The Compromise

Kate’s thought was interrupted by the school buzzer going off nearby. It was time for recess. She got out her phone from her pants pocket and called Wendy.

“Hey, baby girl. What’s up,” Wendy said cheerfully when she answered the call.

“Hi, Wendy. How are you?” Kate said blandly.

“I’m Ok. What about you?”

“I don’t know,” Kate replied honestly.

“Why? What is it, sweetie? Are you alright?” Wendy asked worriedly.

“It’s a long story but I’ll summarize it for you if you can come and meet me at the park right now.”

“Give me two minutes,” said Wendy and she hung up.

She showed up at the park in record time. She was dressed in a bright yellow dress and leopard print pumps.

“Why aren’t you at work?” Wendy asked Kate as she joined her best friend on the swing chair.

“I got fired last night,” Kate answered plainly.

“What!” Wendy gasped. “Why?”

Kate looked deeply into Wendy’s eyes and said, “You and I have been friends forever and I trust you, but I want you to assure me now that my secret is safe with you. I just need to talk to someone other than my parents and you’re the only person I believe I can confide in right now.”

“Kate, I don’t know what you’re about to tell me, but I promise you, no one will hear it from me,” Wendy vowed solemnly.

“OK,” Kate sighed and said, “I’m pregnant.”

Wendy gasped and covered her mouth with her hand.

“Let me finish,” Kate said, unperturbed by her friend’s reaction.

She went on to tell Wendy everything that had happened in the last 48 hours, including Tony’s bizarre marriage proposal and her mother’s crazy suggestion that she accept it.

“Oh, my god…” Wendy sighed after Kate finished speaking. “This is totally insane!”

“I know,” Kate agreed sadly. “I’m caught between a rock and a hard place.”

“So, what do you want to do now?” Wendy asked.

“I was hoping you’d tell me,” Kate said with a sad smile.

“Oh, sweetie. I can’t do that,” Wendy said sympathetically and put a comforting arm around Kate.

“This is your life we’re talking about here. Whatever happens next must be decided by you,” Wendy added softly.

“Maybe if Tony was a young man, I wouldn’t mind too much about pitching my tent with him,” Kate admitted.

“He’s not bad looking for his age though,” Wendy chuckled.

“I’m not into old guys like you are,” Kate pointed out. “We probably don’t have anything in common.”

“I understand that, but let’s look at the bigger picture here,” Wendy said reasonably. “If you marry Tony, you’re going to be comfortable for life. And your baby will be raised by a man with experience who will make sure that your child gets the best of everything money can buy. If you ask me, that’s a pretty good deal.”

“Ugh, Wendy. I always dreamed of falling in love and marrying the man of my dreams, not an elderly stranger with a hero complex,” Kate complained.

“Love is a choice, my dear friend,” Wendy said jovially. “You can grow to love Tony.”

Kate made a gagging sound and Wendy laughed.

“But what’s in it for him?” Kate asked.

“You’ll have to ask him yourself,” Wendy answered. “Call me naïve, but I think the man is a good person. I talked to him in church yesterday. He was so polite and friendly.”

“I think you should marry him,” Kate suggested.

Wendy laughed and said, “Nah, he’s not Sugar Daddy material. You should marry him.”

“I can’t believe I’m actually considering it,” Kate said in bemusement.

“It’s called a marriage of convenience,” said Wendy. “You get his name and protection, your baby gets a comfortable home to grow up in, and Tony gets a young beautiful wife to keep him youthful and happy. That’s an all-around win in my books.”

“Yeah, that sounds pretty simple from your point of view,” Kate said tentatively. “But I doubt if it’s going to be that straightforward.”

“Stop expecting the worst, Kate,” said Wendy. “Everything might just work out for you perfectly. Don’t be pessimistic.”

“Did I mention that the man has two grown kids?” Kate asked sardonically.

“So what?”

“So, do you think they would welcome me into their family with open arms?”

“You will cross that bridge when you get there, Kate. Let’s focus on you marrying Mr. Tony for now,” Wendy said seriously.

“I haven’t agreed to marry him yet,” Kate reminded Wendy.

“You should, Kate. Marrying that man is your golden ticket to a better life for you and your baby,” said Wendy. “Don’t throw this opportunity away because of sentiments.”

Kate sighed heavily.

The school buzzer went off, signaling the end of recess.

“And that’s my cue to head back to work,” Wendy announced brightly and got on her feet.

“Oh, Wendy, I’m so sorry I took up all of your break time,” Kate apologized.

“Don’t worry about it, love,” Wendy said goodnaturedly.

“How about I come over to your place to hang out later today?” Kate asked.

“I’m going on a date tonight,” Wendy announced excitedly.

“Oh? Who’s the lucky guy?” Kate inquired.

“It’s a blind date. Nancy at the salon set me up,” Wendy answered happily. “I’m suspecting it’s one of her cousins from New York, but we’ll see. I’ll give you the four one one when I get back.”

Kate envied Wendy. Her friend was going on dates, having a great time, and staying happy, while Kate had wasted her time in a one-sided relationship that has finally landed her in trouble.

Before Wendy left, she gave Kate’s shoulder one last reassuring squeeze and said, “No matter what you decide eventually, I want you to know that you have my full support, OK? You’re not alone.”

“Thanks, Wendy. I appreciate that,” Kate said softly.

After spending another ten minutes alone in the park, Kate finally got off the swing chair and began her journey back home.