A Child for a Friend When Lily was in her final months of pregnancy, her younger brother left home, and her father started drinking heavily, turning Lily’s life into a living hell. Every morning, Lily would air out the house, clear empty bottles from under the table, and wait for her father to wake up. “Dad, you can’t drink! You barely survived a stroke.” “I’ll drink if I want, who’ll stop me? It’s the only way to numb the pain.” “What pain?” “The pain of knowing no one needs me. Not even you—I’m a burden to you, Lily. My life’s worthless, my marriage was a mistake, and all I passed on to my kids was weakness and poverty. I’m better off drinking.” Already in low spirits, Lily got annoyed. “That’s not true, Dad. Life can be much worse for other people.” “How much worse, Lily? You grew up without a mother. Now you’re about to bring a child into poverty, and she’ll grow up without a father.” “It’s not all gloom, Dad. Life can change overnight…” She sadly remembered how happy she once was, planning to marry Ilya. Yes, her world had fallen apart—but life had to go on. That day, her father got drunk again. In anger, Lily shouted, “Did you drink the money I’d set aside? How did you even find it? You’ve turned the place upside down looking for my things!” “Everything in this house belongs to me,” her father retorted. “Including the pension you try to hide from me—my pension!” “And you drank it all away? Did you even think about how we’re supposed to live now?” “Why should I care? I’m ill. You’re grown, now you look after me!” Lily searched through the cupboards. “I know there were two packs of pasta and some butter yesterday. Now they’re gone! What are we supposed to eat for dinner?” Shocked, she sank into a chair, covering her face with her hands. How could she know that Aunt Natasha had taken to coming over, plying her father with drink, and cleaning out the house while Lily was gone? Natasha had slipped into their house like a snake, determined to destroy what was left of their family. Lily cried herself to sleep that night, exhausted, hungry, and defeated. In the morning, there was a knock at the door. Natasha Anatolievna walked in, dressed in her best coat and heeled boots, not bothering to remove them as she marched into the house. “Morning. My friend in council services tells me you’re behind on the bills and may have your electricity cut off soon. What’s going on, Lily? Fancy making me a cuppa?” Without waiting for an answer, Natasha started rifling through cupboards and the fridge. “I’ll make the tea, you’re pregnant—just like my own daughter, Sophie… You’ve no sugar, no tea, nothing at all. Let’s go shopping.” Lily avoided looking at her. “Aunt Natasha, I can’t offer you tea. It’s better if you leave.” But Natasha wouldn’t be turned away. “You’ve really got problems, haven’t you? Remember what I said—move in with me. I’m not suggesting, I’m insisting. There’s no place here for a baby, your father’s a drunk, you haven’t even got any food! Let’s go, pack your things, you’re coming with me.” Feeling dizzy, Lily sat down, tears rolling down her cheeks. Natasha hugged her. “Listen, love, I know how you feel about me. You’ve never forgiven me for what my daughter did, stealing your fiancé. But I can’t watch you suffer like this. Want it or not, I’ll look after you.” What followed felt like a dream: Natasha helped Lily pack, called a taxi, and off they went. *** On the day Lily went into labour, Natasha Anatolievna never left her side. “Listen carefully, Lily. I’ve already told the hospital staff you want to give the baby up. When she’s born, don’t hold her, don’t look at her, don’t breastfeed.” Lily grimaced in pain. “Aunt Natasha, I don’t care anymore. I just want this over with…” “Don’t forget what I said—you can’t manage this baby on your own. I’ve found a lovely couple ready to adopt her the moment she’s born.” A few hours later, Lily gave birth to a baby girl. “Three kilos three hundred, healthy, everything’s fine,” the nurse announced, wrapping up the wailing baby and whisking her away without showing Lily. But the paediatrician gave Lily a stern look. “What’s this? You have a healthy, beautiful daughter, and you won’t even look at her? Elena, bring the baby back and give her to her mother.” Lily shook her head, upset. “I don’t want to. I’ve got nothing—I didn’t even want this pregnancy… There are people who need her more. I’ll sign the forms; she’ll be adopted…” “Don’t be ridiculous—at least look at your child.” Lily squeezed her eyes shut, but then felt something soft and warm brush her hand. The nurse laid the baby beside her, who began rooting blindly, mouth open. At last, Lily looked at her daughter. The tiny, helpless baby regarded her through half-closed eyes, fumbling for Lily’s chest with her little fists. “Come on, Mum, feed your baby,” the paediatrician smiled, brightening as she saw Lily tremble with emotion. “She’s beautiful, she needs you—not some strangers. Understand?” Lily burst into tears, pulling her daughter close and nodding. For two hours, she lay next to her baby, unable to look away—even for a second. That’s when her mother’s instincts awoke. “Here’s my reason to live—my daughter. Doesn’t matter if Ilya’s gone, or if my dad’s a mess… My daughter needs me. So I’ll stay with her.” *** Lily was roused by Natasha’s voice. Natasha Anatolievna, wrapped in a dressing gown, stood at her bedside. “Did you forget our agreement?” she whispered. “You promised you’d give up the baby. I’ve lined up people ready to take her right now.” “Natasha Anatolievna, I’ve changed my mind. I’m not giving her to anyone.” “But you have nothing! Nowhere to go, no money—how will you provide for this child?” “I’ll go home. I won’t bother you any longer. I’ll manage somehow.” Lily watched Natasha’s face twist into a snarl. “Have you lost your mind? You’ll end up begging on the streets!” The baby in the cot awoke to Natasha’s shouting. Lily got up and reached for her. “Don’t touch! I’ll rock her and give her a bottle. We’ll just tell the nurses you can’t breastfeed,” Natasha declared. Lily shook her head. “You have no say in this, she’s my daughter. I said I’m keeping her!” “You can’t! You promised!” Natasha cried, helplessly. “Leave.” Natasha left. Lily’s roommate quietly lifted her head. “Who was that?” “My aunt.” “Blimey. Don’t listen to her—you did the right thing. I’m Lisa. I can help, if you ever need anything. There are good people in the world.” “I’m Lily.” “Nice to meet you. You know, I think that woman wanted to snatch your baby. She’s strange, that one…” *** Just before discharge, Lily had another visitor—her ex-friend Sophie, heavy with child. “Hey,” Sophie mumbled. Lily gingerly sat down beside her. “I heard you had your baby.” “Yeah. A girl.” Sophie glanced away. “Thing is, Mum’s got a family ready to adopt your baby.” “So?” “They’re lovely people, rich—willing to pay a fortune.” Sophie grabbed Lily’s hand. “They’re offering you a hundred thousand. You could buy a flat, or put down a deposit on a house!” “A hundred thousand? Well, if you care so much, why not sell your own baby to them?” Lily replied coldly. Sophie pouted, but kept clutching Lily’s sleeve. “Wait, Lily. Give the baby to me! I’ll care for her—she’s Ilya’s daughter, after all.” “You think you can cope with two kids?” “You don’t get it, Lily! My marriage is falling apart!” Lily stood, ready to leave. Sophie grabbed at her, wild-eyed. “I need this baby, Lily!” “Let go.” A few hours later, Ilya himself burst in. Lily flinched. “You had the baby? Can I see her?” “No! You’ve soon got Sophie’s baby to see—go look at her!” “We need to talk, Lily. Since you gave birth, I haven’t had a minute’s peace. I want to take my daughter. Give her up, and I promise I’ll adopt her straight away.” Lily shook her head firmly. “I’m not like you—I’ll never give up someone who needs me. You’re wasting your time, I’m not handing her over!” He wouldn’t leave. “Give me the baby! You had no right to have my child! I’ll take her anyway—she’s mine!” “You? Mummy’s boy? Ask your mum’s permission first!” Lily pushed past him, scooped up her daughter and went to find the nurse. “Can I ask you not to let anyone else in? I don’t want to see anyone. It’s like a circus in here!” Epilogue On the day she was discharged, Lily left the maternity hospital, holding her daughter close. She wasn’t alone—her roommate Lisa was being discharged too, greeted by her husband and mother. Lily paused on the steps, spotting the Reznikovs’ car. Out stepped Ilya’s mother, Valerie Jacobs, scrutinising Lily with cold eyes. A chill crept down Lily’s spine. Her would-be mother-in-law looked like a wolf preparing to pounce. Lisa joined her. “Who’s that, Lily?” “Ilya’s parents.” “Looks like they’re lying in wait for you. Honestly, Lily, the way they’re all after you creeps me out. Something’s not right. Didn’t I say you can stay with me and my mum? Let’s go.” Lily nodded. She, too, felt a strange unease. *** Staying with new friends, Lily unexpectedly found love. Lisa’s cousin Ivan, a confirmed bachelor, began courting her. Ivan turned out to be kind and good-hearted. He married Lily, adopted her daughter, and even helped her father. As for Sophie and Ilya, their marriage crumbled. It turned out Sophie had faked her pregnancy with a prosthetic bump, fooling the entire Reznikov family. Natasha Anatolievna, desperate to protect her daughter, owned up to her son-in-law: Sophie had miscarried in early pregnancy, and Natasha had hatched a “perfect” plan. “Ilya, don’t blame my daughter. Yes, she lost the baby—but you’re hardly innocent either. You’ll soon have a child elsewhere. Why not take Lily’s baby as your own? Adopt her, she’s your blood. We’ll pretend Sophie’s pregnant, and, when Lily gives birth, we’ll take her baby and tell everyone Sophie had her.” Ilya liked the plan. All would have worked, had Lily not “rebelled,” refusing to give up her newborn and trapping her former friend and Natasha. Ilya’s mother, Valerie Jacobs, furious at the deception, threw Sophie out and made Ilya file for divorce.

A Baby for a Friend

When Emily was in the last stretch of her pregnancy, her younger brother left home, and her father fell back into drinking. From then on, life became unbearable for her.

Every morning, Emily would open the windows to air out the house, scoop up empty bottles from under the table, and wait for her dad to wake up.

Dad, you know you shouldnt be drinking. You barely recovered from that stroke.

Ill drink if I want to! Whos going to stop me? It helps with the pain.

What pain?

The pain of knowing nobody needs me. Not even you. Im just a burden, Emily. Im nothing. It wouldve been better if Id never been bornnever got married, never had kids. All Ive passed on are weakness, a lack of backbone, and poverty. Everythings been pointless. Drinking makes it easier.

Emily, already feeling low, would snap, Nothings pointless, Dad. Loads of people are worse off.

Worse? You grew up without your mum, and now youre about to raise a little one on your own, stuck in poverty, just like the rest of us.

Its not all so dark, Dad. Nothing lasts foreverlife can change in a heartbeat.

Emily remembered, with a pang, how not so long ago shed been thrilled, planning her wedding to Liam. The whole world had collapsed since then, but she knew she had to keep going.

That same day, her father got drunk once more. In a moment of frustration, Emily shouted, Did you drink the money I put away for emergencies? How did you even find it? Rifled through all my things, did you?!

Everything in this house is mine, he said. Pension money toodont think you can hide it from me!

And you spent it all? Didnt even think how were supposed to live?

Why should I worry? Im not well, and youre grown up, so you look after me now!

Emily searched through all the cupboards.

I swear, yesterday there were two bags of pasta and some butter, and now theyre gone! What are we supposed to eat tonight?

It was a shock. She sat down, face in her hands.

How could she have known her Aunt Margaret had been coming round in her absence, plying her dad with drink, and making off with whatever she could?

Margaret had slithered into their home and now seemed set on tearing the family apart.

That night, Emily lay in bed, broken and hungry, crying herself to sleep.

In the morning, there was a knock at the door. In strode Margarettrendy coat, heels, didnt even bother taking her shoes off as she wandered into the house.

Hello. My friend from the council told me youre behind on your bills, and youre about to have your electricity cut off. Whats happening, love? How about a cuppa?

Not waiting for a reply, Margaret made her way to the kitchen, rooting about in the fridge and cupboards.

Ill put the kettle on myself, you being pregnant and allreminds me of my Susan. But honestly, theres no sugar, no teabags, nothing at all! Lets pop to the shops.

Emily avoided her gaze. Aunt Margaret, I cant offer you anything. You should go.

But Margaret wasnt having it. Youre in trouble, thats obvious. Remember I offered for you to move in with me? This time, I insist. Theres no way you can bring up a baby herethe way your fathers drinking, and theres nothing to eat! Never mind, you need fruit, vitamins… Come on, pack up. Youre coming with me.

Emily sat down, dizzy with tears streaming down her face. Margaret gently hugged her.

Look, love, I know how you feel about me. Id never forgive myselfmy Susan nabbed your fiancé. But I cant watch you suffer like this. Whether you like it or not, Im going to help.

It all went by in a dazethe packing, the farewell, the taxi Margaret called.

***

When Emily went into labour, Margaret practically glued herself to her side.

Listen carefully, Emily. Ive already explained to the nurses that youre going to give the baby up. So, when shes born, dont hold her, dont feed her. Dont even look.

Groaning with pain, Emily muttered, Oh, Aunt Margaret, I dont care anymorethe pain is too much, I just want it over.

Dont forget what I saidyou simply cant manage on your own. Ive already found a lovely couple ready to adopt the baby right away.

A few hours later, a little girl was born.

Three and a half kilos, perfectly healthy, the midwife announced, wrapping up the squawking newborn and whisking her away without so much as showing her to Emily.

The paediatrician, though, wasnt having any of it.

Excuse me? You have a beautiful, healthy daughteryoure not even going to look at her? Bring the baby back in and give her to her mum.

Emily shook her head, dejected. I cant. Ive got nothing, I didnt even want to give birth There are people who need this child more, Ill sign the papers, let her be adopted

Dont be ridiculous. Just look at your baby.

Emily squeezed her eyes shut but felt something soft and warm touch her hand.

The nurse placed the baby next to her. The little one whimpered, her tiny nose searching, mouth wide, and Emily glanced at her daughter.

A small, helpless child met her gaze, eyes blinking, arms moving blindly against Emilys chest.

There we go, mummy. Time for a feed, the doctor smiled, cheering up when she saw Emily trembling at the wonder of her newborn.

Shes gorgeous, and she needs younot strangers, do you understand?

Tears streaming, Emily wrapped her arms around her daughter and nodded.

The next two hours, Emily rested with her baby, unable to take her eyes off her.

Thats when her mothers instinct kicked in.

This is my purposemy daughter, Emily thought. Doesnt matter if Liams gone, or if my fathers lost himself. My baby needs me, so Ill stay with her.

***

Emily was woken by Margarets voice.

Margaret, wrapped in a hospital gown, walked over and stared at her lying in bed.

Have you forgotten what we agreed? she asked quietly. You promised youd give up the baby. Ive already lined up people to take her straightaway.

Ive changed my mind, Margaret. Im not giving her away.

But youve got no money, Emily! Youre practically homelesswhere are you going to take a child?

Home. I wont trouble you anymore. Ill manage.

Emily saw Margarets face twist into a snarl.

Are you mad? How will you survive? Planning to beg on the street?

Margarets rant woke the little girl in her cot. Emily got up and reached for her.

Dont touch her! Ill rock her, make up a bottle, and tell the nurses your milk hasnt come in, Margaret snapped.

Thats not your decision. Shes my daughter. I told you, Ive changed my mind, and Im not giving her away.

You cant do this! You promised! Margaret protested, at a loss for words.

Leave.

Margaret stormed off. Emilys roommate, lying quietly nearby, sat up.

Who was that?

My aunt.

Bloody hell. Best ignore her. You did the right thingstanding up to her. Im Claire. If you need anything, Ill help. The worlds still got some good people in it.

Emily.

Nice to meet you, Em. Honestly, seemed to me like she was about to snatch your baby and leg it. Shes very odd.

***

Before discharge, a visitor came for Emily. The staff wouldnt let her into the ward, so Emily went to meet her in the hallway.

It was Susanher former friendheavily pregnant, fidgeting nervously.

Hi.

Emily carefully sat down on the bench.

Susan sat next to her. I heard you had the baby.

Yeah. A girl.

Susans eyes darted about. Look, my mums found people ready to adopt your little one.

So?

Theyre really lovely peopleI know them. Theyve got money, theyd do anything for this baby.

Susan squeezed Emilys hand.

Theyre offering you £100,000! Can you imagine? You could get a flat, or put down a deposit on a house.

Emily raised her eyebrows. £100,000, you say? Well, if you care so much, why dont you give them your own baby when shes born?

Susan pouted but still clung to Emilys sleeve.

Wait, Emily. Give the baby to me! Ill take care of hershes Liams daughter, after all.

You think you can handle two kids?

You don’t understand, Emily! My life is falling apart!

Emily stood up to leave, but Susan grabbed her sleeve, eyes wild.

I need this baby, Emily!

Let go of me.

A couple of hours later, Liam himself rushed into the ward. Emily recoiled at the sight of him.

Youve given birth? Can I see her?

No way! Susans about to have your child, go pay attention to her!

We need to talk, Emily. Since you gave birth, I cant rest. Heres the dealI want our daughter. Sign her over and Ill adopt her straight away.

Emily shook her head.

Im not like you. Id never abandon anyone who needs me. Youve wasted your tripI wont give up my baby!

Liam was persistent, refusing to leave.

Give her to me! You had no right to have my child without asking. Shes mine and Ill have her!

You? Mummys boy? Go check with your mum first!

Emily shoved her ex out, picked up her daughter, and hastened to the nurses station.

Could you please not let anyone visit me? Im really not expecting anyonefeels like a public park round here!

Epilogue

The day she was discharged, Emily left the hospital clutching her daughter.

She wasnt aloneher roommate Claire was also leaving, greeted by her husband and mum.

Emily stopped at the door when she spotted the Parker family car outside.

Liams mum, Valerie, got out, craning to get a better look.

A chill ran down Emilys spine.

Valerie, her would-be mother-in-law, eyed her like a wolf about to pounce.

Claire noticed Emilys expression, came over and stood beside her.

Whos that, Em?

Liams parents.

The way shes watching youlike a hawk. Emily, its weird how theyre all on your case. I told youmy mums sorted a room for you at ours, so come with us.

Emily noddedshe felt uneasy herself.

***

It turned out that moving in with her new friends changed Emilys life. Claires cousin, Jacka lifelong bachelorstarted courting her.

Jack turned out to be a real gent. He not only married Emily and adopted her daughter, but helped her dad too.

As for Susan and Liam, well, their marriage fell apart.

Turns out, Susan had been faking her pregnancywearing a cushion to dupe the entire Parker family.

Margaret, trying to protect Susan, confessed to her son-in-law that Susan had miscarried early on. She then offered a plan she thought would fix things.

Liam, dont be angry with my Susan. Yes, she lost the baby, but youre no saint yourselfyouve another child on the way. I thought, why not take in the baby Emilys having? You know, adopt her. Dont mention a word to your folks about Susans miscarriage, just carry on as though nothings changed, and when Emily has her baby, take her and say Susan gave birth.

Liam liked the sound of the plan.

Everything was fineuntil Emily said no and refused to leave her daughter at the hospital, sending Margaret and Susan back to square one.

Valerie, disappointed by her daughter-in-laws lies, kicked Susan out and insisted Liam file for divorce.