Julia found out she was pregnant. Her husband George stayed by her side throughout the pregnancy, fulfilling every whim and desire. Finally, the big day arrived, and George drove Julia to the maternity hospital. When a healthy baby girl was born, he sighed in relief. Overjoyed, the new father went home to rest. The next day, he returned to visit his wife and daughter. “Your wife isnt here,” they suddenly told him. “Thats impossible!” George refused to believe it. “Maybe she stepped out somewhere? Look for her!” “No, shes gone. Heres a note,” the nurse said, handing him a folded piece of paper. George unfolded it and paled at what he read.
George, the sales manager, had been unmarried when he first met young, beautiful Julia. She had just started in his department, and he fell for her instantly. “Good morning, colleague,” he said with such a warm smile that Julia couldnt help but linger on his gaze. “Good morning,” she replied softly, smiling back. “Youll be shadowing Emilyshes the senior here,” he said, nodding toward her. “Familiarise yourself with the job description. Best of luckI hope well work well together.”
The other employees, mostly women, glanced curiously at their boss. Once he left, Emily whispered to Victoria, “Since when does George take such an interest in new hires?” and both giggled. Julia observed quietly, keeping to herself at first. She was only twenty-two but had already broken up several marriages since she was seventeeneven managing an affair with a much older professor during college, which ended only when his wife found out.
Time passed, and George eventually asked her out for coffee after work. “Why not?” she smiled. “Youre my bossgood relationships are important.” Her sweet, innocent expression made him think she was joking, but he was thrilled when she agreed. At thirty, George had never been marriedrelationships never lasted long enough. This one moved quickly. He fell hard, and soon they were dating. Everyone was stunned when he announced their wedding.
George granted Julias every demand without question, even accepting her condition: “No children for now. I want to live for myself. When Im ready, Ill tell you. Until thenno nappies or baby clothes.” He assumed shed change her mind, but years passed with no sign of it. Every time he brought up children, she shut him down sharply.
Then one day, he saw her step out of the bathroom, upset, holding a positive pregnancy test. “Julia youre pregnant?” She nodded. He swept her into his arms, overjoyed, but she burst into tears. “I dont want this. I dont want to get fat. Fix it.” He kissed her tear-streaked cheeks. “Dont be angry, darling. This is happiness! I love you so muchwere going to have a baby!”
But Julia was determined. She went to the cliniconly for George to arrive just in time, pulling her outside. “Please, Julia! Dont do this. Let our child be born. Ill help with everything!” Reluctantly, she agreedon the condition that she wouldnt change nappies or wake up at night. For the rest of her pregnancy, George doted on her. When the time came, he took her to the hospital. The moment their healthy daughter arrived, he exhaled in relief.
Exhausted but happy, the new father went home to rest. The next day, he returnedonly to be told, “Your wife isnt here. She left. The babys still here.” “That cant be!” George insisted. “Maybe she just stepped out?” “No. Shes gone. Heres a note.” The nurse handed him a folded paper. He opened it and turned white.
Three words: “Dont look for me.”
Julia vanishedno trace at work, no answer to calls, even her SIM card was changed. A month and a half later, she finally phoned. “Pack my things. My friend Daniel will collect them. File for divorce yourselfI wont show up.” Not a word about their daughter. She wanted neither the child nor George. So he became both mother and father to little Amelia, with only his own mum nearby to help.
Then one day, Sophias phone rang. It was Mrs. Thompson, her son Daniels teacher. “Come to the school at once! Your son has caused quite a scene!”
Sophia rushed over, bewildered. Daniel was a quiet, well-behaved boywhat could he have done? At the school, she found him sitting outside the headteachers office with a man and a classmateAmelia, the top student in class. Daniel had a red mark on his cheek; Amelia glared at him.
“Mrs. Carter,” the teacher said sternly, “Daniel pushed Amelia.”
“Mum, she started it!” Daniel protested. “You said not to hit girls, but she stuck her tongue out and called me a” He trailed off, looking guilty.
Amelia mumbled, “Dad, I didnt”
“Amelia, stop,” the man cut in.
“Daniel, apologise to Amelia,” Sophia said.
“And Amelia, youre at fault too,” George added.
The children stood scowling until Mrs. Thompson sighed. “Perhaps you parents can sort this out?”
“We will,” Sophia and George said in unison, then laughed.
“Im George, Amelias father.”
“Sophia, Daniels mum.”
“Amelia, Im sorry,” Daniel muttered.
“You too,” Amelia mumbled, nudging his hand.
“Well done,” both parents said, smiling.
“This calls for a celebration,” George declared. “How about pizza?”
Daniel cheered; Amelia nodded solemnly. “Just so you knowwe really are friends now. Right, Daniel?”
“We believe you,” Sophia said, exchanging a glance with George.
The children chattered happily over pizza, already fast friends. Daniel even vowed, “If anyone bothers you, tell me!” Amelia grinned.
The parents didnt dwell on ittheir kids were happy, and so were they. After that day, they met oftencinema trips, park walks, even dinners at each others homes. The children noticed their parents growing closeness and delighted in it more than they did.
Months later, Sophia was expecting another baby. Daniel and Amelia had already picked a name for their little brother.
Theyd call him Benjamin.
