Love is a Dangerous Game

Introductions (7)

And so, we journeyed to his family’s home within a couple of hours. The exterior was breathtaking. It was a small bookstore, but the top two floors belonged to his family. There was a sweet smell of parchment and ink. It was cozy.

“Okay,” Lawrence turned to me, “We’ll introduce you as a friend of mine, just in case you must return to your aunts home.” He kissed my cheek and continued, “Don’t worry.” He grabbed my hand and we slowly made our way to the door. I stopped abruptly and pulled him back.

“Lawrence,” I ducked my head and leaned into him, whispering, “Thank you. Thank you for staying with me despite my flaws.” Then I said more quietly, “I love you.”

He leaned down to my lips and said, “I love you too.” He lightly kissed my lips, like a butterfly would, and grasped my hand with a reassurance I never felt before.

“Stepmother, father, this is my friend, Lorelai. We met a few weeks back.” Lawrence addressed, still holding me.

“It’s nice to meet you.” His father replied, holding out is hand.

I shook it and said quietly, “It’s nice to meet you too, sir.” His stepmother only nodded from behind the counter, and continued with her work.

Lawrence said excitedly, “Allow me to introduce you to my sisters.” He pulled me along behind him through the shop, past multiple shelves, until we reached the back. “Ellie? Layla?” He called out. The came out from behind a shelf with books in each of their hands, dropping them as they ran to me. He held each of them and spun them around, everyone giggling. Finally, Lawrence said to the sweet girls, “Girls, this is my friend, Lorelai.”

“You’re beautiful!” The smaller one gushed.

“Thank you!” I replied.

“The taller one reached out for my hand and said, “It’s very nice to meet you. Allow us to introduce ourselves. My name is Ellie -”

“I’m Layla!” The smaller one interjected.

“Well, It’s good to meet the both of you.” The two girls giggled, which brought Lawrence and myself into a fit as well.

When everyone had calmed down, Layla asked sweetly, “How long can you stay?” I nearly frowned.

“Well, I’ll be here a couple of days for sure.”

“Hooray!” The girls began dancing and hopping about excitedly. Then Ellie whispered to me, “We don’t get out much.”

“Ah.” I said. I turned to Lawrence.

He rolled his eyes. I chuckled. “Ladies, why don’t you go along and gather some berries for our special dinner tonight?” Lawrence said.

“Yay!” They squealed. They left the house with a burst of excitement.

Seeing these delightful girls, and their relationship with Lawrence gave me an empty heartache. Would my aunt approve of my future with Lawrence? Would I get the future Lawrence said I deserved? The one he promised me?

“Are you alright?” I probably fell, because Lawrence was holding me on the ground.

I held my hand to my forehead. “I’m - I’m fine.” I stood up hastily. “Sorry, I don’t -” My voice trailed off.

“It will be okay.” He hugged me.

“Lawrence?” His stepmother called.

“Yes?” He replied, still holding me.

“Join your father and I upstairs for tea.”