He was barely 16 when he brought her home The girl, clearly showing for a while now, a year older than him.
Lily studied at the same vocational college as he did, just a year ahead. For days on end Jake watched this stranger girl curl up in a corner and cry quietly to herself. He spotted the rounding belly, the same clothes worn for two weeks straight, and that blank, hopeless stare.
Turns out nearly everyone knew her story The grandson of a well-known businessman from London had been seeing her, then simply vanished, off on urgent business to Birmingham. His parents wouldnt hear a word about her and told her so outright.
Her own folks, acting as if it were still the dark ages and terrified of the shame, threw her out and headed for their country place. Some people felt sorry for Lily, others sniggered about her when her back was turned.
Serves her right. Shouldve used her head!
Jake couldnt bear watching any longer. He thought it over and walked over.
It wont be a stroll in the park, so stop the waterworks. How about you move in with me? We could even get hitched. But Ill say it straight I cant lie and I wont pretend everythings perfect. Ill just be there and well muddle through somehow.
Lily wiped her eyes and looked at the lad. What was there to say Just an ordinary bloke, no airs and graces. Shed pictured a far fancier husband! But with no real options left, Lily went along with him.
His parents were gobsmacked. Mum begged Jake to think again, but he wouldnt budge.
Mum, dont make a song and dance, well manage. Ive got two scholarships, the regular one and the extra help. Ill pick up odd jobs, well get by!
But you wanted to go to university!
So? People cope without degrees. Dads worked in the factory all his life, youre in the shop. Its not the end of the world, Mum!
Lily moved into Jakes room. He gave her the bed and shifted to the lumpy sofa bed. For days she stayed quiet as a mouse, trailing after him hand in hand to college and back, until she finally blew up.
Ive had enough! Why do your parents keep giving me funny looks? They dont like me! And why wont you spend any time with me? Youre always buried in books or disappearing off somewhere!
Jake looked surprised.
Dont you think thats normal? No, they dont like you, but theyve taken you in and theyre not being nasty. Funny looks? Your own family wont even see you. Where are your babys fathers parents? Im in the books because Im studying and dont want to get chucked out after first year. That scholarship helps too. Disappearing? Im earning a bit extra and Im not in the mood for weepy telly with you.
Lily burst into tears.
Why say it like that?
Like what? I told you I dont do lies. Anyway, when are we heading to the registry office?
I cant go like this, buy me a nice dress, high-waisted so the bump doesnt show.
What are you on about? Well take the pregnancy certificate, who needs a dress? I still have to save for the pram and cot
Mum reached for her calming tablets, but slowly got used to the idea and started glancing at baby clothes more often. It wasnt the end of the world Let them live, let them marry, and she and dad would help however they could. Only this girl seemed a bit ungrateful, always moaning about Jake, about them, about the cramped flat. Maybe once the baby arrived shed settle down.
But Lily had no plans to change. When Jake came home filthy and knackered from the car wash, carrying a scrawny cat into the room, she flew into a rage.
You numpty! What do we want with that mangy thing? Get rid of her! Chuck her out the flat!
Jake just smiled.
No, shes pregnant too. Shes staying, so dont start. Better zip it and warm up my dinner.
Oh really?! Lily nearly squealed. Choose! Her or me! That beasts giving me the evil eye as well!
Why would I? Jake stared at her, baffled. Its my house, no choosing needed. My cat, and if she bothers you, you can leave. Even Mum never set me conditions like that. Maybe its time to stop looking down your nose at everyone?
Lily threw a fit, crying and jealous of the thin, neglected cat. Where had Jake even spotted a belly on her? But the belly showed up the cat really was expecting.
Jake was worn out, yet whenever a pang of regret crept in he pushed it away. Theyd manage somehow. Lily would have the baby and calm down, and before that the cat would give them all a laugh. Those fluffy kittens would cheer everyone up.
But it all went pear-shaped Grandpa, the famous London businessman, returned from a long work trip and heard everything. He tracked down his grandson, gave him a right telling-off and announced hed cut off the cash if the great-grandchild was raised by strangers. The lad was terrified of losing that safety net.
Lily left with him that same day, without even saying goodbye to Jake. Luckily she had her papers with her (she was off to the doctor after lessons). She waved away her belongings theyd buy her new ones! And she certainly wasnt going back to that second-rate college!
Jake was crushed Just like that? No farewell, no call, not a word. He threw out all her things and sat alone in the dark for ages, hugging his cat.
The cat understood everything. She nestled quietly against him, sensing he needed her. She sympathised, purred, offered what comfort she could.
Jake handled her birth himself, keeping his jittery mum and confused dad away. He sat with her, spoke gently, calmed her down. He checked everything was going smoothly and kept his phone ready for the vet if needed.
It all went fine, and the cat had four tiny kittens. Jake changed the bedding, brought fresh water and food. He made sure everything was okay once more, then, totally spent, closed his eyes, feeling the smallest kitten nuzzle into his palm, and thought that sometimes animals show more gratitude than people.He was barely 16 when he brought her home The girl, clearly showing for a while now, a year older than him.
Lily studied at the same vocational college as he did, just a year ahead. For days on end Jake watched this stranger girl curl up in a corner and cry quietly to herself. He spotted the rounding belly, the same clothes worn for two weeks straight, and that blank, hopeless stare.
Turns out nearly everyone knew her story The grandson of a well-known businessman from London had been seeing her, then simply vanished, off on urgent business to Birmingham. His parents wouldnt hear a word about her and told her so outright.
Her own folks, acting as if it were still the dark ages and terrified of the shame, threw her out and headed for their country place. Some people felt sorry for Lily, others sniggered about her when her back was turned.
Serves her right. Shouldve used her head!
Jake couldnt bear watching any longer. He thought it over and walked over.
It wont be a stroll in the park, so stop the waterworks. How about you move in with me? We could even get hitched. But Ill say it straight I cant lie and I wont pretend everythings perfect. Ill just be there and well muddle through somehow.
Lily wiped her eyes and looked at the lad. What was there to say Just an ordinary bloke, no airs and graces. Shed pictured a far fancier husband! But with no real options left, Lily went along with him.
His parents were gobsmacked. Mum begged Jake to think again, but he wouldnt budge.
Mum, dont make a song and dance, well manage. Ive got two scholarships, the regular one and the extra help. Ill pick up odd jobs, well get by!
But you wanted to go to university!
So? People cope without degrees. Dads worked in the factory all his life, youre in the shop. Its not the end of the world, Mum!
Lily moved into Jakes room. He gave her the bed and shifted to the lumpy sofa bed. For days she stayed quiet as a mouse, trailing after him hand in hand to college and back, until she finally blew up.
Ive had enough! Why do your parents keep giving me funny looks? They dont like me! And why wont you spend any time with me? Youre always buried in books or disappearing off somewhere!
Jake looked surprised.
Dont you think thats normal? No, they dont like you, but theyve taken you in and theyre not being nasty. Funny looks? Your own family wont even see you. Where are your babys fathers parents? Im in the books because Im studying and dont want to get chucked out after first year. That scholarship helps too. Disappearing? Im earning a bit extra and Im not in the mood for weepy telly with you.
Lily burst into tears.
Why say it like that?
Like what? I told you I dont do lies. Anyway, when are we heading to the registry office?
I cant go like this, buy me a nice dress, high-waisted so the bump doesnt show.
What are you on about? Well take the pregnancy certificate, who needs a dress? I still have to save for the pram and cot
Mum reached for her calming tablets, but slowly got used to the idea and started glancing at baby clothes more often. It wasnt the end of the world Let them live, let them marry, and she and dad would help however they could. Only this girl seemed a bit ungrateful, always moaning about Jake, about them, about the cramped flat. Maybe once the baby arrived shed settle down.
But Lily had no plans to change. When Jake came home filthy and knackered from the car wash, carrying a scrawny cat into the room, she flew into a rage.
You numpty! What do we want with that mangy thing? Get rid of her! Chuck her out the flat!
Jake just smiled.
No, shes pregnant too. Shes staying, so dont start. Better zip it and warm up my dinner.
Oh really?! Lily nearly squealed. Choose! Her or me! That beasts giving me the evil eye as well!
Why would I? Jake stared at her, baffled. Its my house, no choosing needed. My cat, and if she bothers you, you can leave. Even Mum never set me conditions like that. Maybe its time to stop looking down your nose at everyone?
Lily threw a fit, crying and jealous of the thin, neglected cat. Where had Jake even spotted a belly on her? But the belly showed up the cat really was expecting.
Jake was worn out, yet whenever a pang of regret crept in he pushed it away. Theyd manage somehow. Lily would have the baby and calm down, and before that the cat would give them all a laugh. Those fluffy kittens would cheer everyone up.
But it all went pear-shaped Grandpa, the famous London businessman, returned from a long work trip and heard everything. He tracked down his grandson, gave him a right telling-off and announced hed cut off the cash if the great-grandchild was raised by strangers. The lad was terrified of losing that safety net.
Lily left with him that same day, without even saying goodbye to Jake. Luckily she had her papers with her (she was off to the doctor after lessons). She waved away her belongings theyd buy her new ones! And she certainly wasnt going back to that second-rate college!
Jake was crushed Just like that? No farewell, no call, not a word. He threw out all her things and sat alone in the dark for ages, hugging his cat.
The cat understood everything. She nestled quietly against him, sensing he needed her. She sympathised, purred, offered what comfort she could.
Jake handled her birth himself, keeping his jittery mum and confused dad away. He sat with her, spoke gently, calmed her down. He checked everything was going smoothly and kept his phone ready for the vet if needed.
It all went fine, and the cat had four tiny kittens. Jake changed the bedding, brought fresh water and food. He made sure everything was okay once more, then, totally spent, closed his eyes, feeling the smallest kitten nuzzle into his palm, and thought that sometimes animals show more gratitude than people.