No, youre really going to send me back to the childrens home? Auntie said you rushed in, took me, because you didnt know a baby was on the way. And Im not yours”
Emily was standing by the stove, flipping pancakes. Her husband would be home from work soon and the whole family would sit down to dinner.
She wondered why little Jamie was so quiet in his room today. Usually, when Emily cooked his favourite pancakes, the fiveyearold would spin around, stare straight into her eyes and ask, Mum, can I have one more?
Emily handed him another, and Jamie seemed to have had enough, but a moment later hed shuffle back, eyes gleaming, and plead again, Maama, one more, please?
Emily realised Jamie wasnt actually hungryhe just loved hearing that warm, wonderful word, Mum. Usually shed set the spatula down, scoop him up in her armshes still light, after alland say, Alright, love, shall we go meet Daddy when he gets home?
Jamie would bounce, Yes, Mum, lets go meet Daddy! His eyes would sparkle with excitement; hed never known parents before, and now he finally did.
He even has his own room now, his own bed, and a little sports wall with swings that his dad bought him. There are toy cars, a robot, a building set and heaps of other toysall his, Jamies, and nobody elses. In the evenings Emily reads stories, rubs his head and tells him she loves him. Jamies been soaking up that love and is almost forgetting what life was like before.
Emily tried to call him over, but the little boy suddenly nudged her belly.
She placed a hand on his backand the girl nudged again.
Goodness, Emily prays every day for this unexpected gift, hoping everything will be alright for them. Theyve already picked a name for the baby girl: John suggested Poppy. Her dads mother is called Catherine.
People used to tell Emily she could never have her own children, that she and John had taken Jamie from the childrens home, and that a year laterwell, now a little sister is on the way!
Emily drifted off, almost forgetting to flip the pancake. She called out, Jamie, sweetheart, why are you so quiet today?
But there was only silence. Had he not heard her?
She switched off the hob and headed to the nursery.
Even the lights in the room were offwhere could Jamie be?
Then a rustle came from the bedroom. Emily flicked the light on and saw Jamie sitting on the sofa, bundled in a jacket and a tiny hat. He clutched a backpack, stuffed to the brim with his favourite toy cars.
What are you doing in the dark? Emily laughed, Come on, get up and get dressedwhats this, planning a trip? Come on, lets have those pancakes with clotted cream and honey, yeah? Jamie, why so glum?
Jamie didnt smile. He stared at a point far away with an oddly adult gaze, then asked quietly, Can I take these toys with me? She wont need the cars, will she?
Emilys heart sank. What are you talking about, love? Where are you going? She felt her hands drop. Was she a bad mum? Did Jamie feel his love slipping away because a sister was about to arrive? It was strange, because just yesterday hed been beaming.
He whispered again, No, youre going to put me back in the childrens home? Auntie said you rushed, took me, because you didnt know a baby was on the way. Im not yours
Jamies eyes were watery; he was barely holding himself together, glancing to the side.
Jamie, dear, what are you on about? Which aunt? Emily remembered meeting the neighbour a few days ago. She had started saying, Thank God our little one will be here soon, and then, halflaughing, shed glanced at Jamie. You rushed, didnt you, Emily?
Emily was convinced Jamie didnt fully get it yet. She brushed past the nosy neighbour, didnt argue with Jamie, and heturns outunderstood everything.
He suddenly thought, Im not really part of this; Im all alone.
Emily wrapped him in a quick hug. At first he pushed her away, then he collapsed into her arms and began to sob.
Sweetheart, you havent understoodyour aunt knows nothing. Daddy and I love you so much, and well never give you away, she whispered, taking off his hat and jacket. They sat together on the sofa, arms around each other, silent for a long while.
When little Poppy finally arrived, Jamie and Dad held the house together for a bit, then they all went to see Mum and the new sister.
Jamie was nervouswhat if Poppy didnt like him?
When he saw how tiny she was, he grinned. Mum, how can we manage a little one without an older brother? Ill teach her to play with the cars; well have loads of fun together!
Now Jamie never leaves Poppys side; he waits for her to grow, and the parents will move her into his room. For now, hes Mums numberone helper.
That evening, Emily called, Jamie, Ive got Poppy ready, lets go meet Daddy.
Jamie, all dressed, stood in the hallway, ready: Mum, Ill hold the door, you bring the cot out!
They took the lift down, stepped out, and the same neighbour from earlier walked into the hallway.
Jamie squeezed Emilys hand tighter, a little jittery. Mum, the lady needs help with the lifther bags are heavy.
Okay, love! Jamie looked proud, called the lift, and ran after Mum.
Tomorrows a weekend, so the whole family will head to the park. Its a shame Poppy is still tiny, but shell grow, and theyll all ride the rides together. Jamie, as the big brother, will hold her tight if she gets scared. After all, theyre brother and sister forever!
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