Blythe, why do we need a baby? my wife says, Were fine as a pair! Love, kids bring endless trouble they ruin sleep, demand roundtheclock care. My figure will suffer, Ill get plump Do we really want all that? Lets push parenthood back a good six years.
James and Blythe have been married for five years, and at first everything feels like a fairytale. Then James gently steers the conversation toward motherhood, while Blythe keeps delaying, and eventually she bluntly declares she doesnt even want to hear about children. Their relationship frays, arguments flare. James drops to humiliating blackmail, but in recent months Blythe keeps repeating:
James, whats the point of a bundle of spit and snot? Sleepless nights, openended nappy changes, a figure like a cow after calving, constant fatigue. And thats just the harmless stuff! I dont want to bury my youth for that. Lets wait a while.
To James, his wifes words hit like thunder. Before they wed, Blythe dreamed of a big family, assuring him:
Of course, love, well have lots of kids! At least three! But not right away, okay? Well live for ourselves a bit, settle in, then have them.
Five years later, Blythe suddenly claims shes not ready for children. James, who has always wanted an heir, urges her that the time is long overdue:
Blythe, weve been together eight years, five of them married. Isnt it time to think about continuing the line? Weve got a flat, a car, a maternity fund, savings for a baby. What are we waiting for?
What makes you think now is the right moment? Blythe snaps. I think we should still enjoy ourselves. I have so many plans, so much I want to achieve! A child doesnt fit into any of them. James, arent we fine as two? We have everything! Why do we need a third?
What do you mean a third? Are you calling the baby a stranger? James retorts, irritated. When will you be ready? In a proper family children belong. I want to be a father, period! I dont understand why youve changed your mind so sharply. Before the wedding you said the opposite!
Its easy for you to talk! Blythe erupts. You dont have nine months of a growing belly, you dont suffer nausea, you dont fight the extra weight! Ive been at the gym five years! And now everythings wasted? I wont ruin my shape, I wont give up my lifestyle! After a baby Id lose friends, shop trips, a normal life for five years! Why would I want that?
Everyone lives like that! James tries to reason. Its no big deal, the child will grow, youll get back to your hobbies. Ill help with everything!
James, lets revisit this in five or six years, okay? Im not ready now. I dont want us fighting; just accept my view. After all, its my body, I decide what to do with it. I wont let it go to waste!
At first James tries every tactic. They watch movies about happy families, stroll through parks and by playgrounds, he even drags Blythe to his sisters house where a fourth baby has just arrived, hoping shell warm to a newborn. Blythe shows no enthusiasm; she even flinches when a hand touches the infant. Her maternal instinct seems absent.
Having exhausted every approach, James finally sets an ultimatum:
Blythe, if you dont want children from me, were not meant for each other. Lets divorce. Well each go our own way. Youll find someone who shares your outlook, and I I wont be left alone.
Blythe recoils; she never imagined separation. She works from home, and James helps with the household. A split would mean finding a new job and a new flat.
James, wait! she pleads, What are you talking about? Divorce? Would you really lose me over this?
Its not a joke! James snaps. I grew up in a full family, with siblings. A childless marriage is doomed. Were wasting time. You lied to me for years. I asked about kids before we married and you always said yes. Now you claim its about fear of gaining weight. Its absurd!
But why cant we just enjoy ourselves? A child means massive expenses. Wed have to give up a lot. Youd be fine, but Id have to overhaul my life! With a baby you cant go out, youre stuck at home all the time. Sleepless nights, endless tiredness. Im not ready for that. Is that so hard to understand?
Ill hire a nanny! A housekeeper! Our parents will pitch in! Whats the problem? James exclaims. The problem is your attitude toward the child. Theres not a hint of tenderness in your eyes! Blythe, tell me what you really want. How do you picture our future?
Blythe cant admit that children arent in her plans. She wants to travel, buy designer things, and needs a husband who pays for it. Though she feels affection for James, finances are a major factor.
She finds no support. Her aunt bluntly tells her:
Blythe, youre disgraceful! Youve lost all shame! Have you forgotten youre married? Youre hopping from bar to bar while your husband works! Stop bringing shame on our family!
What am I doing wrong? James knows where I go, not every day! Weekends Im home, locked in! Please, give me advice. James and I argue constantly about kids. He wants them, I dont. Why now? Could you talk to him? He respects you, maybe hell listen?
I wont speak to him! the aunt snaps. Hes right. Its high time you have a baby! Then youll have a clear head!
Blythe refuses to back down. After all, its her body. To distract James, she pretends to agree. One day she dramatically throws a packet of nappies on the floor and declares:
Fine, James, Ill have a baby for you but only if a nanny raises him while I pursue my own life!
James believes her. Meanwhile, Blythe secretly takes contraceptive pills, and to keep James unsuspecting she visits a familiar doctor a few times. He waves his hands and advises patience:
I see no problem. Just relax! Forget about the baby for a while. Ive seen many couples who, after years of infertility, simply let things happen and it works out naturally!
Six months later the unexpected happens: a pregnancy test shows two lines. Blythe panics. What now? Give birth? Destroy the life shes built?
James wanders into the bathroom unexpectedly. Blythe tries to hide the test behind her back, but its too late.
Whats that youve got? James asks, drawing nearer.
Blythe stays silent, head bowed. James snatches the test from her hands.
Blythe! Is it true? Youre pregnant! Oh my God, Im going to be a father! He lifts her onto his arms, twirls her around the bathroom. Thank you, love! This is the happiest day of my life!
Blythe forces a smile. What now? How to manage this?
They celebrate at a restaurant. A new ring glints on Blythes finger, James sits opposite her in a crisp suit, beaming, repeatedly saying:
Well be the best parents ever! I promise youll never lack anything! Thank you, darling!
That night Blythe cant fall asleep. Jamess happy face haunts her, and dark thoughts creep in:
Maybe a child will really improve our life? she wonders. Maybe Im just scared of change? I could lose weight, stay fit women manage it. And after all, its a child from the man I love For the first time in years her heart trembles. A new, unfamiliar feeling awakens. Maybe she made the right choice?
Nine months fly by. James carries Blythes cravings, fulfills all her whims. He picks the hospital, they attend prenatal classes together. Blythe leans on his support, yet fear of labour and motherhood never leaves her.
On the due date Blythe delivers a healthy baby boy. When the midwife places him on her chest, she sees his tiny face, a little wrinkled bundle that bears an uncanny resemblance to James, letting out a funny squeak. All her doubts melt away.
My, Blythe whispers, tears streaming down her cheeks.
They name him Samuel. From the first days, Blythe immerses herself in motherhood. She nurses, sings lullabies, roams the park with him. She even feels a twinge of jealousy when James holds Samuel. Each evening, sitting beside her sons cot, she asks herself how she could ever have been so foolish. She stays up late just watching him sleep, memorizing the rhythm of his breath. James finds her there one night, her fingers gently brushing the babys cheek, and without a word, he wraps a blanket around her shoulders. In the quiet glow of the nightlight, she leans into him, and for the first time, she feels not loss, but fullnessa love deeper than fear, wider than doubt. The life she thought she was losing becomes the one she cant imagine living without.
