A Mother for Other People’s Children

Take the wheel, Annie! Do whatever you like! Tessa sighed wearily.

Yes, it feels like a fairytale, not a life! Annie winked at her friend, said goodbye and stepped out of the flat. The moment she settled into her car, the smile faded. She stared at her reflection in the rearview mirror and muttered, What a lousy streak of luck Id rather be fussing over four kids like you, Tessa.

On paper Annie seemed successfulgood job, a decent car, a cosy flat, a father who ran a respectable firm. Yet no one could guess the emptiness that lingered behind her perpetual grin.

Annie longed for a child, for a big, happy family, but that dream never materialised. By the time she turned thirtytwo, despair had set in. She tried everythingherbal remedies, modern medicine, even yoga and acupuncturebut nothing worked. She remained childfree.

Why is it always me? she whispered to her pillow after yet another failed attempt, tears staining the fabric.

She could not understand why some men, even those with drinking problems, seemed to father five or six children with ease. It hurt, it baffled her.

Annie had learned long ago to hide her pain; she disliked pity and gossip. Even her best friend Tessa knew only a fraction of the truth.

I just want to live for myself, she would joke when the topic of children came up, then later weep alone in her kitchen.

She had never married. Her last relationship, with Ian, ended over the very subject of children.

Dont worry so much! Live for yourself and be happy! Ians mantra.

I cant accept that, Annie replied. I want to care for someone. If I cant have a baby in the next three years, Ill adopt.

Ian was unmoved. Childrenespecially someone elses didnt fit into his plans. He cared more about Annies allowance and her fathers business.

Whats the point of a strangers child? What if the genetics are bad? He could turn out foolish or end up like his parents, drinking and abandoning him! he argued.

Not all children are like that. Some lose their parents early; thats something you can check, Annie countered.

Its not my concern, Ian snapped.

The argument escalated, and a few weeks later they went their separate ways. Their worlds were simply too different. Annie felt a strange relief when Ian collected his things from her flat.

Driving home, she remembered shed run out of eggs and needed a few things for tea.

Maybe Ill treat myself to a new handbag as Im at the mall? she mused, veering toward the shopping centre.

She planned to browse the stores, pop into the grocery on the ground floor, then head back. With no other commitments, she didnt feel like returning to an empty flat.

After eyeing a handbag, a pair of shoes caught her attention, and then a memory surfaced. She and Tessa had been in the living room when Tessas daughter, Molly, had burst in, begging her mother to buy a dress.

Molly, I dont have any money right now, Tessa had said.

Please, Mum! Its Christmas! Everyone will be dressed up! the little girl pleaded.

Im sorry, love, I cant. Maybe later, Tessa had replied.

Annie stopped, recalling Mollys disappointed face, and without thinking much headed for the childrens department. She occasionally bought toys for Tessas kids, so she knew the staff wouldnt be surprised. She even knew Mollys size.

Inside the childrens section, a sigh escaped her. She had once imagined buying something for her own child here, but now she forbade herself such daydreams.

Still, the search for a dress revived her enthusiasm. She walked the aisles, checked prices, imagined how the dress would look on a small girl, debated colours and styles.

A nearby row erupted in a soft argument. A male voice and a childs plaintive tones rose from the next aisle. The girl begged, the man seemed unaware.

Dad, please! Lets keep looking! I havent found what I want! the child whined.

Weve got to go, love. Im short on time, I cant keep searching! the father replied.

Please, Dad I really, really want that dress! the girl sobbed.

Sam, weve been walking for half an hour! Harrys waiting for us the man added.

The girls voice trembled with tears. Annie stepped closer and asked, What dress are you looking for?

The man turned, smiling at the stranger. He was not a shop assistant. After his wifes death three years earlier, Maxhis namehad become open to any help. He knew nothing about childrens clothing.

Little Sam didnt care who the woman was; she was just an adult who might help. She and her mother had scoured the store for a beautiful skyblue dress with a ruffle at the hem and a tiny flower brooch on the chest. It seemed impossible to find, and Sam was on the brink of tears.

Sam looked at Annie with hopeful eyes. Though she barely remembered her mother, she knew a woman could buy a dress.

I need a skyblue dress, kneelength, with little ruffles here, and a floral brooch on the chest! Sam rattled off in one breath.

Annie didnt need to dig deep into memory; she knew exactly where that dress hung, next to the one shed been eyeing for Molly.

Max watched, amusement flickering across his face as his sevenyearold daughter trusted a stranger, then shook his head and followed them.

Annie and Sam soon stood before the perfect dress. Sams eyes lit up with pure joy.

Thank you! Im Sam, the girl said.

Annie introduced herself and gave Max a playful wink. Relief softened his features when he realised the problem was solved. As Sam slipped into the fitting room, Max, grateful, said, Thank you so much! I dont know what Id have done without you. Im Max and you are?

Annie, she replied.

Are you buying anything for your own child? Max asked, scanning the area for a youngster.

No, Im here alone, and I have no children, Annie answered.

Lucky me then, Ive got twoMolly and Harry. Harrys three, and hes already waiting for Sams performance. The nanny has called three times already Max babbled, stealing occasional glances at Annie. Thanks again, really. How can I thank you?

I dont need anything Annie began to leave, but Max, clearly taken with her, asked hesitantly, How about coffee? Not today, perhaps tomorrow, just as a thankyou?

She hesitated. She had only recently ended things with Ian and wasnt ready for a new romance, but Max wasnt proposing marriagejust a drink and a chat. What was the harm?

Your wife? she asked.

She passed away three years ago, Max replied plainly.

Sorry Annie felt a pang of awkwardness.

Its alright, you didnt know. Im used to it So, shall we meet tomorrow? he suggested.

Yes, lets meet, she said, exchanging numbers before parting.

Later, as she drove home, Annie thought about the new acquaintance. She hadnt planned to make any future commitments with Max; raising two children alone sounded daunting, and she felt sympathy for him. Yet she agreed to meet out of curiosity, not pity.

The next morning, she was almost ready, dressed for an evening out, when her phone rang. The caller ID showed Maxs name.

Hello Max? she answered.

Good morning, his voice sounded apologetic. Im sorry, I cant make it to the café today.

What happened? Annie felt a slight disappointment, though she hadnt held high expectations.

Harrys got a fever, and Sam has a recital later. We were just picking out her dress for the concert, and the nanny cant come. Im torn, and Sams upset. I thought we could chat after the show, but his doctor has moved the appointment.

Annie didnt linger. Do you need help?

Max chuckled nervously. He hadnt called for a favour; he just wanted to give her a headsup.

Im not sure

Whats wrong? I dont have children, but I often watch my friends kids. I could look after your son for a couple of hours. Whats he sick with?

His temperature spiked last night, Max admitted, a hint of relief in his tone.

Annie quickly changed into comfortable jeans, left the dress shed almost put on, and headed for Maxs flat. She knew the next few hours would involve caring for a sick threeyearold rather than sipping coffee, but she also understood how hard it could be to ask for help when you have no one else.

She remembered Sams excitement about the recital and how much it meant to her father.

At Maxs door, she found him a bit embarrassed as she entered. He led her to the living room, apologising for the mess.

Its a bit chaotic we were in a rush, he said.

No worries, children are children, Annie replied with a smile, noting the scattered toyssomething shed seen in Tessas flat countless times.

Harrys over there hes still awake, so lets go meet him, Max said, ushering her toward the nursery.

He left the two kids with her, confident that a stranger could look after them. Annie felt an odd trustworthiness about Max; she wasnt a thief. Though Max knew his chances of finding a partner with two kids were slim, he didnt expect Annie to jump straight into a relationship. Kindness, after all, obliges no one.

For three hours she tended to Harrychanging his compresses, offering water, making lemon tea, and finally reading him a bedtime story.

When Max and a beaming Sam returned, the flat was quiet except for Annies voice narrating the tale. Max slipped off his shoes and walked slowly toward the nursery. The door was ajar; Annie didnt see him. She sat with her back to the room, finishing the story.

Harry listened intently, his eyes glued to her. A sudden pang struck Maxs heart as he realised how much his children needed a mothers presence. In the past two days Annie had shown him that, first with Sam, now with Harry.

Hello, how are you? Max asked, breaking the silence. Annie turned, startled.

Oh, youre here we were just finishing the story. Harrys fever has gone down; hes feeling better, she replied.

Good! We bought him a new toy car. Get well soon, champ, Max said, hugging his son, then covering him with a blanket. He invited Annie to the sitting room, but before she could move, Harry, still drowsy, asked, Will you come again?

Annie hesitated, glanced at Maxs hopeful expression, and sat beside Harry.

Little one, Ill try to visit again. You promised to show me your drawings, didnt you? she said, ruffling his hair. Harry nodded, eyes sparkling, and she rose, heading for the door, already feeling she couldnt stay away.

Youve really enchanted him, Max whispered in the hallway.

You have a wonderful son, Annie replied, smiling. Im glad the café plan didnt work out.

Do you like children? he asked, a delicate question.

Annies throat tightened; she didnt answer before Sam burst out, beaming, I sang at the concert! Everyone clapped! The dress is gorgeous! Theyre all jealous!

They chatted briefly, Sam sang a soft tune from her performance, and Max tucked her into bed, casting a wistful glance at Annie.

Annie, walking home through the eveninglit streets, felt an unexpected peace settle in her heart. Perhaps it was Harrys earnest gaze, the way he listened to the story, or Sams joyous singing. Maybe it was the simple act of helping a stranger in need.

She hadnt thought about new relationships the night before, yet now she realised she wouldnt simply walk away.

Should I call a taxi? Max asked.

No need, Im driving. May I ask you something? she replied.

About his mother, Max said. Natalie died three years ago in childbirth. Harry never saw her, and Sam barely remembers her.

I see I was wondering if, once Harry recovers, we could take a walk in the park together. It would be difficult for me to look after two kids alone, Annie ventured, blushing slightly.

Maxs eyes widened, then softened. That sounds lovely. Id be very happy. He smiled broadly. Youve clearly won over the kids.

Annie flushed, said a hurried goodbye, and headed home. It was getting late, and she still had work to finish.

She drove through the city, smiling for reasons she couldnt quite name. She understood that life wasnt as simple as it seemed. Things with Max might not work out, and even if they did, she wouldnt become a mother overnight. Yet her heart felt calm, and a quiet hope grew that everything would eventually fall into place.

Sometimes, when you open your heart to help others, you discover that the love youve been longing for appears in unexpected formsproving that kindness, not circumstance, is the true path to fulfillment.