First Love at School: A Year Ten Story
Rosemary fell in love while still in Year Ten. A boy from her class, one shed always fancied, returned after summer holidays transformed, like a prince out of a fairy tale. When he slid onto the bench beside her that first September morning, she felt as if shed floated straight into the seventh heaven.
She had changed too. No longer just a girl, Rosemary had become a young woman with a slender waist and graceful legs. Her hair, tied into a loose bun, revealed the delicate curve of her neck.
Edward eyed her with detached curiosity and decided it wouldnt be embarrassing to sit next to her. After all, she was cleveruseful when homework loomed. Rosemary was kind, gentle.
But schoolyard affection soon blossomed into something deeper: first love, fierce and all-consuming, arriving at the worst possible time.
Exams crept closer, revision piles grew taller. Yet Edward and Rosemary wandered after school, stealing kisses on park benches, gliding hand in hand across frozen ponds in winter.
Edwards parents disapproved. Their son was meant for Sandhurst, not distracted by some girl. Early love never ended well. He had studies to focus on, and Rosemarywell, she came from the wrong sort of family.
Thats what his father muttered, stern-faced over supper. His mother, softer, sighed but nodded.
Rosemary lived with her grandmother. Her mother had died when she was five. *Passed away.* The birth certificate bore a thick black line where a fathers name shouldve been.
*And whats this boy see in you?* her grandmother mused, frowning. *Ahyes. Your mother.*
Conversations about her mother always ended abruptly. Gran would press her lips tight, eyes glazing as if staring into the past, then exhale softly.
Meanwhile, Rosemary rushed to meet Edward. Rare was the day they didnt see each other after class. Grades slipped. Teachers frowned. Edwards parents tightened their grip, issuing an ultimatum: no more meetings until adulthood, at least.
Edward smiled bitterly. He didnt want to end things. This closeness was new, intoxicating. But serious commitment? That was unthinkable. His parents verdict was final.
When Rosemary realised she was pregnant three months after their first intimacy, despair swallowed her. Exams loomed, birds sang outside her window, streams babbled. Nights, she wept silently into her pillow, careful not to wake Gran. But Gran noticed. A mothers instinct.
Now, Rosemary only saw Edward at school. His father had barred all contact. If they knew
One evening, Gran perched on the edge of her bed.
*Will you keep it?* she asked quietly. *Dont lie. Ive been through this once before, with your mother.* She sat trembling, then wept. Rosemary clung to her, guilt and fear twisting inside.
*What do I do, Gran?* she whispered. *His family would never allow it. They dont know.*
*Does he?*
*No. I cant tell himIm scared hell leave me* The words tasted sour.
*Hes already left you in all but name,* Gran said. *But you must tell him. Its your duty. If he runs after, then good riddance. Hold your head high. Well manage. Ill find work.*
*Gran, you cantyoure retired!*
*Cleaning offices, then. Ive held a mop before, Ill do it again. What choice is there?*
Rosemary sobbed openly. Gran did too. Then, just as suddenly, she stiffened.
*Enough tears. Sleep now.* She stood, firm. *Promise me one thingfinish school. No matter what.*
Rosemary nodded. She resolved to tell Edward at the first chance. She knew he wouldnt rejoice. But inside her, something small and precious already grewsomething she loved fiercely. What did his rejection matter? Shed be a mother soon. Wasnt that joy enough?
Edward sat on the far side of the classroom now. Whispers swirledsome blamed her, some him. All agreed: school first, careers after. But no one spoke of love. No one guessed the storm inside Rosemary.
She told him the next day, under the oak behind school. Edward paled, staggered as if struck, then turned and walked away without a word. She stood frozen, waiting for him to turn back, to run to her as he once wouldve.
But Edward never looked back.
Rosemary finished school. She took a job at the canteen where Gran had once worked. Come autumn, she left for maternity leave. Young and fragile though she was, she bore a healthy son.
Gran mopped floors, stretched her pension. Rosemary, once little Dom was toddling, left him at nursery and returned to the canteen. Bills had to be paid. *Single mother.* The label followed her, whispered in hallways. But her colleagues adored herher kindness, her diligence.
In time, Rosemary trained as a cook. She had a knack for flavours, a love for fresh ingredients. Regulars praised her pies, her salads.
Then a new boy arrivedMartin, fresh from culinary school. Three months working beside her, and he was smitten. He proposed on a rainy Tuesday.
Rosemary hesitated. She hid nothingDom, her past. Martin only smiled, delighted she came with such a bright little lad. He brought flowers, toys, and waited for her after shifts, sweeping Dom into his arms without a care for stares.
*Rosie, its not too soon now,* Gran murmured evenings, watching them from the window before crossing herself.
*Gran, Im grown,* Rosemary laughed. *Learnt my lessons the hard way. But no regrets. Ive got you, Domand now Martin.*
They wept then, both of them, but this time for joy.
The wedding was held in the canteen a month later. The whole staff came, Grans neighbours, Martins family. Dom wore a tiny suit. Martin adopted him that same day.
Rosemary was alone no more. Wanted, cherished, loved. And nowhappiest of all.
