It was after my appointment with the obstetrician that Laura Bennett stepped out of the clinic, her face a mask of disbelief. She stared at the paper in her hand, read the line again: Pregnancy 7 to 8 weeks. How could this have happened? I didnt feel a thing, she thought, walking toward her car. Did I forget a birthcontrol pill? What now? Have a baby at fortythree? This cant be right
Laura drove home lost in thought. At a traffic light she didnt even notice the other cars pulling forward until the driver behind her blared the horn. Back in her flat she tackled the chores, trying to shove the unsettling news out of her mind.
A little after lunch, her daughter Poppy popped in for a visit, eager to share the latest gossip.
Mum, Ive got a surprise for you! she chirped, sitting at the kitchen table.
Come on then, dont keep me in suspense, Laura replied, eyes bright with curiosity.
Poppy, Sam proposed to me! the girl announced, beaming. And I said yes!
Congratulations, my dear! Laura said, tears welling as she pulled Poppy into a hug.
Sam was exactly the kind of bloke Poppys mother could have hoped for smart, driven, levelheaded, ambitious in moderation, wellbroughtup and polite. At twentyfive he earned a decent salary, lived independently and had been financially stable for years. He and Poppy had been together for almost three years, and Laura had seen enough proof of his genuine intentions.
What about the wedding? Laura asked, pouring steaming tea into mugs.
We havent set a date yet, Poppy shrugged. Were still figuring it out. Probably next summer.
Will you tell your father? Laura pressed, looking intently at her daughter.
I dont think I will, Poppy replied, frowning. Honestly, Im not even sure I want to.
Poppy, thats not right, Laura admonished. Hes your father, he loves you. I know youre hurt, but people do part ways it doesnt mean you have to cut him out of your life. I forgave him, and you should too. Dont hold a grudge, and do invite him to the wedding!
Mom, how can you say that? Poppy snapped. He left you for someone else! He was seeing his secretary behind your back for a whole year! How could you ever forgive him?
We were together for twentytwo years, built a life, raised you into the bright, beautiful woman you are, Laura tried to explain. Those were happy years, and Im grateful to your father for them. But then he fell in love with another woman.
You cant command the heart, Poppy, Laura continued. What was I supposed to do? Throw a fit, smash dishes, nurse a grudge forever? Hate him until my dying day? That would be foolish, wouldnt it?
No, I dont get it, Poppy said, shaking her head. If Sam did this to me, Id I dont even know what Id do!
Laura stopped arguing; Poppy was fiery and emotional, and she wouldnt listen. Young people simply see things differently.
After seeing Poppy off, Laura returned to the kitchen, washed the dishes, and pulled a slab of meat from the freezer for dinner. The surprise pregnancy lingered in her thoughts, and she wrestled with what to do. Giving birth at her age, and without a husband, terrified her, yet the yearning to be a mother again tugged at her heart. She rummaged through a chest of photo albums, flipping through pictures of Poppy as a baby in a onesie, smiling up at her grandmother. Later, a photo of a slightly older Poppy in a pretty dress at the city parks gate reminded Laura of the day Poppy fell from a swing, broke her knee and was stitched up, leaving a thin scar that still showed. A school portrait showed a firstgrader Poppy clutching a bouquet, with her father Simon looking solemn beside her. In that picture Laura remembered herself, then a thin young woman in a lightcoloured suit, highheeled sandals and a bob cut that seemed absurd now.
Another snapshot captured Poppy in Year5 playing SnowGirl at the Christmas concert, wearing a silver frock and rabbitfur coat Laura had sewn herself after weeks at the sewing machine. Three nights of relentless stitching later, the costume turned out brilliant. The final photo in the album showed Laura, Simon, and a grownup Poppy on a sunkissed beach in Thailand, all tanned and beaming.
A wave of sadness washed over Laura. She had once believed her family was the strongest, most united in the world. She and Simon had once been inseparable, sharing dreams and plans. Years passed, Poppy grew and brought them countless joys. Simons career rose, they bought a house, a car, travelled often. Laura opened a bridaldress studio, fulfilling a longheld ambition. Yet one thing remained out of reach: she could never carry another child to term. Shed suffered two miscarriagesthe first ended early, the second reached fourteen weeks before doctors discovered severe fetal abnormalities. The pregnancy was halted, and after a night of tears in the hospital she decided she would not try again.
Looking back, Laura saw a bitter irony. Once shed had youth, a loving husband, financial security and a fierce desire for another baby. Now, with all that gone, fate tossed her a surprise pregnancy as a cruel joke.
When Simon announced he was leaving, Laura was not shocked. Shed suspected he had a sidewoman for some time, though he dismissed it as her imagination. She launched a frantic campaign to win him back, even suggesting couples therapySimon flatout refused, calling it nonsense and accusing her of making up problems. She scoured womens forums, trying everything from heartfelt talks to a homegrown strip tease. Nothing worked. A month ago Simon packed his things and left, soon filing for divorce. Their final, painful conversation left Laura reeling. She could not understand what he had found in that office workerOlivia, a young secretary just a shade older than Poppy, with siliconefilled lips, long false lashes and a dangerously lowcut blouse. Laura had asked Simon to replace her, but he waved it off:
Lara, I dont care what she looks like. Shes efficient, smart, I cant do without her. Hiring someone new now would be a nightmare; the business has enough problems already.
Laura sensed Olivia was not the asset Simon claimed, and later her suspicions proved right. It hurt to realise her husband had swapped her for a siliconefilled doll, tearing apart years of building.
Simon left Laura a modest twobed flat in the city; he moved with Olivia to a country house. The thought of another woman living in the home that had once held so many happy memories infuriated her. Shed agreed to keep the city flat for convenience, being closer to work and because Poppy and Sam lived nearby, but the lingering discomfort never faded.
The next day, a Saturday, Laura visited her longtime friend Nina, whod known her since their children attended the same nursery. Nina greeted her with a bottle of brandy.
Lara, lets have a whisky, fifty grams each. Ive got a roast ready, perfect with brandy! she winked, pulling out shot glasses.
Thanks, Nina, but Ill pass. I cant, Laura said.
Why not? Are you on medication? Nina asked.
No, Im pregnant, Nina, Laura replied with a small smile.
Ninas eyebrows rose. So you and Simon are split, huh? Or have you taken a lover? she teased.
No lover, Nina! This child is Simons. We had a night together a couple of months agocandles, wine, lacey nightgown It didnt last, and now look. Laura placed a hand on her belly.
Nurse, youre something else! What will you do? Nina asked.
I have no idea, Laura sighed. I just found out yesterday. Im at a loss.
Nina shook her head. Youre getting on a bit, love. Raising a child alone at this age is tough. You could claim maintenance but do you want that? Poppy will be getting married soon, maybe youll have grandchildren. I wouldnt risk it. Its your call, dear.
Laura nodded, absorbing the grim advice.
She left Nina and drove to Poppys flat.
Hey, Mum! Poppy greeted. Come in. Want a coffee?
No thanks, love. I need to talk. Is Sam home? Laura asked.
Hes at his parents place helping with a renovation, Poppy replied.
Laura, nervous, told her about the pregnancy.
Mum, do you actually want this baby? Poppy asked.
Yes, I do. Im scared, Laura whispered.
What did the doctor say?
He says everything looks fine, the babys developing normally. I lost two babies before and never got a clear reason. Maybe the doctors werent that great Im terrified of going through it again. At my age, they say its risky, and the baby could have problems. Ive read horror stories online, and its overwhelming.
Listen to me, Lara, Poppy urged. Get proper checks, not internet gossip. Modern medicine does a lot; many women have healthy babies after forty. If youre fit, why not?
Laura nodded. Maybe youre right.
Whatever you decide, youll have my support, Poppy said. Will you tell Simon?
No, I dont want to.
The conversation steadied Laura. Subsequent checkups showed no health issues, and she resolved to keep the baby. She wondered whether to inform Simon, but felt he no longer mattered. Theyd met only a couple of times since the split, when he collected a few things from the flat. Six months later, Simon turned up at her studio.
Lara, Im here for the house papers. They must be with you. I called, you didnt answer. I went to the city flat but couldnt get in. Did you change the locks? he asked, eyes darting away from her rounded belly.
I did, Laura said calmly. What did you expect, Id leave the house open for you whenever you fancied a stroll? Weve settled that long ago. I have no documents to give you.
He smirked, Looks like youve been busy. Married anyone?
No, Simon, and I wont. My life is my own business.
Simon muttered something as he left, then spent the rest of the day replaying Lauras silhouette, wondering about the babys due date.
Later that afternoon, Olivia strutted into the office, hips swaying.
Darling, Im starving. Lets go out to eat, she cooed, perched on the edge of his desk.
Later, Olivia, Im tied up, Simon replied, distracted.
Come on, Simon! Cant you postpone work for me? she whined.
Go on your own then, he said.
Olivia huffed out, and Simon turned back to his computer, his mind far from spreadsheets.
When Laura went into labour, Poppy, Sam, Nina and a few of the girls from Lauras boutique were there to welcome the newborn. Sam cradled the tiny bundle in a blue envelope.
Good grief, hes so small! Its scary holding him, he muttered, gently rocking the infant.
Hes adorable, just a little treasure, Poppy cooed, smiling at her brother. He looks just like me, doesnt he, Mum?
He looks just like you, Laura laughed.
Back at home, Laura gasped at the sight of a freshlydecorated nursery: colourful garlands, balloons, and a big banner over the cot reading Happy Birthday, Dylan!the name Laura had chosen for her son. The baby was healthy, and Laura felt a surge of joy. Days slipped by in a blur of feeding, changing and occasional walks with Dylan in the nearby park, where Poppy would sit with him and let Laura catch a breather.
Look at you, Poppy, rehearsing motherhood already! Laura teased. Your turn will come soon enough, and youll be ready.
I love it! Poppy replied, winking at Sam.
A few months later a knock sounded at Lauras door. Simon stood there, a bouquet in hand.
Hello, Laura, he said, extending the flowers, which she refused.
Simon, what brings you here? she asked, arms crossed.
I know everything now. Dylan is my son. Nina told me.
That doesnt change anything, Laura replied.
Im sorry, Lara. I was a fool. Ive realized what Ive ruined. I want to be part of our childs life. Will you take me back? he pleaded.
Laura stared at her former husband, remembering how a year ago she would have given anything for those words. Now they meant nothing. An old proverb floated through her mind: He who betrays once will betray again.
No, Simon. Its far too late. Dont come back. She stepped back and slammed the door, locking it.
Let me see my son! he shouted, pounding.
Simon returned a handful of times, trying to catch Laura in the park while she pushed a pram, begging her to forgive and live together again. She stayed firm. At Poppy and Sams wedding, Simon appeared only briefly, handed over a generous cash gift, and left. Later Laura learned from mutual friends that Simon had married Olivia, but that marriage lasted only a few months before she left him for someone else.
