Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

**Archie’s POV**

Lisa has already arranged her vacation for three days because she can’t file for a long vacation due to her work. I was already thankful that she could visit our province and meet my relatives. She was also excited to meet them. But before that, I had already asked her parents for permission to take Lisa to our province and I was thankful that her parents permitted us to go.

Everything was settled then, so I asked Lisa that I will go ahead by one day because I will be going there by boat so that I can prepare whatever there is to prepare for her coming. She will be going there by plane so that there will be no time wasted on her vacation.

The plan went smoothly and I went ahead of Lisa by one day and she arrived by plane the next day. It also coincided that we were celebrating the town’s fiesta. I fetched Lissa from the airport and most of the people who knew me kept on asking who am I waiting at the airport. I told them I am waiting for my girlfriend. They were so surprised by what I said because it is very seldom or not at all that I have had any relationship since my relatives don’t allow us siblings to get into a relationship that is not approved by them.

When Lisa arrived, she was wearing sunglasses, a t-shirt and jeans. I can’t hide my excitement and smile from my face because it seems like some celebrity has arrived. When she saw me from the arrival area, she came to me and I hugged and kissed her (of course at her lips). All of the viewers were so stunned and I couldn’t be more proud of my girlfriend. Much to say that she is really beautiful. We proceeded to the baggage area to take her bag and we went to the vehicle I hired.

She arrived at the airport early and it was still breakfast time in our province. They were still preparing for breakfast when we arrived home and we joined them. I introduced her to them. I don’t know if she could remember their name as I introduced her to them. Our farm workers were also there because they were curious about what my girlfriend looked like. Once again, I am really proud of my love because she’s not the one that belittles people. She was nice to everyone including our farm worker. She doesn’t hesitate to go with different kinds of people. My great grandmother was very happy to see Lisa and she was always smiling at Lisa and she was always holding Lisa’s hand. My mother has an uncanny look at Lisa. I feel something is not good about my mother. I can see that they get along so well and she likes Lisa for me. Now I have my advantage with my relatives, because my great grandmother always has a say to whatever is happening at home.

After breakfast we went to our farm and she met all our farm workers and I introduced her to her. They were so happy to meet my girlfriend. Though one of the trusted workers told me (in our language). “Good thing that your aunties and uncle approved of your girlfriend, including your mother.” I answer him in our own language. “Why won’t they approve, besides they were not the one who’s going to be with my girlfriend if I marry her.” He just tapped my shoulder and took me away a little farther to Lisa. “You know how selfish they can be and they don’t want anyone to share what you have.” I always knew he was right, but when time comes, I will draw the line to separate my relatives from me and Lisa.

We ate our lunch at the farm and I was stunned that Lisa could be down to earth, because she was eating with her bare hand like our farm worker. She said, when in Rome, do what the Romans do. I’m just so proud of her.

We spent the remaining days of her stay going to some scenic spots in our province. I can see that she enjoys her stay as much as I enjoy and is proud of her. I can’t ask for anything more for my relative for being accommodating to Lisa while she was staying with us. I can only hear their comments after we have left the province. As one of the trusted workers on the farm said that my relatives were all selfish. I don’t care anymore about them. They can say whatever they want to say, but they cannot change my mind about Lisa. As long as my great grandmother approves of my relationship, they can do nothing about it.

It’s time to go back to the city since Lisa’s three-day vacation is over and I need to follow my schedule for my departure. This time we travel by ship going back to the city so she can enjoy how it is to ride in a ship, because she never travelled by ship this big. We arrive in the city at dawn. Good thing that it is the end of week days and we have time to rest for the next day before going back to work. I sent her home and brought some tokens from our province that I gave to Lisa’s parents. They thank me for taking good care of their daughter and also the token I gave them. So, I also went home to where my aunties reside in the city.

**Lisa’s POV**

My vacation to Archie’s province is tiring and exciting. I got to meet his relatives, especially his great grandmother. Though some of her relatives are not welcoming, I tried to hide it and be nice to them anyways. I know Archie saw their reaction to me, and he doesn’t care a bit. Her mother was also somewhat indifferent, but her sister is trying to get along well. I know, she is still in the stage of getting to know each other and I understand it. Their farm workers were also nice to me and it is nice living in this place where everything you eat is all fresh. I also eat with them with my bare hand. They were so stunned that I could eat with them in that condition. Though I live in the city, I can be with myself anytime I want.Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

I know that is a big step made by Archie towards his relationship to his relatives as well as to me. I just hope nothing comes between us anymore.