Free Mya

22: Introducing Melody-Rose. Plus, a pregnancy test

Dissent in the Stepford Ranks

by Amber

One of Maggie-Jo's followers was not a happy bunny

A woman named Fliss wrote a letter to a newspaper. "I love being a stay-at-home mother. I spend so much time with my kids; I think I know better than my husband what to do for their birthdays. I am the one who uses the washing machine. I should be the one who chooses what model we buy. I have a brain. I resent the way he controls the money, and he just doesn't seem to understand why. Don't get me wrong.  I don't want to get a job. Being a full-time mother is quite demanding enough for me. I just want a bit more control over what my husband earns."

A journalist called Candy Moore who is an admirer of Maggie-Jo wrote something about how it is easy being a housewife, not like men who have to work hard at actual real work.

Mya agreed, because she could not do Daniel's job. Obviously not, because Mya was never taught to read or write and so could not study botany at university level!

Mum thought that it was all quite funny. She says Candy does not know what she is talking about, as she has a job and no children!

Maggie-Jo was quoted in the article, agreeing.

"I am confused," said Mum. "Do the pseudo-fems think that motherhood is a full-time job or just a hobby?"

A major television channel decided to devote a whole two hours (minus ad breaks) to Candy's views.

The housewife Fliss challenged Candy to swap places for a weekend, but Candy had declined. "I have better things to do," she sniffed.

Fliss folded her arms. "Oh, really? Better than bringing up my children to be well-rounded individuals? Nice to know what you really think of the women you claim to be defending."

"I have babysat for several family members," Candy said, dismissively. "Looking after children is much easier than being a serious journalist. And anyway, working from home is much easier than working in an office. It's much easier to be flexible and fit in dental appointments when you set your own schedule."

"Now who is behaving like Marie Antoinette?

Candy flushed. Fliss continued.  "Looking after other people's children is not the same as being a parent.  Parents have decisions to make! And even a simple task like going out to the dentist is not exactly a breeze with three children in tow."

Candy made a mistake. "Fancy letting the children set the agenda for the day. Your children must be spoilt."

"Hardly! Would you leave the house without going to the toilet if you needed, or without your I-Pulse, or without a coat on a windy day?"

"I cannot imagine what point you are trying to make."

"Well, imagine leaving the house when you have to make sure two young children have also been to the toilet, and that the baby has clean nappies. And you have four coats and four sets of shoes to sort out. It's not the same as being by yourself, let me assure you of that!"

Fliss snapped her fingers.

Two TV runners, dressed in black, appeared with two children in tow. The taller one was holding a baby. They handed the children to Candy.

Fliss said, "I am just off to get my hair done. Nothing elaborate, so I'll be back in an hour. Or maybe two. Three, if I get it dyed. But no more than four hours, I promise. Children, this is Candy, your babysitter. Be good whilst I'm away."

Candy's face when the baby started screaming! It was literally a picture. It became an internet meme and a screensaver (Alison's screensaver).

As was her look of relief when the two hours (Fliss had been kind) were up and the black-clad runners solemnly took the children away and handed them back to their adoring mother.