Think again, Brielle! her mother Claire begs, her voice shaking. Hes an adult, twice your age. What good could come of a man like that? She pleads, Please cancel the wedding. I know youll soon realise the mistake youve made but it may be too late.
Brielle grows up in a flash. Her parents barely have time to blink before the clumsy little girl they once knew turns into a tall, striking young woman. She has just celebrated her eighteenth birthday. The party is noisy and joyous; Brielle beams with happiness as a courier drops off an extravagant bouquet and a mountain of presents. When her parents ask, Whos this generous gentleman? she smiles enigmatically and waves them off.
Honestly, stop asking! Hes just a young lad. Everything will sort itself out later she says. Her parents decide not to push, though they probably should.
A few months after the celebration, a quiet dinner conversation erupts into a fullblown argument. Brielle announces shes getting married. Her parents are stunned, yet their desire to see their daughter happy drives them to promise their support, despite the suddenness of the news. The euphoria quickly turns to anxiety when Brielle introduces her future husband. He isnt a boynextdoor, but a solid, thirtyeightyearold named Thomas practically the same age as her parents.
A heavy silence settles over the lounge. Claire, clinging to a smile, turns to her daughter.
Brielle, love Were happy for you, but Is this man really your chosen one?
Unruffled, Brielle takes Thomas by the arm.
Mom, Dad, this is Thomas. Hes my fiancé. We love each other and have decided to marry. Weve been together for a year, by the way.
Mark, who has been silent until now, struggles to keep his anger in check.
Thomas, you say? Im about your age. Im thirtyeight. Do you realise youre twenty years older than my daughter?
Thomas, smug and confident, nods.
Yes, Mr. Hale. I understand. Age is just a number when genuine feelings are involved. Brielle and I share the same outlook and plans.
The plans?! Claire interjects. Brielle, are you sure? You only just turned eighteen. What sort of relationship began when you were seventeen?
Brielle frowns, sensing the conversation turning sour.
Im not going to argue about when we started dating. Weve decided to marry, and thats final.
Mark sighs heavily.
Thomas, be honest. Do you realise that in twenty years when Brielle is thirtyeight, youll be fiftyeight? She wants a big family. Who will provide for the household at your age?
Thomas smiles as if the question were absurd.
Mr. Hale, Im financially secure. I have the means to support her and any children. If youll allow it, we wont dwell on my old age. Were talking about our happiness right now.
Claire softens, trying a different tack.
My dear, perhaps you should wait a bit, test these feelings? Youve only just begun living together. Why rush to the register?
No, Mum, I dont want to wait or test anything, Brielle replies firmly. I love Thomas, and he loves me. If you cant accept that, Im sorry.
Mark snaps to his feet.
This isnt a whim, Thomas! It looks like youve taken advantage of our daughters innocence. An eighteenyearold cant see the pitfalls youll notice at twentyfive.
Thomas keeps his voice low, his calm only inflaming the parents further.
I havent exploited anyones youth. Im courting a mature woman who is fully capable of making her own choices. My feelings are sincere. I love Brielle and will prove it every day. Isnt that what you want for your daughter to be loved?
Claire tries to intervene, turning to her husband.
Mark, calm down. No need for a scene. Thomas, its just unexpected and were worried about Brielles future. Shes our only child. This is a huge responsibility.
Responsibility is fine, Thomas cuts in. Im ready for it. You seem to forget that Brielle wants this herself. Is your desire to keep her close more important than her own wish to build a family?
Mark, fists clenched, blurts out, Im thinking of going to the police. Filing a complaint for well, you know.
Brielle gasps and leaps from her seat.
Dad! Have you lost your mind? How could you try to ruin my life and your own reputation on baseless fears?
Thomas stands opposite the future fatherinlaw, maintaining a cool exterior.
Mr. Hale, I understand your anger. But if you take that step, youll lose my daughters trust forever. Im open to any checks; I have nothing to hide. I wont let unfounded accusations wreck my life or Brielles.
After Thomas states his intentions clearly, the tension eases slightly, shifting to a wary assessment. Claire gently places her hand on Marks arm.
Mark, please sit down. Brielle, Thomas, we need some time to think. We also need time to come to terms with this and, frankly, to collect ourselves.
Brielle smiles at her mother.
Mum, you dont have to accept anything. I just need your blessing. Only that, Mum. Everything else Thomas will handle. Right, love?
Well speak with Thomas again, just the two of us, Mark says, looking straight at his future soninlaw. No drama, no tears, no theatrics. I want to know how you plan to live after the wedding. Brielle is still a student; she hasnt even finished her first year.
Thomas nods.
Im ready for a serious talk. My decision is final, and I wont give up Brielle.
Seeing their daughters absolute resolve and Thomass unwavering confidence, the parents realise ultimatums wont move the needle. The threat of a family rift scares them more than the age gap.
A week later, after long, detailed discussions about Thomass stability and future plans, the atmosphere lightens. They recognise that he genuinely cares for Brielle and appears capable of providing a decent life. They invite him over for dinner again.
Brielle, we love you and want you to be happy, Claire begins, looking at her daughter. Were still worried about the future, but you love him, dont you?
Yes, we do, Thomas replies. Welcome to the family, if you truly love our daughter. But remember, well be watching.
Claire and Mark watch as Brielle throws her arms around both of them, hugging tightly.
Thank you! I love you so much! Well be very happy, I promise.
The wedding takes place three months later. Claire and Mark, seeing the joy on Brielles face, sincerely hope shell be all right.
The young couple lives together for six months, and the parents have no complaints about their new soninlaw. Thomas carries his wife when she needs it, fulfills every whim, and lifts the financial burden from his inlaws: he pays for her tuition, buys clothes and shoes, even buys a car. Brielle is blissful.
Their first child arrives on the exact day of Thomass birthday. The fatherinlaw cant hold back tears at the discharge. By then, Claire and Mark have completely changed their opinion of Thomas; they now see a reliable man willing to move mountains for their daughter.
A second baby follows three years later. Brielle finishes her degree and, with Thomass support, decides to become a stayathome mother. He provides everything the family needs. Mark and Thomas, despite the age gap, become close friends they share many interests beyond their years. And that is the notsoordinary tale.
