He refused to marry his pregnant sweetheart. His mother stood by him, but his father defended the unborn child.
He would not wed the girl who carried his child. His mother agreed, yet his father rose to speak for the babys sake.
“Father, Ive news,” Thomas said the moment he stepped inside. “Our neighbours daughter, Emily shes with child. Its mine.”
Arthur, his father, paused before answering calmly.
“Then youll marry her.”
“Youre joking! Im too young. This is no time for a familybesides, we were never truly courting.”
“Truly?” His father gave a bitter laugh. “You were man enough to chase after her, but now youre a child when it comes to facing the consequences. Fine.” Without another word, he called for his wife. “Margaret! Come here!”
Margaret walked in, wiping her hands on her apron.
“Whats the matter?”
“Listen. Our boys got Emily, the neighbours girl, with child, and now he wont wed her. And he” He waved a hand in frustration.
Margaret didnt even flinch. Her face hardened.
“And hes right. Why bring the first girl who comes along into this house? These modern lasses are cunningthey trap a lad with prospects, then its Marry me. Whos to say the babe is even his? He should take a test. And besides, we cant force Thomashes still young. Hes a man; it wasnt easy to resist. But we neednt raise anothers child.”
Arthur exhaled slowly, speaking softly.
“And if it is his?”
“What if it is? Must we bear the burden? Tell him to take the test, then well see.”
She turned on her heel and returned to the kitchen, leaving Arthur alone with his son.
“Listen, I was young once too,” he began. “Fancied one, married another. Not for love, but duty. Being a man isnt just passionits choices and consequences. Your mother was expecting. I didnt know if I could love her, but I knew one thingthe child was innocent. My blood, my conscience. And, Thomas, Ive never once regretted staying.”
Three months passed. The test came back clear: with 99.9% certainty, Thomas was the father of Emilys child.
“Well?” Margaret scoffed when Arthur laid the paper before her. “Yes, its his. But that doesnt mean Emily sets foot in this house. She shant! I wont have it!”
Thomas sat silent, refusing to meet his fathers gaze. His face betrayed his choicehe stood with his mother. Clenching his fists, he said nothing.
Arthur rose slowly from the table.
“Since youve both made your decision, now hear mine.”
His voice was quiet but firm.
“As long as I live, my grandchild will want for nothing. Ill buy land, build a home, and hemy grandsonwill have all Ive earned. And the two of you may forget my help. Ill not be part of this disgrace. Thomas, as of today, you are no son of mine. Everything I own goes to the boy. Not a penny shall you see from me.”
Margaret erupted.
“Have you lost your mind? Youd disinherit your own flesh and blood?”
Arthur didnt answer. He turned and walked out, deaf to her shouts and curses. Thomas stood frozen in the silence, unable to believe what his father had said. But he knew one thingif Arthur spoke it, he meant it.
