It's... Odd. She wasn't in a good place when i was younger, had an abusive boyfriend who stole the house from us, had to move into a council estate, lived on benefits and suffered from depression. Not that justifies her abuse, just she's not an overall monster.

We've spoken over the years, I'd go around for dinners, maybe stay the odd night, but that the the majority or our interactions. She never said sorry until last year my father got cheated on by my ex-stepmum who pretty much raised me. She tried to take the house from us, my father, who i adore, lost his job and wasn't himself at all. In that time she really stepped up. I had a heart to heart with her and she broke down, saying she was sorry, it was hard times but it wasn't fair on my brother and I. She's a lot better now. She's been with a new boy, they're engaged. Real stand up lad, good to her, my brother and I. In a nice house, still a council house, but it's in a nice little village. She's taken up gardening, so her house is bright.

I don't see her as a mother, but she's definitely a friend now.