Maya, how old are you? her father asked quietly. I get the feeling youre not in your first year at university but in primary school. Love is one thing, but you need somewhere to live, dont you? You need to eat every day, yes? So why the rush? Are you really getting married tomorrow? No ones against your Oliverlet him come over, well meet him, have a chat, introduce him to his parents Am I right?
David, are you nearly home? Emily called her husband at work.
Almost. Just finishing up, he replied.
Well, hurry up! We need to talk, she suddenly added.
Did something happen? David tensed.
Well not yet, but we need to talk, Emily sounded flustered, though nothing bad had actually occurred.
Fifteen minutes later, the head of the household walked through the door.
Whats going on here? he asked cautiously.
Change your clothes, wash your handsno need to drop everything and save the universe right this second, she kissed him and nudged him toward the bathroom.
Soon, hed freshened up and walked into the living room.
Come on, Emily led him to their daughters room. Maya sat on her bed, eyes red from crying.
Whats happened? David kept his voice steady.
Ask your daughter, Emily huffed. Go on, tell your father what youve decided!
Maya puffed out her cheeks and turned toward the window, clearly unwilling to explain.
Right then, David clapped his hands together. Either you both calm down and tell me whats going on without the dramatics, or you sort it out yourselves while I relax after work!
Were getting married, Emily announced with biting sarcasm. Today, apparently, no time to waste!
Come again? David blinked. Just like that? To whom, if I may ask?
Since Maya stayed stubbornly silent, Emily had to step in again:
Oliver Nicholson. You remember, hes been around a lot lately.
Ah, him Right. David turned to his daughter. Well?
Maya kept quiet.
Alright then. Cut the games. Am I supposed to dance around to get answers out of you? His tone sharpened.
Oliver and I love each other! Maya burst out. Hes perfect, and were getting married!
Finally, some clarity, David sighed. Is he in your class?
Yes, same group.
First year, David exhaled, half-amused, half-resigned. Kids
Were not kids! Maya shot back. Were eighteen, were adults!
Fine. If youre adults, well talk like adults, then.
I dont want to talk! Itll just be the same old: Youre too young, wait, get settled, test your feelingsall that rubbish. Youre just grown-ups who dont understand real love!
Im not ruining anything, David said wearily. I just want the facts. So, you and Oliver love each other? Maya defiantly nodded. Good. And you want to marry?
Dad, dont insult Oliver. He wants this too.
Great. So youre both keen. Where will you live? How will you afford it? Thought about that?
That doesnt matter! Love is all we need!
Maya, how old are you? David asked again, softly. Because you sound like a child. Love wont pay the rent or put food on the table. Why the rush? No ones against Oliverbring him round, lets meet his parents. Am I making sense? He turned to Emily.
Perfect sense. But theres a catch They have a reason to hurry.
Olivers being called up for service?
No, not Oliver. Maya, are you going to say anything, or shall I?
Im not hiding it, Maya muttered. Oliver and I are having a baby.
Right. David rubbed his temples. And whats the plan?
Were getting married! Keeping it! And dont you dare talk me out of it!
No ones talking you out of anything. But we need to think. Does Olivers family know?
Hes We agreed to tell our parents today.
And?
H-he hasnt called yet
Fine. When he does, let me know. Now, let me eat before I faint from hunger.
In the kitchen, Emily reheated dinner while David sat, brooding.
What do we do? she whispered.
No idea yet. Lets see what his parents say. Maybe well figure it out together
Dinner was barely finished when Oliver called with bad newshis parents were dead against it. Harsh words had been exchanged. Not good.
Fifteen minutes later, Maya walked in, phone in hand.
Olivers mum. She wants to talk to one of you.
Emily crossed her arms. You handle it, love. I cant.
David gave her a look but took the phone, putting it on speaker.
Hello, this is David Carter, Mayas father.
Laura. Olivers mother. Our son just told us about your daughter. And given her situation, theyve made grand plans. Youre aware?
Weve spoken to Maya.
Good. Then know were firmly against this. Our son needs to focus on his degree, his career. Marriagelet alone a childisnt part of that.
Neither was our daughter rushing into marriage. But shes carrying your sons child. What do you suggest?
Your problem, Mr. Carter. First, I doubt its Olivers. Second, even if it is, this marry me, Im pregnant act wont work. She just wants securityOliver comes from a good family, after all. But we wont let her trap him. He agrees with us now and asks your daughter to leave him alone. What she does next is her business. Goodbye.
The line went dead.
David looked at his wife and daughter grimly.
Heard that? Well, well manage. The babys blamelessits fathers the coward. Take a year off, well help, and well deal with those people later.
He pulled Emily aside.
Stay with Maya tonight. Keep her calm. Ill sleep in her room.
An hour later, the doorbell rang.
Who on earth? David grumbled, answering it.
He soon returned with a young man in tow.
Oliver! Maya rushed to him. You came for me?
Yes. Mr. Carter, Emily, Im here to take Maya with me.
Where to?
Not sure yet. Well rent somewhere. Were adultsplease dont stop us. He turned to Maya. Will you come?
Of course! Anywhere!
Hold on, David raised a hand. Your mother said your whole familys against thisincluding you.
Not exactly. That was her decision. Dad goes along with her, and I pretended to agree. Then I grabbed my wallet and passport and came straight here.
Interesting! David looked impressed. Youll rent a place? With what money?
Ive saved upside gigs, a blog with subscribers. Enough for a few months rent and food. Ill earn more.
Not bad. Emily, shall we let her go? Seems the lads got more spine than we thought.
I dont know Its late.
Shes right, dont leave tonight. Lets sort this properly. Youre set on marrying?
Yes! they chorused.
And keeping the baby?
Same answer.
Then well support youwith conditions. First, you try to reconcile with your parents, Maya helps. Oliver stays here tonightguest room, no funny business. Tell your folks youre at a mates. Prep them gently for the truth. No dropping outespecially you, Oliver. Maya can take time off, catch up later. Well chip in where we can, but we wont carry you. Keep the wedding smallsave money. Big party later. Agreed?
Yes, Oliver said firmly.
But I wanted a proper wedding Maya pouted.
Not now! Oliver cut in. Well marry quietly, do the big celebration later.
Fine
Right then. Plans made, tasks set. Early start tomorrow.
As David headed to the kitchen for water, Emily stopped him.
Howd you change your mind so fast?
Fast? After that womans call, I was livid. Then this lad turns upnot the pushover I thought. He stood by Maya. Thats the kind of man Id let marry my daughter.
Youre always right, love. She kissed him and went to settle everyone in for the night.
