Maya, how old are you? her father asked softly. It feels like youre not at university but still in primary school. Love is one thing, but you need a place to live, food to eatbasic things. Wheres the fire? Do you have to get married tomorrow? No ones against your Oleglet him come over, well meet him, talk properly, even arrange something with his parents. Am I right?
David, when are you coming home? Emily called her husband at work.
Soon. Just finishing up, he replied.
Well, dont dawdle! We need to talk, she blurted.
Something wrong? Davids voice tightened.
Hard to say nothings happened yet, but we need to chat. Emily was clearly uneasy, though no disaster loomed.
Fifteen minutes later, the head of the household stepped inside.
Whats all this? he asked cautiously.
Change, wash upno need to drop everything and save the universe just yet. She kissed him and nudged him toward the bathroom.
Soon, freshened up, he joined them in the living room.
Come on, Emily led him to their daughters room. Maya sat on her bed, eyes red.
Whats happened? David kept his voice steady.
Ask your daughter, Emily huffed. Go on, tell your father what youve decided!
Maya pouted, turning toward the window, stubbornly silent.
Right then, David slapped the table. Either you both explain calmly, without hysterics, or sort it yourselves. Ive just got homeId like to relax.
Were getting married, Emily announced with biting sarcasm. Today, apparently!
Come again? David blinked. Just like that? And whos the lucky man?
Maya stayed mute, leaving Emily to field it again.
Oliver Nicholson. You rememberhes been round a lot lately.
Ah. So Maya?
She folded her arms.
Right. Enough games. Should I dance a jig to get an answer? Davids patience frayed.
We love each other! Maya burst out. Hes perfect, and were getting married!
Finally, some clarity, David sighed. Hes in your uni group?
Yes.
First year, David exhaled, half-amused, half-dismayed. Kids
Were not kids! Were eighteenadults!
Fine. If youre adults, well talk like adults.
I dont want to! Itll just be, Youre too young, wait, get stable, test your feelingsand other boring rubbish. Youre all wise and proper, but you dont get it. We love each other, and you want to ruin it!
Im not ruining anything, David rubbed his temples. Im trying to understand. You and Oliver love each other? Maya nodded defiantly. Good. And you want to marry? Both of you, or just you?
Dont insult Oliver! He wants it too.
Bravo. So, the desires there. Where will you live? How will you afford it? Thought about that?
It doesnt matter! Love is all we need!
Maya, how old are you? David repeated softly. Youre acting like a child. Love doesnt pay rent or put food on the table. Why the rush? No ones against Oliverlet him come over, well meet his parents. Am I right? He glanced at Emily.
Absolutely. But theres a catch theyre in a hurry.
What, Olivers being drafted?
Not Oliver. Maya, why am I explaining? Spit it out.
Im not silent! Maya snapped. Oliver and I are having a baby.
Ah. David blinked. And your plan?
Get married! Have the baby! And dont you dare talk me out of it!
Calm down. No ones talking you out of anything. Butdo Olivers parents know?
Hes We agreed wed each tell them today.
And? He hasnt called?
N-no.
Right. When he does, let me know. Now, let me eat before your drama starves me.
In the kitchen, Emily reheated dinner.
What do we do? she whispered.
No idea. Honestly. Lets hear what his parents say first.
Just as he finished, grim news arrivedOlivers parents were firmly against it. A nasty row had erupted.
Minutes later, Maya emerged, phone in hand.
Olivers mum. She wants to talk.
Emily crossed her arms. You handle it. I cant.
David shot her a look but took the phone, putting it on speaker.
Hello, David Hartley here.
Louise. Olivers mother. Our son just announced theyre dating. And given her condition, theyve clearly progressed. Grand plans, I hear. You knew?
Yes.
Good. Then know thiswere firmly against these grand plans. He needs to study, build a career. Marriage? A baby? Not in our vision.
Nor in ours. But theres a baby comingyour sons, might I add. Whats your solution?
Your problem, Mr. Hartley. First, I doubt its Olivers. Second, even if it is, this rush into marriage tactic wont work. Shes after securityour boys from a good family, has prospects. As a woman, I get it. But as his mother, Ill ensure this ends. My husband agrees. Olivers seen sense. Tell your daughter to leave him be. What she does nextbirths it or notisnt our concern. Goodbye.
The line died. David stared at his family.
Heard that? Fine. Well manage. The babys innocent. Take a gap year, return later. Well help. But those people? Cowards. Not my son, not my problem. Enough. Cry if you must, but briefly. Well cope.
He pulled Emily aside.
Take Maya to our room tonight. Talk her down. Ill sleep in hers.
An hour later, the doorbell rang.
Who now? David grumbled, answering.
Soon, a young man stood in the living room.
Oliver! Maya flung herself at him. You came for me?
Yes. Mr. Hartley, Emily, Im here to take Maya.
Take her where?
Not sure yet. Well rent somewhere. Were adultsplease dont stop us. Will you come? he asked Maya.
Of course!
Hold on, David raised a hand. Press questions. Your mother said your whole familys against thisyou included.
Not quite. That was Mum. Dad just nods along. I pretended to agree, grabbed my wallet and passport, and left.
Impressive, David admitted. Youll rentwith what money?
Savings. Ive a blog, a channel. Enough for months. Then Ill earn more.
Hmm. Emily, thoughts? Hes sharper than we thought.
I dont know Its late.
Right, no rushing off tonight. Lets settle this. Youre marrying?
Yes! they chorused.
And keeping the baby?
Same answer.
Then well support youon conditions. One: you reconcile with your parents, Maya helps. Two: Oliver stays here tonightguest rules. Text yours youre at a mates. Three: no dropping out. Maya can defer, catch up later. Well help financially, but we wont carry you. Four: low-key registry for nowsave money. Fancy wedding later. Agreed?
Yes, Oliver said firmly.
But I wanted a proper wedding! Maya pouted.
Not now, Oliver cut in. Well do it right later.
Fine.
Good. Plans set. Early starts tomorrow.
Later, Emily cornered David in the kitchen.
Howd you flip so fast?
Flip? That woman made my blood boil. Then he shows upno coward, standing by her. Thats a man worth our girl.
Youre always right, she kissed him, then shepherded everyone to bed.
To stay updated on more stories like this, follow the page! Leave your thoughts belowcomments and likes welcome.
