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It’s 5:10am and I’m sitting on the front steps, again. It’s a curious custom, yet I’ve grown fond of it, it’s how I prepare my mind for the day ahead. It’s also the only time I have for myself, the personal stuff, thinking through all these ‘what ifs’ that float around my head from time to time.2
The sunrise seems more lovable today, colourful yet soft and warm with that independently confident, loneliness, the kind my minds eye finds enchantingly seductive. I lift my coffee to my mouth and gently caress the mug with lips that find a warm moist satisfying response, even though the porcelain offered is unresponsive and motionless, but I quickly block this from my mind to feel no longing, loneliness or pain. 3
I’m still wearing my nightie, one of those long tee shirts and while I know there is no one to spy upon me at this hour, I keep the tee shirts surplus length gathered and pushed down between my legs to compensate for the absence of underwear, and the casualness of my posture. A glance down to check the coverage of the tee shirt allows my eyes to pass across the lightly covered profile of naked breasts and a stomach, which I can modestly acknowledge have stood the ravages of my thirty something years and three children quite well.4
It seems like yesterday, I was seventeen, fresh from school, proud of myself happily working in a new career, and like all teenagers full of ambitious (if not naive) ideas for the future. Romance didn’t go well, it was with my first taste of sex that I fell pregnant. Many of the dreams seemed to evaporate, as also did my boyfriend. He said he would love me forever yet within a month he was in bed with my best friend. I still hear clearly my Grandmother letting off steam telling my Mother in front of me, “Christine is a tramp; she will never amount to anything.” I guess she was still disappointed that my Mother’s marriage failed long ago, for me not having a Father around was normal, and to have another generation of single parentage in her tree must have played heavily on her mind. Still Grandmother was very supportive when I needed help; teenage motherhood is not easy and without a partner or family support it must be hellish. Most of my friends were too busy to bother to stay in touch perhaps they were just too young.5
At eighteen, with the support of my Mother and Grandmother I became a single working Mum, a title I still hold. Somewhere along the way I had another child, to the same guy; who again promised he loved me and was now mature enough to always be there for us. I will never know why I listened to him, it didn’t work out. I managed to put a few business courses under my belt to get my feet off the bottom run of the corporate pecking order. 6
Eventually I found another guy who said he loved me, and would always be there. I fulfilled a dream, married, and quickly realised I wasn’t happy being bullied and threatened. Yet, for reasons I find impossible to express or understand we had a child before parting and dissolving our union. 7
So here I am, a self made single Mum with three beautiful Daughters a house two dogs and a satisfying well-paid job, which is the envy of many. I’m sitting on the step watching the sunshine upon the garden, and the coffee mug is empty which means it’s time to get myself ready for work. Then I’ll wake my youngest and help her prepare for her day at day-care, she’ll be coming with me in the car as I drop her off on the way to work. Before we find the car, we will wake my two teenagers and threaten them such that they get themselves off to school on time, after first feeding the dogs and doing their chores.8
I’m busy, and happy and we want for nothing, yet I do have just one regret; I wish Grandma had lived a little longer, she died without seeing what I’ve achieved, how well we cope and how beautiful her Great Grandchildren have turned out.9
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Author notes
(for the contest) - An interesting (and likable) character.
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Want/need more try a little of ‘TooRainBow’s offering, it’s about him why he didn’t support her, etc, ‘She will always be there’ - allpoetry.com/Story/1625611
Or ‘Diamond’s poem based around this story – ‘The Girl Who Amounted to Something’ - allpoetry.com/Poem/1626471
I’m touched to be a catalyst for some real writers. 
If you like sequels - this may be for you. --- allpoetry.com/poem/1783817 (‘First Class or Nothing’)
A contest entry
- Memorable characters and relationships- stories by Jinxgirl.
125 points, ended May 1, 2006, 11 entries
Honorable mention
• next story in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think? Please comment!
Comments
1 - 48 of 48
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very realistic
situationns like this happen all the time, there are many strong women like this one you have portrayed. very likeable character that the reader wants to see succeed. thanks for entering!overall: 6.
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Thank you, Jinxgirl', you are very kind.
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Dear Wattle, Now I'm back to comment on this one, well, will she give into her daughter and give her what she wants. It's normal for us Aussies to say that "She fell pregnant" we'll have to teach the Yanks out language won't we? I did enjoy this and I'll be back and I see we're in the same Aussie group.
I can't keep calling you wattle! What is your name?
Hugs Joan
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Thank you, ‘angelica’, I’m flattered would offer your valuable time to visit, read and say nice things about my attempt to fill in my day with some scribbling.
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Thank you, ‘angelica’, I’m flattered would offer your valuable time to visit, read and say nice things about my attempt to fill in my day with some scribbling.
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Wow Wattle, you have a lot of followers who think very highly of you. I read the second part first and enjoyed it immensly, I'm looking forward to reading all your orks as you have me hooked too and I love reading stories.HAHA I get around without knickers as much as I can in the summer, but I wear a longer nighty so I can sit on the lounge on the front verandah with ease, as long as I keep my legs together.
From another Aussie. GOODONYA
Hugs Joan
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Wow Wattle, you have a lot of followers who think very highly of you. I read the second part first and enjoyed it immensly, I'm looking forward to reading all your orks as you have me hooked too and I love reading stories.HAHA I get around without knickers as much as I can in the summer, but I wear a longer nighty so I can sit on the lounge on the front verandah with ease, as long as I keep my legs together.
From another Aussie. GOODONYA
Hugs Joan
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Why thank you, kind Paul, it rare for any one to grace me with the time to read my scribble. --- Ha - Sex is a real day destroyer I'm told it's even dangerous to sit on park benches, if you are of the gentle persuasion.
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Sorry I’m late seem to be catching up on everything at the moment. It's nice to read a positive piece when it comes to Single Mothers so many time the story heads desperately into tragedy as life spirals out of control the first person approach is alway fun possibly more for the writer who gets to be the character not simply observe but has to wear the feelings and emotions that are unfolding. Just one thing that made me smile its not wrong as such but you don’t usually get pregnant from tasting sex I’m sorry it just brought a smile to my face my filthy mind I expect. But seriously you have done a wonderful job here well done
Paul
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Thank you ‘Kethry’, you are always the kindest, so supportive that you turn an old fool into something a little more important. Your comment is interesting as this story has a touch of truth, ‘Christine’ is a real person and I was taken to task for daring to suggest she doesn’t wear underwear on the front step.
The change of tense was deliberate, I was trying to say, ‘Christine’ does have the support of her family, without which life would be hellish (ie things could be much worse). Please do keep the suggestions/corrections coming, I really do need all the help I can find (being a ( dumb'ish ) dropout from schooling and social graces.
Now the teaser: You know ‘Christine’, you regularly comment on her work. --- She is all quality - and you may have even seen the photos. --- (Isn’t that a challenge needing research during the holidays) 
Edited on Dec 08, 3:54 p.m. because ''. -
wattle. I like this it has a peaceful air and a hint of promise. I've done the early morning muse although not just in my nightie (Mine are more like whale wraps). I like the air of pensiveness that gives purpose to the story.
Once again I have a small nit about congruency. You write "teenage motherhood is not easy and without a partner or family support it must be hellish." In one breath you describe teenage motherhood as if your living it in the next you're one step removed. If you changed the second part to "it was hellish" it would remove the stumble. Excellent job as usual. -
Thank you 'Blu', you are always kind. (it is a feelgood write - 'Christine' is a real (quality) person).
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very peaceful...if that makes sense. very nicely penned. thoroughly enjoyed the read.
blu -
Ms Barbara, thank you for being so kind - I hope you and yours are all well. - we should try and write a story together I would learn so much from that.
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There is nothing better than sitting in front of the computer with a nice cup of tea, and reading something that you have written.
Edited on Dec 02, 9:10 p.m. because 'Edited the comment...it's sounded rude the other way
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Thank you Ms Wales, both for offering some of your time to read my scribble and for attaching sweet words under it. I'm touched that a 204 trophy lady would trouble with me and mine.
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what magical images you do portray Mr. Wattle....you never lose that ability to take your reader into each room and each scene allowing them to live it with you...great stuff...I thoroughly enjoyed every tasty morsel of this feast of words ...leanne xxx
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Thank you 'antibeautiful', It's always such a surprise when someone new devotes time to stop and read my scribble, having him or her make a nice comment as well is more then this old fool deserves. - I'm over the moon (thank you again).
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I read the other part of the story before I read this. I'm glad I did, because that one was alittle depressing, and this one lifted my mood. You did a great job, and I enjoyed how you expressed all this. You should keep writing. I can't wait to see what else you have to write.
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Thank you (sweet) Barbie, Capitals (now), gee (OK) ambitious - I was trying to write this "and like all teenagers full of ambitious (if not naive) ideas for the future." --- You know this situation scares me - being a female fertility time bomb and a sex object to boot - must be; well it would put me out of my comfort zone. - Thank you Barbie you are the kindest.
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Suggestions: 'and like all teenagers full of ambitious' - ambitions and Mother, Father, Mum and Grandmother begin with capitals.
I liked the coffee image because it reminds me of the way I used to feel about coffee. The story is touching and real, as always and your imagery is sharp and clear, although it does seem as if you are out of your comfort zone. I like this. Barbie. Xx -
Thank you ‘heartnsoul’ (Michelle if I may), for being so kind by stopping by to offer some of your time and for offering sweet flowing words such that you have made an old guy feel a tiny part special. I’m all yours, I will try harder in the future to be worthy of your time.
Edited on Nov 26, 7:53 p.m. because ''. -
superbly written
Hello,
I enjoyed this tremendously. It has such a soft easy flow. Your opening has such a wistfulness about it.But then for me this an easy one as it is my favorite time of day. Walking outdoors,coffee in hand, still in my jams watching the world wake up. You've chosen a topic that many can relate to. Yet keeping the previous generations social attitudes. You've shown how a young woman outgrows her naivte yet remains forever hopeful. All the while showing the strength of character to continue towards her goal.I can easily see this being a chapter for an ongoing story of a young womans struggle for providing for her children as well as standing alone as a single story. Well done, it was a pleasure to read. And welcome to the group, I'm sure we'll be seeing more of each other.
~Michelle~
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Thank you Kunjal, gee you will have me getting a big head from all this talk (I'm flattered).
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A Million Applauses
'Wattle'- This is the best story ever that I've read by you. Its touching. Your simplicity of words and the sensibility this story carried, shows your mastery on the subject dealt (meaning in day to day life) and your own personal wisdom and perceptions.
That girl in the story is a winner, and the story spells optimism and content.
Lots and lots of love This story's filled my heart with a big happy smile.
Absolutely nothing is an exageration in my comment
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Thank you Sheryl, for being kind, again. I have you fooled, women are such a mystery, and they scare the living daylights out of me.
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Thank you for this link, Wattle. I've been waiting and watching for something new of yours. This is characteristically brilliant. You understand women, in general, so well it never ceases to astound me. This has a serene feel to it. It's reminiscent of a diary entry. Very candid. Very nice, indeed. Thank you again.
Sheryl -
Thank you mina, as always you are very kind.
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You’re a master of storytelling…This is beautifully written…
I thoroughly enjoyed this one… keep on sharing your talent…
mina
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Thank you 'Dreamweaver', how sweet of you to spare me your time and say nice things; you have me feeling a little taller.
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I am not one who is qualified to give the critique you wish for Wattle for I am a mere dilly dally doodle writer who writes stories with imaginary Mother Goose type characters. However, I did enjoy reading this piece. It has a nice easy to follow story line with just the right amount of tantalising lines to hold the readers' attention.
I am sure you will/are a successful story teller.
Good luck in all your endeavours,
Sammy. -
Avril, Please write the poem, my looking forward to reading your gem. (and thank you for pretending I write well) You are always kind to this silly old guy, thank you.
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Very Moving Write!
WOW Wattle, what a story you've told and so true to life, the bitterness and sweetness of it all. I know that there are many young women out there in the very same situation and I really like how you allowed her to handle it. With your permission, I would like to recreate your story in poetic form. I'm working on it currently and I'll wait for your response before posting it. This was a very compelling story and another one of your best writes. Your write so well from a woman's perspective. Avril
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Oh Ms Aliana, if you develop a fetish for Aussie guys you will finish up in little broken pieces, they have no choice it's how they have been trained (by their mothers). Better to have a pet dog for company, they learn faster and make for much better company (in bed even).
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Thank you 'psycho pixie', now you have me worried. I hope I didn't copy it from something. It's a story that is familiar to many people. – Thank you for offering my scribble your time.
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wow this is pretty good... something about it seems very familiar but I can't figure out exactly what it is... Let me figure it our and maybe i'll come back and add why it seems so familiar... geez that's gonna bug me now...
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You are too kind and very sweet Sir Wattle and your an Aussie Male to boot... what's with that?
LOL I know its an urban myth - there are great Australian men everywhere... apparently? -
Ok, my Friend...I'll quit messin' with ya...but ya gotta admit, you left those one~liners just layin' there...how could I resist???
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God, Lady Peach, I can't comment, you will get me into so much trouble here. The real life Christine has already pulled me up for daring to have her on the front step without underwear and I'm not having a bite of the idea of her in the garden as well, still without underwear.
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Thank you for coming back, 'my' 3.96 meter tall friend. To have any (, or all of you guys) take a copy to read more or share with others is the ultimate complement you can pay me (thank you - wattle.bur.st/story/shewillneveramounttoanything.html ) I’m chuffed you came back to offer more of your intellect. As I hinted above, this is a piece of fiction, but it is not really a rare situation these days. The lady, Christine is quite real; she has character like no other I know and manages her family and self with genuine quality and panache.
It’s interesting you observe that Christine has ‘a life so full and yet not complete’ because I must confess I once thought the same about her. We are/were, I assure you both so wrong. Christine has it all, with much, much more to come, I’m sure. She doesn’t need to lower herself to being someone’s ‘other half’ for anything, and if I were she, I wouldn’t either. Yet, I worry about her for two reasons (and I have no right at all to do so). I sometimes wonder if her children may grow without understanding what it is like to be around men. After all, it is now three generations in her family that have got by on their own, it’s interesting (to me) that she has all daughters and it makes me wonder more. The second thing I worry about Christine is; what will she do when her beautiful children grow independent and leave home, physically or emotionally. In my heart, I know she has the wisdom to grow with them and to match their intellect as the parent should. Nevertheless, I can’t help feeling she is so committed to being a family that she might need to take up bowls earlier then most. What I would prefer/love to happen is for her to become a top executive of a high profile company instead, her children would be so proud of their million dollars a year jet-setting mum (and so would I). In addition, you are quite correct, I like most am thinking she is the ultimate catch, but she has nothing to gain from teaming up from someone as ordinary as the likes of a me. – Thank you Aliana, you are very kind.
Edited on Nov 08, 1:47 because ''. -
Was there icy ground involved???
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Why thank you kind Lady Peach, fell/became - perhaps 'slipped into pregnancy' -
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Bloody Brill :)
I think what Queen says is true, this story could apply to many - myself included
. This story to me is both inspirational and bittersweet; the journey of a sole parent is not an easy one. I could add many lines to yours one day and think I will take a copy of your words (with your permission) so that I may in a quiet time reflect as Christine does on a life so full and yet not complete. Well Done Sir Wattle
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I wonder how many people heard that sorrowful refrain: 'She will never amount to anything' & actually rebelled against such low expectations...I also wonder how many abandoned what potential they had because of this cruelly enforced judgement...This is a lovely story, wattle...filled with gentleness & straying far from the despair that this easily could have fallen into...which reminds me...pray tell, Kind Sir...how does one achieve this 'fell pregnant'??? I didn't think the loss of gravity had anything to do with it...
Not really...hehehe A wonderful penning, as always, my Friend... Lady Peach
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Thank you (twice) Ms Cutie, your comment is rather flattering (and for the typo too). I've been trying to write some stuff, which is not working out well at all, and your comment is rather timing for me to try harder. I wrote this as a break. I’ve decided there are two things I can’t do and need to learn; eventually I’ll get them down and here. – Also this write, while fiction, is actually modeled on someone who is gentle just as you read/described, she is rather special (and I’m sure she wears her underwear all the time).
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Terrific
Slight error line 2# first paragraph. "fund" should read "fond" ..wow this is something else my friend. I found a "gentleness" to this write that was lacking in your last venture I enjoyed this side of the coin as much as I enjoyed "The Bikers" Regatta" It showed me a side of you that I had not seen before (rather like coming out of your box for the first time) You never fail to hold my attention as I am never sure what you are going to do next...it makes for very enjoyable reading
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Thank you Lady Queen, you are always kind. Yes; these days this scenario is not so rare. (Although most I know don’t sit on the front step like a cello player without underwear; in the colder months)
Edited on Nov 07, 4:58 p.m. because ''. -
I love the happily ever after ending. I actually know a couple of people this story could be about. Their lives have been hard but they have some beautiful children. This is a great story
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