My family burst into tears. My parents argued. Stacey made a scene. Even Henry had something to say. There was too much noise. My head was spinning. The solicitor noticed this and quickly ushered them out.
My grandmother’s inheritance was enough for me to take maternity leave without any problems.
But I didn’t want to waste her money. I planned to work as long as I could. I knew she would want me to be strong.
Shortly after the funeral, someone rang my doorbell. I wasn’t expecting anyone.
When I opened the door, I saw Stacey. She looked even worse than she had at the funeral.
Her face was pale, and her eyes were red and swollen. Her clothes were rumpled, and her hair was a mess.
‘What do you want?’ I asked, my voice steady.
‘Can I come in?’ Stacey asked quietly, avoiding my gaze.
‘Tell me what you want here,’ I said.
‘I need your help,’ she said, her voice barely above a whisper. ‘I need money.’
I crossed my arms. ‘Why should I help you?’
‘Henry still hasn’t found a job,’ she said, her voice trembling. ‘We lost our house because of debt. Now we’re living with my parents.’ She lowered her eyes. ‘And… he’s cheating on me.’
‘It was your choice, Stacey,’ I said. ‘You stole my husband because you thought you were better than me. Remember?’
‘I didn’t know it would turn out like this,’ she whispered. ‘Maybe… maybe you’ll let us stay with you? You have more space than our parents.’
I blinked in confusion. ‘Are you listening to yourself? You’ve spent your whole life belittling me. You stole my husband. And now you want my help?’
‘Is it really that hard for you to understand?!’ Stacy snapped, raising her voice.
‘You convinced Henry that I’m not carrying his child,’ I said firmly. ‘I need to focus on my son’s future. Not on you.’
Her eyes filled with tears. ‘What am I supposed to do?!’ she cried.
‘You made your choice,’ I said calmly but firmly. ‘The most I can do is give you the contact information for a good divorce lawyer.’ I paused and added, ‘After all, you saved me from Henry.’
‘You’re horrible!’ Stacy shouted, her face contorted with anger.
I looked at her, my heart sinking. ‘Think about everything you’ve done to me, and then decide who’s really horrible here.’
‘I’m not leaving Henry!’ she yelled. ‘I don’t need your solicitor!’ She turned and stormed away.
I watched her leave without saying another word. I didn’t feel guilty. I had finally stood up for myself.
I went into the house and closed the door behind me. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I could breathe. The weight of everything that had happened slowly lifted. I leaned against the door and took a deep breath.
My heart still ached for my grandmother. I missed her every day. The house felt empty without her warmth and love. But even though she was gone, she still cared for me and my child.
She left us with security and a future. I placed my hand on my belly and whispered, ‘Thank you, Grandma. I will make you proud.’
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