For as long as I can remember, I always believed Charles was an arrogant golden boy. He had everything one could wish fora private flat, a car, designer clothes.
I, on the other hand, was always the plain Jane in the background. I kept it a secret that my parents were heavy drinkers, and that Id been working since I was fourteen. Over the years, I taught myself to sew and repair clothes, so Id fix bits and bobs for friends whenever I could.
At the very start of university, my year mates decided to throw a party. What surprised me most was receiving an invitation too. I was desperate to prove to everyone that I mattered.
With no spare money for a dress, I stitched one together myself. My neighbour styled my hair. When I arrived at the party, my friends didnt even recognise me at first. Charles noticed, though, and seemed to keep an eye on me all evening. As I tried to slip away, he caught up and offered me a lift home.
Out of embarrassment, I gave him the address next to mine as I didnt want him seeing where I actually lived. From that night, we started seeing each other, slowly falling in love. His arrogance faded, as he always treated me like his equal.
Everything was going well until my classmates found out where I worked, and began to mock me. I was mortified. With no other option, I went straight to the deans office and handed in a request for a transfer.
At the time, I thought that if I lay low for a year, maybe everyone would forget about me and perhaps I could even switch to a different course. Looking back, it was a terrible idea, but I truly thought it was my only escape. I changed my phone number, which ended my relationship with Charles, and two months later, I learned I was pregnant.
I had no one to share the news with. I worked all day, and at night I cried into my pillow. My parents were in a permanent stupor and constantly pestered me for money for their drink. My godmother noticed all this and kindly took me in.
Telling her my story brought a bit of relief. She was the one who went with me to the maternity ward, and the first person I told that my son had been born. My little boy was blonde and blue-eyedan absolute cherub. I couldnt get enough of gazing at him.
Then, out of the blue, a message came from Charles, saying he loved us both and wanted to be with us. I was discharged from hospital the next day, and found myself terrified at the thought of facing my boyfriend again. To this day, I remember standing at the door, holding my son tight and unable to meet Charless eyes.
How foolish Id beenmissing out on nearly a year of happiness for nothing. How could I have even thought of leaving him for good? Only seeing the love and tenderness in Charless eyes as he held our son did I finally realise what truly mattered.
If theres anything I learned from it all, its not to let shame and fear rule my choices. Sometimes happiness is right in front of youyou just need the courage to reach out for it.
