Blood of My Blood

**Blood Ties**

I went to see the doctor, love. Had all the tests done. Its bad. If I dont start treatment straight away, I wont last long. We need moneysurgery, chemo, medication. Where do we even get that kind of cash?

Dont worry, darling, itll be alright. Im here for you. Well figure something out.

I should tell Mum. Im worried about her heart, thoughshell be hysterical. But I cant keep it from her. Shell guess anyway. Best prepare her.

Emily couldnt believe this was happening. Not even forty yet, so much life leftand now this.

At least she wasnt alone. James was by her side, and his boy, Alfie, whod become like a son to her. No children of her ownthats why her first husband left. Still, she had Mum, her sister, her nephew. Shed get through this. Theyd help.

James had raised Alfie on his own. His wife filed for divorce when Alfie turned two and vanished without a trace.

Theyd met in the park. Emily was walking her spaniel; James was playing with his son. They got talking, started seeing each other. He made her feel safe. She married him gladly.

At first, they lived in her flatinherited from her gran. Later, they sold it and bought a bigger place. Made plans. Now everything was falling apart.

No point delaying. Emily took a cake to her mums.

Mum, dont panic, but I have to tell you. They found cancer. If I dont start treatment well, you know. James and I are figuring out the money.

Oh, love, how? Youve always been so healthy, not like your sister Sarah. Always dragging her to hospitals as a child. What rotten luck.

This was exactly what Emily fearedthe dramatics. But better the truth now.

I cant even help. Gave all my savings to Sarahs son for a new car. Spoilt the lad. Only grandson, you know. No kids of your own, so I help Sarahs lot now.

Theres my savings account, but I cant touch itlose the interest. Your dad told me to keep it there before he passed. For my pension.

I wasnt asking. Just letting you know.

James sold his car. Covered the first round of treatment. Emily had the surgery. Next came the chemo. Her life depended on it.

Oh, love, you look dreadful! What do the doctors say? Any hope?

Time will tell, Mum. Staying positive. Sarah hasnt visitedtoo busy, I suppose?

Shes in Spain with her husband. Sends her love, though.

How kind. Once she heard, she barely called. Never mind.

It stung. Not even a proper word of comfort from her own sister.

James, the doctor says theres a better drug. Costs a fortune. The cheap one might not work. What do we do?

Dont fret. Ill sort it. Im your husband, remember? Alfie misses you. We both do.

Her heart warmed. Thank God for them.

Emily remembered Mums savings. She swallowed her pride and asked.

Mum, I need that money. This drug could save me. Could you lend it? Well pay you back.

Lend? To my own daughter? Id give it if I could. But lets be honestodds arent good. Spoke to your doctor. What if you spend it all and it fails?

Right. Forget it.

Tears burned when Mum left. So much for family.

Love, Ive got the money! My parents sold their cottagegave every penny.

Theyd offered before, but I refused. Not this time. They adore you. Believe youll pull through.

Emilys chest ached. These peoplepractically strangerswere willing to give everything.

Treatment began. She worsened.

Love, we need to talk. Its not working. Ive read up on this.

Truth is, you havent got long. Doctors just want your money.

Now, when youre gone, the flat goes to James. Most of it was from your grans place. He barely added a thing.

So a stranger gets everything? Unfair. Your nephew Tomhes blood. That flat would set him up.

Why not sign it over now? No surprises later.

Emily stared. Was this her mother? Raised her, only to wait for her death?

Blood, you say? Where were you when I needed help? Worried about your precious interest.

Sarah sunning herself in Spaincouldnt spare a minute. Why bother? Im halfway to the grave, right?

But grab what you can while Im still breathing. Get Tom that flat.

James parents sold their home without a second thought. Whos family now? Just go, Mum.

Her mother sighed and left. What had she said wrong?

Slowly, Emily improved. The drug worked. James nearly carried her from joy.

She signed the flat over to himcut off any claims later. Told her mother.

Thanks, love. A stranger matters more than family! Sarah will be gutted.

Emily didnt care. She was alive. Thats what counted.

*Sometimes, family isnt blood. Its who stands by you when the world walks away.*