A Strangers Child
As Lucy enjoyed her cottage pie in a cosy London café, she was approached by a woman shed never seen. Without as much as a pardon, the stranger took the seat across from her and spoke.
Your husband is the father of my child.
Lucy only set down her fork, looking at the woman as if shed heard this sort of thing every day.
And how old is your little one, then? Lucy replied, sounding so unnaturally calm, as if discussing the weather.
Eight, the woman, whose name Lucy would later learn was Claire, pursed her lips, clearly expecting outrage, fury, a storm of accusations anything but Lucys level-headed composure.
Smashing, Lucy smiled ever so slightly and returned her attention to the splendid cherry tart shed ordered only in this café. My husband and I have only been married three years, so whatever happened before is no concern of mine. But, she allowed a note of mild curiosity, is Edward aware?
No, Claire leaned back brusquely. But that hardly matters! Im putting in for child support. Hes going to pay, clear?
Oh, absolutely, Lucy nodded agreeably. Edward adores children. Im sure if hed known, hed have wanted to be part of your sons life. Whats the boys name, by the way?
Oliver, Claire answered automatically, frowning moments after. Dont you care your precious husband has a child with another woman?
Once more, I say, what happened before our marriage is irrelevant, the touched-at-the-edges smile never left Lucys lips. I never expected to marry an innocent schoolboy, after all. Its natural for a man of thirty to have a past. It doesnt bother me, as long as Im his only now.
Well, see you in court. Prepare to shell out, Ill demand everything due to my son by law.
Claire stalked off, leaving behind a thick fog of perfume that seemed enough to fill a ballroom. Lucy managed not to wrinkle her nose, though she wondered if Claire had poured on half the bottle.
Well, have a go, Lucy muttered to herself, finishing her tart. Wonder what youll say when you find out Edwards official salary is only twenty-two grand, with the business still in his fathers name… and his poorly mum, whom hes looking after. Youll get peanuts.
Lucy even felt a twinge of guilt for the boy, an innocent party in all this. Maybe she should pay them a visit, see how theyre living. Maybe negotiate a fair monthly sum for the child.
But then again, if Oliver truly was Edwards son. Shed seen these sorts before…
*********************
The DNA test was done post-haste with some money in your purse, most troubles melt away. The results were indisputable: Oliver was indeed Edwards son.
Lucy found the boy rather withdrawn. In the hour and a half it took to fill forms and collect samples, the eight-year-old sat nearly motionless, staring at a fixed spot on the wall. He didnt ask for cartoons, didnt fidget in the corridor, didnt even whimper nothing like his peers waiting interminably for something to happen.
It unsettled Lucy. Her determination to pay a visit grew firmer.
The flat was in a nicer part of town, with a concierge at the entrance. The two-bedroom had a modern facelift, bright and polished.
Lucy took it all in, bewildered by how someone in such comfort could claim to be down to their last shilling.
Courts in a week, Claire grumbled, swinging the door open for her uninvited guest. You could have waited till then.
I only wanted to get to know Oliver better. Edward wants to be involved perhaps take him on weekends, once theyre acquainted.
You think Ill allow that? Claire snapped, indignantly.
The court will, Lucy countered calmly. Hes his father that grants him rights. I notice there arent any toys about…
I can hardly afford fripperies like that, Claire sniffed, I barely scrape by as is, you think I can spare cash for toys?
Really? Lucy shot a pointed look at the designer handbag resting on the side table, the expensive clothes thrown over the sofa, the luxury cosmetics clustered by the mirror. Youre strapped for cash, are you?
Im still young. I want a life maybe a new family, spat Claire, bristling at Lucys tone. And anyway, its none of your business.
And who looks after Oliver while youre off on dates? Lucy pressed, starting to see why the boy was so silent and remote.
Hes not a baby, can sit quiet on his own. Are you finished? If so, well settle this in court!
Ill insist you account for every pound spent of child support, said Lucy, nearly fleeing. She could hardly bear to see such careless derision toward ones own flesh and blood. I daresay you shant like the courts decision…
*********************
…the court orders, claim of Mrs. Claire Davies is satisfied in part. Edward Harrison is to be recognised as the father of Oliver Davies. The registry office is to amend the childs birth certificate accordingly. The claim for child support for Oliver Davies is denied. The counterclaim by Edward Harrison regarding Olivers residence is upheld…
Lucy allowed herself a quiet, triumphant smile. Her aim had been achieved Oliver would live with them. Some might judge her, say shed taken a boy from his mother, but it was the right thing to do. Claires neighbours all agreed she had no interest in her son shed shout at him for no reason, sometimes even struck him before others. A child psychologist whod met Oliver declared with certainty that he must be removed from his mother. Teachers and former carers all offered the same opinion.
Now, Oliver would finally have his own bright, spacious room, heaps of toys, his own computer… and, most importantly, the love of parents. For Edward and Lucy had both grown terribly fond of the remarkable boy with the quiet eyes.
