A Mother's Love

Bridget hadn't known what to expect. She wiped perspiration from her
upper lip,
inhaled and thought deeply, so sad, it's all so very sad.
How to be nice to a girl who'd caused so much pain? How to behave
normally
as if her last five years of delinquency had never occurred? How on
earth does
Jay do it? Currently on a daily basis too. Every minute. All the time.
Knowing and
undoubtedly re-living all the baggage which came Lisa. Especially as
she'd shown
up again pregnant.
Bridget's tentative fingers released the door knocker hard.
The front door opened immediately. Beaming widely, tiny babe in arms,
saying
nothing, waiting to be greeted was Lisa. Bridget fought to show a
friendly response.
To smile and say the right words. She recognised that despite wanting
to put
the young mother iover her knee for treating her friend so despicably,
they chattered
surprsingly amiably until the baby's nappy required changing and the
old
schoolfriends were left alone.
'How's things Jay?'
'Fine thanks Bridge. How are you and yours?' Bridget nodded unable to
speak.
So dismayed. So confused. Jay appeared pained. Always a brave face. But
tense and
stressed. Why has Jay allowed Lisa back after all the trouble and
strife. Jay needs a
peaceful life. Surely her daughter understands? But care, does Lisa
care?
'Before you say anything Bridge,' Jay positioned her wheelchair to
enable eye
to eye contact, 'life goes on. I can't, I will not hold a grudge. She,
they, need a roof.'
'I'm sorry Jay. Lisa's not a child and you have enough on your plate.
What
about council help?''
'We live in the country. She'd end up miles away. She's got to learn to
drive
before she leaves.'
'Which I suppose you'll do.'
'She will have proper lessons too.'
'But you'll do most, I bet.'
'Lisa's my registered carer now.'
There's that 'care' word again', thought Bridget getting hotter and
hotter
under the collar. 'Did she suggest that?'
'Actually, yes.'
Bridget stopped her eyes from surveying the ceiling and clenched her
fists.
'Does Lisa know it's terminal Jay?'
'That's irrelevant. In times of need a parent helps their child.'
'But will she help you?'
'She's got a baby now. He must come first. Adorable little chap.'
'So if you're stuck on the floor and he needs feeding who will she care
for
first?'
'Don't look for trouble Bridge.'
'Don't be so naive Jay. You're the easy way out for her and if she
follows
her previous, devious paths you shall be the one to suffer.'
'So what do I do? They only arrived last week? '
Suddenly trembling with extreme and helpless frustration Bridget stood
up to
push Jay's chair towards the French window. The space and short time
allowed
both women necessary time to think. 'Truly Bridge, a mother would do
anything to help
their child when their chips are down.'
'Most mothers.'
'This mother.'
'I beg you to reflect Jay. You're my friend. I'm trying to make you
accept Lisa's.........'
'The past should be left there. 'What's gone has gone. The present is
what
matters and Bridget I really do need someone to care for things here
when I'm
not here.'
'Don't be morbid.'
'I want things sorted. Lisa said she would stay behind and.....'
'.....of course she will. She said that before, remember?'.
'No. No Bridge, you've got it wrong.......'
'..... like when you came home to find your home trashed and your
treasured
belongings gone?'
'No Bridget. Listen. Please listen to me.'
'A leopard does not change it's spots.'
'I love you for caring Bridget but I'm trying to tell you that I asked
Lisa to come here.
I want to go on holiday. She came a few days early for us to spend time
together.
Admittedly, I didn't know she was expecting, but she'd just broken up
with Sam,
then my darling grandchild decided to be born so everything has been
glorious
and timed to perfection.'