He refused to marry his pregnant girlfriend. His mother backed him, but his father stood up for the unborn child.
“Dad, Ive got news. The neighbor, Emily shes pregnant. Its mine,” said James as soon as he stepped inside the house.
Arthur, his father, paused for a moment before replying calmly, “Then marry her.”
“Are you joking? Im too young for this. Its not the time for a familywe werent even serious!”
“Serious?” Arthur let out a bitter laugh. “You were man enough to chase after her, but now youre just a boy when it comes to taking responsibility? Fine.” Without another word, he called for his wife. “Margaret! Come here!”
Margaret walked into the kitchen, drying her hands on her apron.
“Whats happened?”
“Look. Our son got Emily, the neighbors daughter, pregnant, and now he wont marry her.” He scoffed.
Margaret didnt even blink, her expression stern.
“And hes right. Why bring the first girl who comes along into this family? Girls these days are cleverthey find someone with money, get pregnant, and suddenly its marry me. Whos to say the child is even his? Make him take a DNA test. And anyway, we cant pressure Jameshes still young. Hes a man; it wasnt easy to resist. But we dont have to raise someone elses child.”
Arthur sighed deeply and spoke quietly.
“What if it really is his?”
“And if it is? Are we obligated to take on the responsibility? Tell him to do the test, then well see.”
She turned and walked back into the kitchen, leaving Arthur alone with his son.
“You know, I was young once too,” he began. “I liked one girl but married another. Not for love, but because it was the right thing to do. Being a man isnt just about passionits about choices and consequences. Your mother was pregnant. I didnt know if I could love her, but I knew one thingthe child wasnt to blame. My blood, my conscience. And James? I never regretted staying.”
Three months later, the DNA test came back clear: with 99.9% certainty, James was the father of Emilys baby.
“So?” Margaret huffed when Arthur placed the results in front of her. “Yes, its his. But that doesnt mean Emilys setting foot in this house. Shes not coming here. I meant what I said!”
James sat in silence, avoiding his fathers gaze. His clenched fists spoke for himhed chosen his mothers side.
Arthur rose slowly from the table.
“Since the two of you have made your decision, now hear mine.”
His voice was low but firm.
“As long as I live, my grandchild will want for nothing. Ill buy land, build a house, and hemy grandsonwill have everything Ive worked for. The two of you can forget any help from me. I refuse to take part in this shame. James, as of today, youre no longer my son. Everything I have goes to the child. Not a penny will come to you.”
Margaret exploded.
“Have you lost your mind? Youd disinherit your own son?!”
Arthur didnt answer. He turned and walked out, ignoring her shouts and curses. James stood frozen in the silence, unable to believe his fathers words. But he knew one thingif Arthur said it, he meant it.
