Maya, how old are you? Father asked quietly. Sometimes I wonder if youre not a first-year university student but still in primary school. Love is all well and good, but you need a roof over your head, food on the tabledont you? Whats the rush? Must you marry tomorrow? No ones against your Oliver. Let him come round, lets meet him properly, have a talk with his parents Am I right?
David, will you be home soon? Emily called her husband at work.
Nearly done. Be there shortly, he replied.
Well, dont dawdle! Weve something to discuss, she added abruptly.
Something wrong? David tensed.
Hard to say hasnt happened yet, but we ought to talk. Emily sounded flustered, though nothing dire seemed afoot.
Fifteen minutes later, the head of the household stepped through the door.
Whats all this? he asked warily.
Change your clothes, wash upno need to drop everything and save the world just yet. She kissed him and nudged him toward the bathroom.
Soon, tidied up, he joined them in the parlour.
Come, Emily said, leading 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 snapped. Go on, Maya, tell your father what youve decided!
Maya pouted, turning toward the window, unwilling to speak.
Right then, David thumped the table. Either you both explain calmly, without hysterics, or sort it yourselves while I rest after work!
Were getting married, Emily announced with biting sarcasm. Today, no less!
Come again? David blinked. Just like that? To whom, might I ask?
As Maya stayed stubbornly silent, Emily took the reins again:
Oliver Whitman. Remember him? Been round often lately.
Ah. So, daughter?
Maya said nothing.
Right. Enough games. Must I dance about to get answers? Davids tone turned stern.
Oliver and I love each other! Maya burst out. Hes wonderful, and were getting married!
At least weve clarity now, David sighed. Is he in your class?
Yes. Same group.
First year, David muttered, half to himself. Children
Were not children! Maya shot up. Were eighteenadults!
Fine. If youre adults, well talk as adults.
I dont want to talk! Itll just be, Youre too young, wait, stand on your own feet, test your feelingsall that dull nonsense. Youre wise, proper grown-ups who cant grasp one simple thing: were in love! And youd ruin it!
Ive no wish to ruin anything, David said wearily. I want to understand. So, you and Oliver love each other? Maya nodded defiantly. Good. And you wish to marry? Both of you, or just you?
Dont insult Oliver! He wants it too.
Splendid. Youve the desire. But where will you live? How will you manage? Have you thought it through?
That doesnt matter! Love is all we need!
Maya, how old are you? David asked softly. Sometimes I wonder if youre not a first-year student but still in primary school. Love wont feed you or house you. Whats the rush? Must you marry tomorrow? No ones against Oliver. Let him come, lets meet his parents Am I right? He turned to Emily.
Quite right. But theres a snag Theyve reason to hurry.
Olivers been conscripted?
Not Oliver. Maya. Must I say everything for you?
Im not silent! Maya glowered. Oliver and I are having a baby.
I see, David murmured. And what do you plan to do?
Marry! Have the baby! And dont you dare talk me out of it!
Easy now. No ones talking you out of anything. But does Olivers family know?
Hes We agreed wed each tell our parents today.
And? He hasnt rung back?
N-no
Right. When he does, tell me. Now, let me eat, or Ill starve amidst your theatrics.
In the kitchen, Emily warmed supper and set a plate before him.
What shall we do? she whispered.
Dunno yet. Lets hear what his parents say first.
No sooner had he finished than grim news came: Olivers parents were dead against it. Harsh words had flown. Bad business.
Fifteen minutes later, Maya entered, phone in hand.
Olivers mother. She wants to speak to one of you.
Emily crossed her arms.
You talk, love. I cant.
David shot her a look but took the call, putting it on speaker.
Hello. David Whitmore. Mayas father.
Louise. Olivers mother. Our son tells us hes involved with your daughter. And, given her condition, matters have progressed. Grand plans, I hear. Youre aware?
Weve spoken with Maya.
Good. Then know we oppose these grand plans. Our son must study, build a career. Marriage in his first yearlet alone a childisnt part of our vision.
Nor was hasty marriage ours. But your sons child grows in our daughter. What do you propose?
Your problem, Mr. Whitmore. First, I doubt its Olivers. Second, even if it is, this marry quick trick wont work. Your daughters keenOlivers from good stock, comfortable means. But as his mother, Ill ensure hes left alone. He agrees. Tell Maya to cease contact. What she does nextkeeps it or notis her affair. Goodbye.
The line went dead. David eyed his women grimly.
Heard that? Well, well raise the childits blameless. Youll take leave, return later. Well help. As for them well deal with them. Cowards! He pulled Emily aside. Take Maya with you tonight. Calm her. Ill sleep in her room.
An hour later, the doorbell rang.
Who the devils this? David grumbled, answering.
Soon, he returned with a young man.
Oliver! Maya rushed to him. Youve come for me?
Yes. Mr. Whitmore, EmilyIm here to take Maya.
Take her where?
Not sure yet. Well rent somewhere. Were adultsId ask you not to interfere. Will you come? he asked Maya.
Of course! Anywhere!
Hold on, David raised a hand. Press conference. Your mother says your whole familys against thisyou included.
Not quite. Mother decided. Father nods along. I pretended to yield, then took my wallet and came.
Well, well! David was pleasantly surprised. Youd rent a placewith what funds?
Ive saved. Worked eveningsa blog, a channel. Enough for months. Ill earn more.
Not bad. What dyou say, Em? Shall we let her go? Lads not so simple.
Where to, at this hour?
Aye, best not tonight. Now, lets settle this. Youll marry?
Yes! both chorused.
And keep the child?
Same answer.
Then well support youbut conditions. First: youll seek peace with his parents, and youll help, Maya. Oliver stays here tonightno gallivanting. Youre a guest for now. Tell your folks youre with friends. Then prepare them gently for the truthno rows! Studies arent droppedespecially yours, Oliver. Mayall take leave, catch up later. Well help where we canfunds, babysittingbut we shant live your lives. Keep the wedding quiet for nowsave funds. Celebrate properly later. Agreed?
Yes, Oliver said firmly.
But I wanted a proper weddingveil, limousine, guests, Maya sulked.
Not now! Oliver said. Well wed quietly, celebrate later.
Fine
Right. Plans set, tasks given. Early start tomorrow.
Later, Emily cornered David in the kitchen.
Howd you change tack so fast?
Fast? After that womans call, I was fuming. Then this ladI thought him a mamas boyturns out hes got spine. Stood by his love. Thats a man worth giving our girl to.
Youre right, as ever. She kissed him and saw everyone settled.
