The Crystal Kitten

The Crystal Kitten

Three sisters by the window

Mum, thats just like you and your sisters, isnt it?

Clara sighed. Almost. Are you planning on sleeping tonight? Ive still got work to do, you know. Youll be nodding off at your birthday party tomorrow.

Oh! Im asleep already! Pip, her daughter, dove beneath the duvet but poked her button nose out again straight away. Will there be balloons? Will Millie come? Will

Clara scooped Pip up in the blanket and showered her with kisses as the girl shrieked and giggled.

To bed, you little chatterbox! Youll see tomorrow!

She tucked Pips favourite teddy into her waiting arms, switched on the nightlight, and left the door ajar. Clara made sure the house was never left in total darknessher daughter refused to sleep otherwise.

Downstairs, Clara closed the kitchen door quietly behind her and opened her laptop. She paused in the hush, gathering her thoughts for another busy night. Tomorrow would be tough, not only for all the birthday arrangementsa joy, of course, for Clara, who adored celebrating anything to do with her daughterbut also because tomorrow the family would descend once more. That part made her heart sink.

With a determined shake of her head, Clara flicked on the kettle. Enough worry. Deal with problems one at a time. For now, the greatest problem was the annual accounts report, and that wouldnt wait. Her teacup ready beside her, she pulled a folder from her bag and set to work.

It was just as well, she thought, that shed listened to her grandmother and chosen accountancy as a career. If shed run off to study oceanography, as shed once dreamed, life would have turned out very differentlyperhaps more romantic, but certainly less stable. She closed her eyes for a moment, picturing the sea, and smiled. Not much longer, and she and Pip would be off for a much-needed holidayso long as nothing else cropped up. With a long exhalation, she got back to the numbers.

ClaraClara Richardson, to be propercame into the world to the delight of her parents, Margaret and Charles Richardson. Their much-anticipated firstborn, she was doted on from her very first wail. Grandparents beamed, parents couldnt get enough of her chubby pink cheeks.

You absolutely must try for a second, so shell have someone to share things with! her grandmothers insisted, so Margaret listened.

The difference in age between Clara and her younger sister, Alice, was so small they grew up more like twinsbest friends but constantly competing at everything. At first, the rivalry was all in good spirit. They encouraged each other, striving to better whatever the other had done, and rejoiced together over every accomplishment. Their mother gently reminded them, time and again, that nobody in the world would ever be closer than sisters. She even persuaded the headmistress to let the girls enter the same class at primary school. On their first September morning, shoes polished, they touched toes under the deskIm here, youre not alone!though really, it was Clara who worried more. She was the responsible sort. Alice might abandon her homework in the middle to sit on the windowsill and count sparrows, but once Clara sat down, she wouldnt budge until every sum was checked.

Clara! Youve finished maths, havent you? Quick, lend me your book to copy out so we can go out and play!

Do it yourself, Clara would insist, snatching back her exercise book. Or else Mrs Hopkins will split us up in class again like last time. Want my help to understand it?

Alice would sulk but, truthfully, her anger never lasted. Within half an hour shed be coaxing Clara, urging her to join her at the ice rink or the pond to feed the ducks.

In Year Six, their youngest sister, Lucy, entered the world. Margaret hadnt planned a third child, feeling that two were quite enough. Back to square one, she groaned to Charles. Im not as young as I was.

But youve got two little helpers now, and Im here, he smiled. And who knows, perhaps itll be a boy! Imagine the surprise!

No such surprise. Baby Lucy arrivedred-faced, demanding, different in every possible way from her older sisters. Margaret found herself floundering at first, but it wasnt long before Clara and Alice realised Lucy was now the centre of their familys universe.

Margaret quickly found the contrast between early motherhood and raising Lucy. With her eldest, it had been a struggle and peace was always in short supply; with Lucy, though, she threw herself into motherhood, leaving behind little elseincluding her older daughters. She sent them on endless errands and stopped asking after their lives, missing the moment when a black cat darted between the sisters.

The cat was called Simon. He lived on the neighbouring street and neither girl noticed him muchuntil Clara turned sixteen. Coming home after dance practice, she was intercepted by Simon in their courtyard.

Clara, come herecan I talk to you? He shuffled, uncertain before her calm grey glance.

Clara paused, looked him over, then smiled gently. Cant stop long. Mums waiting. Meet me at six by the gate.

Simon lit up. I like you, he blurted.

Id guessed, Clara laughed, silvery as bells among the lime trees, and hurried away.

Who could she share what was happeninga first flutter, that nervousness when a once-unknown boy becomes yours; a first date where you dont know what to do with your hands, the fear and thrill of a first kiss. She told Alice, of course, though not at once. Alice soon pestered the truth from Clara.

Later, Alice could never explain what came over her. Why did Simon suddenly become so important? She didnt care for himnot reallybut now winning his attention was all that mattered.

At first, Clara had no idea. Then it was too late. She saw Simon and Alice kissing in the courtyard; she walked past them, silent and cold. Upstairs, Clara locked herself in her room, ignoring Lucys pounding on the door.

Clara! What on earth is happening? Let Lucy in at once! Margarets angry knocking followed.

Clara had always been obedient. She opened the door, but when Margaret caught her eldests expression, her heart clenched. Gently closing Lucy back out, Margaret faced Clara.

Darling, whats wrong?

Clara could only clutch her arms and whisper, It hurts, Mum. Why? Why would Alice do that?

Understanding dawned, Margaret wrapped her in a hug. How can I help?

Clara stared out the window, dry-eyed and silent. How to put words to such pain? It was impossible.

Help me pack, Mum. I need to stay with Grandma a while.

Alice burst in, rosy-cheeked from a run, and collided with Clara and her suitcase.

Oh! Where are you off to? she asked obliviously.

Clara offered no answer, edged past, and leftnever to return. In tears, Margaret turned on Alice with a rare slap. How could you?

Alice pressed her cheek, staring after her mother, who took Lucy and stormed away, banging the door so hard the crystal chandelier shivered.

The Richardsons werent a family to hold grudges long. Within a week or two, Margaret began speaking to Alice again, but it took over two years before Clara spoke to her sister at all. Perhaps she wouldnt have done, had their mother not fallen ill, forcing the girls to unite to fight off the worst.

Im sorry Alice stared at her trembling hands, unable to meet Claras gaze as they sat in the hospital park.

Lets not dredge up the past, Clara said quietly.

Alice understood then: Clara might have forgiven, but she could never forget.

Timidly, Alice reached out and squeezed Claras slender wrist. Clara did not pull away, but nor did she return the gesture. They sat side by side in silence until their father emerged with good newsthe operation had gone well, and now there was only to wait.

Now more of a family again, Clara visited often, helping look after Lucy. It was then she first realised just how wilful and unruly Lucy was becoming. She respected no authority, doing exactly as she liked, ignoring pleas from sisters or parents alike.

Margaret recovered, and life eventually scattered the sisters. Clara moved to another city to care for her paternal grandmother, staying on after she passed, leaving her a roomy flat. Live, my dear! Make your own decisions. Even those you love most can become strangers when it comes to their own interests.

Clara had given a wry little smile. If only Grandma knew.

A few years later, Clara quietly married James. No one was invited; there was barely even a ceremony. James had no family, and Clara chose not to invite hers.

They were utterly content. The only grief was their inability to have children. Both longed for a baby, but it wasnt to be; the doctors found nothing wrong, but the years passed, and nothing happened.

Well wait for our child to come in their own time, Clara said resolutely.

When hope began to wane, the couple considered adoptionbut fate had its own plan.

Clara kept in touch with her family only occasionally, exchanging letters and cards. Once or twice she and James visited her parents, but he never quite settled in, and Clara soon put a stop to any family interference.

I chose him, Mum. Thats the end of it.

Margaret would sighYou, with your education and prospects, choosing him How different things could have been!

What Clara couldnt explain was how perfect James was for her. She felt at ease, safeif anything ever befell her, she knew hed be there. He cared for her when she was ill, shared every household chore, never considered it beneath him to cook or wash up.

Youre lucky with your man, Alice said once, chasing her eldest round the garden while balancing her youngest on her hip. Wish I had help like that! Mine just points out everywhere I havent cleaned.

Clara smiled to herself, knowing Alices complaints were mostly an act. She was quite content with her lotwhich wasnt the case for Lucy.

Lucy grew up beautifulalmost excessively so. The older sisters were striking, but Lucy made them all seem washed out.

Lucys our queen! Margaret would beam proudly as Lucy, languid and striking, watched her sisters hassle about setting the table. It was their parents anniversary; relatives would soon gather, which Lucy despised. After ten polite minutes, braving a few compliments, she always slipped out, no matter who she offended.

After finishing school, Lucy decided her education was over. Ill be a model! she declared, throwing herself into it.

She hadnt considered how hard shed need to workpossibly harder than in any other job. It quickly bored her, and soon shed moved in with the first successful businessman whod show her Londons brighter lights. She knew he had a family and two kids, but such things hadnt troubled her. Any meek attempts from Margaret to intervene were cut shortLeave me be if you want to see me at all. Ill live my life as I please!

She wanted everything, but ended with almost nothing. Trying to tie her lover to her, Lucy became pregnant, but failed to predict hed only see that as an end to their affair. She raged, threatened, even confronted his wifewho simply sized Lucy up and scoffed:

My dear, youre hardly the first, nor will you be the last. Im his wife, and hell never leave me.

Lucy bristled. Youre so sure, are you?

Why wouldnt I be? Youre not the first to make these accusationsnor the last.

But Im having his child!

You can have as many as you wish. His legal children are with me. Have your baby if you want, but dont expect anything. Thats a word from a solicitor.

And that was the end. Lucy, enraged, paced the flat awaiting her belovedbut his next arrival was catastrophic.

Look after yourself. Ill cover the rent and child support. But this is your problem now. I wont see youor the child. If you turn up at my door, youll get nothing beyond this. Thats final.

Lucy stared bewildered at the door, never comprehending how her life had unravelled. Shed always had everything her own way, but now

Lost in her dramas, she nearly missed her due date, but finally baby Pip was born. From the first days, it was Margaret who cared for herLucy would swing from frantic attentiveness never letting Pip go, to vanishing for days. Her absences grew longer, and Margaret didnt know where to look for Lucy or what to say to her. In the end, tragedy struckanother wild night, a high-speed car, a driver who lost controland Lucy was gone.

Margaret collapsed with grief, unable to care for Pip. Charles ran between wife and granddaughter until, overwhelmed, he pleaded for help from Alice. She point-blank refused.

I have my hands full, Dad. I cant take on another.

So Charles called Clara.

Without hesitation, Clara took leave and came home. Within a month, shed finished the legalities and whisked one-year-old Pip to her own home. Only Claras parents and Alice knew that Pip was her niece, not her own daughter. While Clara sorted paperwork, James sold their flat and finished renovating the new house at a frantic pace.

James! Its wonderful! Exactly like I hoped! Clara wandered the bright rooms, a sense that their life was truly about to begin.

Little Pip brought into Clara and Jamess lives everything theyd been missinglively, bubbly, and sweet as a bell, she filled their days with happiness. Nine years sped by in a blink.

During those years, Claras contact with her family was minimal. At the rare family gathering, she felt like the subject on a laboratory slide. Margaret, still unable to cope with Lucys death, was almost unbearable.

You were trusted with her! Ill be watching! Whisked her away, and for what? You should have thought of your mother and stayed close!

Clara made an effort not to respond to these comments, feeling only sorrow for her mother. As painful as it was, she knew had it been herself or Alice who died, the blow to Margaret wouldnt have been half so shattering. Lucy, though, was another story.

Margaret would look at Pipso like her motherand thaw a little. Such a beautiful girl youre raising! Dont stifle her; let her be happy!

Clara would quietly squeeze Jamess hand, asking him to ignore any biting words.

Why not say something? James would mutter.

Let it be. Mums anger comes from pain, not malice, Clara would say.

Why put up with it? Why should you be the one to take it? Hed slip an arm around her.

Perhaps because Im still here, and theres no one else left to do it?

What if she says something like that to Pip?

She wont. She wont hurt Lucys child.

And Clara was right. Whatever bitterness Margaret poured onto her eldest, when it came to her granddaughter, she stayed silent, understanding the hurt that truth might cause the child.

Clara shut off her laptop and stretched. Goodnessit was past midnight. She finished her cold tea and stood at the window. A pity James was away on business; his trip couldnt have been worse-timed, but hed be back tomorrow at least. He might miss the start of Pips birthday, but hed be home by evening. She wondered what present hed bringhed promised a surprise but didnt even tell her, just laughed: Just wait! Youll both love it!

Clara smiled, marvelling again at her luck in love, and got ready for bed.

Mum! Happy birthday to me! Pip leapt onto the bed, showering a sleepy Clara with kisses. And to you! Youre the luckiest to have me!

Thank you, darling! Clara hugged her close and met her gaze. Happy birthday! May you always be healthy and happy, my girl.

Pip cuddled up, nose tucked under her mothers chin.

Am I grown-up now?

Of course! Ten whole years old! But you know what?

What?

Still just a little bit my baby! Clara winked, and Pip giggled.

Thats all right! Everyone loves the littlest!

Are you sure youre not loved enough already?

Clara tickled her daughter till Pip squealed and wriggled away.

Right then, time for presents! Clara reached for the bedside drawer. I have something special for you.

She handed Pip a small box.

Careful now

Pip gingerly opened the box. Mum, she breathed, its the one!

Thats right, Clara nodded.

Inside was a tiny crystal kitten. Pip knew Claras father had given it to herFor my eldest daughter, hed said.

Did Grandad really say that to you?

He did.

Thank you! I always hoped it would be mine, Pip whispered, stroking the kittens tiny ears. Mum, but I am your only daughter

Clara smiled softly. Pip searched her mothers face.

Is that true? she barely whispered. Clara nodded. Pip leapt up, clutching the kitten and squealing, I get to be the big sister? Mummy, is it true?

Well see, my love.

As she watched Pip bounce around the room, Clara felt tears spring up. All those years waiting for this moment.

Pip froze, turned, and said, Thats the best present you could give me!

Clara climbed from the bed and retrieved a large box from the wardrobe.

This is for you too.

The beautiful dress inside made Pip twirl in delight before the mirror. Mum, when will everyone be here?

Clara looked at her watch and gasped.

Weve overslept! Well have to rush, darling.

They made it just in time. By lunch, a radiant Pip was greeting guests, her laughter bubbling through the house.

How are things then? Margaret collapsed into her armchair, fixing Clara with a critical stare.

All fine, Mum. Pips done brilliantly this yeartop marks at school and music. Shes a joy.

Value that joy. Its a gift, you know.

Clara sighed. Conversations with her mother only grew harder. Fortunately, Alice came in from the kitchen, shifting the subjecttalk of her children, her husband, her ordinary gripes. Clara listened on autopilot, noting that Alices two, Millie and Victor, were both doing wellMillie with her straight As and Victor the local boxing champion.

A shriek startled the entire house. Clara dashed to the nursery, halting at the sight of Pip in the middle of the room, sobbing, white dress streaked with stains.

Oh, Pip! Clara gripped her daughter.

Alice! First aid kit, on top of the fridge! Now! Get some bandages!

Suddenly the house was in uproar, but Millie sat in the corner, watching Pip with a jealous glare.

Honey, what happened? Clara smoothed Pips hair.

Its not true! Shes lying!

Whos lying? Clara tried to untangle the upset.

The cuts were shallow. Once Pip was bandaged and changed, Clara took her into her lap.

Will you tell me, sweetheart?

At first Pip only buried her face in Claras chest; then she lifted her grey eyesjust like her mothersand spoke.

And so lifes unexpected turns, painful as they may be, can also bring us together, teaching us forgiveness and the value of family. We dont always get the life we imagine, but with love and patience, happiness can bloom where we least expect. The crystal kitten, delicate and enduring, became a symbolreminding Clara, Pip, and all their family that even the most fragile things, if cherished, can shine for generations.