Discarded for a Newborn: How Karma Returned to Bite My Father
When her father insisted that she go so there could be place for a new baby, Carla felt her entire life come crashing down. She must decide between her independence and her relationship with her family after discovering the hidden realities about them, but she found the strength to start afresh with the resolute support of her devoted grandparents.
I’m twenty-one years old and go by the name Carla. Everything changed for me when I lost my mother when I was ten years old. She was my compass, and when she died away, my world fell apart.
My father remarried at the age of fifteen. His sixteen-year-old daughter, Megan, and her new spouse, Linda, came. Dad and Linda then had a boy named Jimmy and, most recently, a girl.
I remember that day so clearly, when Dad told me they were getting married. “I think it’s time to move forward, Carla,” he remarked, appearing uneasy. “Linda is good for both of us,” he continued.
“We”? I didn’t know how I felt when I asked.
Indeed, we do. Her child is roughly your age. It could be consoling to have some companionship.
Everything was different after Linda assumed leadership. At first, Linda was kind but distant, but we managed to sort things out. Megan and I grew very close over time. We were very close, sharing everything and helping each other out when things became tough.
After Jimmy was born, Linda stayed at home to raise him. That’s when things really started to change.
At the age of sixteen, I started working. I wanted my own money and to be free from my father’s control. It felt good to be on my own, especially since I was employed at the local grocery shop. I set aside money for myself, minor expenditures, and school supplies.
I was called into my father’s “office” after I turned eighteen. “Carla, you’re grown up now,” he remarked, avoiding eye contact. It’s time for you to get involved. The $500 rent will merely be a symbolic sum.
I was astounded by it. “But why, Dad? College is where I want to end up.
“Now is the time to contribute,” he underlined. “You’ll receive food and other necessities still.”
It took me a long time to agree. It was challenging, but I made it work.
Five months ago, it was all different again. Dad came to my room with Linda. He firmly said, “Carla, we really need to talk.” Linda is pregnant, and we need your room for the fetus. You have two months to arrange your affairs.
I gave him a startled look. How come? You operate out of two locations! What prevents you from using one of those?
Linda didn’t say anything, but her expression was regretful. Once more, Dad stated, “You have to move out.”
It felt like everything was crumbling all around me once more. I broke down and contacted my Aunt Lisa because I was lost and didn’t know where to go. “Aunt Lisa, I have to go, Dad says.” Is it okay for me to stay with you?
Aunt Lisa was enraged. You are welcome to remain with me. Rent won’t be a concern for you. I’ll take care of your dad.
The next day, Grandpa paid us a visit. He and Dad talked for a long time. I heard voices rising, but I couldn’t make out what they were saying. Then Grandpa approached me. “Carla, you have three choices,” he stated quietly. “I’ll pay the rent if you move in with Grandma and me, stay here, or find your own place.”
I was both relieved and conflicted. I decided to hang around a bit longer, but things became worse. Dad and Linda grow distant and cold. Megan even noticed. One night, she asked herself, “Why are they so angry with you?”
“I have no idea,” I groaned. “I’m just not sure.”
I informed Grandpa that I was prepared to move out at last. I unpacked and made myself at home at the apartment he had rented. It was a comfortable space with all the necessities like a stove and refrigerator because Grandpa had taken care of every little thing. He even surprised me by giving me a check for $15,000 to get me started.
Grandpa smiled, “This is to help you become self-sufficient.” “You are not required to pay rent as long as you are employed or enrolled in school.”
I said, “Thank you,” and I gave Grandpa a firm hug. “Without you, I don’t know what I would do.”
The initial weeks were a maelstrom of emotions. In particular, Jimmy and Megan were missed. I did, however, welcome the independence that came with living alone. Having my own place and feeling independent was wonderful.
I didn’t spend a lot of time with Linda or Dad. They did not call, and I did not visit.
I decided that I would see Aunt Lisa eventually. I had to let someone know how I felt. When I arrived, she welcomed me with open arms.
“Carla, I’m so glad to see you,” she hugged me and said. “How are you doing?”
“I’ve been doing fine,” I replied. “It’s simply… You know that I miss them?”
“My love, I get it,” she muttered. “But you must act in your own best interests.”
My cousin laughed when she heard us conversing. In response, he said, “I bet Dad misses you because Grandpa is making him pay for kicking you out.”
“Explain what you mean.” Perplexed, I inquired.
“Grandpa owns the house, not Dad,” my cousin declared. “Grandpa is making him pay back the $15,000 he gave you and charging him rent.”
It surprised me. “I had no idea,” I said, shaking my head. “I had no idea Grandpa had been helping us so much.”
“Grandpa’s been helping a lot,” added Aunt Lisa. “He has been supporting your father for many years. He is now making sure that you are also taken care of.
Everything appeared to fit perfectly. It wasn’t that he missed me; rather, Dad was having a terrible time because Grandpa was making him pay for something he had done. I felt angry and depressed at the same time. How could Dad possibly treat me this way?
I decided to visit Grandpa and Grandma. Their account of what happened was just what I needed to hear. When I arrived, they greeted me warmly.
“Carla, we’ve missed you,” my grandmother exclaimed as she gave me a strong hug. How is the flat doing?
It’s wonderful, Granny. “Thank you so much,” I exclaimed.However, I must learn more about Dad’s situation.
Grandpa sighed. He said, “Your father has been depending on us financially for years.” “We have been offering assistance with various expenses, such as schooling. The last straw came when he kicked you out.
I said, “I just didn’t know.” “Why wasn’t I informed?”
“We didn’t want to burden you,” Grandpa added. But you have a right to know the truth. Your father needs to learn responsibility, and this is the only way we can teach him that lesson.”
However, what about Jimmy and Megan? I asked. “And the recently born child?”
“They’ll be fine,” my grandfather reassured me. “We are still helping them,” We have funds allocated for each of you, including Megan. Everybody ought to have equal access to opportunities.
A wave of gratitude and relief swept over me. “Thank you, Grandpa,” I said. “I’m very fortunate to have you.”
Driving back to my apartment, I went over all I had learned. My heart broke for my siblings, but I knew there was no going back. I had to continue being independent.
I decided that I had to maintain my relationships with my siblings despite the difficulties I was having with Dad and Linda. I spoke with Megan every day. She would text me about her day, school, and everything in between.
A few days later, Dad called again. He suggested, “Carla, how about we have dinner?” “We must have a conversation.”
I gave in, hoping to diffuse the situation. When we initially met in a quiet café, there was clearly tension between us.
“Carla, I’m sorry for everything,” said Dad. “We miss you. All of us here are missing you.
“I know you miss you too, Dad,” I murmured, trying not to cry. “However, I can’t simply return as if nothing had happened.”
“I understand,” he said, averting his eyes. “I was unaware of my dependence on Grandpa.” I’ve been trying to find solutions.
“I’m grateful,” I answered. But just give me some room, please. Even though I am unable to return, I will still visit and connect. For me, this works better.
“Okay,” he gave a slow nod. “We’ll work things out. Just don’t go too long without appearing.
“I promise not to,” I said.
Dinner was a step in the right direction, but clearly things would not be the same. I was determined to set and uphold boundaries.
After giving it some thought, I realized how grateful I was for my grandparents. Without them, I could not have survived. I loved Grandpa even more because he gave Dad the great affection he needed. Grandma’s tender assistance has consistently provided comfort.
One evening, Grandpa and Grandma and I sat and talked about the future. I answered, “I want to start my career and finish college.” “I sincerely appreciate both of you. I want to make you proud.
With beaming eyes, Grandpa remarked, “You already make us proud.” “If you work hard enough, you can achieve great things.”
“Remember, we’re always here for you,” granny went on. “Regardless of the circumstances.”
I hugged them both, feeling quite blessed. Their support had given me the confidence to move forward.
I felt like I had direction again that night as I settled into my apartment. Despite the complexity of the connections in my family, I was resolved to manage them with grace. I would set boundaries with Dad, stay in touch with Megan and Jimmy, and focus on building a bright future.
I thought that as long as my grandparents loved and supported me, I could do anything.
