Charlotte was in her final year at university when she found out she was pregnant. She didnt tell her boyfriend, James, straight away about the happy news; he only found out when she was five months along.
Why did you keep silent? You know how much I value my principles about not having children before graduation, once were both on stable ground, James said, clearly frustrated.
Its alright, I never truly felt that university suited me anyway. Ive always wanted a big family, Charlotte replied, trying to reassure him. James was so angry that he slammed the book he was reading down on the table in front of her.
Well be alright! We can move into your nans flat, and she can help look after her grandchild, the expectant mother continued. Then we can have another child soon. But first, lets get married, as soon as possible!
Are you even listening to yourself? Youve been pretending to be so sweet all this time. James started to pack his suitcase. Why are you leaving? You ought to marry me! If you go, Ill make sure everyone at university knows!
Im not staying in this house with you. Try living alone for a month and then decide what you want. Once the babys born, we can do a paternity test. Ill pay child support! James shot back.
Ten years later, James was working at an office in London. His department manager learnt that James had a son.
James, do you ever see your son? his boss asked.
No, I actually dont know him, James admitted.
James decided to tell his students the story about how he had been deceived by a girl from university.
So, you left her all alone with the baby? one student probed.
I didnt abandon her! I helped out with money, James protested.
She says you gave her next to nothing, another commented.
And she claims you even hit the boy, the manager said.
James grew angry, remembering that he had warned Charlotte. This time, taking into account his official salary, he decided to pay the minimal child support allowed. It turned out to be less than hed given previously. Charlotte, meanwhile, had remarried and, by James account, was raising a cheeky child, just like her.
In the end, James learned that running away from your problems and responsibilities leaves wounds that time and money cant heal. Sometimes, true maturity comes from facing the consequences of our choices with honesty and care.
