A lie that bounds us

Episode three

Alisa.

“ Last trunk babes,” I grinned.

“ Are you like moving out?” He teased me.

I had bought lots of gifts for everyone that I didn't realize would take up the backspace of the car.

Michael had suggested we booked a flight but I'd insisted on a car drive saying it would give us more bonding time – which is a lie – I was just buying some time for myself.

The thirteen-hour drive would take almost half of our day.

“Gifts to go round,” I shrugged.

“ Trying to create a first impression??”

“ Sorta,” I didn't even know why I got gifts for everyone, I was just hoping for the best.

We loaded the car with all the essentials that'll be needed during the journey from water to food in a warmer, junkand blankets.

We were set to leave by exactly 6;45 am, so we wouldn't have to drive late at night.

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“ We're in Bournemouth babes” Michael said, tapping my shoulders gently.

“ You did not wake me up to help drive?” I said confused, my parents' house in sight. My childhood home.

“ You were mentally, I'm man enough, aren't I ??” He said, flexing his muscles.

I laughed.

We stopped in front of the house and almost everyone came out to see who just arrived in a 2024 Mercedes.

I was nervous as hell, Michael hugged me and left to open the car door for me.

How thoughtful.

I heard my sister gasp, gee is still obsessed with muscles?

“ Thanks, babe,” I said as he held the door for me. I adjusted my dress and we both walked to where my family stood.

I made sure to look them in the eye and all I saw was shock and recognition.

Were they shocked to see me?? Or to see the kind of man I came with? Or were

A squeeze on my hand brought me back to reality, I placed a smile on my face and cleared my throat.

“ Hello, mother!”

“Hello, father!”

“ Hey, Lyd!”

My mom enveloped me in a warm hug– don't have a breakdown now Alisa.

Everyone took turns greeting and cheering as they got back a lost trophy.

“ And here's my boyfriend, Michael Bryant, babe meet my family”.

“ Good day,” he greeted them and they shook hands, my mom still hugged him.

She looked like a seed in its pod- lol.

“Uhmm, they're things in the car we'd love to offload with a little help please,” I asked looking at their faces.

I was still a bit sceptical about the way they received me.

“ You came just in time for dinner Lisa dear, I hope your handsome friend likes the food” my mom chimed.

“ Boyfriend ma” I muttered under my breath, everything's going well, I don't want to be pissed off.

Michael gave my hands a little squeeze,” actually ma, we won't be staying for dinner, we need to check in at the hotel”, he said with a tight smile.

“ That's sad! You're going to eat gross hotel food! When you have an option of eating freshly cooked homemade food, won't you stay for family sake Lisa dear”, Lydia interjected.

I scoffed inwardly,” We'll stay, what's for dinner?”

“Spaghetti Bolognese, my special recipe,” Mom said clapping excitedly.

We headed inside to the dining room where I helped set the table.

“ What do you do?” Dad asked directing to Michael.

“I'm a neurosurgeon, sir”

“ And you love a low-life silly novel writer?” Lydia said.

“ She is not a low-life writer, you just do not know her value as a big sister,” Michael replied.

Lydia raised an eyebrow, "Oh? And what makes you an expert on her value, hmm?"

Michael smiled calmly, "I've had the pleasure of getting to know Lisa over the past few years, and I can tell you, she's an incredibly talented and compassionate person. Her writing may not be your cup of tea, but it's meaningful to many people."

Lydia muttered under her breath, but I ignored her, savouring the delicious spaghetti and the warmth of the evening. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I belonged, and it was all thanks to Michael.

My mom intervened, "Lydia, dear, let's not argue about this. We're happy to have Michael and Lisa here for dinner. Let's focus on catching up."

Dad nodded in agreement, "Yes, let's enjoy our meal together. Michael, tell us more about your work as a neurosurgeon. That's fascinating."

Michael told a story about a recent surgery he had performed, and the conversation shifted to more pleasant topics. I shot him a grateful glance, feeling relieved that the tension had dissipated.

On our way to the hotel where we'd be lodging, Michael turned to me and whispered, "You deserve all the love and support in the world, Lyssa. Don't let anyone ever make you feel otherwise."

I smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude and love for this man who had so quickly become a part of my life

I was mentally punching the air, it felt so good to have someone believe in you.

“ Thanks, babes, I'm mentally drained already, I …..” The ringing of his phone cut me short.

He had a slight frown on his face when he dropped the phone.

“ Is everything okay?”

“ I wish, I'm booked for surgery tomorrow afternoon and that means taking the next available flight” he replied sadly like he didn't want to leave.

“ It's an all right babe, it's just the wedding rehearsal party tomorrow night and the wedding next, no one will bother me, I'll be fine,” I reassured him with a peck on his lips.

“ Thank you, darling,” he smiled.

I'd do anything for you.