He refused to marry his pregnant girlfriend. His mother backed him, but his father stood up for the unborn child.
He wouldnt marry the girl who was carrying his baby. His mother supported his decision, but his father fought for the babys future.
“Dad, Ive got news. Our neighbour, Emily shes pregnant. Its mine,” said James as soon as he walked through the door.
Arthur, his father, paused for a moment before replying calmly, “Then marry her.”
“Are you joking? Im too young for this. Its not the right time for a family, and besides, we werent even serious”
“Serious?” His father let out a bitter laugh. “You were man enough to chase after her, but now youre just a boy when it comes to taking responsibility. Fine.” Without another word, he called for his wife. “Margaret! Come here!”
Margaret walked into the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron.
“Whats happened?”
“Look. Our son got Emily, the neighbours daughter, pregnant, and now he wont marry her. And him” He scoffed.
Margaret didnt even flinch. Her face hardened.
“And hes right. Why bring home the first girl who comes along? Girls these days are cleverthey find someone with money, get pregnant, and suddenly its marry me. And then it turns out the baby isnt even his. He should get a DNA test. Besides, we cant pressure Jameshes still young. Hes a man, its not like he could resist. But we dont have to raise someone elses child.”
Arthur took a deep breath and spoke quietly.
“What if it really is his?”
“And if it is? Are we forced to take responsibility? Tell him to take the test, and then well see.”
She turned on her heel and went back to the kitchen, leaving Arthur alone with his son.
“Listen, I was young once too,” he began. “I loved one girl, married another. Not for love, but because it was the right thing to do. Being a man isnt just about passionits about choices and consequences. Your mother was pregnant. I didnt know if I could love her, but I knew one thingthe baby wasnt to blame. My blood, my conscience. And you know what, James? Ive never regretted staying.”
Three months passed. The DNA test came back clear: with 99.9% certainty, James was the father of Emilys baby.
“Well?” Margaret snapped when Arthur placed the results in front of her. “Yes, its his. But that doesnt mean Emilys moving into this house. Shes not setting foot here. I mean it!”
James sat silently, avoiding his fathers gaze. His face made his choice clearhe was on his mothers side. Clenching his fists, he said nothing.
Arthur slowly rose from the table.
“Since the two of you have made your decision, now hear mine.”
His voice was low but firm.
“As long as I live, my grandchild will want for nothing. Ill buy land, build a house, and that childmy grandchildwill have everything Ive worked for. And the two of you can forget my help. I refuse to take part in this shame. James, from today, youre no longer my son. Everything I own will go to that boy. You wont get a penny from me.”
Margaret exploded.
“Have you lost your mind? Youd disown your own son?!”
Arthur didnt answer. He turned and walked out, ignoring her shouts and curses. James stood frozen in the silence, unable to believe what his father had said. But he knew one thingif Arthur said it, he meant it.
