What if she isnt my daughter? I should get a DNA test.
Nick stared pensively as his wife Susan cooed over their newborn daughter, unable to shake one particularly bothersome thought. He genuinely suspected the baby wasnt his.
The previous year, hed had to take a month-long business trip up north. Just a couple of weeks after his return, Susan had bounced in with what she thought was the best news ever: they were expecting.
At first, Nick was delighted. But then Susans sister Julia popped round for tea one Sunday and told the most fascinating story. Details and all, she explained how shed had a DNA test done on her own son, just to assure her partner that he was really the father.
Susan, why dont we get one done as well? Nick tried, attempting to sound casual. Just for the peace of mind.
Susans reaction was swift. A full-on rowsplosion, complete with thrown objects and a dramatic clattering of kitchen utensils. Even the neighbours started knocking on the walls.
Whats so terrible about it? Nick pressed, his suspicions steadily growing. Surely she must have cheated; why else would she react like Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle falling down the stairs? I just want to be certain, thats all.
And whats given you such a ridiculous idea? Susan shrieked, lobbing another cushion in his direction. Have I EVER given you any reason to doubt me?
I was out of the house for an entire month, Nick shrugged with a twist of the mouth. How am I supposed to know what you got up to? We do the test, I get the answer, and I promise Ill never mention it again. So, whens good for you? We could always ask your sister for the clinic address.
In your next bloody lifetime, Susan hissed through gritted teeth. With a last flourish, she stormed off to the nursery, slamming the door so hard the cat fled under the sofa.
***************************************************
You know, Nick complained to his mother later that week, Im hardly asking for the moon. Why is she so against it?
Shes guilty, thats why, said Ann Pickering firmly, pouring him a strong mug of tea. Simple as that. She had that child on the side and now shes worried youll find out. She hesitated, lips pursed, as if weighing whether to spill more beans. And, well, there was that one incident while you were away
What do you mean? Nick perked up instantly.
Im not one for meddling, you know, Ann averted her eyes, clearly loving a bit of mild family intrigue. I only popped by to talk about your fathers big birthday. But Susan wouldnt open the door for ages I could hear her shuffling about inside and when she finally did, she looked like shed just wrestled with a hedgehog. There was a strange pair of mens shoes in the hallway too.
And what did she say about that? Nick asked indignantly, ready to dash off and accuse his wife of all sorts.
She said the pipe had burst, Ann rolled her eyes. Couldve come up with something a touch more original, I must say.
Why didnt you mention it before?
Well, its not like I had any proof she didnt let me beyond the front step and I didnt want to cause a fuss unnecessarily.
You should have! Nick exclaimed, nearly knocking his tea over. Absolutely should have! So, what on earth am I supposed to do now?
Make her take the test, Ann replied serenely, suppressing a smirk. Shed never really warmed to Susan. Or do it yourself youre the father after all, your right.
***********************************************
Relax, will you Ive got the results, Nick announced, discarding the now-pointless envelope a courier had just dropped off. Emilys my daughter. As promised, I wont bring it up again.
Im sorry let me just clarify, Susan narrowed her eyes, radiating barely-contained irritation. You did that blasted DNA test without telling me?
Well, yes, Nick replied breezily, as if hed merely nipped out for a loaf of bread. Swung by the clinic while I was taking Emily for a stroll. Didnt take long. Shes mine, so no problem.
Oh, believe me, there is a problem, Susan replied quietly. And its a shame you cant see it.
The next morning, Nick left for work as usual, blissfully unaware that disaster was about to strike. That evening, he came home to a much quieter house. Susan and Emilys things were gone. On the coffee table sat a solitary note.
Your distrust has destroyed everything between us. I cant live with a traitor, so Im filing for divorce. I dont want anything from you not the house, not money. I just want you out of our lives.
Nick was incandescent. How DARE Susan leave him and take his daughter too! He grabbed his phone and called her repeatedly.
A man answered, listened to his furious outburst without a word, and simply asked Nick not to ring again.
Ha! I KNEW she was cheating! Nick howled, shaking with indignation. Can barely get out the door before shacking up with another fellow! Fine, let her get on with it.
It never crossed his mind that Susan might simply be staying with her parents and the man on the phone was likely her brother, not some mysterious rival. Nick had made his mind up.
The divorce went through swiftly, both agreed it was for the best. Little Emily stayed with her mother, and would never see her biological father again.
