The Lovebirds

April Cranford pressed her face against the windowpane as she gazed down the narrow winding road excitedly waiting for a familiar figure to come around the bend. Her face flushed from being teased by her twin brother Evan, the twenty-two year old brunette nevertheless took it all in fun and refused to move from the window. She would get back at him later when he got dressed for his date with Elaine. Her brother had a habit of spending much time before the mirror, making sure he had plenty of grease on his ducktail hairstyle. Their parents George and Evelyn, smiled as they listened to their youngest children, knowing that underneath it all the two had a great affection for each other. The trace of a frown appeared on April’s pretty face as she thought again of the fact that she and Frank Goodman, the young man who had fallen head over heels for her, as she had for him was her cousin, and although it was lawful for them to marry, most were not in favour of such unions. April’s parents had said little hoping that it might be a passing fancy but determined to let their daughter decide for herself. Frank, in the meantime had delayed telling his parents, his mother in particular he knew, would vigorously oppose the relationship. Once again April glanced at the clock, it was not like Frank to be late, especially on a Friday evening. Finally, she saw him walking rather slowly she though as though troubled by something, but his face quickly lit us as she ran to greet him.

As Frank had walked home from April’s house on the previous Wednesday, he was determined to tell his parents of their courtship and let the chips fall where they may. It was oblivious that such a relationship could not be kept secret for long in a community with a population of less than 400,  and Frank didn‘t want them to hear about it from another.  As he entered the house and saw his parents waiting, he realized that it was too late, it was suddenly clear to him  that they already knew.  Although his father nodded in agreement, it was his mother who read the riot act. Not only was she opposed to any romantic affair between him and his cousin, but furious that she had to learn about it from a neighbour. His family, she reminded  him were of fine British stock, and she had no intention of having their name dragged through the mud like some riff-raff. He must she stated, break of the relationship with April immediately. When Frank tried to plead his case, his parents would have none of it. He fought to control his temper as he chose his words carefully. He reminded them  that he was 29 years old and it was now 8 years since he had returned from Europe, after spending four years fighting for his country, he believed he said, that he had a right to be heard. “Very well”, his mother said curtly, “you have until Saturday to end this scandalous affair, unless you do so, we will no longer consider you our son”. Unable to believe his ears, Frank stared  open-mouthed after his parents as they left the room. Slowly his temper abated, as he sat hands covering his face. Although prepared for an outburst, he had not expected this. Brought up to honour and respect his patents the next three days he felt would be the most difficult of his life, he was however, soon to learn otherwise.