Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

**Archies’ POV**ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

All the bad things in my life have all come back to me. I never thought that Lisa has a relative in our place and I was so shocked to see her aunt in Lisa’s house. They were the Dela Rosa’s and one of the prominent generals in our place, though retired, he is still well known in our place. I never thought all my promiscuous relationships before would backfire at me. I am so dumb idiot to think that it would not be known to our place all I have done before. But I am also dumb serious with Lisa and I would do everything to get her back and her trust as well as her parents. Though I always say it is all in the past, the past will always haunt me.

I really drank a lot last night because of frustration. I thought I totally lost Lisa that time. Now I feel sober because of what Lisa said. I need a clear mind before I convince Lisa that I am the right man for her. I know Luigi could be a better replacement for me but I would not allow it as long as I have Lisa’s trust and love. I can’t fail Lisa and I can’t fail myself for not doing what needs to be done.

I returned home after talking to Lisa and I showered and slept the whole morning. When I woke up it was already afternoon. I ate my lunch even though it was already late for lunch. I was so surprised to hear somebody is making noise outside our house. I saw Lisa’s Aunt who was cursing me from outside.

“Archie! Get down here and talk to me! You need to stop with your relationship with my niece. She deserves better than you.” I was so shocked by what Lisa’s Aunt said.

“What was that about, Archie?” My Aunt, my sister and my uncle, are asking what is going on.

“It is Lisa’s aunt. I saw her at Lisa’s house when I sent her home last night. I never thought that she has an aunt here in this place. Knowing my previous life here, Lisa’s Aunt was disgusted with me and she ordered Lisa to stop seeing me and she’s here to intimidate my relationship with her niece. I don’t have plans to give up Lisa, I have talked to Lisa this morning at her office before I went home. No matter how drunk I am, I tried to explain everything to Lisa and she understands my predicament unlike her aunt who is ranting outside. Let her say whatever she wants to say, as long as Lisa and I understand each other.”

“Did her parents know about your past?” My uncle was so worried about my situation.

“Though I have told Lisa’s father about my past life, I don’t know how far he could understand me. I don’t know what will be our next move regarding this. So, I need to return to Lisa’s office this afternoon to talk things out. I don’t want this problem to get worse so I can still control it.” I get dressed ready to leave and Lisa’s Aunt has already left our place.

I arrived at Lisa’s office building and she’s not yet come down from her office. I waited for her in the lobby of their building until she arrived. Unfortunately, Lily saw me in the lobby. My life is getting messier this time. I’m not in the mood to talk to her. She is approaching and smiling where I stand.

“Waiting for Lisa?” She asked me with a vicious smile on her face.

“Yes of course, who do you think I would be waiting here for?” I sarcastically told her.

“I just thought you’re waiting for me.” She’s really getting bolder. Good thing that Lisa alighted from the elevator and came straight to us. I embrace her and peck her lips for a quick kiss. We left Lily without any word.

“Where can we go for a talk?” I asked Lisa and she just stared at me. “I just need to clear myself to you and to your parents.” I worriedly told her. We just stand on the walkway staring at nothing.

Suddenly she speaks. “Let’s go to my father’s house. I need to talk to him.” We then proceed to her father’s ancestral house in the city.

We arrived at her father’s house near dinner time and her father was not yet around, so her step-sister and her brother-in-law were present in the living room.

“What’s so important that you came here unannounced.” Lisa’s brother-in-law asked her.

“For obvious reasons, that doesn’t concern you at all. I am looking for my father and I want to talk to him.” Lisa sarcastically answered.

“He’ll be here soon, so let’s wait for father.” Lisa’s step sister said. “Were you from work? Who is he?” She was talking about me. Although this is the first time I have come here. I have a strange feeling about these two people. They don’t seem going to do good thing, especially her brother-in-law who was eye raping Lisa.

“This is Archie, my boyfriend. Archie, this is my step-sister Leah and her husband June.” Lisa introduced me to them. So, I extend my hand to them for a handshake. Leah accepted my hand shake but June ignored me. So, I retract my hands. Lisa saw the rejection from June and Lisa just held my arm.

“What happened to Leon? Where is he now? I haven’t seen him for more than a year now.” Lisa’s brother-in-law asked. I feel

Lisa’s uncomfortable with the conversation. Testing the water if I would react.

“Oh, I never thought you care? I haven’t heard from him either. When he left, I didn’t care anymore. Is that what you want to hear?” She sarcastically answered his question.

They just continued watching TV from the living room when Lisa’s father opened the door of the house. Lisa immediately stood up and embraced his father, while I extended my hand for a handshake.

“Why are you here? Is something wrong?” Her father asked her with a questioning eye. I know maybe he is worried that Lisa was here unannounced.

“We can talk about that later. But first, let’s have our dinner since it is already set up. I know you’re already hungry.” Lisa told her father.

We have our dinner quietly. Lisa cleaned the table and Leah washed the dishes. June immediately went to their room after dinner. Lisa and I settled into the living room. Her father went to us. And she started crying.

“What’s the matter?” Her father asked her. I cannot say anything because I have no right to intervene, though the cause of her problem was me. She told her father about the incident at their house regarding her aunt who wanted us to separate. Her father looked at me with the same questioning eye.

“Archie has already come clean to you about his previous relationship which is not something to be proud of. But during that time, I wasn’t his girlfriend then, and he already changed for me. Why did aunt want us to separate because of his past? I accepted him for what he is, regardless of his past. Why do they have to intervene? She’s making a scene at Archie’s place and ordering Archie to stop seeing me.” Lisa was already crying.

“You Archie, what can you say about what is happening.” Her father asked me.

“Sir with due respect. I have never denied to you what happened to my previous relationship. I have come clean to you because I know that it is the right thing to do. As for Lisa’s aunt, I can’t do what she ordered me to do. I love Lisa so much and they can’t do anything to separate me from her, not even my relatives.” I sincerely told her father.

“Then there is no problem. Why do you need to follow something you don’t want to do? Your relationship is between the two of you, and if you want someone to come in between the two of you, then that is your fault. Let them say what they want to talk about. As long as you understand each other and you don’t keep secrets to each other. Then there is nothing to worry about. All I can say to you Archie, I love my daughter and I don’t want her to get hurt again. Do you understand me?”

“Thank you, sir for understanding us. I may not be the perfect man for her but I will try to be one for her.”

“I am not expecting you to be, but I wanted her to be happy.” I was so happy that her father was so supportive of our relationship. We left her father with a happy heart and sent her home. Though I never entered their house, I’m not at all bothered and worried.