Van was determined to not let her grandfather’s cutting remarks ruin her happy mood, she simply let him think whatever he wants. Only her grandmother seemed pleased, ecstatic even, though she had also been displeased that Van had gotten herself pregnant without being married she was quick to get over it.
"What has happened has happened," she said. "We just need to look on the bright side now and you don't have to worry about anything my dear, grandma is here to look after you and my great-grandchild. I am going to spoil he or she rotten."
Van threw her arms around the old woman forcing herself to not cry, she wished her mom was alive so they could share this good news together.
"It's okay dear." grandmother cooed softly like she knew what was on Van’s mind and she let go and allowed herself a good cry.
"I’ve thought this through and i've decided that Van and Ash should get married as soon as possible."
Van choked on her tea and glanced at Ash who didn't look surprised at all.
"What?" it was Karl who recovered first. They were having lunch that afternoon when grandfather suddenly made the announcement.
"Felix don't you think we should have more time to think this through." said grandmother.
"This is my final decision."
"You want me to marry my cousin?" Van was still wondering why Ash was just sitting there eating his food like nothing out of the ordinary was happening and the only thing he could say was, "i'm not your cousin, not by blood anyway."
This is not happening.
Van stood up abruptly and the world swam for a second. She shut her eyes until dizziness was gone.
"Are you alright?" grandmother's voice was filled with concern.
"No." Van said. "I think i'm going to lie down for a while." She said stiffly and left the table without so much as a glance at the old man.
"Go away I don’t want to talk to you right now." Van called as Ash knocked on the door and announced himself but it seemed like he didn't get the message because Ash pushed the door open and walked in.
"Do you feel okay now?" when she didn’t answer, he combed his fingers through his hair and sighed. "Look I know this is sudden but grandpa has your best interest at heart. When you begin to show people will gossip."
She wanted to tell him that nobody would care because she was married but held back.
"So you want to marry me just like that?"
"It makes sense."
"You weren't even talking to me today and suddenly you decide that you want to marry me?"
"I was caught off guard okay."
"What's in it for you?"
"How do you mean?"
"Why do you want to marry me Ash? Or are you simply grandfather’s puppet who'd do anything he says."
Ash looked offended. "You have no idea how long it took me to gain his approval and i'm not about to lose it."
"I never thought you were such a whimp."
"Is it so hard to believe that I want to marry you and support you and your child because I like you? Yes I like you Van and I think I may even have fallen in love with you."
His confession knocked the air out of her lungs and left her speechless.
"Say something."
"Please leave, I want to be alone right now."