You’re a Monster, Mum! Kids Aren’t for People Like You!

“You’re a Monster, Mum! Kids Aren’t for People Like You!”

She kept studying, but the words echoed in her mind. One evening, she went out with friends to a nightclub in Manchester and met James. Handsome, from London, his parents were abroad for work. She fell head over heels and soon moved in with him.

They lived lavishly, thanks to the money his parents sent. Every night was either parties out or parties in. At first, Eleanor loved it. Before she knew it, she was drowning in debt, skipping lectures, and failing her winter exams. She was on the verge of being kicked out.

She promised to change and retake the tests. She buried herself in books, locking herself in the loo when James’s mates came over. She barely scraped through but begged James to calm down. He was in his final year, nearly done with uni.

“Dont be dramatic, Eleanor. You only live once. Youth doesnt last. When else are we supposed to have fun?” he shrugged.

She was too ashamed to tell her mum she was living with him unmarried. When she called home, she lied, saying theyd tied the knot and would have the wedding when his parents returned.

One day, Eleanor felt dizzy in class. Nauseous. Horrified, she realised she might be pregnant. The test confirmed her fears.

It was early, so James insisted she abort. They fought like never before, and he vanished for two days. When he returned, he wasnt alonea drunk blonde clung to him, barely standing. Exhausted, Eleanor screamed at him, trying to shove the girl out.

“Shes not going anywhere. If you dont like it, *you* can leave, you nutter!” he shouted, shoving her hard.

She grabbed her coat and ran. She walked all the way to the student halls, her face swollen, mascara streaked, tears streaming. The porter took pity and let her in.

The next day, James showed up, begging forgiveness, swearing hed never lay a hand on her again. She believed himfor the babys sake.

She barely passed first year. Terrified of going home, but staying in London scared her too. Jamess parents were due back, and she, heavily pregnant, was a shadow of herself.

When they arrived and learned Eleanor was from up north and barely passed second year, his father had harsh words. He offered her money to leave and let his son off the hook.

“Think about itwhat kind of dad would he be? All he cares about is partying. And whos to say the kids even his? Take the cash and go home. Trust me, its for the best.”

Humiliated, Eleanor refusedthough she later regretted it. James stayed silent. She packed her bags and went back to her mum.

The moment her mum saw her belly at the door, she knew.

“So, youre back alone? Didnt get married, then. The London boy had his fun and kicked you out? Did he at least give you money?” she snapped, not letting her past the doorstep.

“Mum, how can you? I dont want his money.”

“Then why come here? We barely fit in this flat as it is. I thought youd landed a posh life, married to a Londoner. But you come back knocked up. Where are we supposed to put a baby?”

“We?” Eleanor whispered.

“While you were gone, I met someone. Im still youngI deserve happiness too. Raised you alone, never thought of myself. Now its my turn. Hes younger. I wont have him staring at you.”

“Where am I supposed to go, Mum? The babys due soon,” she choked out.

“Go back to the father. Let *him* deal with you.”

Her mum was relentless. No warmth in her eyesjust coldness, like talking to a stranger.

Eleanor grabbed her suitcase and left. She sank onto a bench and sobbed. Where could she go? If her own mum didnt want her, who would? For a moment, she thought of stepping in front of a carbut the baby kicked, as if sensing danger. She couldnt do it.

“Eleanor?” A familiar voice startled her. It was Sophie, an old school friend. Seeing her pregnant and in tears, Sophie took her home.

“Stay with me. My parents are away till autumn. Well figure it out.”

With no choice, Eleanor agreed.

Sophie worked at a hospital and studied nursing. Two days later, she rushed in excitedan elderly woman needed a live-in carer. The daughter refused to take her.

“I didnt tell her youre pregnant. Come on, its your chance.”

Eleanor hesitatedhow could she care for an old woman *and* a baby? But desperate, she agreed.

The daughter, a snooty woman, agreedbut no pay. “You get her pension for expenses. But the house is *mine*dont get ideas.”

So Eleanor moved in with Mrs. Wilkins, caring for her while sharing her story. When little Matilda was born, the old woman even helped soothe her.

Time passed. Matilda took her first steps, but Mrs. Wilkins grew weaker and died. The daughter only showed for the funeral, demanding Eleanor leave.

“I warned youthe house isnt yours.”

While sorting papers, they found a will: Eleanor inherited the flat. Furious, the daughter threatened court, but neighbours vouched for Eleanors care.

With a stable home, Eleanor raised Matilda. Years later, her mum reappeared, claiming she was ill, had sold her flat for treatment. Pitying her, Eleanor took her in.

Then one day, she overheard her on the phone: “Shes not listening Skimming rent money Ill be there soon”

It was all lies. Her mum never sold the flatjust rented it to fund a lover.

“Mum! Youre a monster! Lying to me again!”

“Wait, its not what you think”

“I dont care. When I get back, I want you *gone*.”

Sophie comforted her: “You dont pick family. She messed up, but shes still your mum.”

Eleanor relentedbut her mum had already left. Years later, when she truly fell ill, Eleanor cared for her till the end.

Hate only breeds hate. If a mother cant love her child, what love can she expect in return? But the mother