**Yielding to Love**
“Katie, come to your senses! Your chosen one is eighteen, and you’re twenty-six! A fine match indeed! What can he possibly offer you? Endless trouble, thats what. Your colleagues will laugh you out of the school. A teacher falling for her studentwhos ever heard of such a thing? Resign before its too late, or theyll sack you for misconduct,” my mother painted the scene vividly.
I wanted to howl. It had happenedIgor and I had fallen in love. Yes, he was much younger, still a pupil. But in a year, hed leave school. Wed marry. The age gap wouldnt matter then. Only a little patience was needed. I couldnt bring myself to end it. Igor was my first love. Mum exaggerated, of course, claiming everyone knew of our affair. We met in secret.
Naturally, I knew such scandalous news would spread through the school like wildfireonly the deaf would miss it. Yet I couldnt restrain myself. I burned in his arms, hung on his every glance. I knew I set a poor example. As a teacher, I ought to sow wisdom and kindness.
Mum, also a teacher, found my behaviour inexplicable. I regretted confiding in her, for I found no comfort in her words. How often had I resolved to leave Igor in my thoughts? Countless times. Yet one glimpse of him stole my breath, silenced my doubtsI loved him recklessly, defying every rule.
With Igor, I felt like a foolish girl. He was bright, athletic, wise beyond his years. His classmates trailed after him; I envied them silently, torn between joy and unease.
Then came the final school bell. Igor went to university. And I fell pregnant.
Mum, noting the change in me, didnt hesitate. “Well, youve landed yourselves in it now. What next? Will you rid yourself of this fruit of love? Shouldve listened to me, you silly girl.”
“No, I wont,” I replied.
Our Lily was born. Igor showed no haste to marry. His studies came first. He grew distant, avoiding me, “forgetting” to call. Student life, new friends Soon, we parted ways. I tumbled from the clouds, left alone with my daughterand a secret too shameful to share. Mockery and scorn awaited if the truth were known. My heart turned to stone.
Mum, seeing my misery, soothed me. “I gather things went sour with Igor. Never mind, Katieeven ashes hide embers. Dont torment yourself. Itll all come right.”
Two years passed. Then came Alex, the “man with the dog.” We met in the park where I walked Lilys pram and he exercised his dachshund pup, Benny. Conversation led to courtship. Alex was kind, warm, his humour a balm. Love blossomed. Mum doted on Lily and Benny while Alex and I stole evenings at the cinema or cafes.
“Off you go, young things,” shed say. “Enjoy yourselves while you can. Ill mind the little ones.”
In time, Lily and I moved in with Alex. Peace settled over usno storms, only calm.
Then came the call. “Katie,” Mum said breathlessly, “Lilys father turned up. Shouting on the landing, demanding to see you. I was frightenedI gave him your address. So much for your precious pupilsmooth as velvet, but sharp underneath.”
“Dont fret, Mum. Well manage,” I said, though my own nerves prickled. Why had Igor remembered me now?
He arrived soon after. “Hello, Katie. Youve landed on your feet, I see. A new man raising my childby what right?”
“Igor, wheres it written that Lily is yours? You walked away. What claim do you have?”
His tone softened. “Katie, I meant no harm. Perhaps we could try again? We loved each other. Have you forgotten?”
“I remembered too long. Alex helped me forget for good. Thank you, Igor, for the lesson. You lost me. Now leave.” Coolly, I shut the door.
When Alex returned, he sensed my unease. “Something happened, Katie?”
I told him of Igors visit.
“Rubbish. Dont fret. Hes lonely, thats all. Call your husband to supper.” He pulled me to the kitchen.
“Husband? My passports still blank,” I teased, winking.
“Katie, marry me.” Alex knelt, hands outstretched.
“Afraid my ex might steal me back?” I laughed.
“Terrified. Well? Will you?”
“Ill think on it,” I flirted, knowing hed cherish me forever.
We married that summer. Alex adopted Lily. A year later, our family grewJames was born. We built a nest of warmth.
Igor never troubled us again. I heard he married a classmate, who left him with a three-month-old babe and fled with an army officer to some garrison town.
Years slipped by unnoticed. Alex and I are grey now. Lily married an Italian and took Bennys grandson with her. “Let one family member warm my heart abroad,” she said.
Only James concerns us. At twenty-two, deep in studies, hes smitten with his literature tutora married woman with two daughters. History repeats itself. Should I condemn it, or hold my tongue? Knowing my own heart, I doubt persuasion would avail. Love blinds as it ever did.
“James, the choice is yours. Just promise me thisdont hurt her. Be a man. Think carefully. This isnt a path to tread lightly.” It was all I could say.
“You and Dad are my compass. Thank you for not lecturing.” He kissed my cheek.
No wedding followed. The tutor, Marina, and James registered quietly. In time, little Rose arrived.
Love will not be denied.
