Can’t Wait to Get Hitched! — “Dmitry, are you coming home soon?” “Almost there. Just about finished.” “Well, hurry up! We’ve got something to talk about.” “Is something wrong?” Dmitry sounded worried. “Well, how do I put it… nothing’s happened yet, but we need to talk.” Galina was clearly anxious, but it didn’t seem like a disaster had struck. Fifteen minutes later, the head of the family opened the front door. “So, what’s going on here?” he asked his wife cautiously. “Get changed and wash your hands—no need to panic and save the universe just yet,” she said, kissing him and nudging him gently toward the bathroom. Soon he was changed and joined her in the living room. “Come on,” his wife led him to their daughter’s room. Mya sat hunched on her bed, eyes red from crying. “So, what’s happened?” Dmitry tried to stay calm. “Ask your daughter,” Galina huffed. “Go on, tell your dad what you’ve cooked up!” Mya turned away to the window stubbornly, unwilling to voice her problem. “So, ladies,” Dmitry tapped the table firmly, “either you calmly tell me what’s up without drama and theatrics, or I’m off to put my feet up after work!” “We’ve decided to get married,” Galina replied with biting sarcasm, “tonight, no less!” “Excuse me?” Dmitry blinked. “Just like that—married? And who’s the lucky bloke, if it isn’t a secret?” With Mya stonily silent, Mum had to answer again: “Ollie Morrison. That spotty lad with glasses who’s been around a lot recently.” “Ah—Morrison, eh? Well, Mya?” Still silence. “Right then, sweetheart. Enough of this silent treatment. Do I have to do a dance to get you to talk?” Dad’s temper was rising. “We love each other!” Mya blurted out. “Ollie’s the best and we’re getting married!” “Well, at least that’s clear,” Dmitry sighed. “Is he at uni with you?” “Yes, he’s in my course.” “First year,” Dmitry sighed, somewhere between understanding and resignation. “Kids…” “We’re not kids!” his daughter shot back. “We’re both eighteen—adults now!” “Well, if you’re adults, let’s talk like adults. Or shall I start—the usual ‘you’re too young, wait a bit, settle down, test your feelings’ speech you don’t want to hear?” “You want to ruin everything!” Mya shouted, “But we have real feelings! You don’t get it!” “I’m not out to ruin anything,” Dad replied wearily. “So, you both want this, yes? You’re both in?” “I don’t want you talking down to Ollie. He wants this too!” “Okay then—so you’ve got the will. Now, where are you going to live, how will you support yourselves? Thought of that?” “That doesn’t matter! Love is all we need!” his daughter declared. “Mya, how old are you? Feels like you’re in Year One, not a uni fresher. No matter how in love you are, you need somewhere to live, something to eat, every day. Why the mad rush? Nobody’s against Ollie—bring him round, we’ll meet him, talk to his parents—right, Galina?” “Completely right, darling. But there is one catch… they do have a reason to rush.” “What, Ollie getting sent off with the Army? Students don’t get called up anyway…” “No, not the Army and not Ollie.” Mum shot a look at their daughter. “Mya, should I say it all?” “I’m not silent,” Mya muttered angrily, “Ollie and I are having a baby.” “Oh my,” Dmitry muttered, stunned, “That’s… impressive. So, what’s the plan?” “Get married! Have the baby! And don’t even try to talk me into… you know what! Our baby will live!” “Alright, calm down. No one’s suggesting anything like that. Tell me—Ollie’s parents know?” “He’s meant to talk to them today. Each talk to our own parents.” “And? Has he called about it?” “N-no…” “Well, let me know if he does. Now, let me have my dinner—I’ll starve to death with all this drama.” They left to the kitchen while Galina quickly reheated his meal. “What shall we do?” she asked quietly. “I don’t know, honestly. Let’s see what his parents say—maybe we can figure something out together.” But after dinner, bad news came in: Ollie’s parents were dead set against it. Their talk ended in a row. Not looking good… Fifteen minutes later, Mya tiptoed into the lounge with her phone. “Ollie’s mum wants to speak with you. One of you.” Galina crossed her arms: “Love, could you? I just… can’t.” Dmitry rolled his eyes, but picked up. “Hello, I’m Mya’s dad, Dmitry.” “This is Louise—Ollie’s mother. Today our son told us he’s seeing your daughter. Apparently, given her ‘condition’, they’ve already crossed that line and have ‘grand plans’. Are you aware?” “Yes, we spoke to Mya.” “Good. Well, let me make this clear: we are absolutely against these ‘grand’—her voice was razor sharp—plans. Our son needs to study, get a degree, build a career. Getting married in freshers’ year—let alone a baby—is not on.” “It wasn’t part of our plans either,” Dmitry replied. “But a baby’s a baby—and it’s your son’s too, by the way. What do you suggest?” “With respect, that’s your family’s problem. Frankly, I’m not even sure the baby’s his. And even if—this ‘I’m-pregnant-so-we-must-marry’ trick won’t work with us. I understand how girls want to marry well—Ollie isn’t poor, comes from a good family, but as a mother, I’ll do everything to keep my son out of this. My husband feels the same. We’ve talked to Ollie and he agrees—please tell your daughter to leave him be. She can have an abortion or carry on—up to her. Goodbye.” The phone clicked off. Dmitry looked bleakly at his wife and daughter. “You all heard that? No abortions—that baby’s not to blame, and besides, it could be risky. It’ll be tough but we’ll manage—take a year out from uni, then go back. We’ll help, some money, childcare. As for them… we’ll see. What a pair! Right—have some tea, have a cry, but not too long. We will get through this!” He called his wife aside. “Take Mya to sleep in with you tonight, just in case. I’ll sleep in her room.” An hour later, there was a knock at the door. “Who on earth is this at this time?” Dmitry grumbled, opening the door. He soon returned to the lounge with a spotty, bespectacled lad in tow. “Ollie!” Mya ran to him. “You came for me?” “Yes. Mr. and Mrs. Ivanov, I’ve come to take Mya with me.” “And where, exactly?” “I’m not sure—maybe rent a place. We’re both adults now, so please don’t stop us. Will you come with me, Mya?” “Of course! Anywhere!” “Hold on!” Dmitry held up a hand. “We’ve got some questions. Your mum says your whole family—including you—are against this.” “Not quite, Mr. Ivanov. Mum decided that. Dad just agrees with her by default. I only pretended I agreed so they wouldn’t make a scene. Then I grabbed my wallet with my ID and bank card and—poof! Here I am.” “Well, that’s interesting!” Dad raised his eyebrows. “So—you want to take Mya, rent a place. On what?” “I saved some money, worked evenings, have my own channel with subscribers. Enough for a few months—rent, food, I’ll earn more.” “Hmm… Not bad. Galina, what do you think—let them go?” “I’m not sure—at this time of night…” “That’s right, no running out at night. Look—so you’re getting married?” “Yes!” both answered. “And keeping the baby?” “Yes!” “Then we’ll help—but with some rules. First, Ollie, you do everything you can to get your parents on board—and, Mya, you support him. Ollie stays here tonight—no wandering about. Guest room for you, you’re just Mya’s friend for now. Message your folks you’re at mates’. Then prep them for the tough truth—no drama! No dropping your studies—especially you, Ollie. Mya, you’ll take leave and catch up. We’ll help out—money, babysitting—but you two are putting in the work. Low-key registry office for now—save your cash for later; proper do when things are settled. Deal?” “Yes,” said Ollie, without hesitation. “I wanted a real wedding—veil, limo, guests,” Mya pouted. “Not right now,” he replied. “We’ll do the registry quietly and, later, a big do.” “Alright, if you say so…” “Good—plans made, goals set. Time for bed, everyone’s up early tomorrow.” Later, Galina found her husband in the kitchen. “How did you change your mind so quickly?” “That chat with his mother—she was a right piece of work. Then this lad, who I thought was a hopeless mummy’s boy, turns up and stands his ground—won’t abandon his girl. That’s a real man. I’d trust our daughter in his hands.” “You’re always right, love,” she smiled, kissing him as she went to sort out everyone for the night.

Cant Wait to Get Married

Tom, are you nearly home?

Almost there. Just finishing up now.

Well, hurry up! We need to talk.

Is something wrong? Toms voice tightened.

Well nothings happened yet, but we do need to talk, said Alice, sounding uneasy, but not like there was a disaster.

Fifteen minutes later, Tom was stepping through the front door.

Whats all this about? he asked his wife, warily.

Go and get changed, wash your hands. No need to drop everything and play the hero, she said, kissing her husband and nudging him gently toward the bathroom.

He soon finished up, changed out of his work clothes, and joined Alice in the lounge.

Come on. She led him to their daughters room. Molly was curled up on her bed, eyes red from crying.

So, whats happened? Tom tried to sound calm.

Why dont you ask your daughter? Alice huffed. Go on, Molly, tell your dad what youve come up with!

Molly just sulked deeper, turning to the window, clearly reluctant to share.

Alright, ladies, Tom rapped the table with his palm, either you tell me what the problem iscalmly, without hysterics, and with no dramaor you can sort it between yourselves and Ill be off for a well-earned rest after work!

Were getting married, Alice retorted with biting sarcasm. Straight away. Today, apparently!

Come again? Tom was a little thrown. Just like that, youre getting married? To whom, if you dont mind me asking?

Since Molly was stubbornly silent, Alice had to fill in. Oliver Mitchell. That spotty lad with the glasses whos been dropping by lately.

Mitchell, is it? Well, Molly?

Molly stayed stubbornly quiet.

Right, miss. Enough of the silent treatment. What do I have to do, perform a song and dance just to get an answer out of you? Toms tone was much more serious now.

Oliver and I love each other! Molly spat out. Hes the best there is, and were getting married!

Well, thats something at least, Tom exhaled. Hes on your course?

Yeah, same group.

First year, Tom mused, sounding somewhere between resigned and understanding. Kids

Were not kids! Molly shot back. Were eighteen, were adults!

Alright then. If youre adults, lets talk like adults.

Dont bother! Next thing youll say is the usualYoure too young, get your life sorted first, see how you feel and all that boring grown-up stuff. You grown-ups just dont get itwe love each other! Thats what matters! You just want to ruin our happiness!

Ive no intention of ruining anything, Tom said, with a weary sigh. I just want to understand. So, you and Oliver love each other, yes? Molly nodded defiantly. Fine. And you both want to get married both of you?

Dont try to put Oliver down, Dad. He wants this too.

Good. So youve got the desire. But have you thought about where youre going to live, how youre going to support yourselves?

That doesnt matter! If weve got love, nothing else counts! Molly declared passionately.

How old are you? Tom asked, quietly. Sometimes I feel like youre in Year One, not first year at university. Whatever love you might have, you still need somewhere to live, food to eat, yes? Why rush? Getting married tomorrow, is your hair on fire or what? No ones against Oliverlet him come over, well meet him, talk, meet his parents Right, Alice?

Absolutely, darling. But theres one issue They have a reason to rush.

Oh? Is Oliver getting called up? Tom frowned. Thought uni students didnt have to do national service

No, not that, and its not Oliver. Molly, do I have to do all the talking for you?

Im not hiding it, Molly grumbled, Oliver and I are having a baby.

Right then, Tom muttered, stunned. Things do move quickly. So, whats the plan?

Get married! Have the baby! And dont even think about trying to persuade me about you know! Our child will live!

Alright, calm down. No ones going to push you into anything, well just have to figure this out. Do Olivers parents know?

We agreed wed both talk to our parents today

So? Has he called with their reaction?

N-not yet

Fine. When he does, let me know. In the meantime, let me have some dinnerI could faint with all this drama and no food.

Tom and Alice headed to the kitchen, where she quickly warmed up some dinner and put a plate in front of him.

So, what now? she asked quietly.

I dont know, honestly. Lets see what his parents have to saymaybe well come up with something together

Hed barely finished eating when Oliver called with bad news: his parents were dead against it. The discussion turned into a shouting match. Not good.

Fifteen minutes later, Molly came out to the lounge, phone in hand, whispering with the mic covered:

Its Olivers mum. She wants to speak to one of you

Alice folded her arms tightly. Love, will you talk to her? I just cant right now

Tom shot her a look, but took the phone, put it on speaker, and pressed a finger to his lips.

Hello, this is Mollys dad, Tom Harris.

This is Lorraine, Olivers mother. Our son has just told us about your daughter. And, given her condition, it seems they havent wasted any time. And now, giant plans. Are you aware?

Yes, we spoke to Molly.

Good. Now, let me be clear: were completely against these she sneeredgiant plans. Our boy needs to study, get a degree, build a career. Marriage and a child while hes in first year is out of the question.

Well, believe me, an instant marriage wasnt in our plans either. But Molly is pregnant, and its your sons. What do you suggest we do?

With all due respect, Tom, thats your problem. Firstly, I cant be sure it is Olivers. Secondly, even if it is, this rush-to-the-altar-because-shes-pregnant routine wont fly with us. I get, as a woman, why your daughter might want to marry my sonhe comes from a decent family, isnt exactly destitute, has a flat and prospects. But as his mother, Ill do everything to make sure you leave my son alone. Thats not just my viewmy husband agrees absolutely. Weve spoken to Oliver and hes accepted our reasons, and wants your daughter to stop contacting him. If she wants an abortion, fine; if not, thats up to you. Goodbye.

The call ended in cold, curt beeps. Tom turned a grim gaze on his wife and daughter.

You all heard that? Well, therell be no abortiondestroying an innocent soul, forgive the expression, isnt in the cards. Nothing life-ending here. Youll take a break from uni if you need to, then go backplenty have done it before and survived. Well help out, and babysit. And as for that lot well deal with them later. Scoundrels! Lets have a cup of tea, a little cry if you want, but not for too long. Well get through.

He drew Alice aside and murmured, Make sure you keep Molly close tonight, wont you? Dont want her doing anything silly. Have a quiet chat with her, comfort her a bit. Ill kip in her room for tonight.

An hour later, the doorbell rang.

Who on earth is that at this hour? Tom grumbled and went to answer it.

He soon returned to the lounge with a bespectacled, spotty young man in tow.

Oliver! Molly flung herself at him. Youve come for me?

Yes, I have. Mr. Harris, Mrs. HarrisIve come to get Molly.

To take her where, exactly? Tom asked.

Im not entirely sure yet. Probably get a flat together. Were both adults, so Id ask you not to get in our way. Molly, will you come with me?

Of course! Anywhere!

Hold up, both of you, Tom said, raising a hand. A few questions. Your mum just said the whole familys against your planincluding you.

Thats not quite right, Mr. Harris. Thats Mums decision. Dad just always backs her uphes like that. I just told them theyd talked me round so they wouldnt try to block me leaving. Then I grabbed my wallet, passport, bank cardand here I am.

Well, well! Thats more initiative than I expected, Tom said, impressed. And how are you planning to pay for a flat and food?

Ive saved a bit, been working evenings. I run a blog, my own channelgot some followers. Itll cover rent and food for a couple of months, then Ill pick up extra work.

Not bad, not bad Well, Alice, do we let them go? Young mans got more about him than I thought.

I really dont know, Alice admitted, Out at night to goodness knows where

Quite right, not this late. So, heres what well do. You plan on getting married, yes?

Both nodded.

And keeping the baby?

The answer was the same.

Alright, well support you, but only on certain conditions. First, you do everything possible to reconcile with your parents, and Molly, you help him. Oliver, youre staying here tonightno running round the streets after dark. Well put you up in the lounge, as Mollys friend. Message your folks and say youre with mates. Later, youll break the news to themno shouting matches! And dont quit your courseespecially you, Oliver. Molly will take time out for maternity, then catch up afterwards. Well help as much as we can: money, babysitting, but youll do the hard work. As for the weddinglets keep it simple, save your money, and maybe have a proper do in a year or two, once youre settled. Do you agree?

Yes, Oliver answered without hesitation.

I wanted a real wedding, with a veil, a limo, and guests Molly said, sounding disappointed.

Not the time, love! Oliver replied. Well sort the paperwork quietly now, party when the times right.

Alright whatever you say

Good then. Plans are set, everyone knows their job. Now, time for bed, early start for everyone tomorrow.

Alice caught Tom as he went to the kitchen for a glass of water.

Tell me, what changed your mind so suddenly? she asked.

Suddenly, was it? Tom shrugged. After talking to that dragon of a mother, I was fuming. Then this one turns upthis mummys boy, or so I thought. Turns out hes a proper manstood up for his girl, didnt run away. Well, thats the sort of lad I can trust with our daughter.

And as always, youre right! She kissed her husband, and went off to sort out everyones sleeping arrangements.