Seeking a Bride. The Wedding 1st July
As soon as he stepped into the lecture hall, Graham spotted his mates perched right at the back by the sash windows, practically suspended between the radiators and dreams. Taking the stairs two at a time, Graham scaled his way to the top.
Ill knock your socks off with this story! he gasped, barely catching his breath.
George, Oliver, and Emily leaned in, curious. Only Alice regarded him with a seasoned scepticism.
Well, have a go, then. Surprise us, she said, feigning indifference.
So, last night I popped over to Stephens needed to download a programme off him. Its loading, were chatting away, when the housekeeper pokes her head in to say Stephens dad wants him downstairs. So down we go, and you wont believe the scene!
Dont dawdle, get to the point! George interrupted.
Right, well, theres Linda you know, works in the village shop and next to her, her daughter Val you all know her. And Lindas having a go at Stephens parents because Vals up the duff, claims its Stephens fault, and demands he marry her!
Ouch! Thats a sticky wicket! Emily exclaimed.
Stephens dad asks him straight, and he says, Why me? We all go to the spa as a group! Linda nearly explodes: How dare you say that about my daughter!
So, I grab my phone and show them the last video I recorded: all of us at a table, Val swaddled in a bedsheet draped all over poor Will. Then, in comes Harry, picks her up, and marches her off to the steam room. Linda sees it, grabs the poker, and starts giving Val a proper telling-off, flinging every name under the sun. Val legs it, Linda after her, and the security man at the gate has to take the poker off her.
Thats it? Alice yawned.
No! Graham paused dramatically. Stephens dads had enough. He says, Once you graduate, youre getting married, like it or lump it. No fiancée? Find one. Dont? Ill have you marrying Mad Maggie! Thats the cleaner from Lindas shop. Bit bonkers, but sweet she feeds every stray cat in the estate.
Do you reckon hes serious? Emily asked dubiously.
Dunno, but Stephens old man hes all oak and flint. Wouldnt risk it if I were Stephen. If he says to find a bride, you get on with it, Graham finished.
Just then, Stephen appeared.
Judging by the looks youre all giving me, Grahams filled you in on my home life. So, who fancies rescuing me, then? Alice, Emily, either of you up for the role? Promise you, the weddingll be a proper bash! he joked half-heartedly.
No chance, Alice said, marriage isnt in my plans. Chasing socks round a flat, nappy mountain, pot-watching not my sort of adventure.
Thanks, but no thanks, Emily echoed, though privately she wondered if, in a less public moment, she might have accepted. She didnt fancy Stephen per se, but he was likable. Plus, his dad owned a big firm perfect solution for the future job panic.
We were all at the spa, but Linda and Val chose you. Shouldve been Graham, shouldnt it? Stephen mused.
Because your dads got a three-storey house and weve only got two, Graham said.
So where do I start looking for a bride? Dad might dig his heels in.
Dont sweat it, Oliver reassured him. Look around, the halls half women. Half are single, too. Pick anyone you like!
Easy for you, Alice snorted. You think anyone here wants to marry just because you ask?
Is there something wrong with me? Stephen muttered, stung.
Youre fine but women have their own standards, you know, Alice explained.
Ive got an idea! Graham declared. Let Stephen pick any girl in the lecture hall, and between now and 1st July, convince her to marry him.
And if he cant? Emily asked.
Six months? Course he can! Stephen said. Can talk anyone round. Not that I want to get married
Youll have to, Oliver insisted, grinning.
Hang on, what if he picks someone odd? Lets say Stephen has to go after whichever woman walks in next, Alice suggested.
Cant I choose? he hesitated.
What, scared? she challenged.
Stephen paused but then said, Go on, Ill do it.
All five fixed their eyes on the door.
Lucys married, Tom is out, Julie and Megan too Graham was counting.
Amy Zimmerman! Alice cried as a petite girl in jeans and an oversized jumper slipped in.
Oh Lord, rather Mad Maggie! Stephen gulped.
No escape, Stephen, laughed the gang. Theres your muse Amy Zimmerman! The lot of them were in hysterics, only calming when the lecturer walked in.
Afterwards, they agreed to keep all quiet, and the girls drew the job of finding out everything about Amy. Odd really, but five years of parallel courses and she was virtually a mystery, except for perfect grades and endless willingness to help with coursework and presentations. No close friends, civil to everyone, no clubs, no nightlife.
The next day, Emily and Alice returned with scant information: Amy lived with her gran, who worked at the county theatre in some capacity. Alice swore shed seen Amy with one of the elderly programme vendors at the theatre.
So, is she an orphan? Graham asked.
No, her mum works in London. As for her dad, always off around the country. She once showed some girls a video he sent from the Lake District. In winter, she wears boots made from deerskin her dad brought them from up north. And shes got a part-time job. Galina tried inviting her to a birthday party, but Amy politely declined said she had work.
Any idea where? Oliver pressed.
No, but Lucy saw her near Costa. Amy said she was coming from work.
Were always in Costa never seen her serving. Maybe shes in the kitchens? Alice guessed.
So, to sum up, Stephen recapped, my parents want a bride from some suitable family, and Ill bring home someone Mumll have fits over. Split-up parents, mum away, dad drifting about, living with gran, washing dishes for a living. Lets see them object! Ill dig in: I love Amy, and I want to marry her. Well see what they do then.
What if they approve? Graham pressed. Remember, after the grand wedding, youre off to the nuptial suite. Then what?
Emily had had enough. Oi! Amys the smartest in our year you lot arent fit to tie her shoes, and you treat her like some oddity. Shes normal, brilliant really have you seen her hair? And those eyes lashes for days. No botox, all her own. Youre acting like shes a monster.
No ones touched your Amy, and Stephen has honourable intentions. If she says yes, thats her choice, Graham said, cutting off her tirade.
Time for your siege, mate. Oliver grinned at Stephen.
After lectures, Amy headed for the library, picking her way through books, scribbling notes. Stephen lingered nearby, waiting for a moment. Eventually, Amy swapped one book for another, and Stephen slipped into the seat next to hers.
Hi, he said softly. Im Stephen.
I know. Youre in Group 45. Her smile was gentle.
Sorry to trouble you, but Tom from your group said only you could help. Ive struggled with my dissertation intro and chapter one; Professor Blackwoods thrown me out twice. Can you?
Lets see. Though Ive no idea why Tom thinks so highly of me, Amy replied, looking at his folder.
Youve got a fascinating topic! And brilliant data. Did you work somewhere real?
At my dads company, Stephen lied, though someone from accounts had done the work.
Youve tangled the aims and objectives a bit. Move these pointers, word these differently, and its sorted.
She did so, and then scribbled a neat summary, capped with a conclusion which Stephen had half-forgotten was required.
Chapters two and three, done? Amy asked.
Yeah, here.
Switch their order. Thatll smooth the flow. And use chapter threes findings as a bridge to your conclusion. Started?
No, stuck on the intro.
Show me when you finish? Id love to see your final arguments.
Absolutely, Stephen said. Amy, would you like to see a film on Saturday?
Im busy this week, theatre on Sunday, but Saturdays free.
Great! What do you like?
Anything.
Ill choose for us unless youd rather.
Ill trust you.
Swap numbers?
He thanked her again and left.
Next morning, he handed his work to Blackwood. The professor flicked through, eyes wide. At last! Now thats what I expected. Brilliant. See you in a week with chapter two.
In the corridor, his friends quizzed him.
Shes a genius! Sorted my essay in fifteen minutes what took me a month and a half.
And your romantic mission? Alice asked.
Lets be clear, Stephen said. Im courting Amy so shell marry me by 1st July. Thats the challenge. No commentary. No following us. Were not schoolkids.
The next day, everyone had a joint lecture. Stephen joined his friends at the back, but as Amy entered and sat near the front, he felt nervous he hadnt seen her since.
Im going down, he muttered, slipping down through the rows.
He expected the world to stare, but only his friends and a handful of Amys group noticed.
Hi. Mind if I sit? he asked.
Of course. She moved her bag.
Thanks again. Blackwood was stunned!
Whens chapter two due?
A week.
Im off work today, headed for the pool. Catch up in the library after classes?
Would love to was afraid to ask, he said, delighted.
Sunday dawned bright, and Stephen thought of last nights film: pure fantasy, invincibility, and justice delivered.
Dont like sci-fi? hed asked Amy, walking out of the cinema.
I do, but not that kind. The hero cant be hurt. I love old adventure novels H.G. Wells, or Treasure Island, and later fell for Orwell.
Stephen googled Orwell, curious. Impressive, he thought. Last book hed read was Lord of the Rings and only because of the videogame. Still, he searched out Burmese Days and started reading until his dad walked in.
How goes the dissertation? his father asked.
Fine Ive handed in the intro and first chapter. Second due next week.
And courtship?
Theres a girl. Wont lie not sure how Mumll feel.
As long as you like her. Shes not someone you met under the streetlamps, is she?
No, parallel group sharp as a tack, likely to get a First. But Mum might not like her background. She lives with her gran; mum works in London. Her dad drifter, I suppose. Word is she washes up dishes at Costa.
Nothing wrong there. I used to haul crates at the station with my mates. Determined ones make the best professionals. Dont let her pass you by. Id give her a job, myself.
Thats encouraging, Stephen thought. If Mum objects, Dadll have final say. Maybe Ill dig for more. Amys at the theatre tonight? So am I, then.
He hadn’t been to the theatre since secondary school outings. He climbed the grand steps, scanning faces for Amy. The first bell rang, audience poured in.
Maybe Ill find her in the interval, he thought until he heard his name. He turned to find Amy looking nothing like her campus self. Deep green trouser-suit, belt cinching her waist, black court shoes, no glasses, and her glossy hair loose on her shoulders.
Youre here for the play too? she asked, smiling.
Yeah, realised I hadnt been for ages.
Amy, is this your friend? An elegantly suited old lady appeared, clutching programmes.
Yes, Gran this is Stephen, from Uni. Stephen, this is my gran, Lillian Baker.
The second bell rang.
Come along, Ill pop you in the managers box. Its empty tonight, so my granddaughter gets a treat, Mrs Baker trilled.
They watched a British comedy classic. Stephen was engrossed but, during the interval, asked Amy about her different look.
I find glasses easier by day, hairs better in a plait. Jeans are practical most girls wear them, after all.
Youd look splendid in a tailcoat not that youd wear one to a lecture, she teased.
Never worn one! But you look totally different today softer, more he blushed, feminine.
And normally?
Formidable a bit intimidating.
But you still came over, didnt you? Amy smiled.
Shaking with nerves, he confessed.
Interval over, they watched the rest. Afterwards, Stephen asked to walk her and Gran home.
Amy lived minutes from the theatre. On arrival, Stephens father was surprised to learn where hed been.
Dissertation, classics, theatre all since you met this new girl?
What girl? Why wasnt I told? Mum demanded.
Nothing to tell yet, he muttered, and went to his room.
He no longer felt the urge to alarm his mum about Amys family.
Most weekends after that, Stephen and Amy walked in the park, sledged, went skating, swam, caught films, and visited the theatre.
Graham and Oliver kept badgering Stephen for details, but Alice saw the truth first.
Leave Stephen be, cant you see hes fallen for Amy?
Fallen for Zimmerman? You serious? Graham pressed.
Whatve you got against her? Stephen retorted.
Just thought youd go for someone less kitchen sink.
Theres a sizeable local firm by Costa Light Your Home windows and doors. Amys been working there two years as a part-time accountant. Not sure youd manage that.
Doubt it, Oliver scoffed. My mum once applied and didnt get in.
Suit yourself.
So the weddings when? Graham asked.
If Amy agrees, 1st July. Havent proposed yet, Stephen replied calmly.
It was the last Saturday in April. Amy and Stephen sat in a quiet corner of the park.
Warm April this year, Amy mused. Last year, rain and gales on this very day.
You remember the date? Stephen asked.
My parents wedding anniversary. Dad always tries to be with Mum then theyre together now, in London. Gran and I rang this morning to congratulate them.
Stephen looked at her, nervous.
Amy, close your eyes Ive got a surprise.
Is it a nice one? Im wary she laughed.
Well see. He took her hand, slipped a ring on her finger.
You wont turn me down, will you? I didnt know today was your parents anniversary fate must have a sense of timing. Lets make this our engagement anniversary as well. Will you marry me?
Why fate again? Why twice? she smiled.
Ill tell you on 2nd July, he promised.
Why then?
Because on the 1st, well be married, and you wont escape.
I will. But I want to do a post-grad degree.
Dont they take married women? he teased.
That evening, over dinner, Stephen told his parents Amy would visit tomorrow for introductions.
If we want a wedding on the 1st of July, we ought to get a move on, he added.
No need to rush, his father nodded. I booked the slot months ago. I wasnt joking.
I gathered. Well come round at five.
Hang on, objected his mother. A bride? A wedding?
Mum, you know Dad told me to find a bride and set the date. I found Amy. Please, dont ask about her parents theyre both in London, working. Amy lives with her gran, Lillian Baker, whos worked forever at the local theatre now as an usher. Thats all you need.
Id like to know more about the girl joining our family, Mum protested.
Amys clever, holds down an accounting job, doesnt go clubbing, and shes got her head screwed on. As for her folks youll only see them at the wedding. Theyre busy people. Suffer them just a couple of days.
How you talk to your mother! Youre bringing a stranger home. Im worried about you!
Maybe Amys family ought to worry she could do better than me.
Despite Stephens nerves, things went smoothly. No questions about Amys parents. His dad chatted to her about her work, future plans. His mum and gran reminisced about theatre productions.
After Stephen walked Amy to the door, she asked, Why were you so twitchy?
Your familys lovely. Its natural for everyone to worry, isnt it?
And then came 1st July. In those two months, both Stephen and Amy passed exams and collected degrees. Amy made a flying week-long trip to London for her wedding dress, chosen with her mum.
Stephen handed out wedding invites to his friends making Graham, ringleader extraordinaire, his best man.
Amys cousin Julia med student is her maid of honour. So chin up, Graham, maybe youll be family one day, Stephen joked.
Amys parents arrived on the wedding morning, and the introduction happened right outside the Registry Office. Her mother tall, chic in a mint-green suit extended a hand.
Hello, Im Helen, Amys mum.
Stephens father smiled and shook her hand. His mother looked astonished, even dumbstruck. When Helen slipped away for photos, she nudged her husband.
Do you know the brides surname?
Yes, Zimmerman. Why?
Dont you remember? Amy is the daughter of Helen Zimmerman the actress who left our theatre for London! I said, after she left, there was no point going anymore!
And that changes what, exactly? he asked.
It means shes of a different class! Her fathers an academic, into geology or something with oil and gas I saw it online!
Oh, enough. Relax the main thing is theyre happy.
And they were.
P.S. On the morning of 2nd July, after Stephen told Amy the whole story, she asked only one thing:
What if someone else had walked in the hall that day?
Impossible! smiled Stephen. It was fate.Amys eyes twinkled as she slipped her arms around Stephens neck, her new ring cool against his skin.
Maybe it was fate for you. For me, it was the first time someone chose me, not for a project or a grade, but just me. She sighed contentedly, forehead pressed to his. Im glad it was you at the door, trembling and all. It was perfect.
The sunlight streamed warmly through the window, catching the laughter drifting up from downstairs, where familiesnow unitedshared coffee and stories, the shuffle of shoes and clink of spoons painting the promise of ordinary days together.
Outside, Graham and the rest of the old crowd were already plotting the next adventureseven Alice, who protested at first, had snapped a candid photo of Stephen and Amy by the window, the image instantly lighting up their group chat.
Stephen turned Amys hand over gently in his palm. From today, theres no more dares. No challengesnothing except the life we choose, one sunrise at a time. Thats what I want.
She grinned. Good. Because I have plans for every sunrise, and youre in all of them.
As the bells of the town clock chimed the hour, Amy pulled him toward the door. Come on, husband. The worlds waitingand I have a family to introduce you to.
This time, Stephen didnt hesitate. He stepped into the bright July day with Amys hand in his, feeling, for the first time, that fate wasnt a trapit was an invitation. And together, they walked out to meet it, laughing, their story just begun.
