Cant Wait to Get Married
David, are you nearly home?
Almost there, finishing up now.
Hurry up, love! We need to have a talk.
Is everything alright? Davids concern snuck into his voice.
Well, nothings happened just yet, but we need to talk, Sally was visibly worked up, but it didnt seem like the world was ending.
Fifteen minutes later, David, head of the family, walked through the front door.
Whats happened here? he asked his wife, treading lightly.
Go and get changed, wash your hands theres no need to drop everything like youre saving the universe, she said, kissing him and nudging him towards the bathroom.
He soon finished up, changed clothes, and joined Sally in the lounge.
Come on then, she led him into their daughters room. Molly was sitting on her bed, hunched up and red-eyed from crying.
So, whats happened? David tried to keep his cool.
Ask your daughter, Sally snorted. Go on, Molly, tell your father whats on your mind!
Molly sulked even harder, turning toward the window, adamant about not sharing her problems out loud.
Right then, girls, David clapped his hands on the table, you can either tell me calmly whats going on, or sort it out yourselves while I put my feet up after work.
Were getting married, Sally declared with biting sarcasm, today, apparently, no waiting around!
What do you mean? David blinked. Getting married, just like that? To whom, if I may ask?
Since Molly stubbornly stayed silent, mum Sally had to step in again:
To Oliver Mumford, that spotty young lad with glasses whos been hanging around a lot lately.
Mumford, is it? Well, Molly?
Still nothing.
Right, sweetheart. You need to stop playing secret agent. Am I meant to dance around here just to find out whats going on? Davids voice edged into seriousness.
Oliver and I love each other! Molly burst out. Hes the best, and were getting married!
Well, at least now were getting somewhere, David sighed. Hes on your course, right?
Yes, in my class.
First year of uni, David muttered, half understanding, half defeated. Kids
Were not kids! Molly shot back. Were both eighteen were adults!
Alright, then. Youre adults. Lets talk like adults, David replied evenly.
I dont want to talk! Youre just going to say that were too young, we should wait, settle down, check our feelings. Youre always so reasonable and grown up, youll never understand what its like were in love! Thats all that matters and you want to ruin it!
Im not here to ruin anything, her father sighed, weary. I just want to get to the bottom of this. So, you and Oliver love each other great. You both want to get married or just you?
Dad, dont be so patronising Oliver wants to marry me just as much as I want to marry him.
Okay, so you both want this. And tell me, where will you live? How will you afford it? Have you thought about these things?
It doesnt matter! If we have love, nothing else counts! she insisted passionately.
Molly, tell me honestly do you think love means you dont need to live somewhere or eat every day? he said gently. Why the mad rush? Are your shoes on fire? No ones against Oliver, let him come round, well meet him, have a chat, see his folks. Isnt that reasonable? He looked at Sally for backup.
It is, love. But theres a catch. They are in a hurry.
What, is Oliver being called up to the Army? But students dont serve these days
No, not the Army. Its not Oliver either. Molly, do you want to say this or am I to do all the talking?
I can talk! their daughter shot back grumpily. Oliver and I are having a baby.
I see, David murmured, stunned. Thats unexpected. So, what are you going to do?
Get married! Have the baby! And dont even try to talk me into well, you know! Our baby will live!
Right, calm down. No ones going to force you into anything. We need to think things through. Tell me, do Olivers parents know?
Hes supposed to talk to them tonight we agreed to tell our parents today.
And? Has he called you back?
N-no
Fine. When he calls, let me know. Now, can I please have my dinner? These crises are about to finish me off!
Sally and David headed to the kitchen, where she quickly heated some food and placed a plate in front of him.
So what do we do? she whispered.
I honestly dont know yet, David admitted. Lets hear what his parents say, then see if we can work something out.
Dinner had barely ended when they received unwelcome news from Oliver: his parents were dead set against it. Their talk had ended in a row. Not promising
Less than fifteen minutes later, Molly shuffled into the lounge clutching her phone, and quietly said:
Its Olivers mum. She wants to speak to one of you
Sally folded her arms across her chest.
Darling, talk to her, please. I cant
David gave his wife a reproving glance, but took the call, turning on speakerphone and signalling for quiet.
Hello, this is Mollys dad, David Turner.
Louise, Olivers mother. Our son announced tonight he and your daughter are seeing each other. And, judging by her, theyve already been well, you know. And now they have great plans. Are you aware?
Yes, weve talked to Molly.
Good. Let me be clear we are categorically against these plans, Louise spat the last word. Our boy needs to study, get his qualifications, build a career. Marriage at the start of university, and a baby, are out of the question.
Well, we hadnt planned for a whirlwind wedding either. But Molly is having a baby, by your son, if I may remind you. What would you suggest?
Thats your problem, Mr Turner. For one, were not even sure its Olivers baby. Even if it is, were not playing the we must marry because Im pregnant game. As any girl would, your daughter is angling for marriage, especially since Olivers from a good family. I get it, as a woman, but as a mother Ill do everything to keep my son out of this. My husband agrees. Weve spoken to Oliver, he understands, and he wants your daughter to leave him alone. Abortion or giving birth, its not our concern. Goodbye.
The call ended abruptly. David cast a long look at his wife and daughter.
Did you all hear that? In short, no abortions I won’t allow the loss of an innocent soul, and besides, it could harm her. Nothing fatal. When the time comes, youll take a break from uni, then return. Well support you financially and help with the little one. And as for them well deal. Now, have some tea, cry if you need, but keep it short. Well get through this!
He drew his wife aside and quietly said:
Best for you to sleep with Molly tonight, just in case. Have a good talk with her, keep her calm. Ill sleep in her room.
An hour later, the doorbell rang.
Who on earth is it at this hour? David muttered, trudging to open the door.
Presently, he returned to the lounge, trailed by a nervy young man in glasses, red spots still on his cheeks.
Oliver! Molly threw herself into his arms. Have you come for me?
Yes, for you. Mr Turner, Mrs Turner, Ive come to take Molly.
Take her where, if you dont mind me asking?
Im not sure yet. Well rent a flat. Were adults now please dont try to stop us. Will you come with me, Molly?
Of course! Anywhere with you!
Hold on, both of you, David raised his hand. Just a couple of questions. Your mother said the whole family opposes your decision, including you.
Thats not quite right, Mr Turner. That was my mums decision. Dad just nodded along as usual. I only pretended to go along with them so theyd leave me alone. Then I grabbed my wallet, passport, and card, and here I am.
Well, thats interesting! David was clearly impressed. So, you want to take Molly, get a flat how are you going to pay for it?
Ive saved up a bit, I work evenings, Ive got a blog and my own YouTube channel enough for a couple of months rent and food, and Ill earn more.
Not bad, not bad What do you say, Sally? Shall we let them go? The lads not as soft as we thought.
I dont know, Sally hesitated. Where would they go at this time of night?
Youre right. No ones going anywhere tonight. Time to make some ground rules. So youre getting married?
Yes! they both answered.
And youre keeping the baby?
Yes.
Well, well help you, but with conditions. One, Oliver, you do your best to reconcile with your parents, and Molly, you help him. Oliver, youll stay here tonight, no gallivanting about. You can sleep in the lounge youre still just Mollys friend as far as were concerned. Text your folks, say youre with mates. Later, youll work up to telling them the truth calmly, no drama! Dont give up uni! Especially you, he pointed at Oliver, Molly can take leave, then catch up. Well help as we can money, babysitting, the lot. But were not paying your way. For now, keep the wedding simple to save money you can have a proper do later when things are settled. Do you agree?
Yes, Oliver answered without hesitation.
I wanted a real wedding with a veil and guests and everything Molly mumbled, disappointed.
Not the time! her fiancée said firmly. Small wedding now; when things are stable, well do it all properly, I promise.
Alright, whatever you say
Right, children, the plan is clear. Time to get ready for bed everyones up early tomorrow.
Later, Sally caught David in the kitchen.
I wanted to ask, how come you suddenly changed course with Oliver?
Changed suddenly? That woman, his mother, left me shaking with rage. And then, what do you know, the mummys boy himself turns up, but it turns out hes a decent chap, took a stand, didnt abandon Molly. Thats the kind of lad you dont mind trusting your daughter with as a husband!
Youre always right, love! she said, kissing him before heading out to sort out the sleeping arrangements.
Some life lessons take us by surprise, whether were ready or not. But when families pull together and face troubles side by side, even the trickiest times can become a start for something stronger and brighter. Sometimes, the real strength is found in loving and standing by each other, come what may.
