**Only My Fate**
Mum, what are you doing here? Emily gasped, spotting her mother at the maternity clinic.
Oh, Emmy, do you have an appointment today too? You didnt mention anything yesterday Sarah lowered her eyes, embarrassed.
Mum, this place is for pregnant women. Why are you here? Emily rested a hand on her rounded belly.
Love, I meant to tell you Sarah hesitated, searching for words. Well, Im expecting a baby too.
Sarah had Emily at eighteen. The girls father showed no interest, paying minimal child support only after court orders. But Sarah adored her daughter. She worked two jobs, sewed late into the night. Friends shook their heads. Why push yourself so hard? Youre wasting your youth! But Sarah didnt listen. Her girl would want for nothingthe finest chocolates, trendy coats, expensive dollswhatever Emily asked for. Sarah denied herself everything, but her daughter never felt deprived.
Emily grew accustomed to the best. She never counted penniesif she wanted something, she bought it, even joining her class on a trip to Spain. When university applications came, she chose the most prestigious institution, despite the tuition. Sarah didnt argue.
In her third year, Emily met James. Older, nearly graduated, he struck Sarah as steady and sensible. She was relievedfinally, her daughter would have a dependable husband. If Emily had a child, she wouldnt be alone.
And so it happened. Emily fell pregnant. James proposed immediately, and they had a lavish weddinghalf paid by his parents, half by Sarah, who even gifted them a honeymoon to Cornwall.
James, lets go for a walk, Emily suggested one afternoon.
Sure. Lovely weather, and that new cafés opened nearby. Well grab a bite, he smiled, brushing a hand over her bump.
They strolled through the park, fed the pigeons, then stopped at the café. Just as they sat, Emily paled.
Whats wrong? James frowned.
Mum she muttered sharply.
Two tables away sat Sarah with a stranger.
Oh, lookit is her! James turned.
Sarah noticed them and offered an uneasy smile.
Lets say hello. Whos that with her? James stood.
No. I dont even want to look! Emily stood abruptly and rushed outside.
James paid and caught up. On the pavement, Emily was already confronting her mother:
Who is that?! Have you forgotten youre about to be a grandmother?
Emily, youre grown. I raised youdont I deserve a life too?
James stepped in tactfully. Everything all right, Mrs. Wilson?
Yes, James, its fine
Lets go! Emily seized his arm and nearly dragged him away.
Emily had always assumed her mother belonged solely to her. The idea of Sarah with a man was unthinkable. Yet Sarah hadnt dated in yearsafraid of Emilys reaction.
Until two years ago, when her boss, Edward, began pursuing her. Sarah had liked him for ages but never acted. When he showed interest, she gave in.
They dated. Edward even asked her to move in. Sarah hesitated but eventually agreedthough how to tell Emily eluded her. Then came the disastrous café encounter.
Later, Sarah discovered she was pregnant. At forty-threelate, yes. But abortion wasnt an option. Edward was overjoyed; hed never had children.
After the café, Emily stopped answering calls. Sarah relied on James for updates. Then, the clinic run-in. After that, Emily cut contact entirelyblocked her number, ignored messages.
She learned of her granddaughters birth from James.
A girl, 21 inches, 7 pounds! he announced brightly.
Congratulations! Can we visit? Id love to see her, Sarah whispered, near tears.
Ill try to persuade Emily
But she refused outright. Sarah fretted, though her own sixth-month pregnancy made stress dangerous.
Four months later, she had a girl. She texted Emily: *You have a sister now.* Silence. Only James sent flowers and called.
Years passed. The girls grew. Emily and James named their daughter Lily. Sarah and Edward chose Grace, after her grandmother. James occasionally sent photos: *First tooth!* or *Shes walking!* Sarah hoped Emily might soften by Lilys first school year. But she held firmthough what grudge remained was unclear.
On Lilys seventh birthday, Sarah called James.
Bring Lily to visit. Wed love to see her.
Ill try
That evening, James relayed the invitation.
Were not going, Emily said flatly.
But shes your mother. Grace is your sister, he reasoned.
She betrayed me. And I dont want to see that girl.
They lived separate livesSarah and Edward in a countryside cottage, Emily and James in the suburbs. Sometimes, mutual friends shared news: *Sarahs in hospital*, *Grace has a fever*. Deep down, Emily longed to reconcile, to hug her mother as before. But jealousy and anger won.
James, we still need hair clips and indoor shoes for Lily, Emily said over dinner.
Plenty of time. Cant believe shes seven already
Mum, do I have to go to French club? Lily burst into the kitchen.
Yes! We moved house just for this school! Emily said sternly.
Like Sarah once had, she gave her daughter every advantage.
September arrived. James took leave to escort Lily to her first day at an elite bilingual school.
The bell rang. Speeches, cheers
Class 1A! the teacher called.
Thats us! Emily whispered, guiding Lily forward.
Then, in the crowd, she saw her mother. Their eyes met. A heartbeatand Emily broke, rushing into Sarahs arms. Tears, dammed up for years, spilled free as Sarah held her tightly, just like in childhood. In that moment, every resentment melted away, as if it had never been.
