EBUKA

ROSE’S CONFESSION SHOCKED BOTH FAMILIES! When Rose’s mother told me that the pregnancy had been confirmed, my legs almost gave way. I was only 18 years old. I was still learning sales, still depending on my parents for many things, and now I was about to become a father. But what frightened me most was what Rose’s mother said next. “John, your father needs to hear what my daughter told me about that Saturday.” I swallowed hard. “Mummy, what did Rose say?” She looked at me for a moment before answering. “She said you two had been teasing each other for a long time. She said she kept calling you a small boy, and that Saturday, things went further than either of you had expected.” I lowered my head. “Yes, Mummy. That is what happened.” She sighed. “Do you understand the seriousness of what you have done?” “Yes, ma.” “Then you need to start thinking like someone who has responsibilities, not someone who wants to prove a point.” Her words hurt because I knew she was right. Before she left, she told my mother that Rose wanted both families to meet again. That evening, my father called a family meeting. My elder brother, Benedict, was there too. He had been laughing at me privately since the incident, but when he saw how serious my father was, he kept quiet. My father began speaking. “John, you made a mistake. But running away from the consequences will only make things worse. We need to know what you and Rose intend to do.” I nodded. Then my father turned toward my mother. “We must also remember that these are two young people. We should guide them instead of destroying their lives with insults.” My mother shook her head. “I agree, but who will pay for everything? John is still learning a trade. He doesn't even have his own shop!” My elder brother suddenly spoke. “Daddy, I think John should be allowed to continue learning sales. If he stops now, how will he ever support a child?” Everybody looked at him. I was surprised. I had expected him to mock me again, but instead, he was defending me. My father nodded slowly. “That is a reasonable point.” The following afternoon, both families gathered at Rose's parents' house. Rose sat beside her mother, looking nervous. I sat opposite her, unable to look her in the eyes. Her father broke the silence. “John, I want you to answer one question honestly. Do you love my daughter?” I froze. I had never seriously asked myself that question. I liked Rose. I had always wanted her attention. But was that the same as loving her? “Sir,” I began, “I respect Rose, and I don't want to abandon her. But I don't want to lie and say I understand everything about love and marriage when I am only 18.” Rose raised her head and looked at me. Her father frowned. “So you want to get my daughter pregnant and then tell me you don't know whether you love her?” “No, sir,” I replied quickly. “I am saying I want to be honest. I will take responsibility for my actions, but I don't want to make promises I cannot keep.” For a moment, nobody spoke. Then Rose surprised us all. “Daddy, I don't want you to force John to marry me because I am pregnant.” Her father turned toward her. “Rose, have you lost your senses?” “No, Daddy. I know what I did. I was the one who kept teasing him and telling him he wasn't man enough. But I don't want us to make a decision out of shame or anger.” My mother looked at her with a different expression. Rose continued. “I want to have the baby if that remains my decision after receiving proper medical advice and support. But I want John to continue learning his trade. If we are going to raise this child, we need to think about the child's future.” Her words touched me deeply. For the first time, I saw a different side of Rose. She wasn't laughing at me or calling me a small boy. She was facing the consequences of what had happened just as I was. My father nodded. “Good. Then we will work together to find a responsible way forward.”