Thomas O'Sullivan & Edith Montgomery

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Edith and I went to the park, enjoyed it and did it again, and again. It was now the new year 2021, and I celebrated at Bill's house, Edith by my side. We had confirmed it, we knew we were boyfriend and girlfriend. Then, one day, in January, when mum was overdue and dad was in a state of panic, I decided to welcome Edith into the O'Sullivan family. I walked to her house, picked her up (not literally) and we walked together over to my house, her hand and her fingers intertwined with mine. I slowly opened the door and stepped in, an undefeatable smile upon my face.

"Ma! Pa! Come meet Edith, Edith Montgomery!" I called, leading Edith by the hand over to the settee in front of the television. She sat down, and I sat down next to her. "They'll be here in a minute." I assured her.

She smiled at me, she had changed her ways, she was more open, even more beautiful and less timid, though still rather shy.

"You have a lovely, cozy home." She remarked, looking about her.

I chuckled softly and tucked her side fringe behind her ear.

She flushed a pretty pink, her eyes fluttering shyly.

Soon, both mum and dad came down the stairs. Edith and I stood up together.

"Mum, dad, meet Edith." I announced proudly.

My dad came over to her and gave a friendly smile.

"Edith, nice to finally meet you, we've heard a lot about you." He greeted.

Edith also smiled and shook his hand. "Pleasure to meet you too, sir." She replied politely. Then, my father moved aside to reveal my mother.

Edith gasped and stared at her.

"Oh..." She breathed, whipping her head round to face me. "Oh, Thomas... you didn't tell me." She murmured softly, facing my mum once more. "Oh, Mrs. O'Sullivan, congratulations, I didn't know. When are you due?" She asked delicately.

My mother beamed and embraced Edith, as if she were her own daughter.

"Oh you are such a darling - thank you. I'm actually overdue. It was meant to come last Wednesday, and today's a Monday." Mum answered, sounding fed up. Edith looked rather sympathetic.

"Oh dear, that must be terribly hard for you. I do hope it comes soon." She responded.

My mum and dad both looked at each other and gave subtle nods of approval.

Edith continued: "You know, my mother is a professional midwife, and I sometimes help out with her job, all the doctors and nurses know me, and I've delivered three babies - with supervision of course. So, if you want anything, I can give you advice or help if you need it." She told them. My mum looked very surprised - so was I.

"Oh, my. Erm... well... that should come in handy." She responded, a little unsure. Then, she frowned. "Actually, I do have one question." She began, but I didn't get to hear it because my dad led me away from them and went to stand in the corridor by the stairs that lead to our back garden.

He put his hand on my shoulder and patted me. "Well done, son. She seems like a good gal, polite, well spoken, I think you'll benefit from her." He approved, nodding his head.

"Yes, I know, she was quite hard to get, but I've got her now."

My dad laughed.

"Yes, the best ones always play hard to get." He chuckled. But then he went all serious. "Son, Thomas, I just want you to know that she is not your priority, alright? School should be your main focus, not her. And I don't want you to be sneaking around with her, you know? That could lead to bad consequences for both you and her, mostly her." He lectured. I stood there patiently and let him get it out.