Maya, how old are you? her father asked quietly. It feels like youre not in your first year of uni but in primary school. Love is one thing, but you need a place to live, food to eatpractical things. Whats the rush? Do you really have to get married tomorrow? No ones against your Oliver. Let him come over, well meet him, talk, arrange a chat with his parents Am I right?
David, are you nearly home? Emily called her husband at work.
Almost. Just finishing up, he replied.
Well, dont be long! We need to talk, she said abruptly.
Has something happened? David tensed.
Well not yet, but we need to discuss it, Emily sounded flustered, though nothing bad had occurred.
Fifteen minutes later, the head of the household stepped into the flat.
Whats going on here? he asked cautiously.
Change your clothes, wash your handsno need to drop everything and save the universe just yet. She kissed him and nudged him toward the bathroom.
Soon, he was back in the lounge, changed and ready.
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 pouted, turning to the window, clearly reluctant to share.
Right, girls, David smacked the table firmly. Either you calmly explain the problem without dramatics, or you sort it out yourselvesIm off to unwind after work!
Were getting married, Emily announced with biting sarcasm. Today, apparently!
Come again? David blinked. Just like that? To whom, if I may ask?
Since Maya stayed silent, Emily took charge again.
Oliver Nicholson. You remember himhes been around a lot lately.
Ah, him. So Maya?
She clenched her jaw.
Right then, love. Cut the games. Am I supposed to dance around to get answers? Davids tone sharpened.
Oliver and I love each other! Maya burst out. Hes perfect, and were getting married!
Well, thats something, David sighed. Is he in your course?
Yes, same seminar group.
First year, David exhaled, half-amused, half-exasperated. Kids
Were not kids! Maya shot up. Were eighteenadults!
Fine. If youre adults, then lets talk like adults.
I dont want to talk! Itll just be, Youre too young, wait, stand on your own feet, test your feelingsall that boring rubbish. Youre so wise and sensible, you dont get itwere in love! And you just want to ruin it!
Maya, Im not ruining anything, David said tiredly. I just want to understand. So, 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.
Great. So, youre set on it. Where will you live? How will you afford ithave you thought about that?
It doesnt matter! If we love each other, nothing else does!
Maya, how old are you? David asked softly. Youre acting like a child. Love doesnt pay rent or put food on the table. Whats the rush? No ones against Oliverinvite him over, well meet his parents Am I right? He turned to Emily.
Absolutely. But theres a catch Theyre in a hurry for a reason.
Is Oliver being deployed?
No, not Oliver. Mayaare you going to say it, or should I?
Im not hiding it, Maya muttered. Oliver and I are having a baby.
Right, David murmured. And whats the plan?
Were getting married! Having the baby! And dont you dare talk me out of it!
Calm down. No ones forcing you. But does Olivers family know?
Hes We agreed wed both tell our parents today.
And? Has he called yet?
N-no
Fine. 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 yet. Lets see what his parents saymaybe well figure it out together.
After dinner, Olivers grim update arrived: his parents were firmly against it, their talk ending in a row. Bad news.
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 took the phone, putting it on speaker.
Hello, Im David Carter, Mayas father.
Louise. Olivers mother. Our son just told us about your daughter. And given her situation, theyve rushed ahead. Youre aware?
Yes, weve spoken to Maya.
Good. Then know thiswere firmly against it. Our son needs to study, build a career. Marriagelet alone a childisnt part of our plans.
Nor was a rushed wedding for our daughter. But theres a babyyour sons, by the way. What do you suggest?
Thats your problem, David. First, I doubt its Olivers. Second, even if it is, this marry me, Im pregnant act wont work. I understandyour daughter wants security, especially with Olivers background. But as his mother, Ill do everything to stop this. My husband agrees. Olivers come to his sensestell 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 have the babyits innocent. Youll take a gap year, then return to uni. Well help financially, babysit. As for them well deal with it later. Cowards. But for nowenough tears. Well manage.
He pulled Emily aside.
Take Maya to our room tonight. Calm her down. Ill sleep in hers.
An hour later, the doorbell rang.
Who on earth? David grumbled, answering it.
Soon, he returned with a young man.
Oliver! Maya rushed to him. You came for me?
Yes. Mr. Carter, Emily Im here to take Maya.
Take her where?
Not sure yet. Well rent a place. 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 quite. That was her decision. My father just agreed. I pretended to give in, grabbed my wallet and passport, and left.
Impressive, David admitted. But how will you afford rent?
Ive savedI run a blog, have subscribers. Itll cover us for months. Ill earn more later.
Not bad. Emily, shall we let her go? Hes sharper than we thought.
I dont know Its late.
True. Not tonight. But lets settle this. Youre set on marrying?
Yes! they chorused.
And keeping the baby?
Same answer.
Then well support youon conditions. First, you reconcile with your parents, Maya helps. Oliver stays here tonightno sneaking off. Youre just a guest for now. Text your parents youre at a friends. Then, prepare them gently. No dropping studiesespecially you, Oliver. Mayall take maternity leave, catch up later. Well help where we can, but we wont do it for you. Keep the wedding low-keysave money. A proper one can wait. Agreed?
Yes, Oliver said firmly.
But I wanted a real weddingdress, limo, guests Maya pouted.
Not now! Oliver cut in. Well marry quietly, celebrate later.
Fine
Good. Plans set. Nowbed. Early start tomorrow.
Later, Emily cornered David in the kitchen.
Howd you change your mind so fast?
Fast? After that call with his mother, I was fuming. Then he shows upno coward, standing by her. Thats the kind of man Id let marry our girl.
Youre always right, love. She kissed him, then herded everyone to bed.
