**»Because Hes Just Like You»**
Three years, Eleanor Victoria. Marinas voice trembled with barely contained frustration. Three years youve been pushing me for a grandson, scolding me for waiting too long. And now, in front of everyone, you dote only on little Paul, your daughters son. But my Alex is your grandson too! Or have you forgotten?
Eleanor Victoria adjusted her perfectly styled hair and gave her daughter-in-law a cold, dismissive look. Behind her, in the living room, childrens laughter and music playedPauls birthday party was still in full swing.
When you ignore Alex, when you never give him gifts like you do for Paul, Marina continued, he notices. Hes ten now, Eleanor Victoria. Old enough to understandyou dont love him.
Her mother-in-law scoffed and waved a hand like she was shooing away a fly.
Youre imagining things, Marina. I treat both grandsons the same. And honestly, why pick now to make a scene? Eleanor Victoria raised her eyebrows indignantly. My grandsons birthday, guests everywhereI dont have time for your nonsense.
With that, she turned on her heels and marched back to the party, leaving Marina standing alone in the hallway. Anger and hurt rose like a lump in her throat. Marina leaned against the wall, trying to steady herself. To his grandmother, her son was invisiblejust glass to look through at the people who really mattered.
After a deep breath, Marina returned to the party. The sight made her chest ache even more. Eleanor Victoria was fawning over Paul, cooing at his every word, ruffling his hair, slipping him sweets. Meanwhile, Alex stood in the corner, pressed against the wall, watching with poorly hidden envy. His small shoulders hunched, his eyes full of such longing that Marina wanted to snatch him up and run.
That evening, after Alex had fallen asleep, exhausted, Marina sat beside her husband on the sofa.
Victor, we need to talk about your mother, she began. The way she treats Alex isnt right. He *knows*, and it *hurts* him.
Victor rubbed his foreheada gesture Marina knew well. It meant he didnt want to deal with this.
Youre overreacting, Marina, he muttered. I was the least favourite toomy sister always came first. Hell get used to it. Hes a boy. Hell toughen up. And she *does* love him, just differently than Paul.
Marina stared at him, stunned. Did he really not hear how awful that sounded?
A week later, Eleanor Victoria dropped by unannounced. Alex was doing homework at the kitchen table when the doorbell rang. At the sight of his grandmother, his face lit upthen dimmed, his eyes wary.
Alex, darling, I brought you sweets! Eleanor Victoria declared, holding out a handful of cheap sweets.
Marina noted bitterlyfor Paul, she always brought expensive chocolates.
Thanks, Grandma, Alex mumbled, taking them.
Eleanor Victoria turned to Marina triumphantly.
See? I dont play favourites. All that nonsense about me treating them differently.
Alex lingered awkwardly, shifting his weight, then mumbled that he should finish his homework and slipped away. Marina knewhed realised his grandmother wouldnt give him real attention, so he made himself scarce.
Alone in the kitchen, Marina tried one last time. Maybe if she shared Alexs achievements, Eleanor Victoria would care.
Did you know Alex won a maths competition? she said, pouring tea. His teacher says hes brilliant.
Mmm, good for him, Eleanor Victoria said absently, then brightened. Oh, but Paul won a swimming race last week! First place in the district! His coach says he could go pro!
Thats lovely, Marina said flatly. But I was telling you about Alexhes started drawing too, his teacher
Drawing? Thats not *proper*, Eleanor Victoria cut in. Now, *sport*thats something! Pauls so strong, so clever. And his English marks are the best in class! Never seen such a bright boy!
Marina clenched her teeth. Every word about Paul, not a single one for Alex.
Just last week, Paul fixed his own bike! At *eight*! Such clever handsjust like his grandfather!
Marina slammed her palm on the table, rattling the cups.
Why, Eleanor Victoria? she demanded, her voice sharp. Why do you treat my son like this? *You* were the one who begged us for a grandson!
Eleanor Victorias face twisted like shed bitten a lemon. For a moment, she hesitatedthen spoke reluctantly.
I wanted *my* grandson. A *proper* one. But Alex She wrinkled her nose. Hes just *you*. Spitting image. Walks like you, talks like youits *unnerving*.
Marina froze. *That* was the reason?
You *dont love him* because he looks like *me*?
Eleanor Victoria nodded like it was obvious.
I never approved of Victor marrying you. But I thoughtfine, at least give me a sturdy grandson. Youre healthy enough. But *him*? She waved a hand dismissively. *Your* copy. Face, tempereven the way he *turns his head*. Dreadful.
Marina couldnt move. This couldnt be real.
Maybe if you have another? Eleanor Victoria mused, oblivious. One that *takes after our side*?
Marina *lunged* to her feet. The chair crashed behind her.
*Another*?! Are you *mad*?! Get out she hissed, then shouted*Get out of my house! Now!*
*Excuse me?!* Eleanor Victoria sputtered. *This is my sons home!*
*Its **ours**!* Marina roared. And I wont let you *break* my child any longer! *Leave!*
She yanked the door open and pointed. Fuming, Eleanor Victoria snatched her bag and stormed out.
*This isnt over!* she spat before the door slammed.
Marina leaned against the wall, shaking.
That night, when Victor got home, she told him everything. His face darkened with every word.
She *actually* said that? That she dislikes Alex for looking like you? And to *have another*?
Marina nodded, tears spilling.
Victor, how can she *do* this? Alex hasnt *done* anything wrong!
Victor pulled her close.
Thats it, he said firmly. Were done with her. Alex comes first.
Months passed. Life settled. Theneverything changed. Marinas parents moved to town, selling their house in the countryside for a flat nearby.
We missed you, her mum, Valerie Sylvia, said softly. And we thought you could use the help.
Alex *blossomed* under their love. His confidence grew, his smile returned. He was *happy*.
Then came his birthday. Marina hesitated, but invited Eleanor Victoriamaybe time had softened her. Victors sister wasnt invited.
Eleanor Victoria arrived with a small box. Inside was a cheap plastic toy carthe kind sold at market stalls.
Thanks, Grandma, Alex said politely, then turned away. Grandma Val, Granddad Sid, can I open *yours* now?
Her parents exchanged a glance and handed him a large box. Alex tore it opena professional drawing tablet.
*Oh my God! Thank you!* He flung his arms around them. *This is the exact one I wanted!*
Eleanor Victoria sniffed.
Why spoil him with such expensive nonsense?
Valerie Sylvia turned calmly.
Actually, Alex wants to be a graphic designer. Hes *talented*. This will help.
Alex beamed, kissing them both.
*Dad, help me set it up!* He grabbed Victors hand.
Lets go, birthday boy! Victor winked, and they disappeared into Alexs room.
Marina and Eleanor Victoria stood alone.
Something wrong? Marina asked coolly. Upset my sons *happy*?
Eleanor Victoria stiffened.
Well, *Paul* just won
If you mention *Paul* again, Marina cut in, *leave now*. This is Alexs day. And I *wont* let you ruin it.
*But Pauls* clearly *better!* Eleanor Victoria burst out. *Stronger, smarter*
Marina strode to the door and flung it open.
I *warned* you. *Go.*
*You cant!*
*I can.* This is *my* home. *My* sons birthday. *Goodbye.*
The door shut in Eleanor Victorias face. Marina exhaled. No more bending to keep peace. Her son mattered more.
From Alexs room came laughter and excited chatter. Smiling, she went to join them.
