The lie I live

~Andrea~

Now, he has finally succeeded. He didn't even give me permission to leave but that does not mean I will stay the whole night in this office. 

Derrik King is biting more than he can chew and I'll make sure to get back at him in any way I can. 

I am standing in front of Lisa right now. She has her hand on her waist, looking me straight in the eye. 

I could feel beads of sweat forming on my forehead. Lisa always gets me in this spot. 

“Andrea, we've been standing for minutes now and you're not answering my question.”

She took a step forward as she said this and held my hands. 

“I know you're older, but I'll always look out for you. You can tell me anything at all. Who is this person that sent the clothes and accessories?”

“Lisa, I'm so tired from the day's work. Can you allow me to rest please? I will answer your question later.”

“No Andrea, you're not leaving until you tell me who brought those else I'll tell mom about it too.”

“Okay, Okay, my boss sent it. I'll go with him for the awards program tomorrow, but only as a personal assistant.”

I just hope she buys this. She was scanning me all over to detect the lie in what I just said. 

“I don't believe that. When has your boss sent you clothes to go along with him for a program in the past 3 months?”

“Aah! Lisa! Just believe what you want. I'm stressed.”

I made my way upstairs to change. 

“You will still explain to mom tomorrow after I report you!”

This girl!! If she tells mom, it will be difficult to lie again. 

“You wouldn't dare!!”

“Watch me!”

I knew this has become some sort of a challenge now, and knowing Lisa, she will tell mom just to win. I have to think of things to tell mom. 

I sat on the bed, my knuckle making contact with my chin. Yes, I was in deep thought. 

After tomorrow, the whole world will see me as Mrs. King even though it's fake. My family will know about it through a second hand informant. 

If anything, I've to tell them before the media does. 

*******************************

To think that it's morning already baffles me. I just slept for a while only for my phone to wake me up. 

Who even calls by this time? It's six for Christ sake! 

Wait.. six!! I need to be at work. 

Bum! 

Aah! Just die already. My butt hurts. Rolling over the bed caused me to land on the floor with high intensity. 

Derrik King? 

Yes, he is the said caller that interrupted my sleep early this morning. I know I've to work but it's too early. 

Hump! He should just stop calling already. I still answered the call after the second ring. 

“I have been calling you Andrea.”

He didn't even greet. I so much hate this man. He proceeded to say something but my thoughts were elsewhere. 

I pushed him so hard his back hit the wall. I wrapped my hand around his neck as I lifted him, his legs barely touching the ground. 

You're so dead today Derrik. For interrupting my sleep, I will kill you. The look on his face was so satisfying. Just start begging already. 

“Andrea, are you there? Did you hear what I said?”

Arrgh! Just an imagination. It looked so real I thought he was really dying. 

“Sorry sir, but can you repeat what you were saying?”

“Pay attention this time. You'll be spending time with your family since today will be your last day with them. I will come and pick you in the evening. Make sure you answer your phone when I call.”

Yep! He just reminded me of what will happen today. 

‘I understand sir.”

“Very good, see you.”

Beep, Beep. 

I was about to answer when I heard the sound of the call ending. 

How will I stay a year with someone like him? 

I proceeded to take a shower since sleep seems to have eluded my eyes. 

I went to the kitchen afterwards and made dinner for myself and the family. I mean, Lisa, Laurel and our mother. 

That reminds me, I didn't see Laurel when I came in last night. 

I waited for close to two hours until I saw the twins come downstairs, dressed in a casual dress. 

They silently had their dinner without uttering a word after greeting. 

It felt awkward. 

We left for the hospital afterwards. 

“Awwn! My babies, I missed you.” Mom was gushing like a teenager who had seen her lover. 

The smile in her eyes tells how happy she was to see us. I guess she noticed the question as her next question was directed to that. 

“Is everything okay? Laurel, Lisa, Andrea?” She asked as she looked at our faces calling out our names. 

Lisa was the first to reply. 

“Mom, there is something you need to know.”

I knew what she was getting at and I was trying to signal her to stop, but she was willing to say it. 

“Okay baby, what is that?”

“Mom, it's Andrea. She got lots of clothes and jewels from somebody and said it's from her boss.”

I was expecting this. I knew she would tell mom and I was ready for it. 

Mom turned to look at me after Lisa had ended her statement. 

“Care to explain young lady? First it was the money from him, and now clothes?”

“I– I'll be going to the awards ceremony with him.”

I avoided eye contact with my mom while I said this. I'll eventually tell her about everything but not now. I'll tell them before the awards too, maybe in the evening, before I leave. 

“I know you Andrea, and your body language is saying a different thing. Tell me the truth.”

My hands were in hers as she rubbed them affectionately. 

“It's the truth mom, I'll never lie to you.”

“I trust you not to lie to me Andrea, but if I find out you lied, I don't know if I will be able to forgive you.”

I simply nodded. 

Everything was a lie. I'm sorry for lying to you all but trust me, you'll understand why I did this. 

I scan the room, looking at the faces of the people inside with a sad smile plastered on my face.