Maya, how old are you again? her father asked quietly. Because honestly, love, it feels like youre not a first-year uni student but a first-year primary schooler. Loves all well and good, but you still need a roof over your head and food on the table, dont you? Whats the rush? Are you getting married tomorrow? Nobodys against your Oliverlet him come over, well meet him properly, have a chat, maybe even invite his parents round. Sound fair?
David, when will you be home? Emily called her husband at work.
Soon. Just wrapping up, he replied.
Well, dont dawdle! Weve got something to discuss, she added abruptly.
Something wrong? David tensed.
Well not wrong yet. But we need to talk. Emily was clearly flustered, though thankfully, no disasters had struck yet.
Fifteen minutes later, the head of the household stepped through the door.
Whats all this, then? he asked cautiously.
Change your clothes, wash your handsno need to drop everything and save the universe just yet, she kissed his cheek and nudged him toward the bathroom.
Soon enough, hed freshened up and joined them in the living room.
Come on, Emily led him to their daughters room. Maya sat on her bed, eyes red from crying.
Right. Whats happened? David kept his voice steady.
Ask your daughter, Emily huffed. Go on, Maya, tell your father what youve decided!
Maya puffed up like a sulky soufflé and turned to the window, clearly reluctant to share.
Alright, ladies, David smacked the table decisively. Either you both calm down and explain properly, or sort it out yourselvesIve had a long day.
She wants to get married, Emily announced with a healthy dose of sarcasm. Today, apparently.
Come again? David blinked. Just like that? To whom, dare I ask?
Since Maya remained stubbornly silent, Emily stepped in again:
Oliver Middleton. You rememberhes been round a lot lately.
Ah. Right. So? He turned to Maya, who clenched her jaw.
Alright, sweetheart. Enough games. Do I need to do a jig to get an answer?
Oliver and I love each other! Maya burst out. Hes perfect, and were getting married!
Well, thats a start, David sighed. Same uni course, then?
Yes. Same seminar group.
First year, David muttered, half to himself. Bloody kids.
Were not kids! Maya shot up. Were eighteenadults!
Right. If youre adults, well talk like adults. But first, youll actually talk.
I dont want to! Itll just be Youre too young, wait a bit, settle down, make sure its realall that boring rubbish. Youre all wise and sensible, but you dont get itwere in love! And you just want to ruin it!
Maya, nobodys ruining anything, David rubbed his temples. I just want to understand. So, you and Oliver love each othergood. You want to marryboth of you, or just you?
Dont insult Oliver! He wants it too!
Lovely. So youve got the desire. Nowwhere will you live? How will you afford it?
That doesnt matter! If we love each other, the rest will sort itself!
Maya, Davids voice dropped. How old are you? Because right now, you sound like youve never heard of rent or grocery bills. Nobodys against Oliverbring him round, lets talk properly. Fair? He glanced at Emily.
Very fair. But theres a slight hitch theyve got a deadline.
Oliver getting deployed?
No, not Oliver. Mayawhy am I doing all the talking?
Im not silent! Maya snapped. Oliver and I are having a baby.
Ah. Davids eyebrows shot up. And the plan is?
Were getting married! Having the baby! And dont you dare try to talk me out of it!
Easy! Nobodys talking you out of anythingyet. Does Olivers family know?
Hes we agreed wed each tell our parents today.
And?
He hasnt called back yet
Right. When he does, let me know. Now, let me eat before your drama starves me.
In the kitchen, Emily reheated dinner while David chewed thoughtfully.
What do we do? she whispered.
Dunno yet. Lets see what his parents say. Maybe well figure it out together.
Just as he finished eating, grim news arrivedOlivers parents were firmly against it. A shouting match had ensued. Not ideal.
Fifteen minutes later, Maya emerged, phone in hand.
Olivers mum. She wants to talk to one of you.
Emily crossed her arms. You do it. I cant.
David shot her a look but took the phone, putting it on speaker.
Hello, this is David. Mayas father.
Laura. Olivers mother. Our son just announced hes dating your daughter and, given her condition, has made grand plans. Youre aware?
Weve spoken to Maya.
Good. Then youll understand were firmly against these grand plans she spat the words plans! Our son needs to finish uni, build a career. Marriagelet alone a childisnt part of that.
Nor was it ours. But theres a baby on the wayyour sons, by the way. Whats your suggestion?
Your problem, David. First, I doubt its even Olivers. Second, this marry me, Im pregnant trick wont work. Your daughters clearly after securityOlivers familys well-off, good connections. As a woman, I get it. But as his mother, Ill make sure you leave him alone. My husband agrees. Olivers come round to our view and asks your daughter to stop contacting him. What she does nextkeep it or notisnt our concern. Goodbye.
The line went dead. David exhaled sharply.
Right. We heard that. Long story shortwell support Maya. The babys innocent, even if its fathers a prat. Take a gap year, return to uni later. Well help financially, babysit. As for those people He gritted his teeth. Snobs.
He pulled Emily aside. Take Maya to our room tonight. Keep an eye on her. Ill sleep in hers.
An hour later, the doorbell rang.
Who on earth? David grumbled, answering it.
Moments later, he returned with a young man in tow.
Oliver! Maya flung herself at him. You came for me?
Yes. David, EmilyIm here to take Maya.
Where to, exactly?
Not sure yet. Maybe rent a flat. Were adults, so Id appreciate your cooperation. Will you come? he asked Maya.
Of course! Anywhere!
Hold on, David raised a hand. Press conference time. Your mother said your whole familys against thisyou included.
Not quite. That was Mums decision. Dad just nodded along he used the phrase effortlessly, and I pretended to agree. Then grabbed my wallet, passport, and bank card. Here I am.
Interesting! Davids eyebrows lifted. So youll rent a flatwith what money?
Ive saved up. Side gigs, a monetised blog. Enough for a few months rent and food. Ill earn more.
Hmm. Impressive. Well, Emily? Shall we let her go? Lads sharper than we thought.
I dont know Its late
Fine point. No gallivanting at night. Nowmarriage?
Yes! they chorused.
And the baby?
Same answer.
Alright. Well support youon conditions. Oneyou patch things up with your parents. Maya, back him. Oliver stays here tonightno sneaking about. Youre a guest, nothing more. Text your folks youre at a mates. Prep them gentlyno rows! Uni stays a priorityespecially yours, Oliver. Maya can defer, catch up later. Well help where we canmoney, babysittingbut we wont carry you. Keep the wedding low-key for nowsave money. Big party later. Agreed?
Yes, Oliver said firmly.
But I wanted a proper wedding! Dress, limo, guests Maya pouted.
Not the time! Oliver cut in. Well register quietly, celebrate properly in a year or two.
Fine
Alright, kids. Plans set, tasks assigned. Early starts tomorrow.
Later, Emily cornered David in the kitchen.
Howd you change your mind so fast?
Fast? After that call with his mother, I was fuming. Then this lad turns upthought hed be a mummys boy. But he stood his ground, didnt abandon her. Thats the kind of man Id trust with my daughter.
Youre always right, love. She kissed him and went to sort sleeping arrangements.
