Page 81 of A Good Mother
‘No, because he shot out this morning and like I said, I’d wanted to tell him alone and in private but if he can’t be arsed coming back then… then I’ll just go.’
‘But what about us? That means you’re leaving us as well! You can’t just go, Mum, and another thing, how long have you been planning this?’ Sasha’s tone was accusatory.
Babs had expected questions like this. ‘I haven’t been planning it as such, but I’ve been very unhappy for a long while and over the last week lots of things have made me realise I can’t do it any longer. But as for leaving you, I’ll always be your mum, Sasha, no matter where I live and let’s face it, you and Isaac are adults now and it’s about time you both stood on your own two feet. You wouldn’t think twice about moving out and leaving me if you met someone, would you?’
Sasha folded her arms in a huff. ‘Oh, charming. Just turn it round on us, like we’re at fault too, not just Dad.’
‘No, I’m not saying anything of the sort. Look, you both have jobs. Isaac and Fiona are expecting a baby and maybe this will be a turning point for all of us.’
Isaac butted in. ‘Well our Demi isn’t an adult so what’s your excuse there?’
Babs went to answer but Demi got there first. ‘Demi is actually in the room and Demi is fine with Mum going. She deserves a chance to be happy however or wherever that is and I support her one hundred per cent just like I’ll support Dad, too. But not actually from this house because I’m leaving, as well.’
There was a unified ‘what’ from Sasha and Isaac, the latter taking the lead. ‘What do you mean? Are you going with Mum?’
Demi shook her head. ‘Of course not. I’ve got college. I’m moving in with Gran for a while because this place is doing my flaming head in. It’s too noisy and I never get any privacy or peace to study, and she’s got two spare rooms. I’ve thought about it a few times but didn’t want to suggest it in case it upset Mum but now she’s going, I am too.’
Isaac huffed. ‘Well I don’t know what you were worried aboutherfor when she’s clearly not bothered about youorus.’
‘Zac, don’t talk to your mum like that!’ Fiona had turned pink but looked furious.
‘Right, that’s it. I’m ringing Dad. This is getting ridiculous.’ Isaac pulled his phone from his back pocket and jabbed the screen in temper.
Babs watched and sighed, not wanting to hear what her son said to his father so stood and left the room, heading for the kitchen. Demi stormed upstairs, shouting that if Isaac was going to be a knobhead she was moving out straight away and going to pack. Babs was followed by Fiona.
‘Would you like me to make you a drink, Babs?’
Pulling out a chair, Babs declined. ‘Thanks, love, but no, I’m okay.’
‘I’m sorry about what Isaac said and for the record, I think it’s really courageous what you’re doing, and I hope you find happiness, I really do, even though I’ll be sad to see you go. I know it’s been a pain, me being here but even through lockdown I loved being part of your family and around you. I wish I’d said so before.’
Such an unexpected remark set Babs off and her lip wobbled as she sought composure. ‘Oh, love. Thank you. And I wish I’d said that I think you’re a lovely young lady and our Isaac is lucky to have you.’ She gave Fiona a warm smile and received one in return.
‘And I promise I’ll be a good grandma when the little one comes along. I want to be a big part of their life, I really do. Actually, I’ve wanted to have a chat with you for days, clear things up but I didn’t think it was the right time seeing as you and Isaac were upset with me over the babysitting thing.’
She saw Fiona go to speak but halted her, desperate to put things right. ‘I swear it was nothing personal, please believe that. It was more about what’s been going on up here,’ she tapped the side of her forehead, ‘than anything.’
Fiona was leaning against the worktop. ‘It’s okay, I get it, I really do. It was wrong of us to presume. I see that now even if Isaac doesn’t.’
Babs could tell Fiona meant it and suddenly wished she could turn the clock back and put a bit more effort into getting to know her properly. They’d wasted time and the fact she’d been under the same roof caused a rush of sadness, so Babs decided to make amends in a positive way.
‘Fiona, I want to give you a bit of advice and whether you take it or not is up to you. I love Isaac dearly but you’re going to need to be tough if you don’t want to end up a carbon copy of me because him and his dad are peas in a pod. I’ve made lots of mistakes and with hindsight I’d have done things differently. I can try to help you, though, be a friend and a mother-in-law.’
Babs paused, Fiona said nothing, her eyes wide.
‘I’ve realised there are many different ways to be a mother. And the bad ones aside because there are lots of those about, there’s no easy answer to how we do things.’
She paused as Sasha left the lounge and headed upstairs, probably to talk Demi out of leaving. Isaac would be sulking. Picking up where she left off, she tried to put her heart into words.
‘The bond between a mother and child is unique, but while we do our very best we can forget that so are we. So please, when baby comes along, in between being super mum, every once in a while step back and remember yourself.’
Fiona nodded.
‘Make your own rule book. Use bad examples for good. Don’t conform, or think you have to be like anyone else, or make everyone happy. Start with yourself. The best example, the best role model for your baby will be to see a content, fulfilled mum. And if you need any advice or just want a chat, ring me anytime. I might not have the answers but I’m a good listener and even though I’ve left it till now to say it, I love you to bits.’
The sound of the front door opening and slamming, then voices. Isaac and Pete muttering in the lounge, caused Babs to stand and within seconds, Fiona was by her side, giving her a rushed hug and a whispered message. ‘And I think you’re amazing and I love you to bits too.’
Their embrace was soon interrupted by Pete, ashen faced and short of breath. ‘Babs, what the hell is going on? Isaac says you’re leaving.’
