Call Her John

Everyone she said, I beg your pardon, Marcus and I have some news; we are expecting a baby and that is why you were invited here this evening. We wanted to share our tidings with you. Marcus was stunned by her sudden out burst especially since he had just given her reasons to delay their proclamation. He just stared at her in dis belief and obvious disillusionment. Miriam showed no remorse.

Silence filled the atmosphere. The moment became frozen in time. Everyone was rendered speechless and just sat and stared at each other. Her parents were obviously not pleased but they quickly went to her side, regardless of her announcement she was still their little girl. They knew she desperately needed their support and they were willing to oblige. Her mother hugged her loving and her father gently kissed her on her cheeks.

We love you Miriam, they said and will never condemn you or your decisions; you can always count on our support. As the tears rolled down her face she said that’s the reason for our early graduation, we had no other alternative. Her mother smiled at her and said I had my suspicions but no strong evidence to support it. I even told your father she continued but he disagreed. He thought we had developed the kind of relationship with you in which you would feel comfortable enough to talk to us about anything. I am so sorry mother she replied.

Marcus’s parents on the other hand were very disappointed. His mother shook her head in condescension and left the room. She could not believe that her son would engage in such irresponsible behavior. His father rose to his feet, he was very angry. I cannot condone unwed parents he said. This is against every thing that the church and I believe in and stand for. Your actions are mortification to the church and its members. I am ashamed to call you my son.

We have raised you better than that, or so we thought he said. You dishonor and dishearten your mother. You are obviously willing to compromise your self esteem to become an unwed father. Tell us he yelled what kind of a life you can give to this innocent child. Marcus he continued let me inform you just in case you cannot tell. I’m very disappointed in your actions and the choices you have made in your life.

We have sent you to college for an education, not for anything else; obviously that was a waste of our hard earned finances. Your mother and I thought you would one day succeed me in the ministry, but obviously it was only wishful thinking on our part. How could we have been so wrong about you, he interjected in a very irate tone of voice. I am ashamed of both of you he said and God knows I am sorry for this poor child.

Father said Marcus we will be getting married very soon. This dear father he continued is our decision not yours or mothers. We have saved enough money to rent an apartment and also to get married. To Miriam and me, this baby is a miracle and we are much honored to be the recipients. It is our miracle, nothing to do with either you or mother. I am hoping that you will understand that.

Miriam and I love each other very much, probably more than you can or will ever know or then again, maybe you do know. We plan to have this baby, with or without your support. Most of all, he continued, we do not need or require your permission, that my dear dad, I hope you do realize. We only wanted your blessings and if you cannot give us that well that’s fine too. We did not expect you to do so anyway.