I dont want your son living with us after the wedding.
Aunt Mary, could you help me with my sums, please? young Charlie whispered, his eyes full of hope as he looked at his fathers fiancée. I have an arithmetic test tomorrow, and Dad wont be back till late.
Not now, Charlie, Im awfully busy, Mary replied, her gaze never leaving the screen of her laptop. The weddings in just a fortnight, and theres such a lot still to arrange. Surely you want your father and me to have a perfect day, dont you?
Course I do, Charlie mumbled, looking quite forlorn as he trudged back to his room. Mary had never been fond of him, and he knew it. Still, his father was happy, and Charlie tried to bear it for his sake.
Charlies mother had been gravely ill and was no longer able to care for him. No lad of eight should have to witness his mothers suffering! With those words, his father, Edward, brought him to live at his house. Mary had not rejoiced over this turn of events, but she held her tongue; a row, so near the wedding, seemed imprudent.
Mary played the role of the caring and understanding partner when Edward was around. But the moment he left for work, she behaved as though Charlie didnt exist. Someone elses child was no concern of hers.
Just a few days before the wedding, Edwards computer broke, and he used Marys laptop to send an important letter. He intended only to open his e-mail, but, perhaps out of habit or simple curiosity, he glanced at her browsing history.
His face darkened as he read. Slamming the laptop shut, Edward strode to the sitting room, where Mary was lounged on the sofa.
Whats all this nonsense about a boarding school for my son? Edward demanded, barely keeping his temper.
What are you on about? Mary scowled. You said youd just send an e-mail. Clearly, you had a good snoop! Arent you the least bit ashamed?
I want an answer, Edward said, unmoved by her reproach. Who gave you the right to decide the fate of my boy?
Exactly, hes not mine! Mary snapped, flinging the television remote aside. Well have our own children, together. Charlie will only be in the way. He does poorly at school, always scraping by with the lowest marks. What sort of example is that?
The childs under terrible strain! His mother is at deaths door! Hes been uprooted from everything he knows! Hes suffering, Mary, and instead of helping, youre scheming to get rid of him. Edwards voice rose in spite of himself. Fortunately, Charlie was still at school.
Dont shout at me! Mary shouted back. Its not my duty to raise your child. He has a grandmother, doesnt he? Let her take him if you dont like my suggestion.
When were you planning to share this brilliant scheme of yours? Edward went on, still furious. A week after the wedding? Or a month?
In a couple of days, Mary replied, not the least bit contrite. Why delay? Ive already inquired. I know someone at Social Services who can help sort the paperwork quickly. Hed be far better off there.
Youd best make this perfectly clear in your mind, Edward said, suddenly very calm. I will never abandon my son. I love Charlie, hes dearer to me than anything in the world.
And what about me? Mary leapt from her seat. Dont I mean anything? Dont you love me? Alright thenhere it is. I dont want your son living with us after the wedding. You choose. Him or me.
Him. Edward didnt hesitate for an instant. You can find another wife, but I only have one son.
Another wife? Who would look at you twice, besides me? Mary was almost shaking with anger. Do you really think someone else could love your little boy? Dont make me laugh! No one wants another mans child!
Youve got an hour to pack your things and leave this flat. You can take your gifts too, Im not bothered, Edward said, shrugging on his coat. He paused at the door. I dont want to see you again. If you ever thought I was smittenthink again. The only thing I wanted was a new mum for Charlie, nothing more.
Wait, Edward, what about the wedding? Mary was stunned. Shed been sure he would beg her to stay, would agree to anythingbut now he was throwing her out?
Havent you realised yet? Edward replied quietly. There wont be a wedding. Ive made my choice, and its not you. Pack your things. If youre still here when I come back, I wont be so polite.
The front door slammed, leaving Mary alone in the flat. She sat weakly on the sofa, lost for what to do. Shed already considered the place hers, and the idea of leaving it was unbearable.
The bell rang. Mary perked up, a smile spreading across her face as she hurried to the door. Surely, Edward had only been jokingthere was no way hed leave her.
Parcel for you. The delivery lad was cheerful, handing her a clipboard for her signature.
She nearly snapped the pen as she signed and snatched the box. The courier gave her a strange look and left in haste.
Inside the box, gleaming mockingly, was the wedding gownstaggeringly expensive. In a fit of rage, Mary hurled the beautiful white dress to the floor and stomped all over it, reducing it to a tattered rag.
Fuming, she found her phone and dialled her friend while dragging her suitcase from the cupboard.
Whats going on? came her friends peevish voice. Kept me up half the night, now this. Getting the wedding jitters, are we?
There wont be any wedding! Mary hissed, putting the call on speaker. Im packing my things. Can you come and fetch me?
What happened? Her friends voice turned abruptly serious. Did he hurt you?
Oh, he hurt me alright! Mary exclaimed, retelling the whole argument. Silence on the other end. Have you fallen asleep?
You really meant to send the boy away?
Of course, why on earth would I want him? Mary snorted. Id have a child of my own.
You know, her friend finally said after a pause, I dont understand you. And frankly, I dont want to. I never thought you were capable of something like this.
Oh, I dont care what you think, Mary snapped, wrestling with her case. Are you coming?
No, came the frosty reply. Call someone else.
Fine, Ill get a taxi then
* * *
Edward collected Charlie from school, and together they walked to the park to feed the ducks. The boy was delighted to have his fathers company but eventually asked, Arent you supposed to help Aunt Mary with the wedding? He fell silent, waiting nervously. No doubt his father would say yes, and theyd have to hurry home
No, Edward replied, much to Charlies surprise. Therell be no wedding. You wont be too upset if Mary doesnt live with us, will you? Edward asked, worried he might have acted rashly.
Not upset at all! Charlies face lit up. Not one bit. Truth is, I didnt like her. She didnt care about me.
There, there, Edward hugged his son tightly. For now, it will just be the two of us. But someday, well meet a woman who will love you as her ownCharlie looked up, eyes shining, and said quietly, Im glad its just us, Dad.
They walked on, the air brisk but the sun warm on their faces. Ducks glided over the pond, snatching breadcrumbs from the water. Charlie giggled and tossed another handful, his troubles lightening bit by bit.
Edward smiled, watching his sons delight, feeling a great weight fall away from his heart. He realized, perhaps for the first time in months, how lucky he truly was. They didnt need a fancy wedding or a perfect family from the outside. They had each other, and that love, though battered and tested, was whole and strong.
Come on, Edward said, taking Charlies hand. Lets get some ice cream.
Charlies face burst into a grin. Even though its nearly dinnertime?
Edward ruffled his sons hair. Especially because its nearly dinnertime.
As they wandered off together, their laughter echoed over the quiet park, a sound full of hope and new beginnings. The world was still uncertain, but side by side, father and son knew they could face anything.
And as the last golden light of day slipped behind the trees, Charlie squeezed his fathers hand and felt certain, for perhaps the first time in his young life, that he was right where he belonged.
