Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

**Lisa’s POV**

Archie sent me home that night and I met with my mother in the living room as I entered our home. I knew she was waiting for me. “Did you eat your dinner?” She asked me.

“Yes, I already did mother. I just came from father’s house and we talked to him about what aunt was telling me to stay away from Archie. And we asked his opinion regarding what my aunt said. She cannot just tell me what to do with my life. And I am not doing what she was saying. Archie never hides his secret from us when father talks to him. But it was unexpected that the place where he got himself involved with his promiscuous relationship were on aunt’s place. It is already in the past and I was not even there to be cheated by him. It was his past and I have nothing to do with it. Father is supportive of us and I thank him for that. I just hope you do the same.”

“Whatever made you happy. Just be aware of everything that is happening around you. I never said I never liked him, but like Leon, anything can happen. Ok, you can rest now. Good night my baby.” My mother left me and she went to her room.

“Good night mother, and thank you.” I also rested for the night. The next morning, I woke up in the bright morning because I am happy to know that my problem with my aunt is finally settled. Now, no matter how she intervenes, it will just fall to deaf ears. Nobody will order us to do things that we don’t want to do.

I arrived at my office early and I wasn’t expecting Archie to come that early. He came right straight to my office and as usual, embraced and gave me a peck kiss.

“Why are you here this early?” I asked him.

“The company sent me a text message to report this morning for a contract signing. I will be departing soon, so I can save for our wedding.” Archie excitedly told me.

I was so shocked that I can’t utter a word. He just embraced me and combed my hair with his hands and whispered to my ear. “You don’t want to get married to me?”

“Of course, I want to. It’s just that I was so surprised.”

“As much as possible, I wanted to marry you now, but I don’t have the money to spend. So, after this contract we will get married. Is that ok with you? Besides, I can’t wait any longer. I don’t want anyone to go in between us anymore and I don’t want to lose you at all.” With an assuring smile on Archie.

“I am happy to hear that. I will be waiting for you then. Do you have any flight schedule already?” I don’t know if I would be sad or happy, because he was starting to save for the future and leaving me at the same time.

“As of now, they are arranging our papers. I am kind of mixed with emotion because of the roller coaster ride we have in our relationship, but nevertheless we have learned our lessons and strengthened our relationship. Promise me you will wait for me. No matter how simple the wedding will be, as long as you will be mine.”

“I promise. I can’t wait to be your wife.” I excitedly told him. I was so proud of Archie that he was already planning for our future and he is all ready to face the new phase of his life, being a family man.

Archie waited for his scheduled departure for his next voyage. While waiting, we had the best time of our life. Some of his relatives came to the city from their province and they made small reunions prior to his departure. I have almost met his relatives including his aunt and uncles living at the camp in the place where my aunt lived. It was nice to meet them. As expected, not all of them liked me but at least they were civil towards me.

Archie left the country after a month since he received the notice from his office that he was ready for departure. I know nine months is not that long to wait. I just need to keep myself busy from work. Every day is like waiting to end the day. Archie did not miss to call me once they anchored to port. And telling me how he missed me and he longed to come home. I wished that too, but we need to wait for him to finish his contract and be home.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Luigi knew that Archie was already on board, he didn’t make a move since he knew what I felt for him. Though it still cringed me that every time we met at the corridor, or any offices within the building, he always stares at me but never approaches me. Sometimes, he went to my floor and just looked at my office door but never attempted to enter. He was stalking me. I cannot tell him to stop what he is doing, because he has never disturbed or come near me. I let him be whatever suits him best.

Time flies so fast, and it was a gratifying feeling that the nine-month contract will soon be over. I am just waiting for his arrival and I will see what he said is true, or just become just promises like what Leon did. But I did expect Archie to fulfil his promise.

Archie arrived and we waited for him at the arrival area together with his relatives. I don’t know what he said to them, but I was just surprised that most of his relatives were here in the city. There was a little celebration at their house near my aunt’s place, but nothing strange or trouble happened. Foods and drinks abound and all his relatives and friends enjoy. I am not comfortable with it. He saw my uneasiness.

“You wanted to rest? You can stay in my room.” He asked me.

“No. I need to go home. It is not appropriate to sleep in your room especially if your relatives are here. I don’t want them to think that I am that kind of girl. I know you are already drunk and I don’t want to bother you. I will just get a cab so that I can go home.”

“No. I wouldn’t allow that. I will take you home.” He did take me home but I didn’t allow him to come down from the cab. I ordered him to go straight home with the same cab. So, he did.

I wasn’t expecting him to report immediately to his office the next day knowing that he was seriously drunk that night. But to my surprise, he went first to my office before he reported to his office. He was there, fresh as ever, smelling like a baby. That’s what I really like about Archie, he is always smelling good. Unlike other men who are smelling sweat. He greeted me with a tight hugged and a peck kiss to my lips, which I miss a lot.

He was talking now about our wedding. And he asked me how I wanted my wedding to be. “I wanted it simple and with few attendees, only close friends and relatives.

“Don’t you want a glamorous wedding?”

“Not at all. I wanted to save that extra money we will be spending on that wedding for our future. What if I get pregnant immediately and we don’t have money to spend for my maternity delivery? I just wanted a simple one. No more than one hundred guests.”

“Well then, if that’s what you want. Your wish is my command. I need to tell that to my relatives and I need to talk to your parents to inform them that we are planning to settle down. I just hope we will be done before I go for another departure.” I was praying for that too.