**Diary Entry**
Id almost given up hope, but Vera waited and then, one day, she felt like she could fly. At last, happiness found her.
Only, things werent going well with Adrian. He just couldnt seem to get along with his father.
Yes, his fatherVictor, the man whod walked away when Adrian was barely three, chasing some fleeting fancy, as they say. He claimed hed loved another. Yet here he was now, full of regret, saying hed spent all these years thinking of us. Too little, too late, I suppose.
Why didnt you come back, Victor? I asked, searching his face.
I was ashamed, Vera. I knew youstrong, proudwouldnt take me back.
Proud? Me? I nearly choked. If I were so proud, would I have let him back in after all this time? But no matter. The past was behind us now. We were a proper family againno more of that wretched loneliness, no more nights crying into my pillow.
Adrian, though At seventeen, he was hardly a child anymore. His best mate, Sophie, said he was just jealousused to being the centre of my world, and now having to share me. But really, he was old enough to understand. It wasnt as if Id brought some stranger into our home. This was his father.
Still, they clashed. Adrian had always been stubborninherited it from my mother, God help him. But blood was thicker than water. Theyd find their way.
I sent them to the shops together, pretending Id forgotten potatoes and bread. One excuse, then another, until theyd start doing things together on their own.
Humming to myself, I cooked dinnershepherds pie, Victors favourite. Then they returned. Adrian tossed the bag down, muttered something, and stormed off to his room.
Vera, Victor sighed, sitting at the table, whats with him? Those long white hair, the way he dressesits like hes trying to be some sort of poet. I thought fathers and sons went to the gym, played football, went fishingnot this.
Hes a musician, Victor. A good lad.
Victor scoffed. Musician. Everything in this house is stuck in the pastthe decor, even you. Still the same hairstyle, same old jumpers. Why not freshen up? Get your hair done, maybe some lip filler? Youve turned the boy soft.
What are you saying? My voice trembled.
Im saying he wouldnt last a day in the real world. Not like a proper man.
My chest tightened. How could he speak like that? I was proud of Adrian.
Later, Adrian slipped out to his friends. When he didnt return for dinner or answer his phone, I panicked.
Victor just shrugged. Hes fine. Probably with some girl.
But Adrian *always* called.
Finally, he didsaying hed stay the night.
No, I snapped. Were coming to get you.
Victor groaned. Let him take the Tube. Hes not a child.
Were going.
The drive was silent, Victor grumbling the whole way. When we picked Adrian up, he was cheerful, chatting about a new song.
Victor exploded. Songs? At your age, I was working! Youre coddled, boy. No backbone.
Adrians face fell. He slammed his door shut. Victor slept on the sofa.
The next day, Adrian announced he was staying with Gran.
But your schools miles away!
I dont care. I dont want to be in your way.
My heart cracked.
Not my fault Im not the son *he* wanted, Adrian shot back.
You little Victor snarled. Im your father.
Father? Where were you all those years? Paying child support? Teaching me to ride a bike? Taking me to the park?
Victor slapped him.
VICTOR! I screamed as Adrian stormed out.
I called, pleadedno answer. My mother answered coldly. Hes fine. Sort out your mess yourself.
Devastated, I went to confront Victoronly to overhear him on the phone.
Nah, shell take me back whenever. The kids acting up, but who cares? Ill be fine living off her shepherds pie for now.
I didnt say a word. Just grabbed his clotheswashed, ironed, foldedand threw them off the balcony.
What theVera?
Get out. Now.
He left, cursing.
I laughed and sobbed, ringing Sophie, who said, Let it hurt. Then let it go.
The next morning, I took the train to Mums. On the way, I helped an older manWilliamstruggling with a cane.
Off to see my mum, he said warmly. Homes the best place to heal.
At the station, Adrian was waiting*for William*.
Mum! This is our neighbour. Promised to help him home.
Later, I apologised. Hes gone for good.
Adrian shrugged. Its fine. Actually me and the lads want to redecorate the flat.
Williams leg healed. He invited me not to dancing, but to a proper restaurantmy first in years. Then to Adrians gig.
This ones for my mum and my future stepdad. Adrian grinned. Mum, marry him?
The crowd chanted my name.
And just like that, I found happiness.
William and I are thrivingsoon to be grandparents. Adrians married, still makes music.
As for Victor? Gone.
Sometimes I think those years of waiting werent wasted. Without them, Id never have met my William.
