**Diary Entry**
A fancy car pulled up outside a charming little florists shopone of those new places that had quickly become the talk of the town. People came from all over the county just to buy their exclusive bouquets.
Id like your most beautiful arrangement, please. The biggest one youve got. Ive just had a son! beamed the young man to the pretty florist.
On the way to the hospital, James pictured the moment hed hold his baby for the first time and become the father hed always wanted to be. His own father had left a bitter legacy. The only bright memory he had was being lifted high in the air by a tall, strong manboth thrilling and terrifying at once. But soon after, Edward Whitmore abandoned his family, leaving his wife and ten-year-old son without a home.
It all started when Mums friend, Veronica, began turning up more often. She worked at the hospital and would sometimes bring a bottle of medicinal brandy to dinner, brushing off Mums protests with, Oh, dont be such a bore! Whats the harm? Its just for the appetite.
Then came the birthday party. Veronica invited little James and his parents to celebrate at her place on the other side of town. All evening, she fawned over Edward, topping up his drink and laughing too loudly at his jokes.
Then one day, after football practice, James overheard his parents arguing in the kitchen.
Im leaving. And yes, I love Veronica. Theres nothing left between usno love, no respect. But with her, its different. She appreciates me.
She doesnt appreciate *you*only your money, Mum shot back.
Knew youd say that. Always the drama. Oh, and well have to sell the house and split the money.
What? That house was a *wedding gift* from my parents!
*Our* wedding. Which means its *our* house.
And what about James? Wheres he supposed to live? Sleep? Eat?!
And where am *I* supposed to live with Veronica and her two schoolgirls in a one-bedroom flat? Besides, I only want whats fair
For two years, James and his mother lived with his grandparents. Later, they took out a mortgage and bought their own place. Eventually, Mum remarried, and when James graduated and wed Emily, the house was signed over to him.
*Ill love my son and never betray himor Emily,* James thought as he drove home. He still had to buy everything for the baby and set up the nursery. Theyd avoided shopping early because of Emilys superstitions.
As he reached his doorstep, a balding stranger caught his eye. Something about the man was unnervingly familiar.
James! Hello, son! Dont you recognise me?
Dad?
The very same! Saw you the moment you stepped out of that nice car of yours.
Sorry, Im in a hurry. James clenched his fists, stepping past him.
Sorry? Hurry? Dont be so formalwere family. How about a quick chat? Man to man.
On any other day, James wouldve ignored him. But today, he was too happy to argue. Without a word, he headed inside. Edward took the silence as an invitation and followed.
Lovely place youve got here. Spacious, the older man remarked, glancing around. Youve done well for yourself. More than capable of helping your old man out.
What are you on about?
Dont play dumb. Youve got spare rooms. And clearly, the means to sort out my problems.
Your problems arent mine. We havent seen each other in twenty years. Were strangers. What do you want?
Im in a spot of trouble. Had a rowmore like a fistfightwith Veronicas son-in-law. Called me a freeloader! *Me!* I worked my fingers to the bone for her and her girls, but the moment I retired, they turned on me. Kicked me out of the house *I* paid for! And the loans she took in my name? Still mine. I need help, son. Just a fair solution
Fair? Whats that got to do with me?
Come off it! Veronica and I werent even married. Her daughters? Not my blood. But *youre* my son. If your mum hadnt remarried, Id have gone to her first. Were family.
You think youve got *any* right, after taking half the money from Mums house and vanishing? You never even paid child support.
That money went on holidays and fixing up Veronicas place. Nothing wrong with a bit of luxury. My mistake was co-signing loans for her daughters weddings and honeymoons. But youll understand, wont you? Help your old man?
Luxury? Mum worked herself ragged while I handed out flyers at thirteen just to help pay rent.
Youre a real man. I knew you wouldnt leave your father in the lurch.
I lost my father at ten.
Better late than never, eh? Well make up for lost time.
How?
Let me stay in your spare room. Just till I get back on my feet. Bloods thicker than water.
That rooms for my son. Whoever gave you my address shouldve mentioned *he* was born today. Now get out. Ive got furniture to buy.
Outside, Edward called after him.
Jamesthats a nice car. Fancy trading it in for something cheaper? Give me the difference to settle my debts. Do the right thing.
You *betrayed* me. I needed a father when I was a boynot now. If I see you again, I wont be responsible for what happens.
James strode to his car without a backward glance. Not an ounce of pity remained. He *knew* this was rightfor his son, whod never know the pain hed endured.
