I dont want your son living with us after the wedding.
Auntie Jane, could you help me with my maths homework, please? young Lewis asked, his voice barely above a whisper as he gazed pleadingly at his fathers fiancée. Ive got a test tomorrow, and Dad wont be home from work until late.
I really dont have time, sweetheart, Jane replied curtly, her attention fixed on her laptop. The wedding is in two weeks and Ive still got a mountain of things to sort out. Dont you want your dad and me to have a perfect wedding day?
Of course, Lewis said quietly, his shoulders drooping as he shuffled away to his bedroom, heartbreak in every step. He didnt like Jane one bit, but his father seemed so happy. For Dads sake, he had to put up with it.
Lewiss mother was gravely ill, no longer able to care for her son. An eight-year-old shouldnt have to watch his own mother suffer, his father, David, had said as he took Lewis to live with him. Jane hadnt been thrilled with the situation, but she bit her tongue. Picking a fight right before the wedding wasnt the wisest move.
In front of David, Jane played the part of the caring, understanding woman, full of sympathy for the boy. But as soon as David was at work, she ignored Lewis entirely. Someone elses child was simply not part of her plans.
A few days before the wedding, Davids computer broke down and, out of necessity, he borrowed Janes laptop to send an important email. He only meant to use the browser, but a stray click brought up her browsing history.
With each word he read, his face grew darker. He snapped the laptop shut and strode into the lounge, where Jane sprawled watching television, oblivious.
Whats all this nonsense about sending my son to boarding school? Davids voice trembled as he gripped his temper.
What are you on about? Jane shot back, eyes narrowing. You said youd just send an emailnot snoop through my private stuff. Honestly, have you no shame?
I want an answer, he said coldly, ignoring her accusations. Who gave you the right to make decisions about my sons life?
Exactlythats just it. Hes not my child! Jane hurled the TV remote aside. Well have our own childrentogether. Lewis would only be an obstacle. He never does well in school anyway. What sort of example would he be?
Hes traumatised! His mum is dying! Hes been pulled away from everything familiar! Davids voice cracked with anger. And you, instead of helping, are plotting to get rid of him!
Dont shout at me! Jane fired back. Its not my responsibility to raise your child. His gran can take him if you dont like my solution.
So when, exactly, were you planning to spring this brilliant plan on me? David demanded, refusing to be placated. A week after the wedding? A month?
In a few days, Jane replied, utterly unapologetic. No point dragging it out. Ive got a friend in social servicesshe can help get all the paperwork sorted quickly. Itll be better for Lewis.
Well, youd better get this into your head right now, David replied, suddenly eerily calm. I will never abandon my son. He means everything to me.
And what about me? Jane leapt to her feet. Dont I mean anything? Dont you love me? Fine, Davideither your son leaves, or I do. Take your pick.
My son, David answered without hesitation. Finding a girlfriend is easy, but Ive only got one son.
Oh, really? You think someone else is going to put up with youyour baggage? Jane said, her voice shaking with fury. Who else would love your precious child? No one wants another mans kid!
Youve got one hour to pack your things and get out of this flat. You can even take your presentsI dont care, David said, shrugging on his coat. He paused at the door, his tone quiet but steely. I dont want to see you again. If you thought I was head-over-heels, you were wrong. I was only looking for a new mum for Lewis, thats all.
David, waitwhat about the wedding? Jane faltered, stunned. The thought of him begging for her forgivenessof giving inhad seemed certain.
Havent you worked it out yet? David sounded genuinely surprised. There wont 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 polite about it.
The door slammed, leaving Jane alone in the flat she already considered her own. She sank numbly onto the sofa, mind reeling. She did not want to leave.
The doorbell rang. Hopeful, she leaped up and hurried to open it with a forced smile. Surely he was jokinghed never really leave her.
Parcel for you, miss, chirped the delivery boy as he handed her the package and clipboard.
With spiteful force, Jane signed for the delivery, glaring as the boy scuttled off. She tore open the box to find her expensive white wedding dress, dazzling and taunting. With a cry of rage, she flung it across the room and stamped on it, reducing a thing of beauty to a worthless rag.
Grabbing her phone, Jane dialled her friend, yanking her suitcase from the cupboard.
Whats wrong? came her friends annoyed voice through the speaker. Youre up and making everyone else lose sleep. Is this just pre-wedding jitters? she finished with a sly undertone.
There wont be any wedding! Jane hissed, switching to speakerphone. Im packing my things. Can you come pick me up?
What happened? Her friends tone became instantly serious. Did he hurt you?
Oh, he hurt me all right! Jane exclaimed, recounting every detail of the argument. Her friend fell silent. Are you even listening? Jane demanded.
Did you really plan to send that boy away? her friend asked, after a long pause.
Obviously. I had no use for him, Jane scoffed. Id rather have a child of my own.
You know what? her friend finally said, her voice distant and cold. I dont understand you. I never expected this. Dont call me for this sort of thing again.
Oh, I couldnt care less what you think, Jane grumbled, shoving clothes into her suitcase with shaking hands. Ill call a taxi then.
***********************************************
David collected Lewis from school, and together they strolled through the local park, scattering breadcrumbs for the ducks. Lewis, basking in his fathers attention, looked up at David with uncertainty.
Arent we supposed to help Auntie Jane with wedding stuff? Lewis cautiously asked, bracing for disappointment.
No, son, David replied softly, surprising Lewis. Theres not going to be a wedding. Would you be terribly upset if Jane didnt live with us? Davids own voice wavered, suddenly realising he hadnt thought of how Lewis might feel.
I wont be upset at all! Lewiss eyes sparkled. Actually, Im glad. I dont think she liked me.
Thats all right, mate, David murmured, pulling his son into a tight hug. Well get by just the two of us for now. And one day, I promise, well find someone wholl love you like her own.Lewis clung to his father, breathing in the safety of the embrace. Warmth fluttered cautiously into the cracks left by fear and loneliness. They stood in the fading sunlight, watching ducks squabble over crumbs and ripple the ponds surface into gold.
After a moment, David knelt so he was level with Lewis. How about we pick up your favourite takeaway on the way home? Well eat on the living room floor andif you wantIll help you with your maths. I think I remember fractions.
Lewis burst into a rare, bright laugh. You always make maths fun, Dad. You make everything fun.
They started for the car, Lewiss hand tucked securely in his fathers. As they passed the play area, Lewis glanced back at the pond, then squeezed Davids hand. Will Mum know were okay? he whispered, vulnerability flickering beneath his brave mask.
David smiledsadly, gentlyand bent down to whisper, She always will. Well write her a letter tonight, shall we? Tell her everything. Shed want to know how brave you are.
They walked on, steps lighter now, the path opening wide before them. For the first time in a long while, Lewis felt the unfamiliar warmth of hopespring sunlight after a long, hard winter.
He looked up at David. Just us two, then?
For now, his father said, voice full of promise. And, Lewis? Thats more than enough.
