The Add-On

She’s got baggage, William! Or does that suit you just fine? Doreen leans on the garden fence, smirking at her neighbour. Couldnt you do better? Youre not too bad-looking and a decent chap. There are plenty of girls about, yet look who you chose!

Gloria sighs. She doesnt want to admit to herself that shes not thrilled with her sons choice. Hearing it from Doreen, her oldest frenemy, makes it sting twice as much.

Were delighted with children, Doreen. Got that? Whats so wrong about her, then? Young, pretty, kind-natured, well-mannered I know for certain. So shes got a child And? She had him in wedlock, not that it matters much. Lifes life, were all in Gods hands. Shes a widow now, but well bring that little boy up, give him a good home, and hell be another grandchild to dote on. Nothing to gossip about!

Gloria purses her lips and shoos away the neighbours cat making its way to her side along the fence.

That rascal! Pinched three of my chicks already, Doreen. Keep an eye on your furry monster or Ill set Athos on him, and then well see whos sorry.

Scared, arent I! Doreen pushes her fat tabby away from the fence. Whos chasing who now? Ill lock him in. He was after my chicks last spring too. If he wasnt such a fine mouser, Id have sent him off ages ago but what can you do, instincts are instincts!

He can keep his instincts inside, thank you.

Gloria, that reminds me the jam! The jars, I mean. Are they ready yet?

Youre all chat, while someone has to do the work.

Oh, my Olgas doing it. Came yesterday to help with the veg.

But shes heavily pregnant, isnt she?

Exactly, thats why she sits in the kitchen stirring jam, while the rest of us are out in the plot. She cant keep still. Not a daughter-in-law, but pure gold!

So why do you praise her when she isnt there, but boss her around when she is?

Gotta keep order! Doreen laughs again. Youll see, once youre a mother-in-law, youll want to set an example. Too cosy and theyll be running rings around you!

Well see, Gloria waves her off. You want these jars or not? Ive got work to do, not time to stand here nattering.

Once Doreens gone, Gloria heads inside to make dough. Her sons visiting tomorrow, bringing his fiancée to meet her. His fiancée Gloria stops kneading, leaning against the table, gazing out the window. Somethings bound to happen

She doesnt know Amy well. Shes heard about her, seen her once or twice in passing when visiting her sister in the next village. Nothing remarkable. Fair-haired, big-eyed, tall enough to match her Martin. But not a girl anymore a young woman, a widow with a three-year-old boy. Fates dealt Amy a tough hand: parents gone young, raised by her grandparents, educated, married off. Just as they welcomed a great-grandson, Amys husband died in a crash. Left alone with a toddler. How could you not feel for her? But Gloria would rather pity her from afar. Her heart aches for Martin as it is; since her husband died, hes been both anchor and comfort. Shes glad hes there but worries. Hes a grown man, time to start his own family, yet he keeps stalling. Always joked when asked, claimed he was waiting for the one. Then comes the announcement hes found her: Amy. Gloria runs to her sister for an update, only to get a scolding.

Whats all the fuss about, like a chicken with its head off?

So, whats she really like, then? If he brings her here, then what?

Hell bring her all right but not for long.

What? Glorias confused.

Didnt Martin say? Ive left Granddads cottage to him. Cant live there now its too run-down but theres a good plot. They can build something.

Glorias thoughts run wild. Her son leaving, and her left behind? Its only a short bus ride between villages, but theres a world of difference between having him pop home every evening, helping with the house, and living separately. No dropping by except on holidays.

Whats with the gloom? Not pleased? Lydia softens, sitting next to her.

Hes grown now, Gloria. Its time he built his own life.

Youre right, as always. But what if things dont work out? Theres a child, after all

Lydia puts a hand on her shoulder. Listen here. There are plenty of young women in this village, but Ive never had a good word for any like I do for Amy.

Thats what worries me. Shes too good.

Youre impossible! If she was trouble youd moan too. Gloria, stop fretting! Let them live. And dont make a mistake youll regret, losing your son.

What mistake? Glorias voice trembles.

If you cant accept her, youll lose Martin. Ive seen how he looks at Amy. Its love.

Gloria feels something tight and spiky inside her, rolling about at night, keeping her awake. Why is it there? She cant say, but she cant shake it.

She straightens, rubs her tingling hands and returns to the dough. She must host them properly. Lydias right no need to show her doubts. Best be warm and wait and see.

Tiny, perfect pasties line the large tray. Gloria sighs, remembering how her late husband loved these little one-bite wonders. Like seeds! he would grin. No matter how many I eat, its never enough! Hed kiss her hand, shed laugh and pull away, hugging him. The memory catches in her throat. Oh, how she needs him now! The advice, the comfort.

Night is restless. She turns over and over, counting the hours. If only morning would come

Amy stands behind Martin, wary of meeting her future mother-in-laws gaze. Little Sam wriggles in her arms, taking in everything. So much to see! Theres a big dog chained up quiet, not like at Grandma Vals. He spots a cat strutting across the yard. Sam reaches for him, glancing at Amy.

Sit still, darling.

Let him go, he can run about. Ill lock Athos up, nothing else here to worry about. Youll see him from the window. Gloria sizes up her future daughter-in-law.

Whats Amy really like? So thin and pale youd not guess shes the mother of a sturdy three-year-old. Something shifts in Glorias chest, nudging aside the spiny knot. Sam totters over and stares up at her.

Where did the cat go?

What cat? Gloria is puzzled. Ive no cat. Where did you see him?

He points to the side of the steps, and Gloria gasps.

Come on, lets catch him! Before hes after the chicks again!

Sam chases after Gloria, unsure what to call this strange lady. They catch the cat by the chicken pen.

You little villain! Off with you! Gloria launches her slipper after the cat.

Sam laughs, and Gloria cant help smiling. Such a sweet boy! Fast on his feet, gentle too. She catches a chick for him to see, but hes too shy to hold it, just strokes it.

Hes tiny!

Soon Sams sitting on Glorias lap, munching pasties. Amy glances at Martin, then back at her boy, and Gloria says, You’ve such a good boy, Amy! Clever and got an appetite. Every grandmas dream.

Glad to see Amys relief, Gloria feels the knot loosen once more. So anxious, this girl. She worries for her boy which means shes a good mother.

Martin chatters about wedding plans, but Amy sits silent, eyes down, pecking at her food. When Martin leaves the room, Gloria asks quietly, Why so quiet? Go on, have some more cherries, Sam, sweet as anything!

What can I say? I told Martin Id rather a quiet wedding. Just slip off and sign the papers.

And he doesnt agree?

No, says family would be hurt. They all expect him to mark the occasion. Dont want to give offence.

Hes got a point. But still, you should have your say. Why no wedding, then?

She looks up, grey eyes serious. Its just happiness likes quiet, doesnt it? My first wedding was all bells and whistles, and look what happened

Oh, Amy, dear dont think like that. I know you lost your husband, thats heartbreak. But if he loved you, hed want to see you happy again, wouldnt want you mourning forever. We dont get to choose what life dishes up. Just take what comes grateful or not, youve got to keep moving. No one escapes fate.

Amy drops her eyes. I was afraid

Afraid of what?

That youd judge me.

Judge you? For what?

For marrying again. Especially someone like Martin. I know he could have anyone. I just got lucky

Sam squirms, so Gloria lifts him down.

And who am I? he asks, searching Glorias face (the same grey eyes as his mothers).

Im your granny now, Sam. Just call me Granny Gloria.

All right! Sam nods, all earnest.

The wedding goes just as Martin wanted. The relatives get in a few sly comments but, seeing Gloria pursing her lips at every joke, they quickly hush.

Nearly a year passes with Martin and Amy still living under Glorias roof. She soon forgets her hard doubts and barbed worries. Watching Amy care for Martin makes Gloria realise she does need to let go, hard as it is. It slips out sometimes a flash of disapproval but Amy always soothes her, smoothing ruffled feathers, never answering back with bitterness.

Why dont you speak your mind for once, Amy? Have a good cry, tell Martin the lot! Thatd settle Gloria, Doreen says, ushering her cow through the gate with a branch.

And have a fine row, would it? Mother and son fall out thats your answer, is it? Brilliant advice, Doreen! Amy retorts, half-amused.

So stubborn, Amy. Never does you good in the long run.

Best to rely on your own head, and listen less to well-wishers, Amy says, disappearing into the house with a chuckle.

Doreen snorts, taking her latest gossip down the street.

A year after the wedding, Martins new house is finished. Amy and Martin settle in, minding the garden, keeping busy. Time rushes by. When Amy goes for a check-up, the doctor surprises her.

Pregnant again? Amy blinks, shocked.

Well, are you so surprised? Or is it unwelcome?

Of course not! Just things are so different now. It wasnt like this with Sam.

There are complications, youll need a stay in hospital. But well do all we can for you and your baby.

Gloria comes over that very day to help with Sam. Amy opens the door and steps back, startled.

What is it? Gloria peers at her.

Nothing, really. Amy glances at Glorias cross face as she unpacks treats for Sam.

Thank you, Granny Gloria! Sams already playing with his new toy car.

Youre welcome, love! Amy, why did you flinch when I came in?

Your face you looked so angry. I thought you were cross with me.

Gloria is baffled. That Doreen! No one but she could have wound her up so much all morning that her heart ached all the way there.

As if its not enough hes taking on someone elses child, but now a sickly woman too! What next? Maybe its not too late Doreen had sneered.

How can you be like that, Doreen? Didnt your mother ever hug you as a child? Where does all that spite come from? What did Amy ever do to you?

Not my business! Alright, alright, forget it! May it all turn out well!

Gloria stomps off, but cant settle her nerves. Amy notices straight away.

Pay no mind, Amy. There was a row on the bus, thats all Im just rattled. Why cant people just live in peace, hmm?

Amy only smiles, knowing Gloria is lying, but lets it pass.

Come, gather your things. Need a hand?

All packed. I just dread the hospital.

You must go, Amy! For the babys sake nothing else matters. Dont worry about Sam, Ill take good care of him. Everything will be fine!

Martin takes Amy to hospital. The days drag by. After a week or two, the doctors nod with satisfaction.

Soon you can go home, for a bit but youve got to rest. Anyone at home to help?

My mother-in-laws living with us, looking after Sam.

Your mother-in-law? The consultant raises her brow. Thats all right, is it?

Oh yes, shes not the monster-in-law from the old jokes. Im very lucky!

Rare thing to hear, that.

While Amys heading home, her marvellous mother-in-law is in bits, running from yard to yard.

Oh, Lord! What do I tell Amy?!

Sam went missing that morning. Always obedient, he never goes past the gate unless told. Gloria lets him play outside while she cooks Amys coming home, so everything should be fresh. At hospital, Martin brought food every day, but it wasnt the same as a hot meal from home.

From the kitchen window, Gloria keeps an eye on Sam, burying himself in the sandpit. She turns for a moment, removing a pot from the stove. When she looks again, Sams gone.

Whereve you got to? She wipes her hands on her apron, steps outside, scanning the garden. Nowhere to hide. No Sam. The gates ajar. The street empty. How long since she last saw him? No time at all! Where on earth?

What Gloria doesnt know: Sam heard a commotion over the fence and ran to look. A black-and-white puppy was yelping, caught in a makeshift noose by a group of older boys.

Let him go! Youre hurting him! Sam fiddles with the latch until it gives.

The boys laugh. They tease him, kick the pup; Sam darts between them, trying to rescue it. Soon they wander off, and a stern woman shouts after them, making the boys drop the rope and run.

Whats wrong with children today? Tormenting animals! Havent you been smacked enough?

She glares at Sam, clutching the puppy.

And you? Going to torment it as well?

No! Hes just little! Hes hurt!

Just as well.

As the woman strides off, Sam looks around, lost. Hed never roamed this far. Mum had always said: if youre lost, stand still and wait someone will find you. So he spots a bench near a front garden and sits, clutching the pup. Wait. Granny will find him. Or Mum.

He doesnt realise how far hes wandered; Gloria searches every nearby street, unaware hes halfway across the village.

Martin arrives to the gate hanging open, wife pale in the passenger seat.

Hang tight, love, let me close the gate and bring the car in.

Amy leans back, queasy and exhausted.

Martin dashes through the house, clocking somethings wrong. Turns off the gas, hurries out, gets Amy inside.

You rest here.

Wheres Sam?

Probably at the shop with Mum. Ill fetch them back.

Glorias searching two streets away when Martin finds her.

Mum! She hurries to him, nearly breathless. Sams gone!

Gone?! How?

She tells him, weeping.

Right where have you looked?

Round here. He couldnt have gone far!

You never know. You look again nearby, Ill search further. Dont go home Amy mustnt worry!

He finds Sam nearly an hour later, asleep on a bench, black-and-white puppy in his arms, barking as Martin approaches.

Going to be a good guard dog, arent you? Martin ruffles the pup and strokes Sams head. Time to wake, son.

Dad Sam blinks, smiles. I stayed put like you said. Thats how you found me.

Smart boy! Whos this, then? He lifts Sam and nods to the puppy.

Looks like Athos at Granny Glorias. Can we keep him?

Of course! Whats a home without a dog? Lets see what giant he grows into.

Tucking the pup under one arm and carrying Sam in the other, Martin hurries home. Gloria, lost and panicked, is near tears. Seeing them, she slumps on someones garden bench.

Mum, its all right now. Hes safe.

Gloria hugs Sam close.

You gave me such a fright, darling!

Sorry, Granny, I wont do it again!

She weeps quietly into his hair. Who says hes not hers? Let Doreen gossip all she likes blood isnt everything.

Amy doesnt hear of the adventure right away. Sam stays quiet, sensing Amy doesnt need worry. They all laugh as they wash the flea-ridden puppy, hugging and splashing water everywhere.

I missed you!

And I missed you more!

Sams little sister comes bang on time: a tiny, noisy girl called Grace, after her granny. Gloria blossoms with happiness, visiting at every opportunity. At first afraid Amy would bear a grudge and not trust her with the children, shes pleased when Amy never utters a word of reproach.

Hed have wandered off just as easily with me, Mum. Dont blame yourself. He loves all creatures more than himself he even saves ladybirds from getting squashed in the grass.

A big heart. Thats good.

Gloria offers help just where its needed, never pressing, always practical. Shed move mountains for Amys quiet Thank you, Mum.

Seeing Sam running across the yard for hugs, watching Amys tired smile as she passes over baby Grace, Gloria knows shes done everything right.

Off to your granddaughter again? Doreen leans on the gate, eyeing Gloria lock up. You spoil them!

To my grandchildren, Doreen. Ive got two.

But only ones really yours!

Two, Doreen both mine. Grandson and granddaughter. Not that youd understand. Gloria slips her keys into her bag. You want some advice for a change, since youre always dishing it out?

Go on, then, surprise me.

Love goes two ways, Doreen. If you want to be loved, you have to try. My children and grandkids love me. Who loves you?

People respect me, thats enough!

Maybe, Gloria smiles. But Id say love is better. Wouldnt you? She winks at Doreen, glances at her watch, and hurries off to the bus. Shes needed elsewhere.