“Not Everything Is Going Well for Me,” Helena Replied. “My Stepfather Is Always Scolding Me.”

Whats your name, beautiful? The stranger crouched down next to the girl. Emily! the girl replied. And you? Im Charles. From now on, Ill be living with your mum. Were all a family now you, me, and your mother!

Not long after, Mum and Emily moved in with Charles. Her stepfather had a spacious flat in London with three bedrooms, so Emily finally had her own room. Charles was kind, often bringing Emily sweets and toys, while her dad only rang when he wanted to argue with Mum.

Then, Mum told Emily that her father had a new family and had moved away. Emily felt hurt, as she loved her dad. Her mum could shout and smack her bottom at times, but her father never did. Emily remembered very clearly when her parents divorced: her mum yelling at her dad, even trying to hit him. One phrase stuck in Emilys mind forever, something her mum said to her dad right at the end:

Dont think you were the first to play me for a fool, youve been sporting those antlers for ages like a stag!

Afterwards, Mum packed their things and they went to stay with Emilys grandma in Manchester. The girl couldnt understand where her dads antlers had come from he was bald and didnt even have any hair. Mum and Dad split up for good then.

Life went smoothly with Charles until Emily started Year One. She disliked school, being cheeky during breaktimes, so her parents were called in frequently. Sometimes Charles had to go instead of Mum. He was very serious about his stepdaughters schoolwork and often helped her with her homework.

Youre not my real dad, so you cant boss me about! Emily would retort, repeating something shed overheard from Grandma. Actually, I am the one looking after you, feeding and clothing you so I count as your father. Charles replied calmly.

By the time Emily turned ten, her father had moved back to the city. Shed long since learnt what antlers really meant in English probably his second wife bored him too, which is why he left, Mum said. When her dad returned, he asked if he could see his daughter again. Mum agreed, and Emily was delighted to meet him.

How are things? her dad asked. Not great, Emily replied. My stepdads always telling me off. Hes got no right; hes not your real father! her dad barked. Grandma says the same, and he doesnt care. Emily exaggerated a bit, because Charles had never yelled at her. She just wanted her dad to worry. Fine, Ill sort it out. Dad promised. During a walk in Hyde Park, they discovered only eight out of all the slides there were for kids, and adults had to come on the rest but her dad refused to join her on the carousel. Afterward, Emily told him her birthday was coming up and she was hoping for a new mobile. When Mum collected her from the park, she said that Charles never shouted at Emily, but Dad wouldnt listen.

My dads such a skinflint! Emily complained later to Charles. He bought me nothing at the park, just an ice cream. That was it. Karol, youre much nicer than he is. Let’s make up for your dads mistake and go to the childrens play centre this weekend.

Unfortunately, the trip had to be cancelled because Charles had an emergency at work. He also ignored hints about the new phone.

Dad, Charles tricked me! Emily sobbed to her father over the phone. He said wed go to the leisure centre, then told me I dont deserve a trip or a new mobile.

It wasnt completely true, but it worked like magic: her father went out and bought her a new mobile. Last time, hed ignored her hints, but this time, he had to make her wish come true. Sadly, he bought her a budget version, since he didnt have enough pounds for the fancy one.

Couldnt you have waited for your birthday? Charles asked. What I really want is a dog! Emily replied. Oh no, youd have to walk it and I bet you wouldnt want to, just like always! her stepfather quipped.

After he said that, Emily threw a tantrum, rang her dad immediately, and started complaining: Dad, please take me away from them! Charles nags me and gives me lectures! she cried.

Then everyone began arguing and trying to sort things out. During this time, Emily was sent to Grandmas house, and soon after, her mum arrived with her belongings saying she was leaving Charles. Her dad returned to his wife, as it turned out she was expecting another child. Now Emily wouldnt get a new mobile or a dog, and Grandma certainly wouldnt let her keep even a cat.

Reflecting on everything, Ive finally realised as a father: family life is messy, but honesty and kindness matter most the rest falls into place in its own way.