He refused to marry his pregnant girlfriend. His mother stood by him, but his father defended the unborn child.
“Dad, Ive got news,” said James as soon as he stepped through the door. “Our neighbour, Lily shes pregnant. Its mine.”
William, his father, paused for a moment before speaking calmly.
“Then marry her.”
“What? Im too young. This isnt the right time for a familyweve barely been together long enough”
“Really?” William scoffed bitterly. “So you were man enough to chase after girls, but when it comes to facing the consequences, you turn into a child. Fine.” Without another word, he raised his voice and called to his wife. “Margaret! Come here a moment!”
Margaret walked into the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron.
“Whats happened?”
“Listen. Our sons got a girl pregnant and doesnt want to marry her. Lily, the neighbours daughter. Hes hiding like a rat.”
Margaret didnt even blink. Her face hardened.
“And hes right to. Why should we take in the first girl who comes along? These girls are cunningthey find a man with money, get themselves into trouble, then come crying, Marry me! And who knows, maybe its not even his. He should get a test. Besides, theres no sense pressuring Jameshes still young. Hes a man; it was hard to resist. But were not obliged to raise someone elses child.”
William sighed deeply and said quietly,
“But what if it really is his?”
“And if it is? Should we be the ones to pay? Tell him to get the tests donethen well know for sure.”
With that, she turned and left the room, leaving William alone with his son.
“You know, I was young once too,” he began. “I loved someone else, but I married your mother. Not for love, but out of duty. Because being a man isnt just about passionits about choices and consequences. She was pregnant. I didnt know if I could be with her, but I knew one thing for certainthe child had done nothing wrong. My blood, my conscience. And James, though it wasnt easy, I never once regretted staying.”
Three months passed. The DNA test confirmed itwith 99.9% certainty, James was the father of Lilys child.
“So what?” Margaret laughed when William placed the paper in front of her. “Yes, hes the father. That doesnt mean Lily is setting foot in this house. Not a chance! Ive said my piece.”
James stood there, staring at his hands. The conflict was clear on his facehed chosen his mothers side. He clenched his fists but said nothing.
William slowly rose from the table.
“If the two of you have made your decision, then hear mine.”
His voice was quiet but sharp as a blade.
“As long as I live, my grandson will want for nothing. Ive got landIll build him a house, and everything Ive worked for will go to him. And the two of you? Not a penny from me. I refuse to be part of this shame. James, from today, youre no longer my son. Everything I have goes to the child. Not a single pound will come to you.”
Margaret exploded.
“Have you lost your mind? Youd cut off your own son?”
William didnt answer. He simply turned and walked away, ignoring her shouts and curses. James remained standing, unable to believe what hed just heard. But he knew one thingwhen William spoke, he meant it.
