My husband walked out on me. He nicked the nest egg wed been squirrelling for a house and vanished. I was left in a shabby flat in Manchester with my sixmonthold daughter, Poppy. My motherinlaw, Eileen, caught wind of it and showed up at the door.
Pack your things, love, she said, you and Poppy can move in with me.
I tried to refuse. Eileen and I had been at each others throats for years, never managing a single kind word. When Arthur bolted, the only person who actually reached out was his mother. My own mum, Margaret, told me there was no room for me in her house. My older sister, Clare, was against it too, living with her kids at our mothers place, while Mum kept dancing around the kitchen like shed never missed a step.
Thanks. Id be ever so grateful for your hospitality, I muttered.
It was the first time Id ever said thank you to a motherinlaw.
Dont be ridiculous! Youre not a stranger, Eileen snapped, scooping Poppy into her arms. Come on, love. Let mum get herself ready and well leave her be. Will you be staying with Grandma, dear? Of course you will. Shell read you stories, take you for walks, braid your hair
Listening to Eileens soft chatter I could hardly believe my ears. Shed always warned me to stay clear of her old bag.
I packed my bag and moved in with Eileen. She set us up in a spacious bedroom while she tucked herself into a cosy little room. I blinked in astonishment as she called out:
Right, whats the matter? The little one needs room to crawl soon. I dont need much space myself. Make yourselves at home. Dinner will be ready in an hour.
For supper she suggested steamed veg and boiled meat and added:
Youre a nursing mum, so if youd like, I can fry something up. But a light diet is better for the baby. Its up to you.
The fridge was stocked with rows of baby jars.
How about trying some new flavours? If Poppy isnt happy with the lot, well grab something else. Speak up, dont be shy, Eileen smiled.
I burst into tears. Her kindness was such a surprise that it knocked me flat. No one had ever looked after me and Poppy the way this womanwhom Id always seen as my archenemydid. She pulled me close:
Shh, dear, shh. Men are odd beasts. I raised your husband alone. His dad left when he was eight months old. I wont let my granddaughter grow up like that. Thats enough tears, love. Pull yourself together!
Between sobs I told Eileen I hadnt expected such generosity and thanked her:
Thank you, truly. If it werent for you I dont know where Poppy and I would have ended up.
She replied, Im the one to blame for raising a reckless lad. Ill try to mend what I can. Come on, wash your face and head to bed. Tomorrow will be brighter.
We celebrated Poppys first birthday togetherme, Poppy and Eileen, our favourite grannyangel. We tucked the baby in for a nap, sipped tea and nibbled cake when the doorbell rang. Eileen went to answer.
Mum, meet Monica. Monica, this is my mum. Mum, can we stay with you for a while? I cant afford rent, Ive got no work.
Hearing Arthurs voice made my skin turn pale. I feared Eileen would let them back in and throw Poppy and me out. Tears welled up again.
Get out! Take your girl with you. You robbed your wife and child and left them penniless. This is the life youve earned. Go! And you, Monica, watch outhe might leave you emptyhanded too.
I was dead wrong about Eileen. She became not a second mother but the first. We lived under the same roof for six years until I remarried. At my wedding she stood in the motherofthebrides seat. Poppy now goes to primary school, and a baby boy is due soon. Eileen is over the moon about the arrival of her first grandchild.
