Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

**Archie’s POV**

Now I can proudly say that she is now my girlfriend to keep other guys from making advances at her. I am thankful that she trusted me to be in this relationship with her. And I need to clear things to Architect Luigi so he would stop pestering Lisa with his shenanigans. I will show him how I love Lisa and there is no chance for him to intervene with our relationship. That day Lisa talked to Helen to tell Rigor that I would like to meet Luigi at the lobby, so Lisa could introduce him to me during lunch time. As this is a part of their agreement while I am away.

Luigi came, and Lisa introduced me as her boyfriend. I am more than happy to see frustration from Luigi’s face. It seems I won the battle and won the most precious gem in my life that they lost.

“So, you are Archie? Melissa told me about you, but I don’t believe it, because it is unlikely that a beautiful lady like her will be left alone.” Luigi stated.

“She’s not left alone. It is a matter of trust that we need to give to each other because of some circumstances. Just like my kind of work which I need to travel and leave most of the time. We need to trust each other and that trust coupled with love would strengthen our relationship.” I told him. I hope he understands what I mean that he should stop pestering Lisa.

“Don’t worry I get now what you mean. I’m sorry but I can’t help admiring your girlfriend because she’s not only beautiful but also intelligent. That was seldom seen from all women today. Congratulations Archie, I wish you both good luck. But please don’t misunderstand whenever you see me with Melissa, it is purely work. I hope you won’t stop me from making friends with Melissa, if that is ok with you.” He requested.

“I don’t mind, as long as it won’t cross the boundary of friendship.” I told him.

I was so thankful that Lisa’s predicament with Luigi has been solved. And I am so lucky that Lisa has been forthcoming with her problem with Luigi. At least I can look forward to anything with this kind of situation occurring again, we know how to handle this.

Now, I guess I need to face my situation with my family since I settled my problem with Lisa. I love her so much and I would like to introduce her to my relatives, but I was hesitant because of my family circumstances. I am afraid that they would reject our relationship. My relatives were all selfish. Once they know that I have a girlfriend, they always think that I would discard them out of my life and I would become selfish to them. I know Lisa is different from my other girlfriends that I have. I just need to find a way to introduce her to my family.

Next day after I settled all my problems with Lisa and her persistent suitor, now I need to go back to our province to meet my relatives.

“Hey love, I need to talk to you. Can you have a break for a second?” I asked her.

“What is it? Is there a problem?” Lisa worriedly asked.

“No no no, it’s just that I need to go back to the province for one week and take the chance to talk to my mother and my other relatives regarding our situation. I promise I will be back after a week.” I explained to her. I know she would question me, but she never uttered a word and wished me a safe voyage.

I too have been questioning my relatives why they were so strict when it comes to my relationship to others, especially not of their choice. They do the same with my sister. I would not give in to their personal choices of whom I would love and marry. It would be my choice and not theirs, no matter what happened this time. I have gone to many relationships that have been destroyed, and this time not with Lisa. Over my dead body. They could disown me, the hell I care. But they cannot change my mind about Lisa and my love for her.

I have arranged my things and am getting ready to go back to my province and meet my relatives. It is eight hours by ship and 45 minutes by plane. I choose to ride the ship for me to give my mind an ample time to think of how to tell them my new found love. I know most of them would oppose what I am going to tell them. I am not even hopeful of their approval. This could be the first time I would go against their will. I know GOD will always be by my side because I sincerely love Lisa.Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

I arrived at our farm early in the morning and I needed to take some sleep because I was so tired from the trip and my mind was so occupied by what would happen today. Though they were so excited that I had arrived, I could feel the tension in my surroundings. I am going to tell them everything I have in mind during our lunch and I am ready for their rapid questions.

“How was your work and travel?” My Aunt Nita asked.

“It was fine, and I would be promoted next time I board the ship.” I answered her

“Good! That is a good start for you to save for the future.” My Uncle Dan rebated.

“Yes, that’s true. I am now looking for the future because I met someone that I need to save for our future.” I answered my uncle. They all kept silent and they just stared at me. I am waiting for another question from them but they don’t say a word. So, I added, “I already have a girlfriend and she is working at the affiliate company of my shipping company I worked with. She is an Engineer but she works as a Programmer/Analyst at the company. I wanted to introduce her to all of you, but I am requesting you to show some respect to her, because I respected her that much. I don’t know if you agree or not, but I have decided to marry her and I don’t expect any objection to my intention from all of you. I don’t want to be disrespectful, but I guess it is about time that I decide for myself.”

“Let him decide for himself this time. You have been manipulating his life ever since he boarded the ship. Let him save for his future family as he said. He has given you so much more than you have given him, and he needs to do what is best for him and not what all you have instructed him to do.” My great grandmother said. She had always been my savior from her grandchildren. She was always there to defend me whenever I needed help. They have been silent from what my great grandmother said. No one objected. They just left the table.

I went to my great grandmother and hugged her. “Thank you Nanay, you are always there to defend me from them. I just hope you have a long life and see my future wife and my children.”

“I would like to meet your girlfriend. Please bring her here and I will make sure that she will be taken care of.” She requested.

“I would like to do that and I need to tell her first your invitation. She would be glad to see you too.” I answered her with a smile on my face. I embrace her for always being there to support me.

I called Lisa immediately after I talked to my great grandmother. “Hi love, I am already here in my province and my great grandmother is excited to meet you. How is work over there?” I excitedly told her.

“Work is just fine. I am also excited to meet your relatives in the province. I just hope that your other relatives are excited to meet me too.” She answered.

“Of course, they will be and they don’t have any choice.” I answered back.

“Well, I need to plan it first so that my work would not be hamper once I take my leave.” She told me.

“Just be careful going home. I miss you, Love. See you soon.” I answer and bid my goodbye.