Sophie, take her away! I can’t do this anymore! I can’t even stand to touch her!

Charlotte, take her! I can’t stand it anymore! I cant even bear to touch her, it makes my skin crawl!

Margarets voice was shaking, and the baby in her arms was wailing and contorted with sobs.

Charlotte calmly reached forward, lifted her niece from her sisters arms, and nodded.

Alright. But youve made this choice, yes? No complaints later?

What complaints?! Just take hershes nothing to me now!

The little one had only entered the world a month ago. From the moment Margaret realised she was pregnant, something had begun to unravel inside her. Charlotte tried to blame the mood swings on late pregnancy woes. Margaret had been a widow for over seven years. Her older children had grown up and moved out long ago. A sudden trip to Brighton, a brief fling, and then the unexpected pregnancynone of it seemed quite real. Margaret was the last person to act on impulse. For a time, it looked like she was delighted by the thought of a new baby. But soon Charlotte noticed odd, flickering shifts: her sister would obsessively shop for baby clothes and prams one week, then go silent and withdrawn behind invisible walls for weeks at a time.

As the due date neared, Margaret stopped talking to her family altogethernot a word to her mother, her sister, her sons. Charlotte, growing uneasy, finally tracked Margaret down at the local hospital, pen in hand, about to sign away parental rights.

Margaret, whats happened? Why?

I havent the faintest idea. I feel nothing at all. She isnt mine.

What do you mean, not yours? Dont be ridiculous! Shes your child!

No, she isnt. She wont be. Not for me. Margaret turned away, face to the wall.

Refusing to give in, Charlotte fetched their mother. Margaret, under the combined will of family, agreed to bring the baby home, and their mother insisted Margaret stay with her for the first few months, disguised as an offer to help but really a plan to keep watch over Margaret. She looked after the child mechanically, never lingering at her daughters side more than necessity demanded. It was their mother who named the girl, and Charlotte who carried her through sleepless nights.

Margaret, Ill take her. Ill raise her. But give it half a year and who do you think shell call mum?

I dont care. As long as its not me.

A week later, the paperwork was signed; Charlotte became the girls guardian. Margaret left for another city.

Little Alice grew into a whirl of energy and bright laughter, taking her first steps early, chatting away before other children said a word. She called Charlotte Mum.

Twelve years drifted by.

Mum, I got all As today, and tomorrow our class is off to the cinema! Alices clear, eager voice filled their small flat.

Is it her? a voice came from the mobiles tinny speaker.

Yes, Margaret, its her. Please

Excuse me, Im Alice. And you are?

A tall, big-eyed girl drifted into the kitchen, gaze shifting from the stranger at the table to her mother standing pale as chalk at the window.

Im Margaret. Im your mother, Alice.

Charlottes face tightened. She moved towards Alice. Alice, darling, Ill explain everything

No need, Mum. Lets hear her out. Well, you say youre my mum. And?

Ive come to take you with me. To live together.

What for?

Youre my daughter.

Not yours. I have a mother. Shes right there. I dont need another. And I hope I never see you again. Alice spun lightly and left the kitchen, hair flickering like a ribbon behind her.

Charlotte collapsed onto a chair, spent.

So, are you satisfied?

Not yet. But I will be. Even if it takes court.

What are you doing, Margaret? You gave her up, shunned herno one understood why. Now after all these years you appear and expect her to fling her arms around you? Sorry, Margaret. Why dont you go visit Mum now? I need to be with my daughter.

My niece, Margaret corrected, standing.

Charlotte only sighed. When the door clicked shut, she padded softly to Alices room.

Alice sweetheart

Wait, Mum. Before you start, let me say something. I know everything. Remember last year when we cleaned out Grans attic? I found the guardianship documents. I was furious youd kept it all from me. At first, I wanted to meet her to ask why? But after some thought, I realised it didnt matter. You are my mother. I dont want another.

Alice, darling! No one will ever take you from me.

I wouldnt take myself away, either, Alice giggled, the corners of her eyes crinkling. Remember my classmate Oliver? Ring his Mum, shes a solicitor for family law.

You know, love, theres no rush to grow up too quickly! Charlotte laughed too, pulling Alice into a tight hug. Well see a solicitor if we must. All will be well.

There were anxious days, paperwork and hearings, but in the end, the court left everything as it was. Alices voice, unwavering, settled the mattershe refused to recognise her birth mother or live anywhere else.

After the verdict, the sisters lingered outside the courthouse.

So, this is it, the dream draws to an end, Charlotte breathed out, relief softening her voice. What will you do now?

Ill go, Charlotte. I wont interfere. Ill help, thoughtheres a trust opened for Alice, documents are with Mum. Ive left it all.

Why, Margaret? Why did you leave her at all?

There wasnt any romance, Charlotte. No holiday affair. There was a dark lane, a cold night.

Charlottes eyes widened, breath caught in her throat.

And youve never said a wordcarried this all alone?

There was no undoing it. So I locked it away. At first, I thought I was illearly menopause, I reckonedby the time I realised, it was too late. Dont tell Alice. Let it stay mine. If she ever forgives melet that be her choice.

Charlotte drew her sister into a hug, and both glanced toward Alice, standing with Gran across the street.

Sometimes, the most terrifying things become the most beautiful, Margaret murmured, wiping her eyes. Charlotte, for the first time in years, saw a shadow of a smile flutter across her sisters face.