The Worst of Husbands
Girls, I got married!
Well, Ive decided to focus on my careerI dont want to spend my life on someone else.
You wont believe itthey told me Im having twins!
At their five-year school reunion, nearly everyone from their class turned up. Their year had five forms, so the old school hall buzzes like a disturbed beehive, and the teachers all look friendlier, more human than they did back then.
The belle of their year, Charlotte, comes dressed to the nines. In a scarlet dress, holding a glass of bubbly, she feels like the queen of the nightuntil she spots Tom. The same troublemaker and lazybones who used to trail after her, ever hopeful, back in sixth form. Hed hang about, always eager for a word, as if waiting for somethingan awkward, half-finished fellow.
I cant stand the sight of you! she blurts as he approaches with a grin. Men like you make the worst husbandsnothing but hassle! Lads like you never get anywhere in life!
She says it out of spite. Charlotte has always had plenty of admirers, and like any ordinary girl, she wants to get married. And have children, too. But in her head, the right man would be successfulwhile, annoyingly, its Tom shes always secretly liked. It drives her mad.
Leave me alone, you barnacle. I dont need you! she snaps.
Tom doesnt seem troubled in the slightest. In fact, a cheeky spark catches in his eyes.
Youre wrong, and Ill prove it. Marry me, and youll seeyoull be happy, he says, edging back a step as though bracing for Charlottes immediate retort.
She snorts. Marry you? Someones a bit full of himself!
But, deep inside, a strange flutter nags at her. Tom has always made her feel something she cant explain. Thats what irks her most. Theres something familiar about himhe reminds her of her father, a loyal soul: good-hearted, a bit awkward. He keeps dotting around her, tugging at her thoughts, yet hes not the right man for her. She wants ambition, independence!
But Tom has liked Charlotte for as long as he can remember. He finds her sharp tongue and high standards irresistible. Shes like his mum in that way: always nagging his dad, calling him the worst husband for being unable to fix the tap or the telly.
His dad would only laugh, Thats not true, LindaI can fix anything! And then he would, just to prove himself. But only for herhe never had much interest in impressing anyone else. He didnt dream of riches; what really mattered was pleasing his wife.
Theyve now been together thirty yearssometimes bickering, sometimes kissingbut always a good match. They understand happiness the same way.
After the reunion, Tom doesnt let up. He rings Charlotte, he texts her, invites her out. She protests, but secretly, shes waiting for his calls. She loves his determination, the way he tries to prove they belong together.
Well, want to give it a try? Am I really the worst husband? he teases one day.
Go on thenIll give it a go, says Charlotte, managing a cool shrug. All my friends are marriedits about time I had one, even if hes not perfect.
Tom wastes no time. He works tirelessly to prove hes no layaboutearns enough for the wedding, the dress, the rings. Watching his efforts, Charlotte cant hide her smile.
After their wedding, she keeps testing him. Alright, but you still havent convinced me youre a good husband, she says. A baby on the way, and our flats tiny.
But Tom is contenthe needs a wife just like her, sharp and determined, someone who keeps him on his toes. Its women like Charlotte who turn the worst of husbands into the best.
Toms always thought that happiness is knowing someone else can see the way forward. For him, that was his mother, whod always decide the holiday destination, dinner, which shirt Dad should wear. His father seemed perfectly content. Hed smile and agree, almost radiant under Lindas guidance. Tom learned early that a strong woman was a blessingcomforting, right.
So seeing Charlotte again, his heart pounds. Shes got a degree in teaching, covers English and literature, and has the drive to move mountains. Shes loud, gestures wildly, and always knows exactly what she wants. Tom, honestly, has no clue what he wantsexcept to be by her side.
Married life is much the sameCharlottes direct, calls him out if he says the wrong thing, or picks a naff film, or doesnt call back straightaway. Most blokes might get offended, but Tom? Hes in his element. He loves Charlottes take-charge attitude, loves it when she decides where theyll go and what theyll do. Even her criticism feels caring to him.
One day, while they walk through the park, Charlotte pauses and fixes him with a look.
Tom, youre a bit of a pushover, arent you? Do you ever make decisions for yourself? she asks bluntly.
Tom goes red. She really can see straight through him.
I just want you to be happy, he mumbles.
She sighs. Ill be happy if youre yourself. If you have your own opinions. If yourewell, a man, in the end!
Tom realises shes right. He doesnt want to be a shadow, but doesnt know how to change.
Ill try, he says softly.
Charlotte smiles. Thats better.
From then on, Tom starts to change. He starts sharing his opinions, even when theyre not the same as Charlottes. He suggests where to go, what theyll watch. Its hard at first, but Charlotte encourages himpraises his bravery, even when she disagrees.
Bit by bit, Tom sees that leading doesnt mean steamrolling. Charlotte never wanted a doormatshe wanted someone strong, someone she could lean on. She wanted them to go through life together, not with her dragging him along.
Happiness isnt when one person always knows best, its when both dotogether. And although Charlotte remains as forthright and driven as ever, Tom isnt afraid of her anymore. He loves her for her strength, honesty, and seeing in him what he never dared to see.
And thats how Tom stops being the worst of husbandsbecause love can do wonders.
