“You’re not my daughter anymore,” said Aunt Lucy, shaking her head. “Who that lad is and where he came from, I have no clue. I’m ashamed of you. Move into Grans cottage and start living like an adult. Take responsibility for what youve done.”
Olivia, wiping a stray lock of hair from her face, heard the words and tried to brighten the mood. “Did you hear? They’ve sent some folks over on a workexchange to help us out. Fancy hitting the club tonight?” Maya, lounging in a battered armchair, grinned and replied, “Sounds brilliant!”
“Maya, what am I supposed to do? And what about Victor? Am I taking him with me?” Olivia giggled. “What if we ask Aunt Lucy?” Maya asked cautiously.
Olivia waved her hand helplessly. “Forget it. She still wont forgive me for giving birth to a son. She wanted me to marry Andrew, but I left for university instead. I never got thereshowed up with a baby bump instead. She ranted at me all year, only these past two months has she even spoken to me. So go on, date someone. Maybe youll get lucky and find a proper bloke.”
Maya sighed. “Alright, Ill go with Tasha. Tomorrow Ill spill the whole story.”
That night Olivia tucked her little Victor to sleep, then slipped onto the front steps. The thump of distant music drifted over the garden. Wrapped in her shawl, she imagined everyone inside dancing, laughing, the way Maya would probably be twirling in that bright tigerprint dress again. Olivia smiled to herself, feeling like a striped caterpillar, then sighed and went to bed.
At dawn, Maya burst through the door, right on time for a surprise visit from Olivias mum. Olivia pressed a finger to her lips, trying to hush the chaos, but Maya was unstoppable.
“Terrible that you werent here yesterday,” Maya whispered, eyes sparkling. “There were a few ladsone even saw me off. His names Joe, a proper chatterbox with a wicked sense of humour. Im going on a date tonight,” she blurted in one breath.
Olivias mother raised an eyebrow. “Hes married, I suppose?”
Maya shrugged. “I havent checked his passport. If he is, at least theres something to gossip about.”
“Arent you two having a laugh?” Aunt Lucy chimed in, her eyes twinkling. “Andrew would have been a decent match. I missed my own chance, but you, Maya, could still spin his head around.”
Maya rolled her eyes. “Come on, Aunt Lucy, whats that supposed to mean? Who needs him? His mothers on his case already. Good grief, thats a load of luck!”
She turned back to Olivia. “He was there, eyes like magnets. All the girls were swooning. He hung around with his mates, then left alone. Didnt even ask anyone to dance.”
Aunt Lucys voice softened. “Olivia, you should go to the club too. Ill watch Victor. Maybe youll meet someone solid, someone wholl need a dad someday. Just dont chase after married menthey can smell a single woman from a mile away. Got it?”
Olivia nodded, so thrilled she almost kissed her aunt. “Go on then,” she murmured, then muttered under her breath, “You little pest.”
Later, dressed in her best frock, Olivia and her friends giggled like schoolgirls, reminiscing about carefree nights. “Look, there he isback again,” the girls whispered.
Olivias heart fluttered as she glanced his way, her legs trembling. She turned away sharply and whispered to Maya, “I think Ill head home. Victors probably crying without me.”
Maya laughed. “Olivia, whats that? Youve only just stepped out for a dance and youre already bolting? You havent even had a single spin!”
Olivia snapped, “Im leaving. And that bloke over there is probably your Victors friend, not yours. You wont be bored without me,” she said, heading for the exit.
Just as she reached the door, a hand slipped around her wrist. “May I have a dance, love?”
Olivia tried to pull away. “Im not dancing.”
The gentleman persisted, “Just one dance, please.”
She finally turned, and her pulse raced. He was the same guy Maya had talked about, the one whose chance encounter would change everything. He didnt even seem to recognise her. A spark of something warm flickered in her chest, and she managed a shy smile. “Fine, just oneI’m in a hurry.”
He twirled her around. “I suppose your husbands a bit nervous?” he asked, eyebrows raised.
Olivia replied coolly, “Im not married.”
He winked, a familiar glint that stole her breath. “So does that give me a chance?” he teased.
Olivia stepped back. “Dont hold your breath,” she snapped, then bolted out of the club.
She walked home, tears spilling, feeling as if shed fallen headoverheels for a man who didnt even know her name.
Later, on a commuter train, she met a fellow passenger. He was heading to his parents house, and he could see she was down after failing her exams. He tried to lift her spirits.
“Names Max,” he said, grinning. “Mum calls me Maxim, cousin calls me Mae. Pick whichever you like.”
Olivia chuckled. “Mae sounds nicer.”
He extended his hand. “Almost introduced ourselves properly. And you are?”
“Olivia,” she replied, a little embarrassed.
Max gave her a mockserious nod. “Oliviaproper regal name.”
She spilled the beans about her exam flop and her mothers endless reminders. Max offered advice. “Give the winter a go, study hard, and try again.”
She brightened. “Thanks, I hadnt thought of that.”
He looked at her thoughtfully. “No problem. Ever hear anyone tell you youre stunning?”
Olivia blushed. “Just an ordinary girl, dont overdo it.”
Max stepped a little closer. “But its true,” he said and kissed her unexpectedly. Olivias head spun. What followed was a mix of embarrassment and sweetness. Max left early, promising, “Ill find you again.”
Later, Olivia realised he hadnt even asked for her address.
Months passed, and she discovered she was pregnant. Her mother, eyes hard as stone, snapped, “Youre not my daughter anymore. Whos the father? Im ashamed of you. Move into Grans house and start acting like an adult. Own up to your actions.”
Olivia, now on maternity leave, settled into the local library to keep busy. When she left the hospital, Maya was there to greet her, though her own mother never showed. Five months later, when Victor turned five, Olivias heart finally gave in, and she visited her aunt.
“Its not our kind,” Aunt Lucy declared, but she started coming more often, bringing toys for her grandson.
“Why so early?” Olivia asked. “Theres nothing much going on. Hows Victor?”
Her mother smiled. “Hes sleeping soundly. Since youre here, Im staying.”
Olivia closed the door, tried to catch some sleep, but only managed to nod off at dawn. She fed Victor, who refused his porridge.
“If you dont eat, youll never grow up like your dadstrong and handsome,” she teased. “Is that what youre saying about me? Flattering!”
A voice from the hallway sounded, “Whos that? Where from?” Max stepped in, grinning.
“I told you Id find you,” he said, “I just didnt expect a son to have arrived in the meantime. I was so dazzled I forgot to ask where you lived. Guess fate decided we belong together.” He made a funny face at Victor, who burst into giggles.
In the morning, Olivias mum caught sight of her, her new partner, and a happy Victor perched on Maxs shoulders.
“Is that him?” she asked.
“Yes,” Olivia beamed.
Her mother approached Max, extending her hand. “Im Lucy Harper. Ill be keeping an eye on you, you know, as a proper motherinlaw.”
Max shook her hand firmly. “Understood.”
And that, my dear, is how things turned out for Olivia, Maya, Victor, and Maxjust a tangled but lovely mess of love, missteps, and a little bit of British stubbornness. Cheers for listening!
