From the moment I met Jamess mum, Dorothy, we just never clicked. She made it clear she thought I wasnt good enough for her son, constantly nitpicking the way I cooked, cleaned, even the clothes I wore. Her favourite pastime was pulling me into a comparison with Jamess exgirlfriend, saying things like She was a proper lady of the house, you. Shed even ring James at work to complain that I was being far too cold with his family.
When I found out I was pregnant, things got a lot worse. Instead of being happy about a future grandchild, Dorothy launched a fullblown investigation. She grilled James, insisting that Id somehow gotten pregnant with someone elses child. At family dinners shed drop hints that the dates didnt line up, and joke that the baby would probably end up looking like the neighbour. Those barbs cut deep, but I swallowed them for Jamess sake and for the little one on the way.
Then the big day arrived I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Hester. I was exhausted, lying in the ward in Manchester Royal Infirmary, but over the moon. James was there for the first few hours, then he stepped out to fetch a few things. I thought everything would settle down, that the arrival of a granddaughter would melt Dorothys heart.
The door swung open and there she was, no smile, no flowers, not even a halfhearted congratulations. She launched straight into a tirade:
I told you so! she declared, almost triumphal. That child isnt yours, Jamess!
I tried to keep my voice steady. What are you on about? Look at her shes got his nose.
Dorothy snorted. A nose? Youre joking. Any bloke could have that nose! Youre a liar, a filthy woman! Youve ruined our family, youve stolen my sons future!
I clutched Hester tighter, but she didnt stop. She raised her voice even more.
Look at yourself! You think youre a proper mother? You cant even hold yourself together as a respectable bride. Youre grimy, greasy, with bags under your eyes! And that, she gestured at the baby, that little monster will grow up as twofaced as you!
When she started slurring my newborn, I finally snapped. I wasnt going to let anyone talk to my baby like that. I pushed myself up, despite the ache after delivery, hit the call button and said, as calmly but firmly as I could, Please, get this woman out of my room. And dont let her back in.
The moment the door shut behind her, I rang James and told him everything. From that night on I decided Dorothy would have no place in Hesters life.
Now Hester is a year old. Shes never laid eyes on her grandmother, and she never will, even though Dorothy keeps begging for forgiveness and a chance to see her granddaughter. I couldnt care less what she feels or thinks.
