Do they have no relatives? Why did you bring them here? Its a pity you know who it hurts We can barely fit ourselves in this flat! Call social services tomorrow, I told you! Let them sort it out!
Ian looks at his wife with a flash of anger. She has just returned from her friend Sophies funeral. Not alone the children are with her. Threeyearold Poppy and thirteenyearold Oliver linger by the doorstep, unsure how to react to an unwelcoming host.
Tara gently nudges the kids toward the kitchen and, without raising her voice, says:
Oliver, go get Poppy a juice and a drink for yourself. Its in the fridge.
When the children disappear behind the door, she turns to Ian, her tone sharp:
Arent you ashamed? Sophie was my best friend. Do you think Id leave her children in trouble? Imagine what theyre feeling now. Youre thirtyeight and you still call your mum at the slightest thing!
Alright, alright, I get it, but youre not actually planning to keep them here, are you? Ian asks more calmly.
I am! Im going to apply for guardianship. They have no one. Their father is missing he didnt even show up at the funeral. Sophie lost her parents early. She has an aunt who refuses to take the kids, shes not young any more. And we have no children of our own.
Tara, Im your husband, remember? You dont want to hear my opinion?
Ian, whats wrong with you? Youre a good man, I know you. Otherwise I wouldnt have brought the kids without asking. Are you scared of the costs? Well manage. The kids arent little anymore. Oliver will keep going to school, and well enroll Poppy in nursery. Well hardly have to change our lifestyle!
Yes, but my mother Tara! Shell never forgive me if she finds out. Shes always nagging me because she has no grandchildren!
I think your mum should stay out of our family business. Ian, we always wanted to adopt a child. Why take strangers? Oliver and Poppy know us, and we know them. Itll be easier for everyone.
Maybe youre right, Tara. But we planned to adopt one baby just one. A baby! Not Poppy, shes still tiny. And Oliver? Hes a teenager! We cant handle that!
You, me, everyone was a teenager once. All the problems got solved. We grew up and became reasonable adults.
Fine, well sort it out as we go. Let them stay for now
Tara plants a bright kiss on Ians cheek and smiles. She trusts her husband completely. Hes always been like that grumbling, complaining, then accepting the situation and helping her with everything.
Tara heads to the kitchen to prepare dinner while already planning tomorrow. She needs to visit social services, gather paperwork from work and the bank, and collect all the necessary documents.
And so the endless stream of problems and chores begins. In movies, orphaned children instantly find families, but in reality you need a mountain of forms and confirmations.
Oliver and Poppy even consider a temporary stay in a childrens home, but Tara and Ian pool their resources and manage to secure the right for the kids to stay with them.
There are no issues with Oliver and Poppy. The little girl, thanks to her age, easily distracts herself from sad thoughts with new toys and treats.
The boy finds it harder. Ian sees him holding back tears, his voice on the verge of breaking. One day Ian pulls him aside, places a hand on his shoulder, looks him in the eye and says:
Oliver, I know it hurts. Im almost forty and I cant imagine what will happen if something happens to my mum. But for Poppys sake you have to stay strong. If you need to cry or shout, tell me. Well go somewhere nobody can see us. You cant keep that pain inside, but you mustnt show it to Poppy or shell get scared. Please, talk to me.
Oliver begins to respect Ian. Tara watches them disappear together and return as close friends.
The family endures a series of inspections from various agencies. To prove they can support the children, Ian and Tara even take out a loan, remodel a spare room, buy childrens furniture, toys and new clothes.
They need a sum to place Poppy in a nearby nursery, and when Oliver confesses he misses his friends from the sports club, they pay for his membership too.
Finally, all the hurdles are cleared. The children are officially placed under their guardianship. Ian picks up a second job to settle the debts.
Tara finds extra work teaching physics at a secondary school and tutoring struggling students at home for extra pay. The financial strain lifts.
A year passes. The children have settled into their new routine and built close bonds with their guardians. Poppy even calls Tara Mum Tara. Ians mother, Margaret, despite her initial opposition, becomes friendly with the kids.
Summer approaches and Ian suggests:
How about a beach holiday? I dont want to go to Brighton. Lets head to Spain! I just saw a lastminute deal. Ill call now and book us tickets.
Tara welcomes the idea. Shes exhausted after the year and wants a break from worries. Ian immediately books the trip.
Later, a colleague calls Tara just to chat, clearly missing the office banter. During the conversation Tara mentions the Spain plans.
The colleague sighs, Lucky you! Ill be stuck at the cottage all summer Im short on cash. You probably get a good allowance for looking after the kids, right? You can afford this!
Tara freezes, feeling judged as greedy and mercenary. She thinks, Everyone thinks I took the kids for the money! She shares the thought with Ian. He reflects and replies:
You know, Ive heard similar criticism. One mate told me I could finally upgrade my car because I get childcare payments.
Yeah, my mum keeps saying I should start caring about my teeth now that my incomes up. She thinks Ill become a burden to you and the kids.
My boss warned me not to expect extra holidays because the kids arent mine, so the benefits only go to those with their own children. Can you believe that? I never asked for it.
The neighbour on the landing said, Life must be easier now, huh? Youre hauling all those shopping bags with the extra benefits! I told her Ive got two men in the house now, so Im cooking more. Olivers always hungry, growing fast!
So they all think we took the kids for the cash? Ian sums up.
Tara shrugs, Let them think what they want.
But we cant go to Spain! Theyll think were spending the childrens money! Everyone keeps asking if weve transferred the kids flat into our name. They feel sorry when I tell them Sophie had no home.
What do we do then? Tara asks, flustered.
She never considered any profit. The state allowance the children receive
