Too Many Lies

RAYMOND 

Oh, no. 

How didn't we plan this in advance? 

How could we have planned it when we didn't know what and what the man would ask? 

“Uhm—” I stepped in. “I don't think this is a good question you have asked, Dad. My wife has gone through a lot and might not want to discuss her family issues.” 

“No, no, no—” Eleanor faced me. “Come on, it's fine, baby. Dad just wants to know. I don't mind talking about it. Don't worry about me.” Her hand touched mine and for a moment, I wondered what she could be up to. 

Such a woman. 

How was she so good at coming up with answers? 

And why did I at some point think that she was slow? From the look of things at this point, it looked like she was better at coming up with answers unlike me. 

Snapping out of my thoughts, I resumed eating while listening to what they talked about. 

“Before I moved in with Andrew, I was warned a lot about him by my family—especially my Father. But I didn't listen because I was in love and would do anything at all for the man I love while Andrew on the other hand showed me how good of a man he was and I believed him so much.” 

Oh, poor woman. 

“Then I went with him,” she resumed. “According to the people I called family, they took it as me choosing Andrew over them when I didn't for a moment, see it that way. Dad stopped picking up my calls, my mom and sister as well and this showed me how alone I had become.” 

Grandfather had stopped eating. 

A smile was on my countenance. 

If not because of anything but because it was the truth and not a lie. There was no lie in what Eleanor was saying—which of course, made me more than happy—especially when we have fed him with so many lies in the past and even today—right in the house. 

“That's bad—” Father confessed. 

“I am sorry you went through that. But at the same time, I can understand how your family felt about being dumped. I'm sure that's what they thought you did even when you didn't mean it that way. You should give them some time and watch them come around, mm?” 

“Thank you, Dad—” Eleanor mouthed. 

“But I don't think you have anything at all to worry about. Maybe almost, especially when I have a man like my husband with me—” She now looked in my direction, and I wondered whether or not she meant it, especially because I had come through for her indeed. 

In seconds, her hand rested on mine. “Raymond is the best thing that happened to me, even though it all happened in the middle of chaos. And I cannot trade him for another man, not when he treats me the way he does.” 

“I cannot trade you for another woman, either—” I let out. “You have been nothing but a good wife and mother to my daughter.” I looked at the living room where the child was dropped and then back at her. “Thank you for making me a complete man, Eleanor Jefferson. You should know how much love I have for you, even though I say it all the time.” 

Someone coughed. It was dad. Now, we let go of our hands and faced him. “Sorry, Dad. Sip some water.” I urged and he shook his head, moping at us both. 

“I love what I see,” he let out. “This is pure love between the both of you and I'd love to see more of it. But not to the extent of making me jealous.” 

Myself and Eleanor, as if it was planned, chuckled. “We're sorry,” on both our behalf, she let out. “I just couldn't help but recall how the man I am married to came through for me. He is the best thing that has ever happened to me.” 

“I understand,” the old man let out. “Raymond is a good man even though he has his sides. I'm glad he came through for you when you needed it. But there's one thing you should know, Eleanor. Do you want to hear it?” 

She looked at me before looking at him. 

“Yes, Dad. I would love to know.” 

“Good—” he nodded and looked at me, who was beginning to wonder what it was he was about to say. 

“Not only is Raymond there for you, but myself as well. You can always reach out to me when you have issues and I'd be there to turn up for you just like Raymond would.” 

“Are you saying I don't do my job well, Dad?” 

“No, son—” he shook his head. 

“I'm trying to explain to Eleanor here that she's family and I would do the same thing because she's family to me. Do you recall she has my great-grandchild—a young girl whose growth I look forward to?” 

Nodding, I heaved a sigh. 

Too many lies. 

Poor old man. 

“Thank you, Dad,” Eleanor broke the short silence. “Thank you for having me and I'll always not hesitate to come see you when I can.” 

“Good,” in satisfaction, he nodded. “I also need to let you know that I have it in mind that you want to own a boutique.” Saying these words, he looked at me. “Myself and your husband would do something about it when the time comes. You have nothing at all to worry about, mm?” 

“Thank you.” 

“Thank you, Dad,” it was my turn to greet. “You have been nothing but a good father, playing the same role my Father should play. I love you with all of me and also need you to know that we have to leave.” 

I got on my feet, reaching the living room where Michelle was. “My daughter needs to be in her warm room. Can you round off with my wife already? We need to make it back home—” As I was speaking, a door opened and the young maid walked out. “Did I forget to say I enjoyed the meal? Thank you so much for having us.” 

“Oh, it's nothing,” he was on his feet. My wife did the same and caught up with me. “I hope to host you two—three—” He looked at Michelle. “—many more times before I kiss the earth goodbye.” 

No. This was not the time for such talks. 

“I'll talk to you later,” I mouthed and walked towards the door while he joined us. “Let the maid know that we love her food. You don't know the good thing you have.” 

He scoffed. Just as I had expected. “Tell me, I don't.” 

We hopped in the car soon enough, and the driver who was asleep on the chair all this while, came awake. As soon as we bade the man goodbye, the trip started and soon enough, we were close to the house. 

That's what I wanted—to be home. 

This was the longest we would act, and I needed a break. There wasn't someone who needed to tell me before I understood how tired my wife was from telling so many stories to Dad who was willing to ask more. 

Before the end of the next hour, our car was parked in the lot of my apartment. 

“Thank you,” I nodded at the driver who did the same. “That should be all for today. Enjoy the rest of your day—” When I hopped down, I announced. 

With this, my legs were leading me up the stairs and into my room where I fell on the bed—a sigh of relief running out of my mouth while I reached for my phone. 

Just then, a message popped in and I was forced to sit up—shock evident on my countenance.