Love In Despair

Family Ties

Emma and Lucas kept on bonding despite their love seemed unbondable. Experts have revealed that only ten percent of relationships between lawyers and nurses end well. Despite knowing this, Emma and Lucas are determined to make their work. As their love deepened, they thought the time had come for them to meet each other's families. They both have already been in touch with their parents, briefing them about who they are bringing to them. It was a significant step, a step that filled them both with a bit of anxiety and anticipation. They knew how important their families’ approval was and they hoped that their love would shine through any initial reservations.

The Collins' family were the first to extend an invitation. They lived in a small town in Ohio, an all out difference to the bustling city life Emma and Lucas were used to. The drive to Emma's parents house was filled with nervous chatter. The both of them were trying to prepare for the potential and inevitable questions and scrutiny they would face.

Emma's parents, Mark and Susan Collins, greeted them warmly on their arrival. Susan Collins, a kind-hearted woman with a nurturing spirit, while Mark Collins, a quiet and hardworking man who takes pride in his family. Emma's younger brother, Jake, was also there. He is a college student with a mischievous smile and a protective streak for this sister.

“Mom, Dad, this is Lucas,” Emma introduced him with a voice tinged with nervousness.

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Collins,” Lucas said, extending his hand.

“Please, call us Susan and Mark,” Emma's mother insisted, shaking his hand with a smile.

“We are glad to finally meet you.” she added.

Preparations were made before their arrival, dinner was ready. It was a hearty and home cooked meal, the kind that Emma has missed since moving to New York. As they sat around the dining table, conversations flowed easily though Lucas could sense the underlying curiosity and concern in Emma's family's questions.

“So Lucas, what exactly do you do?” Mark began with his tone measured.

“I am a corporate lawyer,” Lucas replied but he paused to make sure his tone sounded respectful.

“I work for a firm in Los Angeles but recently I have been spending a lot of time in New York.” he added.

Mark nodded while he was processing the information.

“Must be a demanding job,” he asked.

“It is,” Lucas replied.

“But I am passionate about it and I try to strike a balance as best as I can,” he added.

Susan interrupted their conversation, her eyes twinkling with curiosity, she asked. “How did you two meet?”

Emma and Lucas exchanged a glance and smiled at the memory. Susan just made them recall where and how it all started.

“Lucas was a patient at the hospital where I work. We met when he was recovering from an accident.” Emma explained.

“Oh my, that sounds dramatic. I am glad it brought you two together.” Susan said with a quiet laugh.

Jake who had been attentive and observing the mood around finally spoke up.

“So, Lucas, what are your intentions with my sister?” he asked.

The question hung in the air for some seconds with Emma giving Jake a shot of warning look. Lucas was in no rush towards answering the question, his eye meeting Jake’s gaze steadily.

“I care about Emma a lot, and I am committed to our relationship. I want to see where this journey takes us, and I hope to make her as happy as she makes me.” Lucas finally confidently replied.

Jake seemed satisfied with the answer Lucas gave, he nodded in content. The rest of the evening went smoothly, filled with laughter and shared stories. By the end of the night, Emma's family seemed to boot up to Lucas, their initial apprehension replaced by a genuine affection.

As they drove back to the city, Emma sighed with relief.

“I think that went better than I expected.” she said to Lucas.

Lucas smiled and reached for her hand.

“You have a wonderful family, Emma. I am glad I got to meet them.” he replied.

The next challenge ahead of them was Emma meeting Lucas' family. A week off away from work for Emma made it possible for them to plan the visitations. Lucas' family lives in a sprawling mansion in Los Angeles, a complete difference to Emma's modest upbringing. Richard and Elaine Reid, Lucas' parents, were wealthy, well connected and used to a life of luxury and high society. Emma felt out of place as they arrived at the Reid residence, the magnificence of the mansion overwhelmed her. Lucas sensed her unease and squeezed her hand reassuringly. “Don't worry, Emma. They will love you.”

Elaine Reid gave them a warm welcome at the door, her polished demeanor was relative to Susan Collins' warmth.

“Lucas, darling,” she said, reaching out for her son and embracing him.

“And you must be Emma, welcome” she added.

“Thank you, Mrs. Reid,” Emma replied politely.

“Please, call me Elaine,” she said faking a smile.

“Come on in, Both of you.”

The dinner was a formal affair, the table was set with fine china and crystal glasses. Richard Reid was a step and imposing figure, his presence was commanding the room. The conversations started polite but awkward, it was filled with small talk and thinly veiled questions concerning Emma's background and ambitions.

“So, Emma, my son tells us you are a nurse.” Richard began with his cool toned voice.

“Yes, I work at St. Mary's Hospital in New York,” Emma replied and did her best to hide her nerves.

“That must be …. rewarding.” Elaine asked but it was evident through her tone that she found it less than impressive.

“It is,” Emma affirmed.

“I love my job and the impact it allows me to have on people's lives.” she added.

Lucas could sense the rising tension and he decided to steer the conversation to a safer ground.

“Emma has been a tremendous support to me during my recovery. I am very lucky to have her in my life.” Lucas revealed.

Elaine's expression softened slightly.

“Well, as long as you are happy, Lucas,” she said.

The rest of the evening continued in a similar vein, with Emma doing her best to navigate the unfamiliar waters of high society. Despite the initial fall out, she managed to hold her own, impressing Richard and Elaine Reid with her grace and determination.

Despite Elaine attempts to make them spend the night, Lucas revealed her had work to take care of early in the morning. As they left the mansion, Lucas turned to Emma, his eyes were filled with admiration.

“You were amazing tonight, Emma. Thank you for putting up with all that.” Lucas appreciated her.

“Though it was not easy, I think it was okay.” Emma smiled with an expression of relief showing all over her.

Lucas' heart swelled with pride and love, he reached to her, drew her closer to himself and kissed her gently.

“It was more than okay, you were perfect.” He revealed.

They drove out of the mansion, while Elaine waved them goodbye. Meeting each other's families had been a significant hurdle. It also brought them closer together. They both faced scrutiny and emerged stronger and more committed to their love which looks in despair most times. Challenges could come up in their journey in the future but they know they could face them together.