Why should a good-looking, successful chap like myself bother with marriage? I pondered. Meanwhile, my parents were thinking, When will we ever have grandchildren?
That evening, I dropped my friend off at her flat and returned to mine. I fried up some eggs with bacon, sat at the table, and finally turned my phone on, which had been off all night. Missed calls flashed on the screen.
Mum called, I muttered. No doubt shell complain about how useless I am
Not that I actually was. Id carved out a decent career, owned a two-bedroom flat in Reading, and had my own car. But at twenty-five, to my parents endless disappointment, I still wasnt married.
Why should a man like me tie the knot? I mused again.
When will we ever meet our grandchildren? my parents probably sighed.
I rang Mum:
Hello, Mum! How are you? I asked.
Im fine, she replied curtly.
And Dad?
Hes all right too. You could come and visit, you know. Its half an hour in the car and we havent seen you for months. Dads about to turn the garden its time to plant potatoes.
Mum, I cant today. I promise Ill come next weekend.
Youve been promising that for ages when are you bringing your girlfriend?
Mum, honestly, next weekend Ill come. And Ill bring my girlfriend. Promise! The words just leapt out.
Oh, with your fiancée?
Er, not quite yet.
Son, Im so glad! Well see you next Saturday. Ill make lots of your favourites!
When the call ended, I stared into space, troubled.
Why did I have to open my big mouth? Who would I bring home as a fiancée? Emma? Why not? Ill have a nap and ring her later. Though my parents wouldnt be keen on her. And a girl like Emma wouldnt be at all impressed by the rustic life. Still, she could come for a visit. Never mind. Time for sleep
I left the frying pan on the table and went to bed.
When I woke and remembered my promise to Mum, I called my friend.
Hi, gorgeous, I said.
Hello, Andrew, she replied coolly.
Emma, are you still sleepy? Ill pop round.
Andrew, we shouldnt see each other anymore. My plans have changed.
What do you mean, changed? I was already getting annoyed.
Im getting married.
Ill come over and speak to you and your fiancé
She hung up at once.
I threw the phone on the sofa, frustrated. Usually, I was the one to end things with girls, and now I was the one left.
I wandered to the bathroom, then to the kitchen for coffee, wondering,
How am I supposed to find a fiancée for my parents now? Maybe someone from my recent friend list? But theyd think I was being serious
Before I could finish my coffee, the car alarm started blaring. I dashed out, annoyed. I always parked my car behind my blocknot the busiest spot, but you could keep an eye on it, even at night. A man in his forties or fifties was standing by my car, staring up at my window.
Whos that? I muttered, confused.
I threw on my trainers and rushed outside.
Excuse me, sir, what are you doing? I called.
Listen, mate! he replied snidely. If I catch you near Emma again, dont say I didnt warn you.
Oh, get lost!
Suddenly, another burly bloke appeared.
I tried to reply but everything went black
Andrew! Andrew!
I came to, a rather plain girl leaning over me. The thought flashed through my mind: Ive seen her before somewhere.
Can you hear me? Do I need to call an ambulance?
No, Im fine. Theres a first aid kit in the car, I smiled. Can you handle it?
Yes, I trained as a nurse.
I looked at her closely, then rememberedshe lived in the next block. Shed always say hello, but Id vaguely assumed she was a teenager. What was her name? She seemed to sense my confusion.
Im Alice. I live next door.
Hop in, Alice! I opened the back door. The kits in there.
She got to work, tending my cut.
Its nothing serious.
Thanks!
Glancing in the mirror, I caught her eyes, as if she was asking me whether she should leave.
Come on, lets get coffee at leastI still havent managed breakfast.
Dressed like this? she looked down at her T-shirt and joggers.
Why not? Look at meIm hardly suited up.
No, honestly, I cant.
Fine, I grinned, well change and go together.
Half an hour later, she emerged in a plain summer dress, a bit of cheap make-up on her face. Suddenly, I fancied just going for a walk instead of driving.
Alice, fancy a walk?
Lets, she said and took my arm.
All the way to the café, Alice chatted away. Inside, she glanced over the menu, eyes caught more by the prices than the dishes themselves. Realising she probably didnt get out to places like this often, I beckoned to the waiter.
Bring her something really tasty, and a coffee, please!
And yourself, sir?
Just coffee for me.
Weve an amazing cheesecake.
Perfect.
Afterwards, we walked back, parting ways at her block.
The work week whizzed by. Friday evening, I got home and rememberedMum was expecting me at theirs tomorrow, with a girlfriend. What now?
I made myself tea and a sandwich, thoughts drifting back to tomorrows visit. Ill go alone, I decided. Mum will just be disappointed again. I needed a plan.
Suddenly, inspiration struck.
I could bring Alice! Id not seen her since Sunday, but I could say Id been busy with work.
I quickly ate, shaved, got dressed smartly, and set off for her block.
I knew roughly where she lived, but there were fifteen flats in that section. All I had was her first name.
I was standing about awkwardly when the blocks front door opened, and there she wassame old T-shirt and joggers, probably spotted me from the window.
She hesitated.
Hello, Alice!
Hello, Andrew! she beamed.
Thought Id ask if you fancy a walk?
Im not dressed for it
Ill wait, I smiled. Half an hour enough?
Yes, and she dashed back inside.
Mum, whats the rush? her mother asked as Alice rushed about.
Im just going out, Mum.
Why so sudden?
But Alice didnt answer, hurrying from room to room. Her Mum peered out the window and then dashed over.
Youre going out with Andrew?
Yes, Mum.
What do you need that handsome boy for?
Im twenty now, Mum, Alice said with a bashful smile.
Havent you seen the girls who usually go to see him?
Mum, please dont scold me!
Oh, what am I going to do with you
But Alice was already in her room. She knew the whole block would be gossipingeveryone knew Andrew, and that she was the quiet one. Now that label would have was added to it. She didnt care anymore.
Alice left, firmly taking my arm, probably knowing her Mum was watching. She asked,
So, where to?
Lets walk to the park, pop in for coffee, stay out under the moon
We took a stroll in the park, sat in a café, and hugged for ages under the night sky. Then her mother rang.
Alice, its one in the morning!
Im coming! she responded, eyes cast down. Andrew, Id better go now.
Ill walk you home
We hugged again at her blocks door. Then I said, not so much asked but declared (in a tone that brooked no refusal):
Were visiting my parents tomorrow
Brian! Mum cried, spotting the car as we arrived next day. Andrews back!
About time he remembered his parents! Dad called back.
Hes brought a girl! Mum shrieked, racing out into the garden.
Mum dashed up to us, looking between me and Alice.
And you are, my dear?
Im Alice, she replied, flustered.
Im Maureen. Come in, dear, please!
Thank you!
Dad came out, giving Alice a hearty welcome.
At last, our son has brought home a lovely girl! Whats your name, love?
Alice.
Im Brianjust call me Uncle Brian.
Alice was clearly taken aback by their warmth. Shed expected reproachful stares, for being such a plain girl beside their handsome son. Instead, their joy was written all over them.
Inside, the table was laden as if they were entertaining royalty!
The inquisition began.
Alice came from a normal family and had imagined my parents would be rather haughty, but they were down-to-earth, just like her own.
After lunch, Dad and I went to turn over the vegetable plot. Alice offered to help Mum.
Auntie Maureen, shall I clear the table and do the washing up?
Well do it together! Mum gave her a happy smile.
After Dad and I finished the garden, everyone pitched in to plant the potatoes.
When it was done, Alice said softly,
I should get home, Mum will worry.
Oh, nonsense, said Mum, coming over. Have supper and stay the night. Go on, phone your mother!
Alice rang her mum.
Mum, can I stay over?
Do you understand what youre asking, darling? You promised youd be back tonight.
Maureen motioned for the phone.
Whats your mums name, Alice?
Pauline.
Hello, Pauline, its Maureen, Andrews mum.
Hello, Maureen!
Alice will stay with us tonight, dont worry. Big house, theyll be in separate rooms, I promise.
Well, I I suppose thats all right
They chatted for a good half hour.
We only started heading home the next evening. Mum packed an enormous bag of food for us, mostly fussing over Alice.
This bags for Andrew, but these two are for you!
Auntie Maureen, we cant take so much.
You city folk never eat properly, thats why youre so thin.
Mum sidled up to me as Dad and I loaded the car.
Handed your marriage application in yet, then?
Mum! We havent even spoken about it.
Well, hurry up!
Mum, well see.
Youll lose a lovely girl if you dont! she wagged her finger. Dont you dare bring anyone else!
As soon as we drove off, I saw Mum on her phone.
Pauline, theyre on their way. Alls well. Ive sent some farm goodies with Alice.
Oh, Maureen, you shouldnt have!
Dont fuss! God willing, well be in-laws soon.
Oh, Maureen, really but Pauline sounded pleased.
My boys already twenty-five. Hes got his own place, a carwhat more could a girl want? Dont know whats going on in Alices head
Her head? Shes completely lost her mind over your Andrew!
Well, if we dont steer them right, who will? sounded like Mum meant business.
Your Andrews a good catch, Maureen
And your Alice is a treasureso hardworking.
I know. Cleans up and cooks better than me
Driving back, I found myself chuckling quietly. Alice noticed.
Andrew, whats so funny?
My parents liked you.
Dont be silly.
Mum told me not to let such a lovely girl slip by.
And what did you say
That I wont let you go! I smiled.
We looked at each other, both with shy happiness shining in our eyes.
I learnt something: sometimes the things you didnt expectsimple joys, genuine peopleare exactly what youve been missing. And perhaps, Mum was rightit might just be time to stop running from happiness and let someone into your life for real.
