A Young Pregnant Woman Chose to Marry Her Boyfriend, but Ended Up Paying for Everything Herself

It was during my final year at university when everything changed. When I first found out I was pregnant, I kept the news to myself. I suppose I wasnt quite ready to tell Peter yet. Perhaps I was a little afraid of how hed react, considering how adamant hed always been about not having children until wed both graduated and were properly settled.

Five months into my pregnancy, I finally told him. His reaction was as sharp as Id feared. Why didnt you say something sooner? he demanded, utterly appalled. You know full well what I believewe shouldnt have children until our lives are on track.

I did my best to stay calm. Its alright, I told him. Ive always said university life wasnt really for me, not the way it is for you. I want a big family. His anger flared; he threw the book hed been holding straight across the room towards me.

Still, I tried to offer a solution. Well be alright, honestly. We can stay in your nans flat, and she can help watch over the baby. Then, we can plan for more children. But we should marry first, as soon as possible.

He stared at me as if Id lost my senses. Do you hear yourself? All this time, youve pretended to be so sweet. Peter snatched his suitcase and began shoving his belongings into it.

Why are you walking out on me? I sobbed. You have to marry me! If you dont, Ill tell everyone at the university what youve done! All I got in return was a cold look and a clipped, I have no intention of living here with you. Spend a month here by yourself, and after that, do what you like. When the baby is born well have a paternity test, and Ill pay child support. Thats all.

A decade slipped away. Peter had long since moved on; he worked in an office now. One afternoon, his managerMr. Douglasbrought up my son in passing conversation. Do you ever see your boy, Peter? he asked.

Without hesitation, Peter shook his head. No, Ive never actually met him.

Peter often told his own version of events to students and colleagues. She tricked me, you know, hed insist, left me to pick up the pieces. If anyone questioned if hed abandoned me and the baby, he was quick to correct them: I didnt abandon themI helped her out financially.

But some didnt believe him. Mr. Douglas once remarked, She says you barely gave her a penny. And you didnt even see your son.

Frustration simmered in Peter. In his mind, hed been clear about things from the start. Now, officially acknowledging his salary, he decided to pay child support through proper legal channels. It turned out to be less than what hed offered in the early days.

Meanwhile, Id been married for a year. Our boy was growing up, full of spirita little cheeky, just as I had been.