Why on earth would someone as handsome and accomplished as me get married? I caught myself thinking that again this morning. Meanwhile, Mum and Dad are probably wondering, “When will we get any grandchildren?”
After dropping Sophie off at her flat, I drove back to my own place in Manchester. Once home, I made myself a quick breakfastscrambled eggs with hamplonked myself at the table, and finally powered up my mobile, which had been off all night. Missed calls galore.
Mums been ringing again, I muttered. No doubt another lecture about my supposed failures
Of course, Im hardly a failure. Ive got a solid job, a decent two-bed flat, and a car. Still, Im already twenty-five and not yet married.
Why should a man like me, with looks and a good career, tie the knot anyway? Thats what I kept asking myself.
But somewhere in the background, my parents voices echoed, When will we ever get grandchildren?
Sighing, I rang my mum.
Hello, Mum! How are you today? I asked.
My healths just fine, she replied crisply.
And Dad?
Hes alright as well. You should come and see for yourself. It only takes you half an hour by car, but we barely see you for months. Your fathers about to dig the vegetable patch, says its time to plant the potatoes.
Mum, I cant make it today. I promise Ill come next weekend.
You keep promising to come and finally bring your girlfriend.
This time, on a whim, I blurted out, Next weekend, Mum. Ill come, and Ill bring my girlfriend. Promise!
With your fiancée? she pressed excitedly.
Well not quite.
My son, Im so happy for you! Well be waiting next Saturday. Ill make all your favourites!
After hanging up, doubts creeped in.
Why did I open my mouth? Who am I going to bring as my girlfriend? Sophie, perhaps? Why not? After a nap, maybe Ill give her a ring. Though honestly, my parents wouldnt be too thrilled with her, not to mention Sophie herself wouldnt be keen on country life. Still, she could manage a visit. Ill just sleep on it.
After leaving the frying pan on the table, I headed for bed. When I woke, I decided to ring Sophie, remembering my promise.
Hi, gorgeous! I greeted her.
Hello, William, she replied coolly.
Sophie, did you not sleep well? Fancy a drive?
William, its best if we dont see each other anymore. My plans have changed.
What do you mean, plans? My irritation flared.
Im getting married.
Ill be round to see you both
She hung up.
I put my phone down. Usually, Im the one ending thingswith girls, never the other way around.
Looking for a distraction, I made myself a coffee and started mulling things over. Where am I going to find a girlfriend to take home to the folks now? I could call one of my recent dates, but they’d think Im serious.
Didnt get to finish my coffee before the car alarm went off. I rushed to my bedroom windowthe cars parked out back for security, always in clear view. Some middle-aged bloke, around forty-five or fifty, was standing near it, looking up.
Whos that? I muttered, slipping my trainers on and heading outside.
Whats your game, mate? I demanded.
The stranger replied, condescendingly, Listen, pal! If I see you around Sophie again, youll regret it!
Get lost, I said.
Suddenly, a solid-looking guy appeared. I tried to speak, but everything faded to black…
William! William! a voice called me back. Above me was a plain-looking girl I faintly recognised.
Have I seen her before?
Can you hear me? Or do I need to call an ambulance?
No need. Ive everything I need for first aid in my car, I smiled weakly. Will you help me?
Of course. I trained as a nurse, she said.
I studied her faceshe lived in the neighbouring flat, always said hi, but Id never paid much attention, assumed she was a student. She seemed to sense my uncertainty.
Im Alice. Im your neighbour, she offered.
Hop in, Alice, I said, opening the back door. The first aid kit is there.
She cleaned my wound.
Its nothing serious, she concluded.
Thanks.
I glanced in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes met minecurious and kind. Was she asking whether to go?
Come on, lets grab a coffee. I still havent had breakfast.
Like this? She looked down at her t-shirt and trackies.
So what? Im dressed the same.
I cant really
All right, then lets both change and go, I laughed.
Half an hour later, she appeared in a simple dress, cheap makeup. For some reason, I felt like going for a walk instead of driving.
Alice, fancy a stroll?
She beamed and slipped her arm in mine. Lets.
Alice chatted away as we walked. We found a little café and sat down. I handed her the menu.
Order whatever takes your fancy, I said.
She studied the prices more than the dishes. Sensing she wasnt used to cafés like this, I waved the waiter over.
Just bring her something tasty and a coffee, please.
And for you?
Just coffee for me.
Weve a lovely lemon drizzle cakebest in town.
Perfect.
Afterwards, we wandered home, parting at her building.
Workweek whizzed by. Friday evening, I remembered my promise: show up at Mum and Dads with a girlfriend. What to do?
Went to the kitchen, flicked on the kettle, made a sandwich, and mulled over the weekend ahead.
Ill just go alone. Mum will be disappointed. Something has to give…
Suddenly, inspiration struck.
Why not ask Alice? Problem was, I hadnt seen her since Sunday. Ill just say Ive been busy at work…
Quick bite, shave, fresh shirt, and out I went.
I knew which was her block, but there were fifteen flats, and apart from her first name, I knew nothing about my girlfriend.
After a few minutes peering up at the windows, the front door opened and there she wasin that same t-shirt and trackies, mustve spotted me from upstairs.
She paused, uncertain.
Hi, Alice!
She lit up. Hello William!
I was hoping to take you out for a walk.
Im not really dressed for it…
Ill wait, I smiled. Half an hour do?
Yes! She dashed back inside.
Inside, her mum called, Whats the hurry, love?
Mum, Im just popping out.
In such a rush? Whats going on?
But Alice was already bustling about. Her mum peeked from behind the curtain.
Youre seeing that William, arent you?
Yes.
Why do you need that charmer?
Im twenty now, Mum, Alice replied with a shy smile.
And youve seen the girls queuing up to see him?
Mum, please, dont start!
Oh dear, sighed her mum as Alice ran out.
Alice knew the whole building would soon be gossiping; after all, everyone knew who William was, and how quiet shed always been. From now on, the grannies on the benches would add has been to their whispers, but she didnt care.
Alice came out without glancing back, sure her mum was peeking from the window. She took my arm confidently.
Where to?
Park first, then a café, then maybe a moonlit stroll if youre game.
We did all three. When Alices phone rang, it was her mum.
Alice, its after one already!
Coming, she said, eyes cast down. William, I need to get back.
Ill walk you.
At her block, we paused for a long, warm hug. Then I simply said, in a tone not open to debate, Youre coming to meet my parents tomorrow.
Tom! My mum called, rushing outside as our car turned into the driveway. Williams here!
And about time, too, Dad grunted.
Hes brought a girl! Mum gasped, hurrying to the garden.
Mum gave me a quick hug but didnt take her eyes off Alice.
She turned to Alice. And whats your name, dear?
Alice, she answered, a bit flustered.
Im Aunt Lizzie. Come in, come in!
Thank you!
Dad came out and beamed at her. At last, a proper girl for our boy! Your name, my lovely?
Alice.
Im Tom. Call me Uncle Tom if you like.
Alice had expected my parents to look her over disapprovinglyplain girl with their posh sonbut instead found only warmth and welcome.
We went inside. The table was decked out as though for a visiting dignitary.
The questions began, but Alice soon realised my family was just as down-to-earth as hers. It seemed to please them that Alice was from a modest background.
After lunch, Dad and I went to dig the veg patch. Alice approached Mum.
Aunt Lizzie, shall I help clear the table and do the washing up?
Lets do it together! Mum grinned delightedly.
Later, we all planted potatoes. When we finished, Alice sighed.
I should head home. Mum will be worrying.
Oh Alice, my darling, dont talk nonsense! Well have dinner soon. Stay the night and head off tomorrow.
Im not sure You could tell she wanted to.
Call your mum! Mum insisted.
Alice rang her.
Mum, do you mind if I stay here tonight?
Are you sure, Alice? You promised youd be home tonight.
Whats your mums name, Alice? Lizzie interjected, taking the phone from her hand.
Caroline.
Hello, Caroline! Its Lizzie, Williams mum.
Hello there!
Let Alice stay here under my roofplenty of space, Ill put them in different rooms.
I dont know what to say
Your daughter is a treasure.
The two mums chatted for a good half hour.
Not until the following evening did we prepare to leave. Mum packed up loads of food for us, mainly talking to Alice.
This bag heres for William, but these two are for you both.
Aunt Lizzie, thats much too generous!
You townies never eat properly, thats why youre so thin, love!
Then she caught me as I was talking to Dad.
So, you two off to give formal notice at the registry office soon?
Mum, what are you on about? Weve not even discussed it.
Well, get on with it then!
Well think about it.
Youll regret it if you let a good girl slip away, she wagged her finger at me. Dont bring back anyone else!
As soon as our car rolled out, Mum called Caroline.
Caroline, theyre on their way! I sent plenty of fresh veg with them.
Lizzie! You really didnt have to
Its nothing! God willing, well soon be one family.
Oh, you! But I could hear the happiness in Carolines voice.
My Williams twenty-fivegot a flat, got a car, ready to be a husband. Although, who knows whats in your Alices head.
In her head? Im not sure shes got her head on at allseems shes been swept off her feet!
Well, wholl guide them if not us? Mum sounded determined to get me married.
Your Williams not half bad looking
And your Alice is a wonderful girl, hard-working, too!
That she is. Been running the house for ages, cooks as well as I ever did
Driving home, I couldnt wipe the silly grin off my face. Eventually, Alice couldnt take it.
William, why are you smiling like that?
My parents really liked you.
Oh, get away.
Mum said Id be mad to let such a good girl go.
And will you?
Never.
And we looked into each others eyesfull of the same, beaming feeling Id never known before.
If youve enjoyed reading my thoughts, follow along for morelet me know what you felt, and drop a like if this hit home.
