So, is a marriage certificate still stronger than just living together? – The lads teased Nadia

So, is a marriage certificate really stronger than just living together? the men joked with Claire.
Im not going to my thirty-year university reunion, Claire shouted down the phone to her only friend.
Itll send me into depression.
Let those who showed up every year go.
They hardly notice how much theyve changed.
What do you look like now that youre so anxious? Sarah was bewildered.
We met up, what, five years back?
You looked fine then.
Have you really changed that much?
Its not that, Sarah.
I just dont want to go, thats all.
Dont try to persuade me.
Claire was about to end the call, hoping Sarah would take the hint and ring the next person on her list.
But this time, her friend held on, relentless.
Claire, theres hardly any of us left these days.
What, has someone passed away? Claire shuddered, thinking of how she felt too old to be young but surely too young for her peers to be dying off.
No, not that.
Some have just left the country.
Andy Bush died, mind youyears ago, I told you that.
Twenty-five it must be, and far too young.
So dont be difficult.
The whole lot of us are coming, four groups but only thirty people in total.
Didnt your son just get married?
Now you can let your hair down for once.
Sarah went on talking, but Claires mind drifted to Andy Bush.
He always had dark circles under his eyes and a weighty look.
The lads thought he was a bit feeble.
Turned out, Andy had a weak heart.
He studied hard, wanted to design a beautiful cable bridge in his hometown, but never got the chance.
Claire thought: What has she done with her life?
Shed fallen in love with Peter, the foreman at a building firm where she worked after finishing her degree.
He worked away from home, but when he was in town, they were inseparable.
Peter introduced her to everyone as his wife, insisting living together was a sign of real lovenot just a bit of paper.
“Its not the certificate that matters but the love, hed say.
But when Claire found out she was expecting, Peter suddenly stopped coming back on shift.
She discovered he had three children already and a sick wife at home.
He left his job “for personal reasons” and never even told her himself.
Claire realised she couldnt demand anything from a man with three children and an ailing wife.
So, she left the construction trade too, before anyone found out.
As she departed, one of the men chucked out, So, looks like a marriage certificate still outlasts shacking up, eh?
Claire no longer cared.
She started working at a shop near her flat, a job sorted by a neighbour.
They agreed she could keep working two days even after the baby arrived.
Her mother agreed to mind Jamie, muttering about how her useless daughter had ruined her prospects.
Youre the one who raised me to be this way! Claire finally snapped back.
I just hoped youd turn out decent, with all that education I scraped and saved for.
And now look at you, Claire, you silly girl! her mother yelled.
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, does it? Claire retorted, then immediately felt guilty.
They hugged, both in tearsbut what was the point?
Where was she supposed to go now?
So, when Sarah rang again five years after their degree for another reunion, Claire simply didnt go.
She knew theyd sit around swapping stories about family and work, showing off photos while she mopped floors in three different places: the block of flats, the local school, and the nursery.
What would they talk to her about?
Or rather, what would they have to say to her?
But Claire was prepared to do anything for Jamie; he was her only comfort.
Especially when her mum, once Jamie started nursery, decided shed done her duty and went to stay with her sister in the countryside, claiming she needed fresh air.
Luck came unexpectedly a few years later: Claire managed to get a part-time job in her old field.
Jamie was at school, and Claire could pick him up after lunch, which made other kids envy him.
Later, a man at work began to take an interest in her, but Claire stopped it in its tracks.
Her son didnt need some stranger playing dad.
He wouldnt replace Jamies father, just bring trouble.
With time, Claire shone at work.
When Jamie grew older, she finally got offered a full-time engineering job and earn a decent living.
Yet she still never felt complete, and it showed.
She dressed plainly, never wore makeup, her brown hair starting to grey in her forties.
She honestly believed she wasnt allowed to be happy after being the other woman and almost taking a father from his children.
She thought it was wrong to dress brightly or stand outwhat if trouble found her again?
As for new relationships, Claire was convinced there was no point.
Divorce was everywhere, and she was no bettermaybe worse.
Jamie grew up surprisingly grateful.
His mothers sacrifices didnt spoil him.
Hed go for the summer to stay with Grandma Iris and her sister Rose in the countryside, helping them plant potatoes, carrots and beetroot, weeding rows, watering and harvesting potatoes come autumn.
He even helped his grandmother and great-aunt with jams and pickles.
From a young age, Jamie was a strong lad, splitting logs and stacking them neatly for the winter.
Now even Claires mother admitted she was lucky to have such a son, and Iris and Rose regarded him as their favourite grandson.
So, what was the point of Claire fussing about cafes or reunions now?
All these thoughts passed through Claire’s mind in moments.
Suddenly she heard Sarah asking, firm as ever:
Well, did you get the details?
The café opposite the old halls, next Friday at three.
Come on, if only for a natter with meeveryone else is coupled or busy.
Will you come?
Sarahs voice wavered slightly and, for reasons Claire didnt understand, she agreed.
Yes, Ill come
She immediately regretted her promise and glanced in the mirror, phone in hand, half-tempted to ring Sarah back and make her excuses.
But the line was engaged, so Claire hesitated.
That evening she opened the wardrobe and pulled out the blue dress Jamie had bought her for his wedding.
Jamie and his wife, Emily, had needed to gently drag Claire shopping, helped her choose the dress and shoes, and even took her to a salon for a haircut and a bit of colour.
That was a year ago.
Jamie and Emily now had their own place, and they were happy.
Claires grey roots had grown out again.
She saw no reason to make herself up anymore.
Nevertheless, Claire styled her hair and put on the blue dress.
She dabbed some lipstick but wiped most of it offdidnt want to be too bold.
When she arrived, the café was bustling.
At once, Sarah spotted her.
Claire!
You look gorgeous!
Im so glad youre here!
Sarah had put on a bit of weight, but it suited hershe looked somehow younger, happier.
They chatted at their table until someone called Sarah away, and Claire simply drank her juice, looking around and listening to music from their student days, songs that brought her back to being young and full of dreams.
May I have this dance? someones voice cut through the music, and Claire looked upshe recognised him immediately.
It was Alex Jones from a parallel group; hed gotten married in third year, and back then Claire used to fancy him.
Claire, you look wonderful.
Its my first time at a reunion, and I hardly know anyone, but I spotted you straight away!
He offered his hand and Claire accepted, catching Sarahs surprised look as she rejoined their table.
They danced a few times, neither speaking.
Then Alex unexpectedly asked,
Claire, may I walk you home?
Ill be honestIve been divorced for years, but if theres someone waiting for you at home, Ill just see you to your doorits awfully late
Alex walked her home.
The next day, they met up again, and from then on were inseparable.
Jamies wife, Emily, helped pick Claires outfit for her wedding to Alex.
Emily was expecting nowClaire would soon be a grandmother.
She felt a bit awkward being the bride at her age.
But she let herself be happy.
And Emily whispered to her, Mrs.
Campbell, youre beautiful!
Jamie and I are so pleased for youand you do know youre allowed to be happy at any age, dont you?
And truly, as Claire sat at the wedding table, she looked radiantly at Alex and thought, Now, perhaps it really is my turn.
Claire finally forgave herself and let herself be happy.
No matter what life throws at you, happiness is not reserved for the lucky or the young.
Sometimes, you only need to allow yourself a second chance.