A Family Secret
Ever since he was a boy, Andrew had dreaded visiting his grandmother. She had made it no secret that she didnt care for him, and he could never quite grasp why his parents insisted on dragging him along each time.
His grandmother would often drop hints that he had bad blood and that his mother would suffer because of him.
His mum always stood up for him, saying it wasnt true, but his grandmothers critical comments never ceased.
She didnt spare his parents, either. Every one of their visits ended up spoilt and unpleasant.
There was one visit he remembered especially. His parents had left him alone while they argued loudly in the kitchen, so he wandered off and found a beautiful book on a shelf. He picked it uponly to realise it was a photo album. Some of the pictures scattered onto the carpet as he opened it, so he knelt down to gather them.
One photo caught his eyea young woman who looked just like his mum, arm in arm with a man, definitely not his dad. They stood together, smiling happily.
I wonder who that is? thought Andrew.
At that moment, his grandmother stormed into the room, saw the photos in his hand, and snatched them away, shouting at him all the while.
Andrew stood, stunned and confused, glancing back uncertainly at his parents. His dad said, Come on, Andrew, were going home.
Andrew merely shrugged and fell in beside them.
Did Andrew question his mother about the picture straight away? No, even at eight years old, he somehow knew it was best to bring it up privately, just the two of them.
A few days later, he found a chance to ask her, but his mother only laughed it off, insisting it wasnt her in the photojust an old cousin or something from his grandmothers side.
Andrew, though, could tell she was lying. It didnt really make sense for his mother to have her own picture, unless it was significantperhaps even one she wished to forget. Could it really be a family secret? He rather liked the thought.
Over the years, the album was nowhere to be found, and as time passed, he simply forgot about it.
—————-
Andrew had liked Natalie from his very first day at university. He remembered precisely how theyd first crossed pathsstanding by the main entrance with his mates, he saw her approaching with her friend. He kept watching as she passed, but she didnt notice him at all. Later, he spotted her in a large lecture for the whole year. He was delighted but, frustratingly, never managed to speak to her. For four years, their interactions were limited to a brief nod of acknowledgement. Officially, they had never even been introduced.
That day was no different: another silent nod, and Natalie swept past.
So shes the one you fancy, piped up Sophie. Sophie had only recently joined their group, but quickly became one of the gang.
What makes you say that? Andrew couldnt help but keep watching Natalie as she disappeared.
Sophie laughed, Because youre still staring after her, and completely ignoring my existence. Youre even grinning like a fool.
Andrew turned to her with a sigh. You figured me out. What will you do with this important information?
Nothing. Actually, would you like me to introduce you to her? Maybe set you up? You seem wildly in love from afar.
No! Andrew said quickly. Absolutely not. Please dont.
Why not? Are you scared? Sophie narrowed her eyes playfully at him. Didnt expect that from you
Im not scared!
Well, alright, if you say so. Well drop the subject. Sophie gave a shrug and carried on with their interrupted chat, leaving Andrew feeling oddly relieved.
——————–
Sorry, I missed that, where are we supposed to meet for the birthday? Andrew was on the phone with Sophie, who said the birthday celebrations had moved to a new spot across town. Give me a second, let me write down the name. Okay, whats the address? And do you know why the plans changed last minute?
Sophie said she hadnt a clue, then hung up, leaving Andrew to scramble to figure out where this restaurant was and how to get there.
Well, thats brilliant he muttered, What a surprise.
He was truly puzzled. There was just an hour to go, and now he had to get across the city to an unknown restaurant. Still, there was nothing for it but to hurry and make his way there.
————————-
To Andrews surprise, when he arrived at the restaurant, only Sophie was waiting inside.
I thought you said everyone would be here? he asked.
Well, the important thing is that I am! Sophie smiled mischievously.
Andrew took the seat opposite, eyeing her curiously. And?
And what? Sophie grinned innocently.
Just then, a man approached, pulling out a chair and sitting beside Andrew.
Good evening! My name is Charles Davidson, the man said, handing Andrew his card.
Andrew, he replied automatically, slipping the card into his pocket. There was something familiar about Charless faceit nagged at the back of Andrews mind. Where had he seen him before?
Charles reached for his wallet, pulled out an old photograph, and slid it across the table.
Andrew glanced down and immediately recognised the figures in the photoCharles, looking much younger, with Andrews mother. The same photo hed seen years ago in his grandmothers album.
Thats my brother, said Charles quietly.
My mum doesnt have a brother, Andrew said, confused.
I know, nodded Charles. Thats your mother in the photo. But the man beside hermy brotheris in fact your real father.
What? Andrew was taken aback. No. Thats not possible.
Im afraid it is, young man. And unfortunately, its not a happy story, Charles replied.
You must have the wrong person, Andrew insisted. My father iswell, hes my dad.
Officially, yes. In reality, no.
Andrew examined the photograph more closely. Did he look like the man beside his mum? Not in the slightest, he thought.
What do you want? Andrew asked after a long pause. And why did you say it was unfortunate that my father is your brother?
I didnt mean to hint at anything, Charles chuckled grimly. I was just telling the truth.
Andrew shook his head. If thats true, my mum would have married your brother. But she didnt
Your father probably doesnt know he isnt your biological father, Charles said matter-of-factly.
Why make it so complicated? Andrew demanded.
Charles sighed. My parents forbade my brother to marry your mother. Her family didnt approve either. Thats the reason.
Could that really be? Andrew wondered, speechless.
Why are you telling me this now? Andrew at last found the courage to ask.
My brother passed away, and I believe you and your mother deserve a share of his inheritance. Theres also something else
What? Andrew asked, wary.
You mustnt have children, and we aredistant though it isrelatives.
Why cant I have children? Andrew was thrown.
Because my brother suffered from a hereditary mental illness. Theres a possibility you carry it too, and it could affect your children.
Andrew sat in silence, reeling. He had plans, dreams for marriage and children. Now this stranger was telling him those dreams were impossible.
He turned to where Sophie satbut she was gone.
Charles noticed his glance. Your mother refuses to talk to me, so I had to approach you.
Im sorry, but I believe my mum. Youre lying. We have nothing more to discuss, Andrew said, standing and leaving the restaurant.
—————–
First thing, Andrew rang Sophieit dawned on him that maybe she had set him up, sending him alone to meet Charles. Had she planned this from the start? Hed get to the bottom of it at once!
But Sophies phone was switched off.
So he went straight homebut when the opportunity arose, he ended up saying nothing to his mother.
—————–
That night, Andrew sat at the kitchen table, staring into his cup of tea, lost in thought. As a child, hed always taken great interest in the little detailshow clouds moved across the sky, or how his pencil marks filled a page. Hed drift away into daydreams, only to be scolded by his mother, How will you get anywhere if you dont concentrate? But, he mused, hed grown up just fine, and even got himself into university.
Andrew! Head in the clouds again? his mum called from the kitchen, making him jump.
No, just thinking, he replied.
She was alone, so he decided now was his chance for answers.
What about? she asked.
Oh, you know about what sorts of illnesses can be inherited
Andrew watched her reaction closely and saw concern flash across her face.
What brought that on? she asked warily.
Andrew pulled the business card from his pocket. Does the name Charles Davidson mean anything to you?
Suddenly, a thought struck him: Davidson was his grandmothers maiden name.
Hes family, isnt he? Andrew prompted.
Perhaps. So what? his mother said, turning defensive.
Well, I saw the old photo of you with a man I didnt recognise. And this week I met his brother: Charles Davidson.
She shrugged. And? We are related. Why shouldnt I have a picture with him?
His brother is dead. Did you know?
His mother went pale. No
And he claims I am his brothers child.
Thats not true, his mother replied, shaking her head.
Are you sure? Im determined to find out.
Go ahead then! she challenged. How will you do it, though? Go and accuse your dad that he might not be your real father?
I wont well, not yet. I have an uncle, so I can check our family connection.
His mother thought for a moment. There will always be some relation, since hes distant family. If you want certainty, you must check with your father.
She was right, Andrew realised.
Ill do it anyway! he said, frustration bubbling up.
Andrew, just trust me. Your dad is your real father.
I have to know for sure! Im going to speak to Dad. Charles Davidson claims his brother had a hereditary illness. Mum, I just want a normal life, a normal family, healthy kids one day!
—————–
Two weeks later, Andrew sat in the living room, with his parents and Charles Davidson. In his hand, he held a sealed envelope containing results of a DNA test.
The adults watched him expectantly.
Go on, Andrew, open it! his father urged.
Hands shaking, Andrew tore open the envelope. His mind racedwhat if he learned his father wasnt really his father? Why had Mum agreed to this? What would he do if it was true? He realised he didnt want any of thisto lose his father to the truth.
II cant Andrew handed the letter to his mother.
She in turn passed it to Charles.
You wanted to know the truth. Here it is, she said.
Charles slid the paper out, read, then sighed heavily. Sorry for troubling you I thought there would be another branch to our family, but there isnt…
Andrew exhaled, relief flooding him. How lucky he washis parents really were his parents.
—————–
Mum, why did Charles Davidson think I was his brothers son?
Andrew asked this question while they walked through the park, enjoying an afternoon together.
You see, love I did know his brother. We nearly got married, actually. But your grandmother was firmly against it. I was ready to defy her, and wed have married, my life would have turned out differently, but She sighed and fell silent.
What happened?
He hit me. That was it. I ran out, sat down on a bench and burst into tears. Then your father found me, and the rest you know. Youve heard the story of how we met a hundred times.
Yes, Andrew smiled. He told you to marry him on the spot, you agreed and off you went to the registry office.
Exactly. But Charless family believed I was already expecting you, and rushed the wedding. Your grandmother thought so too, and when you arrived a little early, everyone assumed their suspicions were correct. But it was never like that.
—————–
Days slipped by and Andrew noticed that Sophie had simply vanished from university. He sometimes thought shed only been there to coax him into meeting Charles. Rumour had it Charles was wealthy, and so had his late brother been. But none of that mattered anymore.
Walking down the corridors one morning, Andrew saw Natalie ahead of him. Instead of just nodding as usual, this time, he found himself catching up and saying, Hi! How are you?
Hi! Natalie flashed him a smile. Im well, thanks!
Andrew realised then that she was just an ordinary girlonly she happened to be the one he liked.
So, what are you doing tonight? Fancy going out? he asked, bolder than hed ever been.
Sure, was her unexpected reply.
—————–
As Andrew walked away, he caught himself grinning. He was grateful hed met Charles Davidsonthat hed unravelled the so-called family secret, only to find there was nothing truly there after all. Sometimes, he thought, the shadows we grow up with only exist because we dont shine a light on them. Having the courage to seek the truth had freed him to live with confidence, knowing that family isnt just about the mysteries or the pastits about believing in the love and life you have now.
