I dont want your son living with us after the wedding.
Auntie Helen, could you please help me with my maths homework? Tom asked quietly, looking up at his dads fiancée with hope in his eyes. Ive got a big test tomorrow, and Dad wont be home from work until late.
Im busy, darling, Helen replied without looking up from her laptop. Our wedding is in two weeks and theres still so much to sort out. Surely you want your dad and me to have the perfect day?
Of course, Tom mumbled, feeling despondent as he sloped off to his bedroom. Hed never liked Helen, but his dad was so happy. For his sake, Tom was willing to put up with it.
Toms mum was seriously ill and no longer able to care for him.
An eight-year-old shouldnt have to witness their mum suffer like this, James, Tom’s dad, had said as he brought his son to live with him. Helen wasnt thrilled with the arrangement, but she didnt argue. Picking a fight just before the wedding seemed unwise.
Whenever James was around, Helen would act caring and sympathetic towards Tom. As soon as he left for work, she ignored the boy altogether. Caring for someone elses child was not what she wanted.
A couple of days before the wedding, Jamess computer broke down, so he borrowed Helens laptop. He only meant to open his email and send a quick message. But, almost by accident, he checked the browser history.
With every click, his face grew darker. He slammed the laptop shut and strode into the lounge, where Helen was sprawled on the sofa watching telly.
Whats all this nonsense about sending my son away to boarding school? James asked, barely able to contain his anger.
What are you on about? Helen frowned. You said youd only be sending an email. So you had enough time to snoop around too? Honestly, have you no shame?
I want an answer, James replied coldly, ignoring her protests. Who gave you the right to make decisions about my childs life?
Exactlyhes not mine! Helen snapped, tossing the remote control aside. Well have our own children soon enough. Tom will just get in the way. He doesnt do well at school, hes always behind. What sort of example is that?
Hes under enormous stress! His mum is dying, and hes been torn away from everything he knows. Hes struggling and youre busy dreaming up ways to get rid of him. James raised his voice, unable to hold back. Thankfully, Tom was still at school.
Dont shout at me! Helen shouted right back. Im not obliged to raise your child. Hes got a grandmother, let her take him if you dont like my suggestion.
When exactly were you planning on telling me about this brilliant scheme? James demanded. A week after the wedding? A month?
In a few days, Helen shrugged, completely shameless. No point dragging it out, is there? Ive already spoken to a friend at social servicesshe can help speed up the paperwork. Hed be better off there.
Well, lets get something straight. Jamess voice was suddenly calm. Ill never abandon my son. I love him more than anything else in the world.
And what about me? Helen jumped up, furious. Dont I mean anything to you? Dont you love me? Well, Im telling you nowI dont want your son living with us after the wedding. Its me or him.
Him, James said without hesitation. Finding another woman isnt hard, but Ive only got one son.
Another woman? As if anyone else would go for you, Helen spat, shaking with anger. You really think someone else would love your precious boy? Dont make me laugh. Nobody wants another man’s child!
Youve got an hour to pack your things, James replied, slipping on his coat. You can take your presents tooIm not bothered. But I dont want to see you here again. If you thought I was infatuated, you were wrong. All I wanted was a new mum for Tom. Thats it.
Wait, James! What about the wedding? Helen cried, suddenly thrown. Shed expected him to apologise and give in. Instead, he was throwing her out?
Are you not listening? James replied in disbelief. Theres not going to be a wedding. Ive made my choice, and its not you. Pack your bags. If youre still here when I get back, I wont be so polite.
The front door banged as he left, and Helen collapsed on the sofa, lost for what to do. Shed already considered this flat her own and didnt want to leave.
The bell rang. Helen jumped up and hurried to the door with a forced smile, half expecting James to have changed his mind.
Parcel for you, the courier chirped. Just sign here, please.
Helen nearly broke the pen in frustration as she scrawled her name. The lad shot her a strange look before scurrying off once he got the receipt.
Inside the box lay her wedding dress, its ivory silk catching the light almost mockingly. In a surge of anger, Helen flung it aside and stamped all over it, turning it into a ruined heap.
Yanking out her phone and dialling her friends number, Helen dragged her suitcase from the cupboard.
What is it? came an irritated voice. You never sleep and now you wont let me. Pre-wedding nerves? her friend finished sarcastically.
Theres not going to be a wedding! Helen hissed, switching the call to speaker. Im packing up. Can you come and get me?
What happened? her friends voice turned serious. Did he hurt you?
Oh, he hurt me alright! Helen replied, then recounted everything that had happened. Her friend said nothing for a long while. You there or have you nodded off?
Did you really want to get rid of the boy?
Of course! Why would I want to bother with him? Helen scoffed. Id have my own baby.
After another pause, her friend replied flatly, You know what? I dont understand you, and I dont want to. I never thought you were capable of that.
Well, I couldnt care less what you think, Helen snapped, struggling to shut her suitcase. Are you coming or not?
No, the reply was frosty. Call someone else.
Fine then, Ill get a taxi
***********************************************
James picked Tom up from school, and together they went to the local park to feed the ducks. Tom was delighted with the attention, but couldnt help asking:
Dont you need to help Auntie Helen with the wedding? The question hung in the air as Tom anxiously awaited the answer, half-expecting his dad to say yes and rush off home.
No, James replied, surprising Tom. The weddings off. Youre not too upset about Helen not being around, are you?
Toms face lit up. Not at all, he beamed. Honestly, I never liked her. She didnt care about me.
Dont worry, mate, James said, hugging his son tight. Well manage together for now. And one day, well find someone wholl love you just as much as I doAs the sun dipped lower, painting the sky with soft shades of gold and rose, Tom tossed the last crumbs to the ducks and turned to his dad. “Will it just be us, then?” he asked quietly, hope and worry mingling in his eyes.
James knelt down beside him, his hands gently resting on Tom’s small shoulders. “It’ll be usand anyone else who decides to love us for who we are, not just what we can give them. Thats enough for me. And I hope its enough for you, too.”
Tom nodded, a little shy smile blooming. They walked home together, fingers entwined, the bond between them stronger than before. Inside, they warmed soup, laughed over silly stories, and for the first time in months, Tom didn’t dread the coming night or miss the way things used to be.
Later, as James tucked Tom into bed, he kissed his son’s forehead. “Goodnight, kiddo. I’m proud of you.”
Tom burrowed into his pillow, happiness swelling in his chest. “Im proud of you too, Dad.”
And somewhere out in the world, a new chapter waited for themone they would write together, one where love finally found its way home.
