Impatience to Wed
Dave, will you be home soon?
Not long, I’m nearly there now.
Well hurry up, all right? We need to talk.
Has something happened? Dave sounded worried.
It hasnt, but it could. We really need to talk, Helens voice was anxious but not panickedsomething serious, but no disaster yet.
Fifteen minutes later, the man of the house opened the front door and stepped into their flat.
Whats the matter, then? he asked his wife cautiously.
Go onget changed, wash your hands. No need to rush in and try saving the world, she replied, kissed him, and nudged him gently toward the bathroom.
He took care of the usual routine, swapped his work clothes for jeans and a t-shirt, and joined Helen in the living room.
Come on, she said, steering him towards their daughters room.
On the battered old sofa, Megan sat sulking, her eyes red from crying, face turned stubbornly to the window.
So, whats going on? Dave said with forced calm.
Helen gave a sharp snort. Ask your daughter, Dave. Go on, Megan, tell Dad what youre up to!
Megans jaw jutted, refusing to speak.
Right, you two, Dave said, smacking his palm flat on the table. Either you explain calmly, no melodramatics, or you can sort it out yourselves while I go have a nap after work!
Were getting married, Helen announced sourly, tonight if nothing stops her!
Sorrywhat? Dave blinked. Getting married? Just like that? To whom, may I ask?
Since Megan sulked on in silence, Mum had to answer again.
Oliver Martin. That spotty lad with glasses, hes been over a lot lately.
Martin. Right. And?
Megan scowled at the wall.
Enough of this nonsense. Im not here to coax information out of you, Megan. Daves voice was growing louder.
We love each other! Megan burst out suddenly. Hes the best and were getting married!
Well, thats clearer, Dave sighed. Is he in your class at uni?
Yes. Same course, Megan sniffled.
First year, Dave said, eyebrows raised. So youre both eighteen?
Were not children anymore, Megan insisted. Were adults!
If you say so, said Dave. In that case, lets talk like adults, shall we?
I dont want to talk! Youll say, Youre too young, wait, stand on your own feet, see how you feel in a year, blah blah. You grown-ups, with your rulesyou cant understand. We love each other, thats all that matters! You just want to crush that!
Im not here to crush anything, Megan, Dave said wearily. Just trying to make sense of it all. So you both want to get marriedreally?
Megan nodded, eyes blazing. Yes! Oliver wants to as well, not just me.
All right. So, out of curiositywhere exactly were you planning to live? And on what money? Thought about that?
It doesnt matter, Megan insisted fiercely. If we have love, thats all we need!
How old are you again? Dave asked gently. You know, Im starting to think youre not eighteen at uni, youre eight and in year three. However much you love each otheryou still need a roof and food, agreed? Why the rush? No ones trying to separate you, why not bring Oliver over, let us meet him, even his parents
He looked at Helen for support.
Exactly, love, she agreed. But theres a catchtheres a reason for this mad dash, you know.
Oliver’s being called up? Only, students dont get conscripted round here
No, its not that. Megan? Shall I just tell him?
Im not keeping it secret, Megan huffed. Im having a baby. With Oliver.
Ah, Dave said, stunned. Right. Well then What are you planning to do?
Were getting married. And Im having the baby. And dont you dare try and talk me intointo anything else! My child will live.
Calm down. Look, no ones forcing you into anything. But have you told Olivers parents?
We agreed to talk to them tonight. Each of us.
And? Has he called you after?
N-no
All right. When he does, let me know. Meanwhile, can I have some dinner before I collapse of hunger?
Helen reheated the shepherds pie and set a steaming plate before her husband.
What are we going to do? she whispered, worried.
I honestly dont know yet. Lets see what his family sayand maybe well work something out.
Dave had only just finished his meal when Megan trudged into the living room, phone clutched in hand. Olivers mums on the phone. Wants to speak to one of you.
Helen crossed her arms tightly. Love, you take itplease, I cant deal with her.
Dave cast his wife a reproachful glance but took the phone, pressed speaker and raised a finger for silence.
Hello, this is Megans dad, Dave Willoughby.
Lorraine Martin. I hear our children have been involved. And, by the sounds of it, rather too involved. Theyve got plans, apparently. Are you aware?
Yes. Megans spoken to us about it.
Good. Then understand this: we are entirely, absolutely, irrevocably against these so-called plans. Our son is here to study, to get qualifications, to make something of himself. Marriage in the first year of universitylet alone a babyisnt on our agenda.
Well, neither was a shotgun wedding for our daughterbut Megans pregnant. With your sons child. What do you suggest we do?
Im sorry, but thats entirely your problem, Mr Willoughby. For a start, Im not convinced the babys even Olivers. And this old trickspringing marriage on us, just because shes pregnantit wont work. I understand ladies want security and Oliver comes from a good family, with a home, but as a mother Ill do everything to make sure you stay away from my son. My husband agrees. Weve had a word with Oliver and he sees sense nowso please tell Megan to leave him be. I suggest an abortion or adoption, whichever she likes. Goodbye.
The line went dead. Dave looked at his wife and daughter with a grim, heavy glance.
You heard her. Therell be no talk of any abortionsdestroying an innocent soul isnt an option, and its not good for health either. No one dies from this. Youll take a gap year, Megan, and then go back. Well support you and help with the baby. And those Martinswell deal with them. Rotters, the lot of them! Never mindhave a cup of tea or a bit of a cry if you need to, but not for long. Well get through it!
He turned to Helen and muttered, Best keep Megan with you tonight, just in case. Have a good heart to heart. Ill kip in her room.
An hour later the doorbell rang.
Who on earth is it at this hour? Dave grumbled, striding to the front door.
Moments later, he returned, trailed by a spotty youth in thick glasses.
Oliver! Megan rushed to him, arms open. You came for me?
I did. Mr Willoughby, Mrs WilloughbyIm here for Megan.
And where exactly will you be taking her? Dave raised an eyebrow.
No clue yet. Probably rent a flat. Were both adults now so were not asking permission. Megan, will you come?
Anywhere! Megan replied instantly.
Not so fast. Dave blocked their way. Couple of questions. Your mum claims your whole family, including you, is against this.
Not exactly, sir, Oliver answered calmly. Shes decided for everyone. Dad just nods along. I only agreed to keep the peace, packed my wallet, passport and card, and left when they werent looking. Now, here I am.
Well, well, Dave nodded in surprise. And how were you going to pay for this grand new life?
Ive been working part-time, got a little saved, plus my YouTube channel makes some money. Should cover a few months rent and food. Ill pick up more work as I go.
Not bad, Dave said, giving Helen a questioning look. What do you think? Shall we let her go?
Helen, uncertain, shrugged. Not tonight. Its too late, not safe.
Spot on, Dave agreed. Heres the deal. Are you really set on getting married?
Yes! they both chorused.
And keeping the baby?
Yes, again.
Then well support you. But conditions: First, you try for reconciliation with your parents, Oliver. Megan, back him up. You, Oliver, you stay here tonightno running off at this hour. Well set you up in the lounge, as Megans friend. Tell your folks youre at a mates. Then, when theyve cooled off, you tell them the truthno rows, no drama. Uni isnt to be abandonedespecially you. Megan, youll take maternity, then go back and catch up. Well help, with money and babysitting, but you do your own work. Simple registry weddingfor now, we need to watch the pennies. Later, if you want a big do, well have one. Agreed?
Yes, Oliver replied without pause.
I well, I did want a proper wedding. Dress, veil, limo, the lot, Megan admitted quietly.
Not now, Megan. Not yet, Oliver said gently. Quick registry, later well celebrate properly someday.
Fine, as you wish
Right then. You all know the plan. Bed, everyoneits a long day tomorrow.
Later that evening, Helen caught Dave in the kitchen.
So, tell mehow come you changed your tune so fast?
Did I? After that bloody woman, I was furious. Then this so-called mummys boy turns upand hes the real deal. Didnt back down, wouldnt leave Megan. Thats the sort you want your daughter to marry.
Youre right, as always! Helen wrapped him in a hug and went to organise the sleeping arrangements.
