Too late
Laura stepped out of the obstetrics clinic on Whitechapel Road, blinking in disbelief. She stared at the printed report again: Pregnancy 7 to 8 weeks. How could this have happened? Why didnt I notice anything? she thought, sliding into the drivers seat of her black Austin Mini. Did I miss a pill? What nowshould I have a baby? Im fortythree, and this?
The traffic light turned green, but Laura was so lost in thought she didnt feel the cars inch forward until a horn blared from behind. She pressed the accelerator, heart thudding, and drove home in a fog of worry.
Inside her flat in Camden, she threw herself into the chores, trying to drown out the storm of questions. After lunch, her daughter Poppy popped in for a quick visit, eager to share the latest news.
Mum, Ive got a surprise for you! Poppy chirped, dropping onto the kitchen chair.
Spill it, love, dont keep me waiting, Laura replied, eyes bright with curiosity.
Sam proposed to me! Poppy announced, her smile as wide as the Thames. And I said yes!
Congratulations, my darling! Laura burst into tears, pulling her daughter into a fierce hug. Sam was exactly the sort of man Laura liked: intelligent, driven, steady, ambitiously modest, welleducated and polite. At twentyfive he earned a respectable salary, lived independently, and had been Poppys boyfriend for almost three years. Laura had watched his devotion to her daughter grow, confirming his seriousness countless times.
Poppy, whens the wedding? Laura asked, pouring steaming tea into two mugs.
Not sure yet, Poppy shrugged. We havent set a date. Probably next summer.
Have you told your dad? Laura pressed, eyes locked on her daughter.
I havent, Poppy admitted, frowning. Honestly, I dont want to.
Poppy, you cant do that, Laura warned, her voice cracking. Hes your father, he loves you. I know youre hurt, but people separate; that doesnt mean you cut him out. I forgave him, you should too. Dont hold a grudge. And invite him to the wedding, please.
Mother, how can you be so calm? Poppy snapped, anger flaring. He left you for another woman, an affair that lasted a year with his secretary! He was cheating behind your back! How could you ever forgive him?
Sweetheart, Simon and I were together for twentytwo years. We raised youwhat a brilliant, beautiful girl you turned out to be. Those were happy years, and Im grateful to him for that. But then he fell in love with someone else. You cant command a heart, Poppy, Laura said gently. What did you expect me to do? Throw a tantrum, smash dishes, nurse a grudge forever? Hate him until your last breath? Because his feelings cooled? Its absurd, love, cant you see?
No, Mum, I dont understand, Poppy said, shaking her head. If Sam treated me like that, I I dont even know what Id do!
Laura let the argument go; she knew Poppys fiery temperament would never see her side. Youth sees things differently, after all.
When Poppy left, Laura returned to the kitchen, washed the dishes, and pulled a slab of beef from the freezer for dinner. Her mind kept looping around the unexpected pregnancy, wrestling with what to do. Giving birth at her age, alone, was terrifying, yet the thought of holding a child, of being a mother again, stirred a fierce longing.
She fetched a photo album from the high shelf, flipping through pictures of Poppy as a babe in a onesie, grinning at her grandmother, then a later snap in a fancy dress at the city park gate the day Poppy fell from a swing, broke her knee, and ended up with a fine, threadthin scar. Another showed Poppy in a school uniform, clutching a bouquet, her father Simon looking solemn. There was a picture of young Laura, skinny, in a light suit and highheeled sandals, her bangs cut just above her eyebrowsdid she ever really pull off that look? A fifthgrade photo captured Poppy as SnowGirl at the Christmas concert, a silver dress Laura had sewn herself after endless hours at a sewing machine.
One shot displayed the whole familyLaura, Simon, and a teenage Poppyon a sunkissed beach in Spain, bronzed and laughing. A pang of sadness hit Laura; she had once believed her family was unbreakable. Simon and she had shared dreams, built a house, bought a car, traveled. Laura opened a boutique specializing in wedding gowns, fulfilling a lifelong ambition. Yet, after Poppy, she could never carry another pregnancy to term. The first loss was a miscarriage in early weeks; the second, at fourteen weeks, ended when doctors discovered severe fetal abnormalities. She spent a sleepless night in the hospital, then, with a heavy heart, chose not to try again.
Looking back, Laura saw a cruel irony. Once she had youth, a loving husband, prosperity, and a burning desire for another child. Now, that stability was gone, and fate had thrown her an unplanned pregnancy as a bitter joke.
When Simon announced he was leaving, Laura wasnt shocked. Shed suspected his affair, but he dismissed it as imagination. She launched a desperate campaign to win him backcounseling, heartfelt talks, even a daring home striptease. Simon refused therapy, calling it nonsense, and a month later packed his bags, filed for divorce, and left. Their parting conversation was brutal, leaving Laura reeling. She never understood what he found in his new secretary, Oliviaa young woman a shade older than Poppy, with plumped lips, lacquered lashes, and a plunging neckline that made Lauras skin crawl. Shed begged Simon to replace her, but he brushed her off: Laura, I dont care how she looks. Shes efficient, smart, I cant do without her right now. Hiring someone new would be a nightmare with everything else going wrong.
Laura sensed Olivia was more than a clerk; there was something intimate, and later her suspicions proved true. It hurt to realize Simon had swapped a lifelong partnership for a siliconekissed mannequin, shattering years of building together.
Simon left Laura the city twobed flat she still occupied; he moved with Olivia to a country house. Laura detested the thought of a stranger living where they once shared childhood memories, but she agreed to stay in the city for work and because Poppy and Sam lived nearby. Still, the feeling lingered, a stubborn ache.
The following Saturday, Laura visited her old friend Nora, who ran a tea shop theyd known since their children were in the same nursery. Nora poured them a dram of whisky. Lets have a proper fiveounce nip, love. Ive cooked a roast, perfect with a splash of whisky, she winked, pulling out two crystal glasses.
No, thank you, Nora. I cant, Laura replied, clutching her swollen belly.
Whats wrong, dear? Youre pregnant now, arent you? Or have you already taken a lover? Nora teased.
Just the baby, Nora. Its Simons. We had a night together about two months agocandles, wine, lace He didnt hold up. And now Laura gestured around her waist.
Honestly, youre pushing it, love. Youre in your fifties; youll need to raise the child alone. Maybe think about maintenance If Poppy gets married soon, you might have grandkids to look after, Nora suggested bluntly. Id think twice in your shoes.
Laura sighed, Maybe youre right. Its late.
She left Nora, heading back to Poppys flat.
Hey, Mum! Come in. Want a coffee? Poppy called.
No, love, Im not in the mood. I need to talk to you. Is Sam home? Laura asked, hoping for a private moment.
No, hes at his parents, helping with some repairs, Poppy replied.
Laura gathered the courage and said, Mum, do you want this baby?
Yes, I do, Laura whispered, but Im scared.
What did the doctor say? Poppy asked.
Everything looks fine, the babys developing normally. I lost two children years ago, and the doctors then werent very helpful. I read all these horror stories onlinewhat if something goes wrong? Im over forty, they say its risky. Lauras voice trembled.
Listen to me, Mum. Get thorough checkups, trust the professionals, not the internet. Many women now have healthy babies after forty. If youre fit, why not? Poppy urged.
Laura nodded, Maybe youre right. Ill try.
Only you can decide, but remember, Sam and I will support you. Will you tell your father? Poppy asked.
No, I wont. It doesnt matter, Laura replied.
The examinations showed no serious health issues, and Laura chose to keep the baby. Should I tell Simon? she wondered, He doesnt need to knowIm not his concern now. She saw him only a couple of times, when he collected a few boxes from the flat. Six months later, Simon turned up at her boutique.
Laura, Im here for the house papers. I called, you didnt answer. I went to the city flat, but I couldnt get in. Did you change the locks? Simon asked, avoiding her rounded belly.
Yes, I did. What did you think, you could just wander in whenever you felt like it? Were done. I have no documents for you, Laura said, cool.
Looks like youre not wasting any timegot married? Simon smirked.
No, Sam, and Im not planning to. My life isnt your business, Laura snapped, ending the conversation.
Simon left, muttering under his breath. He lingered in his office, haunted by thoughts of the unborn child. Whats her gestation? Could she have found someone else? No, shed never do that, he mused, his mind drifting.
Just then Olivia strutted into his office, swaying her hips. Hun, Im starving. Lets hit a restaurant! she demanded.
Later, Olivia, Im busy, Simon replied, distracted.
Come on, Sam! Cant you put things aside for me? she whined.
Go alone if you must, he said, turning back to his screen.
Later, Lauras baby was welcomed by Poppy, Sam, Nora, and a handful of girls from her boutique. Sam cradled the newborn in a soft blue blanket.
Lord, hes tiny! Its scary to hold, Sam whispered, rocking the infant gently.
Hes gorgeous, just a little bundle of joy, Poppy cooed, eyes on her brother. He looks just like you, Mum, right?
Just like me, Laura laughed, tears spilling over.
Back home, Laura gasped at the sight of a nursery theyd transformed while she was out: rainbow garlands, balloons, a wall banner that read Happy Birthday, Dylan! (Laura had decided on the name). The room glowed with newborn hope. Dylan was healthy, and Laura felt a sudden surge of vitality. Days blurred into feeding, soothing, and occasional walks in the park with Poppy, who often took Dylan out to give Laura a breather.
See, Poppy? Youre already rehearsing motherhood, Laura joked, watching her daughter juggle the infant. One day youll have your own.
Its brilliant! Poppy replied, flashing a mischievous grin at Sam.
Months later, a knock sounded at Lauras door. Simon stood there, clutching a bouquet.
Hello, Laura, he said, extending the flowers, which she refused.
What brings you here? Laura asked, arms crossed, voice icy.
Laura, I know Dylan is my son. Nicky, your friend, mentioned it. (Nicky being Noras nickname.)
And what does that change? Laura replied.
Please, Laura. I was a fool. Ive realized what Ive lost. I want to be part of Dylans life. Will you let me? Simon pleaded, eyes pleading.
Laura stared at the man who once was her everything. A memory of an old saying surfaced: He who betrays once will betray again. She shook her head.
No, Simon. Its too late. Dont come back.
Let me see my son! he shouted, pounding on the door.
Simon tried again over the next weeks, lurking near the playground when Laura pushed the stroller, begging forgiveness. Laura never opened. At Poppy and Sams wedding, Simon appeared briefly, handed a generous envelope of cashseveral thousand poundsand left.
Later, Laura learned from mutual friends that Simon had married Olivia, but the marriage dissolved after a few months when she left him for someone else.
The storm of the past finally settled, leaving Laura, Dylan, and Poppy to forge a new future, their lives no longer tethered to the broken promises of yesterday.
