Hey, listen, I need to get this out of my head. So, I asked Emily, James, have you thought about me at all? She whispered, I know you love your daughter, and Im not going to cut you off from her but isnt it odd that your ex keeps pulling money out of you through the kid? Were constantly having to give in to your exwifes whims. When will this stop?
Emily got home early from work, set the table and all. It was Friday, which meant that later that evening Jamess daughter from his first marriage, elevenyearold Imogen, would be arriving. The doorbell rang and Emily darted to the hallway. James was already there with his stepdaughter. Imogen didnt even look at Emily, drifted straight inside and tossed a quick Hey. James gave Emily a guilty look and muttered, Hey, love. How was your day?
Fine, Emily replied, trying to hide her irritation. Come and sit down.
The table fell into a heavy silence. James tried to lighten the mood, chatting about his day, but Imogen answered in monosyllables or just stared, deliberately ignoring Emily. She ate in silence, feeling a lump rise in her throat.
Dad, Mum said she urgently needs money for a new winter coat, Imogen blurted out. Shes got an old one and feels embarrassed going to school with it.
Alright, Imogen, James said calmly. Well talk after dinner.
Emily felt the blood pressure rise. Money again, more endless requests how many times do I have to hear this? she thought.
After dinner James and Imogen disappeared into Imogens bedroom to do homework. Emily stayed in the kitchen washing up, catching snatches of their conversation.
Dad, you understand she really needs it. Shes the only one keeping us afloat, and her, Imogens voice dropped.
Cant my husband buy her a new coat? James asked timidly.
Dad, what does my husband have to do with it? Hes broke! I wouldnt ask if things werent terrible. Youre a man, you should support her! And youre my dad!
Emily snapped, flung the sponge into the sink and marched into the bedroom.
James, we need to talk, she said firmly.
Not now, Em, James tried to dodge, were doing homework.
No, now, Emily pressed. Imogen, could you give us a minute?
Imogen pouted but left the room. Emily shut the door tight and turned to James.
How long is this going to go on? she asked.
What do you mean? James pretended not to get it.
The money, James! Your exwife, Imogen, everything! Were barely getting by the mortgage, my own bills and you keep feeding her cash! Its absurd!
Its my child, Emily. I cant just turn my back on her, James began to defend himself.
Did you ever think about me? About us? We have needs too! I cant even get my teeth fixed because theres no money!
I get it, James said sheepishly. Ill talk to Claire.
Claire wont listen! She always gets what she wants. Maybe you should remind her that she has a husband who also needs to look after his own family? Emily snapped.
Dont bring Claire into this, Em, James frowned. Shes a good mother.
A good mother? If she were, she wouldnt dump all her problems on you! She likes that you foot the bill, Emily shot back.
Enough! James exploded. Dont talk about my childs mother like that!
And dont forget you still have a real wife! One who loves and supports you! Emily shouted.
I love you, James whispered, but I cant abandon my daughter.
So maybe you need to decide who you love more? Emily challenged.
James lowered his head in silence.
Whats all this shouting about? Emily asked, looking at the tearstreaked Emily, Are you arguing?
No, Imogen, James tried to calm his daughter, everythings fine.
No, its not fine! Emily burst out. Your father and I are fighting because of you and your mum!
Because of me? Imogen raised an eyebrow.
Yes, because you keep demanding money, because you treat me like an empty space! Emily raged.
What am I supposed to do, love you? Youre nobody to me! Imogen snapped. I have my mum!
Emily felt as though shed been slapped. She stared at James, waiting for something, but he just hung his head.
You know what, Imogen, Emily said hoarsely, stay here as long as you like, but Im done pretending everythings okay. My patience is over.
She left the room, leaving James and Imogen alone. Back in the bedroom, Emily grabbed her phone and dialed a friend.
Hey, she choked out, I need to talk.
The next day Emily met her friend at a café in Camden. She looked pale, barely touching her food. Her friend listened and then asked, Emily, are you seriously thinking about a split?
I dont know, Emily admitted. I love James, but I cant keep living like this. Hes torn between me and his former family, and I feel like Im just an afterthought. Im exhausted.
I get it. Maybe try one more serious talk with him? Explain how you feel, what you need, the friend suggested.
Ive said it a thousand times! Emily waved her hand. He seems to understand, but nothing changes. He doesnt want to hurt his daughter, yet hes hurting me.
What about Imogen? Have you tried talking to her? the friend asked.
Talking to her is pointless! She only listens to her mum and does everything to get under my skin. She doesnt see me as a person.
You know, kids often mirror their parents, the friend observed. Maybe its worth trying to find common ground with her?
She cant stand me! She ignores me on purpose! Its impossible, Emily snapped.
But what if you give it a shot? Show her you want a better relationship, and maybe shell change, the friend urged.
Emily thought about it. She knew her friend had a point if she wanted to save the marriage, shed have to swallow some pride and try to reach the stubborn teen.
Fine, she finally said. Ill try. Im not holding my breath, though
That same evening, when James brought Imogen home, Emily decided to act. She walked out of the kitchen carrying a tray of scones and tea. Imogen was glued to her phone on the sofa.
Imogen, fancy a cuppa and a scone? Emily asked.
Imogen lifted her head and gave Emily a dismissive look.
Im not hungry, she replied.
Just have a try, Emily said, setting the tray on the table. I baked them myself.
Reluctantly, Imogen snatched a scone and took a bite.
Delicious, she muttered.
Glad you like it, Emily smiled. Come sit, Ill get you some tea.
Imogen sat down, looking a bit nervous. Not long ago the stepmum had shouted at her; now she was being gentle.
Imogen, I wanted to talk, Emily began. I know you dont like having me around your dad.
I dont have to like you, Imogen interrupted. Youre not my mum.
I get that, Emily nodded. Im not trying to replace anyone. I just want us to get along. Your dads hurting because we keep fighting.
Imogen stared at her cup.
I know you love your mum, and thats fine. It doesnt mean you have to hate me. I love your dad too.
Youre lying! Imogen shouted. Youre always fighting him!
We argue because its hard, not because we dont care, Emily admitted. I just want peace for all of us.
She fell silent, waiting. Imogen kept looking at the pattern on the tablecloth.
Imogen, I never meant any harm, Emily said gently. Youre the daughter of the person I love most in the world, understand?
Imogen lifted her gaze and met Emilys eyes. The hostility seemed to melt away.
Really? she whispered.
Really, Emily replied, I swear on it.
At that moment James walked in, surprised to see Emily and Imogen sharing a quiet tea.
Everything alright? he asked.
Were just having a chat, Emily said, smiling at him.
The evening turned out lovely. Imogen and Emily played a round of Twister, and James was laughing like a happy lad. For the first time, Imogen didnt feel any animosity toward her stepmum. She turned out to be quite nice after all.
