So picture this: Emily was standing right in the doorway, holding Jacks hand like her life depended on it. You could see the nerves all over her face, and her legs were practically wobbling.
Mum, this is my girlfriend, Emily, Jack said, fresh off yet another work trip.
Hed been away for two weeks, and this time, he didnt come home alone. Jack and his parents lived in a little two-bedroom flat in Manchester. So, at night, Emily would sleep in Jacks room, and Jack would end up kipping on the sofa in the kitchen.
His mum raised an eyebrow and asked, Where did you find her? Young folks these days, always dressed up in shiny clothes and bits of metal poking out of their eyebrows.
Mum, honestly, I got lucky, Jack replied. Met her at the student halls I got put in. She grew up in a childrens home, actually.
The next morning, Jacks sister, Laura, popped round to see their mum.
So, where are the youngsters?
Theyve nipped to the registrar to put in the paperwork.
Jacks really too young for this, you know. And why does he need to go dragging an orphan into things? Best keep an eye on your valuableswho knows what she could be thinking?
What rubbish are you spouting? Jacks mum snapped.
I grew up in a childrens home too. Are you saying I turned out any different? Their dad piped up, quick to stand up for Emily.
Just you wait, her nature will come through sooner or later, Laura carried on, still suspicious.
Dont you dare talk about Emily like that! Jacks father shouted.
Jacks parents both believed it was up to their son to choose his own way in life, so they decided not to interfere. The young couple agreed to stay with Jacks parents for a bit, but planned to get their own place soon after. Thing is, Emily wasnt exactly a natural around the house. Jacks mum nearly gave up a few times, but his dad always had Emilys back.
Later on, Jack mentioned Emily was hoping to study English at university. It turned out Jack would be the only one earning for a while. Of course, Jacks mum wasnt thrilled about it, but she knew these days you cant do much without a degree.
After a while, the couple moved into a little place of their own. Emily picked up a part-time job as a teaching assistant.
Jacks mum still worried about her son, so she offered to have them back if things got tricky. But Jacks dad totally respected the couples decision to do things their own way.
One day, Jacks aunt popped round holding two frying pans.
Look what Ive got! You can have one for a few quid. Perfect for your kidseveryones feeling the pinch, and theyll be feeling it even more.
You know, my two are doing just fine, thanks, Jacks mum replied. Emilys managing her studies, the cooking, the cleaning, all of it.
Jacks mum handed Emily one of the pans and gave her a quick tip: Only ever use a wooden spoon with this, mind.
A week later, Jacks mum stopped by to visit Emily. She found her in the kitchen, in tears.
Ive ruined the chops, Emily sobbed. I scrubbed the pan with a scourer. It was your present, and Ive ruined it.
Stop it, love, its all right, Jacks mum rushed over and gave her a hug, trying to calm her down.
Jack walked in to find them both sitting on the floor. He looked like he wanted to say something, but just sighed and waved a handhe figured theyd sort themselves out.
Eighteen years went by just like that. Emily worked her way up to deputy headteacher. In all that time, Jacks mum started thinking of Emily as her own daughter, even though Laura, the sister, never stopped being a bit jealous.
At the end of the day, does it really matter where someone grew up as long as theyre honest and kind?
