James rubbed the bridge of his nosea tell she knew well. He did it when he wanted to avoid an uncomfortable conversation.
“Youre blowing this out of proportion, Marina,” he muttered. “I was the less-favoured child too. My sister always came first. Alex will get used to it. Hes a ladhell toughen up. And of course she loves him, just differently.”
Marina stared at him, stunned. How could he say such things so casually? As if their son should simply accept being overlooked?
A week later, Margaret showed up unannounced. Alex was at the kitchen table doing his homework when the doorbell rang. His face lit up at the sight of his grandmotherthen dimmed, his gaze dropping warily.
“Alex, darling! Ive brought you something!” Margaret declared, pressing a handful of cheap sweets into his palm. (For Paul, she always bought expensive chocolates.)
“Thanks, Grandma,” Alex murmured, taking them.
Margaret turned to Marina with a triumphant air.
“See? No favouritism here. All this nonsense about me treating them differently.”
Alex lingered awkwardly before mumbling that hed finish his homework and slipping away. Marina knew hed realisedonce again, she wouldnt spare him a second glance.
Alone in the kitchen, Marina tried one last time. Maybe if she shared Alexs achievements, Margaret would show some interest.
“Alex won a maths competition at school,” she offered, pouring tea. “His teacher says hes brilliant.”
“Yes, very good,” Margaret nodded absentlythen brightened. “Did you hear? Paul won first place in the district swimming tournament! His coach says he could go pro!”
“Thats lovely,” Marina said tightly. “But about Alexhes started drawing too. His art teacher”
“Drawing?” Margaret cut in. “Thats hardly serious. Sports, nowthats something! Pauls so strong, so capable. And top of his class in French! His teacher says hes never seen such talent!”
Marina clenched her jaw. Every word about Paul was a dismissal of her son.
“and just last week, Paul fixed his own bicycle! At eight years old! Takes after his grandfather, that one”
Marina slammed her hand on the table, rattling the teacups.
“Why, Margaret?” Her voice shook. “Why do you do this? You begged us for a grandson!”
Margarets lips pursed as if shed bitten into a lemon. Then, reluctantly, she spoke.
“I wanted *my* grandson. Proper family. But Alex” She wrinkled her nose. “Hes just like *you*. Spitting image. Walks like you, turns his head like youits uncanny.”
Marina went very still.
“You dont love him because he looks like me?”
Margaret nodded as if explaining the obvious.
“I never approved of Jamess choice. But I thoughtfine, at least youd give me a sturdy grandson. Healthy stock, if nothing else. But hes” She waved a hand. “*You*, through and through. Its ghastly.”
Marina stood so abruptly her chair toppled.
“A second child? Are you *mad*? Get out,” she whispered, then louder: “Get out of my house!”
“This is my sons home!” Margaret spluttered.
“Ours. And I wont let you poison my boy any longer. *Leave*.”
She wrenched the door open. Margaret, purple with outrage, snatched up her handbag and stormed out.
“Youll regret this!” she hissed.
The door slammed. Marina leaned against the wall, shaking.
That evening, she told James everything. With each word, his face darkened.
“She actually said that? That she doesnt love Alex because hes like you? And to have another?”
Marina nodded, tears spilling at last.
“James, how can anyone hurt a child for being like his mother? Its monstrous!”
He pulled her close.
“Enough. Were done with her. Alex comes first.”
Months passed. Life settled. Then everything changed againMarinas parents moved nearby.
“Missed you and our grandson,” her mother, Dorothy, said warmly. “Thought you could use the help, too.”
They doted on Alextheir only grandchild, previously seen too seldom. And Marina watched him bloom under their love, his smiles returning, his confidence growing.
On Alexs birthday, against her better judgment, Marina invited Margaret. (Jamess sister wasnt included.)
Margaret arrived with a small box. Inside was a flimsy plastic carthe sort sold in tube stations.
“Thanks, Grandma,” Alex said politelythen turned away. “Grandma Dot, Granddad, can I open yours now?”
Her parents exchanged a glance and handed him a large package. Alex tore into ita professional drawing tablet.
“Oh wow! Thank you!” He flung his arms around them. “This is the exact one I wanted!”
Margaret sniffed.
“Waste of money. Youll spoil him.”
Dorothy turned to her calmly.
“Alex wants to be a graphic designer. Hes gifted. This will help him.”
Alex beamed, kissing his grandparents cheeks.
“Dad, help me set it up!” He grabbed Jamess hand.
“Lead the way, birthday boy!” James winked, and they disappeared into Alexs room.
Left alone with Margaret, Marina studied her mother-in-laws stunned expression.
“Something wrong, Margaret? Dont you like seeing my son happy?”
Margaret stiffened.
“Pauls just”
“If youre about to talk about *him*,” Marina cut in coldly, “you can leave right now. This is Alexs day. And I wont let you ruin it. Ever again.”
“But Pauls *better*its plain as day! Hes stronger, brighter”
Marina strode to the door and flung it open.
“I warned you. *Go*.”
“You cant”
“I can. This is *my* home. My sons birthday. *Goodbye*.”
She shut the door firmly behind Margaret. For a moment, she just breathed. No more tiptoeing around her husbands family. Her son mattered more.
From Alexs room came laughter and excited chatter. Marina smiled and went to join them.
