My fiancée, Charlotte, and I care very deeply for one another. Were both 20 years old, and weve been friends since Year 4 at primary school; by Year 6, we were already a couple. We had a son when we were quite young.
Of course, thats not exactly what our parents expected for us. But it happened. Our little boy is a real joy for both of us! Hes turning three today. We have our own flat now, and Ive just decided to marry my beloved Charlotte.
Weve invited around a hundred guests to our wedding, most of them relatives from different parts of the UK. We might not be that close with some of them, but it would be a shame not to gather everyone for such a special occasion.
From the moment we announced our wedding plans, my mum started insisting that it would be better if our son didnt come, but stayed with a nanny instead.
She keeps saying we should think about his comfort and well-being, and not burden anyone else. Everyone wants to relax and have fun. Watching a toddler is hard work, and we wont have the time. Hes still young and wont really understand whats going on.
Charlotte and I are the only ones who believe our son should be at this major event in our lives. Its a moment thatll never come again. My auntmy mums sisteragreed to watch over our boy during the ceremony, so we really have nothing to worry about. The whole family will be able to enjoy themselves.
But my mum is acting oddly, pacing about, still moaning that our son shouldnt be involved in the wedding. Eventually, I realised why she didnt want her grandson to be at the celebration.
It turns out my parents had decided not to tell anyone about our child. Now, they dont know how to explain him to everyone there. Theyre embarrassed that the truth will come out.
Mum says shed be mortified if people found out we had a child before getting married. Not many young people become parents at our age; people might laugh. She thinks its better to keep it secret.
I suspect my mum is mainly worried about what the family will think of her behaviour. Occasionally, shed try to contact some relatives, but no one would mention anything.
I was pretty upset with her. And she was upset with me.
Now, I feel uncomfortable, as if wed done something wrong by becoming parents early. Weve argued with my parents several times about this. I stand by my decision, and theyre sticking to theirs.
The people closest to us havent supported us at all. Mum keeps saying that if I dont do what she asks, shell no longer consider me her son. I never imagined anything like this would happen to me.
