One Daughter Shared Between Two Parents

One Daughter for Two Mothers
The love between Martha and Edward sparked instantly, right from the first moment they met. After dating for a month, Edward surprised her during one of their walks, saying:
Martha, will you marry me? She was caught off guard.
How? Marry you? Weve only been together for a month, she laughed.
So what? Just a month, but its all Ive needed to know youre my destiny I dont need anyone else, Martha. For me, no other girl exists.
Oh, Edward, well actually I do say yes, she quietly giggled, nestling into his chest.
Darling, dont you think youre rushing? Marthas mother questioned her about such a sudden decision. Are you pregnant?
Mum, what are you saying? Of course not. Its just that Edward said he couldnt live without me, and I feel the same. Its just love, mum.
Soon enough, those who were surprised by their quick wedding realised these two were meant to be. Everything seemed wonderful; Edward was devoted to his wife, and Martha loved and cared for her husband just as much.
Their love was genuine, but there was one shadow: They both desperately wanted children, but Martha never became pregnant.
Edward, I think we should get checked, perhaps theres a reason why I cant conceive, Martha suggested.
Edward agreed at once. They tried everythingdoctors, treatments, prayersbut it was all in vain. Marthas hopes for a child remained unfulfilled.
Martha, Ive been thinking maybe we could visit the orphanage and adopt a child, raise them as our own, Edward offered, hesitantly.
Yes, yes! Martha blurted out, relieved. She had been dreaming of this, but worried her husband might not be open to it. Ive thought about it too.
Lets go then, Edward replied. I know the place; I pass by it when I return from business trips.
When Martha and Edward arrived at the orphanage, among dozens of wary and tired children, a little three-year-old girl with bright blonde hair and blue eyes ran up to Martha, hugging her knees.
Mummy! the girl said, beaming, and Martha couldnt bear to let her go.
Thus, cheerful little Lucy came home to them. Her laughter was like a bubbling stream. Martha finally felt truly happyher maternal feelings blossomed. She adored Lucy, and Edward was utterly devoted to their daughter.
Life was good. Martha and Edward lived in a small English village where everyone knew each other. Many residents, especially their neighbours, knew Lucy was adopted. When she was small, there were no issues, but as Lucy grew up and started school, someone eventually told her she wasnt their biological child.
Lucy was fourteen at the time. She came home from school and threw a tantrum.
Mum, why didnt you and Dad tell me Im not your real daughter? I know you got me from the orphanage!
Honey, calm down. We always meant to tell you, but we wanted you to be older, so it wouldnt hurt so much. But the truth came out sooner than we hoped We always dreaded this day.
Lucy cried and yelled, then withdrew, and became sullen. It was a tough age for heradolescents have their own way of dealing with things. Lucy became rude and slammed doors, sometimes even shouted at her parents.
Then something unexpected happened: Edward died in a tragic accident. Martha was devastated when she learned her husband had been killed returning from a business trip in London, just before New Years, during a heavy snowstorm.
Edward often went away for work, sometimes for a week, and if delayed, he sent postcards since they had no mobile phones. When he died, Martha was forty-six. Rather than supporting her mother, Lucy became even more rebellious, disappearing from home and defying her.
Despite the pain, Martha tried desperately to reach her daughter, pleading and crying, but never once yelling at Lucy. Thats how they lived. Lucy grew up quickly, and after finishing school, she told her mother:
Im moving to London, Lucy announced firmly.
Martha lifted tired eyes, holding a tea towel in her hand.
Are you going to university?
No, Im going to look for my biological mum.
Martha struggled to breathe, confused.
But why, Lucy? Arent I your mum?
Lucy turned away and gazed out the window, quiet for a long time.
I need to know who she is. I have to find out why she gave me up, why she walked away. I have the right to know.
You do, sweetheart, Martha agreed, knowing nothing could stop her.
Lucy, nearly nineteen, packed her few possessions into a small bag, kissed Marthas cheek, and promised to visit. She left for the bus stop, while Martha watched with aching eyes. Now, Martha was alone.
Time went by slowly. Martha retired, and on long winter evenings, she would go through the postcards Edward had sent, kept in an old tin tied with ribbon. There werent many, but the last, with fir branches and faded with age, read, Martha, staying three more days, missing you, love, Edward.
Martha traced the card with trembling fingers, pressing it to her chest as if she could hug her late husband again. Many years had passed; nearly twenty-five since Edward died.
Martha sat by the window, lost in memories. She rarely went out nowonly to the village shop and back. Her windows were curtained, her letterbox empty, her home quiet. The joy returned when Lucy visited with her children, but those visits were rare. Most days, Martha was alone. On her dresser was a photograph of Edward holding young Lucy, both smiling.
Oh Edward, you left me so soon, Martha would whisper to the photo. Im completely alone now.
The silence was only occasionally broken by Marmalade, her ginger cat, who jumped from the windowsill or purred loudly at her feet. Martha fed him and drank her tea, deciding she should pop to the shop today. She glanced at Edwards photo as she finished her tea, when suddenly someone knocked at the gate.
She remembered how Lucy once told her she was leaving to find her birth motherit all came rushing back. The morning was drab and quiet as Martha brewed some tea, and then someone knocked again.
She donned her boots and wrapped a shawl around her shoulders, opening the gate to find a woman much younger than herself, with sad eyes.
Hello Are you Martha? the strangers voice shook.
Yes, and who are you?
The stranger fidgeted nervously.
Im Lucys mother well, her other mum I mean, her biological one. My name is Claire Anyway, you know what I mean, she stammered.
Marthas heart turned cold. Lucy had left recently, and now, here was her birth motherhow had she found her?
I hope nothings happened to Lucy, since youre here, Martha worried. So, she found you?
Claire spoke hurriedly.
Lucy is in hospitalin Londonsomethings wrong with her stomach. We were walking through Hyde Park; she doubled over and sat on a bench, pale as a sheet. I called the ambulance straight away.
They stood in silence, looking at each other.
Lucy found me ages ago, but was scared to tell you, Claire sniffed.
Oh, we shouldnt stand here at the gate. Come in, lets go inside, Martha said suddenly, waking from her shock.
She poured Claire a hot cup of tea, and Claire spoke:
I was so young when I had Lucy. My parents were strict, made me give her up. My fiancé disappeared when he found out I was pregnant, and my parents threatened to throw me out with the baby. I signed away my rights in hospital Ive lived with it all these years But Lucys asked for you to come, to see her in hospital.
Martha jumped up.
Why didnt Lucy call me?
Her phone was stolenher whole handbag vanished while the ambulance came. It was left on the bench with her documents. When I got back, it was gone.
Oh dear, my poor girl, Martha whispered.
She gave me your address herself, told me: Find my mum.
Both women sat quietly, their eyes meeting, not as rivals but sharing the same worry and weariness.
Lets go, Martha said, locking the door behind her. Lets hurry.
The old bus felt like it crawled. Martha and Claire started in silence, but gradually talked.
Im alone too, Claire sighed. My husband passed away three years ago after a long illness. We were married for years, but I never had another childGod punished me, I suppose, for letting Lucy go. Thats my punishment.
So, apart from Lucy, weve no one else, Martha said softly.
Thats right One daughter for the both of us, Claire replied, sorrowful.
At the hospital, they were asked:
Who are you here to see?
Our daughter, Lucy Smith, Martha and Claire answered together.
And who are you to her?
Mothers, they replied in unison, then glanced at each other and smiled.
Two mums? Okay, come this way
Lucy lay pale in the ward, hooked up to an IV. Seeing them, she beamed.
Mum and mum she whispered.
Martha kissed her first.
Hush, darling, Im here with you, while Claire moved to her side.
Now everything will be alright, youre not alone, Claire said, adjusting her duvet.
They sat with Lucy for hours, speaking of many things.
Since then, Lucy had two mothers, then later a husband and two sons. For Martha and Claire, one daughter united them, and sometimes the families gathered together.
Life teaches us that love is not bound by blood alone. True family is built through care, sacrifice, and the bonds we nurture over time. Sometimes, two hearts are needed to raise one soul, and in the end, understanding and forgiveness bring us together.