Growing Up Motherless Next Door: Alexandra’s Journey from Neglect and Heartbreak to Unexpected Mothe…

Olivia grew up a sort of orphan, even though both her parents were alive. Shed seen her mother, Laura, only in photographs and the occasional video call from London, while her father, George, was just next door, yet never once took part in raising her.

Olivia often thought her father avoided even glancing her way for fear she might ask him for something.

In the past, Olivia had felt a pang of hurt towards her mother, who seemed to chase after her own happiness, forgetting the daughter she left behind. But with time, she began to understand.

It surely couldnt have been easy to be left with a baby at sixteenespecially when the father was only a classmate and a neighbour as well.

Thank goodness her mum hadnt been afraid and had chosen to have her; she could have just as well left her behind. Despite Laura leaving Olivia a baby in the care of her own parents, Olivia was endlessly grateful, for it was anyones guess how life might have unfolded if shed been brought up by a mother who, by all signs, had never felt the tug of maternal love.

Still, Olivias childhood was wonderfulshe grew up swaddled in affection and kindness.

Her grandparents, Arthur and Edna, adored her completely. Her mother sent trendy dresses and toys from London now and then.

When Laura married a foreigner, the stream of parcels and money only grew; Laura sent pounds across the sea as if trying to mend invisible wounds.

Sometimes it seemed to Olivia that her mother tried to wash away old sins with giftson her eighteenth birthday, she even transferred enough money so Arthur could help Olivia buy a flat in Manchester.

Now that she was grown, heading to university, it made far more sense for Olivia to have her own place than to live in some draughty bedsit.

Step by step, Laura seemed to be gently hinting at all shed ever donegood or illwas really for Olivias benefit.

To her grandparents surprise, Olivia held no grudge against her mother, though she felt little warmth for her either.

On rare occasions when Laura did return home, folk often mistook them for sistersthey resembled each other so closely, and Laura, at thirty-four, looked far younger, always perfectly turned out.

Well then, Olivia, have you ever thought of coming with me?

No, Ive my studies to finish.

Study away, clever girl Heres my new number. Need money, or anything, just ring anytime.

Thank you, Mum. Youve already bought loads for me, and the money will last for ages, I think.

Olivia didnt even notice the wince that crossed Lauras face at the word mum.

Shed never truly settled into the notion of being a mother, and had told her foreign husband a story about helping her parents and a younger sister back home. She kept quiet entirely about her grown daughter in England.

Laura seemed to care for Olivia, yesbut more as one might care for a relation or a dear acquaintance than a daughter.

But when her husband left hertraded her in for someone from his own countryLaura came straight home, suitcase in tow.

Olivia, you dont mind if I stay with you, do you?

Of course not, Mum. Ill be getting married soon anyway, and after the wedding, Alex and I will be living together.

Married? Isnt it a bit soon? You just turned twenty the other week.

Too soon?

Shed been tempted to add, You had me at sixteen, but bit her tongueperhaps not wanting to remind her mother of it, perhaps worried it sounded rude. Anyway, Olivia was an adult now, old enough to decide for herself when and whom to marry.

Olivia often compared Alexs parents to her own mother: his family welcomed her as one of their own, while Laura didnt even seem curious about whom her daughter was marrying.

Ill come to the wedding, but now I must rest and regain my strength. Im off to Greece.

Greece, wow It must be beautiful there Alex sometimes goes for workhe was off to Athens for meetings just yesterday.

The wedding was only days away. Olivia was exhausted, running ragged with the preparations for what she believed would be the most important day of her life.

Alex had been delayed by urgent matters, and her mother hadnt been in touch since leaving. Olivia wasnt sure what to think.

She did know how pleased Alex would be when he discovered that, soon, hed be a father!

She hadnt planned for a baby before the wedding, but since the day was nearly here, no one would guess the truth anyway.

At last! For a while, I thought youd run off with some Greek beauty and changed your mind about marrying me.

Dont be daft, love. You know Id never have a dalliance on the side.

Although, in truth, he had

Suddenly, the dream turned inside out. It was like a council meeting with fireworks, and somebody kept asking about secrets.

Olivia stood, unable to make sense of the conversations swirling round her like mist.

What secrets are these? Im having Alexs child, I told him ages ago, and he was supposed to tell you

Pardon? Say that again? Youre having a child by my husband? Is this a joke?

Do I look in the mood for jokes? We met in Greece, spent some heated nights together, and then right in the middle of your wedding plans Alex, tell her how wonderful we were together!

Leave! Both of you, get out! I never want to see you again!

Olivia, Im sorry, that affair was a mistake!

The real mistake was marrying someone whod do something like this.

Olivia filed for divorce. She never forgave her husband, and spoke to her mother no more.

She returned home to her grandparents cottage in the countryside and there, surrounded by familiar warmth, she safely gave birth to a boy.

She heard nothing about her mother or ex-husband, and didnt care to know.

But one month after her sons birth, the phone rang. It was the city hospital.

Are you Laura Campbells daughter?

Yes, is everything alright?

Im afraid your mother passed away during childbirth. She had a little girl. We thought you might want to take the baby in. Miss, are you still there? Should we send the child to the orphanage or are you coming for her?

I Ill come. Im coming.

Olivia took the little girl homeshe simply couldnt turn away.

Alex never would have claimed the child; he still blamed Laura for everything.

But Olivia thought it was never just one persons fault, and, after all, children must never bear the burdens of their parents sins.

Children are joyher joyand you can never have too much happiness, can you?