**Yielding to Love**
*”Emily, think again! Your sweetheart is eighteen, and you’re twenty-six! What a perfect matchnot! What can he possibly offer you? Endless trouble, thats what. Your colleagues will laugh you out of the school. A teacher, falling for her student? Whos ever heard of such a thing? Resign before its too late, or theyll sack you for misconduct.”* Mum painted the bleakest picture, her words sharp as knives.
I wanted to scream. But here I was, hopelessly in love with James. Yes, he was youngermy student, even. But in a year, hed graduate. Wed marry. The age gap wouldnt matter. I just had to hold on a little longer. I couldnt bring myself to let him go. James was my first love. Mum exaggerated, of course, claiming everyone knew about us. Wed been carefulmeeting in secret, stealing glances.
Still, I wasnt naive. A scandal like this would spread through the school like wildfire. Yet, I couldnt help myself. I burned for him, craved every touch, every lingering look. As a teacher, I shouldve known bettershouldve been setting an example. But my heart refused to listen.
Mum was a teacher too. To her, my actions were unforgivable. I regretted confiding in her. Instead of support, I got scorn. How many times had I tried to walk away? Too many to count. But one look from James, and my resolve shattered. Love drowned out reason.
With him, I felt like a giddy schoolgirl. He was brillianttop of his class, athletic, mature beyond his years. The way his classmates fawned over him stung, but I swallowed my jealousy, torn between joy and dread.
Then came graduation. James started university. And I I fell pregnant.
Mum took one look at me and sighed. *”Well, youve gone and done it now. Whats next? Getting rid of it?”*
*”No,”* I whispered. *”Im keeping my baby.”*
Little Sophie arrived soon after. But James? He wasnt rushing to be a husband. University came first. Then, slowly, he pulled awaymissed calls, cancelled plans. New friends, new girls. In the end, we drifted apart. Reality hit hard. I was alone with my daughter, my secret shame burning inside me.
Mum saw my misery and tried to console me. *”I know things with James went sour. But chin up, love. Even ashes hold embers. Youll be alright.”*
Two years passed. Then, out of nowhere, he reappearedstorming into Mums flat, demanding to see me. She, flustered, gave him my address.
When James showed up at my door, his eyes blazed. *”So, youve moved on? Found some bloke to raise my child?”*
*”Your child?”* I scoffed. *”You walked away. You dont get to waltz back in now.”*
His anger faltered. *”Emily we loved each other. Doesnt that mean anything?”*
*”It did. But Tom helped me forget. Thank you for the lesson, James. Now leave.”* I shut the door, my hands steady for the first time in years.
When Tom came home, he knew something was wrong. *”Whats happened?”*
I told him about James. He just chuckled. *”Blokes got regrets. Let him stew. Nowhusbands starving. Wheres dinner?”*
*”Husband?”* I smirked. *”Last I checked, my ring fingers bare.”*
Then, without warning, Tom dropped to one knee. *”Marry me, Emily.”*
*”Scared Jamesll steal me back?”* I teased.
*”Terrified. So yes?”* His eyes were earnest.
*”Ill think about it,”* I lied, already knowing my answer.
We married that summer. Tom adopted Sophie, and a year later, our son Oliver was born. Our home was warm, full of laughter. James never bothered us again. Rumor had it he married a classmateonly for her to leave him with a newborn and run off with some army officer.
Time flew. Now, grey streaks our temples. Sophies married, living in Italy with her husband and our late dachshund Bennys grandson*”Just so Ive a piece of home,”* shed said.
Only Oliver worries me now. Twenty-two, studying at Oxford, hopelessly infatuated with his literature professor. And worseshes married with two children. History repeating itself.
What do I say? I know too well how love blinds. *”Oliver, its your choice. Just dont hurt her. Think hardthis isnt some fling.”*
*”Mum, you and Dad taught me well. Thanks for not lecturing.”* He kissed my cheek.
No grand wedding followed. Just a quiet registry office ceremony with Professor Claire. Months later, baby Lottie arrived.
Love, it seems, always finds a way.
