Blood Ties

**Blood Ties**

Emma, I went to the doctor and got the tests done. Its bad. If I dont start treatment soon, I wont last long. We need moneysurgery, chemotherapy, medication. Where are we supposed to get it?

“Dont worry, love, well sort it out!” James squeezed her hand. “Im here. Well figure something out.”

“I have to tell Mum. Im scared for her heartshell get herself worked up. But I cant keep it from her. Shell guess anyway.”

Emma couldnt believe this was happening. Not even forty, with so much life aheadand now this.

At least she wasnt alone. James was beside her, and his son, Alfie, whod become like her own. No children of her ownher first husband left because of it. But she still had Mum, her sister, her nephew. Shed get through this, with their support.

James had raised Alfie alone. His wife left when the boy was two, vanished without a trace.

Theyd met in Hyde Park. She was walking her spaniel, he was playing with Alfie. They got talking, started dating. He made her feel safe. She married him gladly.

At first, they lived in her flat, inherited from her gran. Then they sold it and bought a bigger placetoo cramped for three. They had plans. Now, everything was crumbling.

No point delayingEmma took a cake to her mums.

“Mum, dont panic, but I have to tell you. They found cancer. If I dont get treatment Well, you know. James and I are trying to find the money”

“Oh, love, how? Youve always been the strong one, not like your sister. I was always dragging her to hospitals. What rotten luck.”

This was what Emma fearedthe theatrics, the fuss. But the truth had to come out.

“I cant help, Im afraid. All my savings went to your nephews new car. Spoilt him rotten. Youve no kids, so I help your sister and him now. Only grandchild, you understand.”

She hesitated. “Theres the fixed-term deposit, but Id lose the interest. Your father left that for my pension. Shame to waste it.”

“I wasnt asking. Just telling you.”

James sold his car. It covered the first round of treatment. Emma had the surgery. Now came the next stagethe one that could save her.

“Oh, darling, you look peaky!” Mum fussed during a visit. “What do the doctors say? Any hope?”

“Time will tell. Im staying positive.” Emma forced a smile. “Has Sophie visited? Too busy, I suppose.”

“Oh, shes in Ibiza with her husband! But she asks after you constantly.”

“Thats something, I suppose.” Emma swallowed bitterness. Since the diagnosis, her sister had vanishedjust two short calls.

“James, the doctor says theres a better drug, but its extortionate. The cheaper one might not work. What do we do?”

“Dont fret, love. Ill get the money. Im your husbandthats my job. Alfie misses you. We both do.”

Warmth bloomed in her chest. Thank God for them.

Then she remembered Mums deposit.

“Mum, I need that money. This treatment could work. Could you lend it? Well pay you back”

“Lend? Dont be silly. But darling, lets be honestthe odds arent good. Ive spoken to your doctor. What if we spend it all and it fails?”

“Right. Never mind.”

When Mum left, Emma cried. So much for family.

“Love, Ive got the money!” James burst in later. “My parents sold their cottage! They insistedthey adore you. Believe youll beat this.”

Her heart ached with gratitude. These people, near strangers, gave everything.

Then the treatment hit hard. Emma weakened.

“Darling, we need to talk.” Mum sat stiffly. “The treatment isnt working. Ive done my research. The doctors wont say it, but times short.”

She leaned in. “Now, when youre gone, the flat goes to Jameseven though most of the money came from your grans place. He barely added a penny. Should a stranger get everything?”

Her voice sharpened. “But your nephew, Harryhes blood. That flat would set him up. Sign it over now, love. Avoid surprises later.”

Emma stared. Was this her mother? Raised her, loved hernow counting her days?

“Blood? Where were you when I needed help? Worried about your precious interest. Sophie sunning herself in Ibiza. Too busy to even call.”

Her voice cracked. “But theres still time to squeeze something out of me, isnt there? Get Harry his flat.”

She took a breath. “Jamess parents sold their home for me. Thats your blood? Just go, Mum.”

Mum left, bewildered. What had she said wrong?

Slowly, Emma improved. The drugs worked. James was overjoyed.

She signed the flat over to himcutting her family out. She told Mum.

“Well, thank you, dear. A stranger matters more than kin! Sophie will be devastated.”

Emma didnt care. She was alive. That was all that mattered.

**Lesson learned:** Blood ties mean nothing without loyalty. Sometimes, the family you choose is all you need.