As long as I’m breathing, that woman wont step over my threshold, the father declared, eyeing my bride.
Dont raise your voice at me! Im your mother!
And you stay out of my business! Im thirty, Mum!
Stephen stood in the kitchen, his face flushed with anger. Margaret sat at the table, dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief. Michael stared out the window, silent.
Im not intruding, I just want to understand, his mother sniffed. Why wont you tell us anything? Were your parents!
Because youll object anyway! As always!
We only want whats best for you, son.
You want me to live the way you decide! Im tired of that!
Stephen snatched his jacket and slammed the flatdoor shut. He took the stairs down, stepped out into the crisp October wind that bit his cheeks, oddly refreshing after the stale air of the flat.
He walked straight ahead, no detours, his phone buzzing in his pocket. He fished it out and saw a message from Amelia.
Hey, sunshine.
Hey. Hows it going? Did you manage to?
Stephen sighed.
Not yet. Mum started nagging about my job again, how Im not earning enough, how I should have gone to university. We argued.
Stephen, you promised youd tell them about us today.
I know. Ill do it tomorrow, I swear.
You’ve been saying that for a week.
Amelia, you have to understand. Theyre critical. Mum will immediately start asking who you are, where youre from, what you do. And Dad hell just stare.
Im not scared of their stares, Amelias voice trembled with hurt. Im scared youre embarrassed about me.
What? Amelia, how could you!
What am I supposed to think? Weve been together half a year and I havent told your parents.
Ill tell them. Tomorrow, I promise.
They said goodbye. Stephen slipped the phone back into his pocket and kept walking. Amelia was right: he was buying time, terrified of his parents reaction, especially his fathers.
Michael was a tough old soldier, retired, stern and laconic. Since childhood Stephen remembered the hard stare that made his skin crawl. Margaret could argue, explain, even laugh with him. With Michael it was different you didnt argue, you simply accepted his verdict.
He got home late that night. The house was quiet; his parents were already asleep. He slipped into his room, stripped off his clothes and lay down. Sleep eluded him; he tossed, turned, and replayed the nights thoughts.
Morning found him up early, eating breakfast in silence. Michael read the newspaper, Margaret stirred something on the stove.
Mum, Dad, I need to tell you something, Stephen announced.
Michael glanced up, Margaret turned.
Im seeing someone. Seriously seeing her. I want you to meet her.
Margaret threw her hands up.
Finally! Stephen, I thought youd never settle down!
Whats her name? Michael asked.
Amelia. Shes twentyseven, works in a boutique. Good sort, kindhearted.
Wheres she from?
From here, actually. She lives on Riverbank Street with her mum.
Surname?
Why do you need it, Michael Harding? Margaret interjected. Stephen says shes a decent girl.
I asked for the surname.
Stephen hesitated.
Sinclair. Amelia Sinclair.
Michaels face went ashen, the newspaper slipped from his hands.
What? he gasped.
Sinclair, Stephen repeated, bewildered. Dad, whats wrong?
Michael rose from the table, moving as if each step required effort. He looked at his son, his eyes brimming with a pain that made Stephens stomach knot.
Whats her mothers name?
Tanya Nichols.
Michael drifted to the window, his back now to the family.
Michael, whats happening? Margaret approached him. Do you know this girl?
Not her. Her mother.
A heavy silence settled. Stephen stared at his father, clueless.
Bring her here, Michael said without turning. Sunday. By noon.
Stephen wanted to ask what was wrong, but Michael was already out of the kitchen, the bedroom door closing behind him.
Mum, what was that? Stephen asked.
Margaret looked pale, bewildered.
I dont know, love. I dont know.
Stephen called Amelia, explained his fathers odd reaction. She listened in silence.
Maybe he knew my mum? she guessed.
Seems likely. My mum says she knows nothing.
Lets sort it out on Sunday.
Sunday arrived quickly, and Stephens nerves were on edge like before an exam. Amelia arrived promptly at two oclock, wearing a blue dress, hair neatly up, calm and beautiful.
Dont worry, she said, squeezing his hand. Everything will be fine.
They climbed to the fourth floor. Stephen unlocked the door. Margaret greeted them at the hall, flustered and excited.
Hello, Amelia! Come in, come in!
Hello, Amelia offered a small bouquet. To you.
Oh, lovely! Thank you, dear!
They moved into the sitting room. Michael sat in his armchair, staring at a blank wall. When he heard footsteps, he lifted his head and saw Amelia.
His face twisted.
As long as Im breathing, that woman wont set foot in this house, he declared, standing slowly.
Margaret gasped. Stephen froze. Amelias complexion turned pale.
Dad, what are you doing? Stephen stepped forward.
Shell never enter this home. Never.
Michael! Margaret grabbed his arm. What are you saying? Shes our sons fiancée!
I dont care! A Sinclairs wont be in my house!
Amelia stood rigid, tears glistening, but she held herself together.
Why? she whispered. What have I done?
Not you. Your mother.
My mother? Do you know her?
I know her well, Michael clenched his fists. And youd be better off not knowing.
Explain! Stephen shouted. Whats happening?
Michael stared at his son.
Her mother wrecked my brothers life. Because of her he turned to drink and died at forty. Understand? Hes gone!
Amelia swayed. Stephen caught her.
Sit down, he helped her onto the sofa. Breathe.
I dont get it, she murmured. Mum never
Your mum kept secrets, Michael loomed over them, harsh. She ran off with a married man, left my sisterinlaw. They divorced, Kolya started drinking, she abandoned him after six months and found someone else.
Thats not true, Amelia stood. My mum isnt like that!
Its true! I saw it with my own eyes! My younger brother Nikolai was like a son to me. She ruined him!
Enough! Stephen interposed, between father and Amelia. Even if its true, what does it have to do with Amelia? She isnt responsible for her mothers choices!
The apple doesnt fall far from the tree.
Are you serious? Stephen couldnt believe his ears. You judge a person by their parents?
I know what Im saying.
No, you dont! Amelia is wonderful kind, honest, hardworking! I love her and I intend to marry her!
Michaels face turned even whiter.
Marry her and youll be out of this house forever.
Michael! Margaret sobbed. What are you doing?
My word is my word. No Sinclairs here.
Amelia grabbed her bag.
Lets go, Stephen. No point staying.
Amelia
Please, lets leave.
They walked out of the flat, down the stairs in silence. Only once they were on the street did Amelia break down, sobbing. Stephen held her, rubbing her back, at a loss for words.
Forgive him. He doesnt know what hes saying.
Hes right, Amelia sniffed. My mum really had affairs. She told me she was young and foolish. I never imagined it would come back like this.
Dont dwell on it. Its the past, not yours, not even ours.
Maybe we shouldnt be together then, if your dad is that opposed
Amelia, look at me, Stephen cupped her face. I love you. I want to be with you, and I couldnt care less about our families histories.
What about your family?
Dad will calm down or not. Its his problem.
They headed to Amelias house. Her mother answered the door, surprised.
Youre back early! Something happen?
Amelia explained. Her mother listened, turning pale. When Amelia finished, she sank onto a sofa, covering her face with her hands.
God, I never thought so many years
Mum, is it true? About that man?
Tanya nodded.
Yes. I was twentytwo, working as a waitress. He came in daily, handsome, attentive, kept telling me he loved me. I fell for him. Then I learned he was married and his wife was pregnant.
You didnt leave? Amelia asked softly.
I stayed, thinking love could fix everything. He left his wife for me, then started drinking, arguing. I got scared, left, went back to my parents in the countryside. Found out I was pregnant with you.
And him?
I lost contact.
He died, Stephen said. My dad says his brother drank himself to death.
Tanya closed her eyes.
Lord. Nikolai died
They sat in stunned silence as the clock ticked.
What now? Amelia asked.
Move on, Margaret said, opening her eyes. I cant change the past, but youre not to blame for my mistakes.
Your dad wont see it that way, Stephen muttered dryly.
Then Ill speak to him myself, Tanya stood. Its about time.
The next day Stephen skipped his parents house. He called Margaret, who wept into the phone, begging him to come. He refused. Michael was stubborn; Stephen could be stubborn too.
Weeks passed, then more weeks. Margaret called daily.
Stephen, Dad isnt sleeping, barely eating. Come, talk.
He should apologise to Amelia.
You know him; he never apologises.
Then theres nothing to discuss.
One evening, while Stephen was with Amelia, a knock sounded. Tanya opened the door to find Michael standing on the threshold.
They stared at each other, silent, then Michael tipped his hat.
Hello, Tanya.
Hello, Michael.
May I come in?
Tanya stepped aside. Michael entered, saw Stephen and Amelia on the sofa.
Dad? Stephen rose.
Sit down, Im here to talk.
He moved to a chair, and the room fell quiet.
Thirty years ago, Michael began, my brother Kolya fell madly in love with a girl named Tanya. She worked in a café. I warned him: his wife was pregnant. He ignored me. He left his wife, I never forgave him. We fell out, and he started drinking. Tanya left him. He lost his way and died of liver cirrhosis at forty.
Tanya kept her head down.
I blamed Tanya for everything. I thought she caused it all. I hated her. Now
He looked at Tanya.
I realise it was Kolyas own choices. He was an adult, he decided his path. Youre not to blame for his downfall, nor am I for judging you.
But I took him on, knowing he was married, Tanya said quietly. Im also at fault.
Youre at fault to his wife, not to me. I misjudged you, and I judged your daughter for nothing.
He turned to Amelia.
Im sorry, girl. I was wrong. Youre a good person, I see that. Stephen wouldnt want to be with anyone bad.
Amelia stayed silent, tears still on her cheeks, but she didnt wipe them away.
I wont expect forgiveness right away, Michael continued. I understand I hurt you. Please give me a chance. Start anew.
I bear no ill will, Amelia said, finally. Truly.
Smart girl, Michael stood. Tanya, forgive me too. Ive held this grudge for years, should have let go long ago.
Tanya approached, embraced him.
I forgave you years ago, Michael. I just cant forgive myself.
Forgive yourself. Were all human, we all err.
They held each other, two older people with heavy pasts finally finding peace. Stephen watched his father and felt something shift inside him: acknowledging a mistake and apologising was a brave thing, not everyone could do.
Lets go home, son, Michael said. Mums waiting. And you, Amelia, come along. Lunch will be cold by now, I guess.
Not cold, Amelia smiled. Your mum probably put it in the oven so it stays warm.
Michael chuckled.
Right you are. Shes clever. Stephens lucky.
They all returned to Stephens parents together. Margaret burst into tears of joy, hugging everyone in turn, laughing through sobs.
At lunch they talked about everything and nothing: Stephens job, future plans, the upcoming wedding. Amelia spoke about her shop, Margaret asked eager questions. Michael talked less, but when he did, he addressed Amelia with respect, asked her opinions, nodded in agreement.
When they left, Amelia hugged Michael.
Thank you for giving us a chance.
Thank you for forgiving an old stubborn fool, Michael replied.
Youre not a fool. You just loved your brother.
Michael nodded, turning away. Stephen saw his fathers shoulders relax, his eyes glistened for the first time.
Outside, Amelia took Stephens hand.
Your dads a good man.
I know. Hes just a bit too proper, stuck in his ways.
But he can own up to his mistakes. Thats priceless.
They walked through the evening town, hand in hand, wedding and life ahead, perhaps children someday. The future lay bright.
The wedding took place three months later, a modest affair at a cosy café, about thirty guests, family on both sides, friends, colleagues. Michael gave a toast about forgiveness, about life being too short for grudges, about loves power.
Tanya wept. Margaret wept. All the women at the table cried, some laughing through tears.
Stephen looked at Amelia, his wife, and thought how glad he was he hadnt obeyed his father then, how glad hed stood his ground.
Sometimes you have to swim against the current to find your own happiness. And that happiness is worth any struggle.
