Today’s one-liner is something my mother used to say to me. I may have used it before, but it bears repeating.

As the World Turns

When I first met Paul, I was attracted by his strength. He got what he wanted, and he invariably knew what he wanted. That he wanted me flattered me. I was sure he could have any woman in the world, but he married me.

He was a serial entrepreneur. He would start a business, poach the best employees from other companies with promises and the power of his personality. They would build it into a powerhouse, with the lion’s share of the profits going to Paul and the employees grumbling but submissive. Then he would sell to a mega-corporation at a price much higher than their initial offer.

BOOM! On to the next venture.

He told me how to dress, how to wear my hair, who to befriend and who to drop. I was happy to do as he said, because … because Paul has that affect on people. You understand? I didn’t just do it; I was happy to do it.

But a day come when he said, “It’s time we had children.”

“No,” I said, before I even thought. “We agreed. No children. Why would we? Our life is perfect, the way it is.”

“I’ve changed my mind,” Paul said. “I think two or three would be enough to suit me.”

“I think none would be enough,” I said.

“I want children,” said Paul.

“I don’t,” I said. “You want kids, hire somebody. Hire somebody to take care of them, too. We agreed.”

“I want you to have my children. I want them to be raised by their loving mother. This is what I want.”

“Well, go on wanting,” I said.

“Believe it or not, the earth doesn’t revolve around you.”

For a split second, I and everything in the room — everything in the world, I learned on the news — flew up and eastward, then crashed down again.

I looked up at Paul from the floor.

“Yes,” he said. “It does.”

I’m due in November.

THE END

This post is part of Linda G. Hills weekly blog hop, One-Liner Wednesday. If you have a one-liner or just like them, follow the link.

A WRITING PROMPT FROM ME TO YOU: An argument about children.