Diary of a Single Mother 10

As arranged, Aunt Mavis and Judith came around sunset to accompany me. I had just packed a few toiletries and a few clothes. When we arrived at James’ flat, we knocked and Tino opened the door. Seeing me, he invited us inside. James’ dad was watching TV in the lounge. We sat on the floor instead of on the sofas. After some greetings and a bit of silence, Terrence’s mother then broke the ice.

She asked whether James was around but she was told that he was out of the country.
‘Well’ we had brought his bride.’ She didn’t have to say anything further than that. As an adult James’ father knew what this meant.
‘I see,’ said the old man. ‘However, James is not here.’
‘We will have to leave her here because her father does not want her at his home.’
‘That is difficult my daughter. I cannot accept her. James is not here- as you can see. If I may ask, how far gone is she?’
‘Four months,’ I could tell Judith was getting annoyed.
‘Four?! And you just had to wait? If you were so sure James is responsible, where were you? Trying other eligible bachelors.
Four months, it’s just too much. I suggest you leave. Tino, come and show these women out.’ He left us in the lounge.
Aunt Mavis and Judith got up to leave and I wasn’t sure what I was supposed to do so I remained sitting.

‘Tess, let’s go!’ aunt Mavis said in an angry voice.
‘We won’t stay here a minute longer. What for? To be insulted.” She added.
I felt this heaviness.
Rejected!
Rejection!

James’ father acted as if he didn’t know me, like I was a stranger or some prostitute trying to force her way into his son’s life. What was worse? I couldn’t comprehend this. But really, what had I expected? How was I going to face my parents? I so wanted to die. Death just seemed like the only way out. I cared not for what I was carrying. I didn’t even think about it. There was no point. No point!

Aunt Mavis and Judith did not say anything. Everyone was just lost in their own thought. What now? I just couldn’t figure it out. I didn’t want to go home. I was terrified.
‘Maybe, it’s best if I talked to your parents alone, and perhaps you could come in when I call you.’ Aunt Mavis said.
‘We will stay in the car,’ Judith replied.

The most trying moment. How were my parents going to take this? I had never felt so stupid. I had no will to live. What was there to live for? If my parents were to throw me out where would I go? I had uncles and aunts but I couldn’t picture myself turning to them. It seemed as if I was playing the waiting game. I had to wait to find out if I was really pregnant, had waited to tell James, to tell my sisters, my parents and all that. Now I had to wait for the decision that was going to be made by my parents. Perhaps it was the ultimate decision that could shape my future or tear it apart.

Judith received a text from Aunt Mavis that we should come into the house. Both mom and dad were there. I just sat down and counting in my head taking long deep breaths. I was just so anxious.

‘Let me make some tea,’ Judith said going to the kitchen.
‘Will help you.’ Aunt Mavis offered.
I was left alone with my parents.

Dad cleared his throat and said, ‘Tess, at times life does not unfold the way we want. But when we are faced with difficult situations we find our way through them. Whatever has happened, we just have to accept it. You are our daughter, you will always be our daughter and we love you, we are disappointed, we can’t lie about that but life moves on.’

I had not expected this. I had been expecting arrows and daggers to be thrown at me. This was just something else.
‘It’s difficult and it’s going to be more difficulty. We are going to try our best to be there for you. All is not lost. You can still attend lectures, have a baby and write your final exams.’ Mother said.

I could tell she was finding it hard to come to terms with it all. It was such a huge blow. Of course I didn’t expect her to take it all in one stride. I had not. I had also found it hard to process the fact that I was pregnant.

‘It’s been a long day, and you have gone through a lot. Why don’t you take a hot bath and rest? Thalia will come with some tea.’ Mom said.
‘thank you.’ My heart was filled with so much gratitude.