I was allowed to choose which parent I wanted to live with. Two years later, I regretted my decision.
I always believed my father loved me more than my mother. He spoiled me; she scolded me. He brought peace, while she was quick to argue. When I learned about their divorce, part of me felt relieved. At thirteen, I didnt want to stay with my mum, and I assumed my dad, as the breadwinner, could provide better for me. My parents asked for my opinionMum hoped Id choose her, but she wasnt surprised when I picked Dad.
A year after we moved out, Dad found a new girlfriend. She was around Mums age, and he adored her. She was polite to me, but without the warmth or love my mother had shown. When she and Dad had a daughter together, it was as if they forgot about me. Sometimes theyd go on trips just the three of them, never thinking to invite me, or theyd host dinners when I wasnt around. My room now held a cot, and I barely sleptthe baby cried at night, and my stepmother would turn on the light to feed her.
Dad didnt care how it affected my mood or schoolwork. He didnt even mind if I stayed out late with friends. Eventually, I realised this couldnt go on. I wanted to go to university, but if I kept losing sleep, Id never manage. Swallowing my pride, I called Mum.
«Can I come over?» I asked, not daring to hope. I rarely called her, let alone visited.
«Of course, love,» she replied. «Stay as long as you like. Your sisters bothering you, isnt she?»
I felt sorry for her. Dad had a new family, but Mum was still alone.
I asked Dad if I could stay with her temporarily, and he agreed without hesitation. He promised to send money but never called. Maybe it was easier for everyone this way. Now, older and wiser, Mum and I are almost like friends. She takes care of me, supports me, while Dad and I only speak occasionally. He thinks Im grown, but Mum still treats me like her child, cooking dinner when I finish work.
If I could go back, Id probably choose to stay with her. But then again, I might have regretted that tooalways wondering if the grass was greener on the other side. Life teaches us that sometimes, the choices we least expect bring us the most peace.
