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Listeners' Fantasies |
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Brian's alternative view
By lantana2
 From the Fantasy Archers topic of , we learn how things might have been different, but for one little chromosome.
"I'm sorry, Siobhan", said Brian, "but you should never have come back to Ambridge". He fiddled nervously with his coffee spoon.
"But Brian", protested Siobhan, pushing back her beautiful hair, "This is your child we're talking about. You must understand there's a good chance I may not survive this".
Brian shifted uncomfortably in his chair. "I'm sure you're being over pessimistic ", he replied. "You know what these doctors are like, and you're looking so…vibrant. And even if… well, if the worst does come to the worst, you have a large family in Ireland, don't you? I remember Elizabeth showing me the christening photos. And what about that chap you had in Germany, Dietrich was it, he was very fond of the child, now, wasn't he?"
"Dieter", said Siobhan coldly. "As you would know if you had ever taken any interest in us beyond the monthly cheque. I told you, he's left me, his girlfriend won't even let me talk to him, let alone take on my child. As for those photos, well everyone in an Irish village loves a christening, and yes, no doubt they told Elizabeth they were related to us three generations ago, but I've only my mother and my sister Niamh, as I've already explained to you. I really don't think Niamh will do it and I can't ask my mother to take on a child at her age".
"Well come to that", said Brian more firmly, "Jenny and I are no spring chickens. In a few months time, we won't have a child at home for the first time since we've been married, that's some thirty years. We were looking forward to taking a break from the farm and the village, visiting Kate and the new baby in South Africa, perhaps a holiday home in the sun. I'd have to ask Jenny to give up all of that, go back to the disturbed nights, the school runs, the teenage tantrums, all the responsibility. To be brutal, Siobhan, I don't want it, and how can I possibly ask it of Jenny? I remember how she was when she found out about you and me four years ago. How can I ever ask her to raise your child, it would be inhuman, and not fair to the child come to that. You must see it".
"I see that you're as selfish as ever, Brian Aldridge", said Siobhan, her voice choked. "Do you think I'd be asking if I wasn't desperate, if I had any choice?" She got up, pushing her chair back with a violent scrape.
Brian put out a steadying hand, but Siobhan pushed him away. "What will you do now?", he asked. "As if you care! I'll have to talk to my sister," Siobhan replied. "Niamh must when the devil drives", she added angrily with a flash of her old wit, then, brushing her eyes, she walked from the café.
Later that evening, in The Bull, Brian carried the two pints of Shires to the quiet table where he and David Archer were sitting. "Thanks for meeting me here, David", Brian said gratefully. "I know I've made the right decision, but, well, it's not really something I want to talk about at home, not with Jenny, and not with important exams coming up." David hesitated for a moment. "Look, Brian, this isn't really any of my business, but are you absolutely sure? This is a small child who may well be motherless soon".
"I never wanted the child, you know", Brian replied. "I wanted the silly woman to get rid of it, but she insisted on going through with the pregnancy. I sometimes thought that's why she seduced me in the first place. I was taken for a fool. Then after the birth, I really think she wanted me to live with her and Ruairi. I can't even spell his name, for goodness sake. I know I've not been a perfect husband", he went on, "but after that thing with Mandy Beesborough," he paused; David looked uncomfortable. "Well, Jenny and I promised each other a new start….and a new child. And after Jack was born, well everything seemed to come together. There I was with my little son, and Jenny, well and the other three children of course. I'll never forget what my lovely girl went through to give me my son.
"And Jack's been a wonderful son", Brian continued, "bright, hard-working, affectionate. I must admit I was anxious when he insisted on leaving Sherborne and studying at the local college - unopposable thumbs you know, David - but he's knuckled down. Going out with Amy Franks has helped too, she's a steady girl, attractive too, even with that God-botherer of a father."
"You don't mind the engineering, then?", David asked. "I expected you hoped Jack would go in for farming."
"Plenty of time, David", said Brian, "and useful for the lad to have another string to his bow, property, development, adapting to the weather, that's where the smart money's going. No future in traditional farming over here". David reddened, but Brian continued, "That's why I was so worried when Siobhan produced a boy. Split inheritance, you know. Adam's no problem, he'll be retiring by the time I'm gone, same with Debbie. Kate's out of it. But having Ruairi competing for the farm with Jack - I couldn't have it. I made damn sure I wasn't on the birth certificate. When Siobhan went to Germany, I thought I was well out of it- this was the last thing I needed. Still, it looks as if her sister will take the child now. I'll keep paying of course, do the decent thing. As long as I hang on till he's grown, he won't have a claim. It will all go to Jack, to my son, Jack.
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