Victoria stood nervously on the doorstep, gripping Marks hand tightly. I could see the fear in her eyes, and her legs were almost quaking.
Mum, this is my girlfriend. Her names Victoria, Mark said, having just returned from another business trip.
Hed been away for a fortnight and hadnt come back alone. Mark and his parents lived in a modest two-bedroom flat. Therefore, at night, Victoria slept in Marks room while he camped out in the kitchen.
Where on earth did you find her? Mum asked. All the young people today seem to dress so flashy, and half of them have piercings in their eyebrows.
Mum, I was lucky to meet her. We were both assigned to the same halls at university. She actually grew up in a childrens home.
The next morning, Marks sister popped in for a visit.
So, where have the youngsters disappeared to?
Theyve gone to the local registry office to put in paperwork, Mum answered.
Marks hardly experienced. And why saddle himself with some orphan? Best hide your silver nowa person like that, you never know what shes thinking.
What are you going on about? Mum snapped.
Im from a childrens home, too, you know. Do you think Im some sort of criminal? Marks dad stood up for Victoria.
Just wait and see. Her real nature will come out soon enough, Marks sister muttered.
Dont you dare speak of Victoria like that! the old man barked.
Marks parents believed he had the right to make his own choices, so they kept out of his affairs. The young couple decided to live with his parents for a while and then move out on their own. In truth, Victoria wasnt a born hostessmy wife tried to put up with it, but my father kept supporting the girl through every mishap.
Later, Mark told us Victoria planned to study English literature at university. It looked like hed be the only breadwinner for the foreseeable future. My wife didnt like that arrangement, but she knew a degree was essential these days and didnt interfere.
Eventually, the young couple moved into their own little flat. Victoria took a part-time job as a teaching assistant.
My wife felt sympathy for our son and suggested they move back in for a bit. But my father respected their independence and stood by their decision to manage on their own.
One day, my wifes sister brought round a couple of frying pans.
Look what Ive got! Ill sell you one if you fancypass it on to the kids. Everyones struggling nowadays, and theyll be harder up than most.
You know, the kids are managing well. Victoria studies, keeps the place tidy, and cooks supper, my wife replied.
My wife handed the frying pan to Victoria and explained, Only use a wooden spoon with this!
A week passed, and when my wife visited she found Victoria in the kitchen, sobbing.
The cutlets are burnt, she cried. I scrubbed the frying pan with a wire brush. It was a present from you.
Now, now! Dont worry! my wife tried to comfort her.
Mark found them both sitting on the kitchen floor. For a moment he thought to say something, but waved it off as he knew theyd sort it out themselves.
That was eighteen years ago. Victoria is now deputy headteacher. All that time, my wife has come to love her as a daughter, though my sister-in-laws envy never faded.
Does it really matter where someone was raised, as long as theyre genuine and have a good heart? Thats the lesson lifes taught me.
