Brought By Destiny

Chapter 8

The Weight of a Lie

Lilly’s POV:

"Lilly, Lilly..." A faint, gentle voice drifted into my consciousness.
I slowly pried my eyes open to find those deep, dark brown eyes staring back at me. His face was so close that if I leaned forward even an inch, our lips would meet. For a breathless moment, we simply stared at each other, the world outside the room fading away.

"Momy!..."

Ryan’s voice broke the spell. We both jumped slightly, breaking eye contact as he moved back and I sat up straight, smoothing the covers. Ryan came charging toward me and dove into my arms. I kissed his hair, breathing in his scent, and hugged him back with all the strength I had left.

"Momy, see 'new T-sirt'!" he chirped, standing on the bed and beaming with pride.

He was wearing a vibrant Spider-Man t-shirt and little blue trousers. He looked so healthy and cute that it made my heart ache with a bittersweet joy.

"You look lovely, baby," I said, pinching his soft cheeks.

He giggled and scrambled off the bed, running back out to the hallway.

I turned to Michael, who had a sheepish, almost boyish smile on his face. He walked toward a large cupboard and pulled out a shopping bag. I stepped off the bed and stood there, looking at him with a puzzled expression. He walked over and pressed the bag into my hands.

"What is this?" I asked, my voice laced with confusion.

"See for yourself," he replied, his smile widening slightly.

I reached inside and pulled out a beautiful light pink dress, followed by a blue one, then a yellow one. Finally, I pulled out a sharp black skirt paired with a bold red top.
I looked at him in shock; I couldn't remember the last time I had owned something new.

"Get changed and come downstairs," he said simply, then turned and left the room.

I sat on the edge of the bed, stunned. One part of me wanted to protest, but another part felt a surge of warmth. Someone was actually looking after me. When my mother was alive, she made sure every birthday and Christmas was special. Since her death, I hadn't stepped foot in a clothing store.

I chose the black skirt and red top. After a refreshing shower, I pulled them on and was staggered to find they fitted me perfectly. How did he know my size?

When I walked downstairs, the house was filled with the sound of laughter. Michael and Ryan were chasing each other around the living room with plastic toy guns. I snuck up behind them and snatched Ryan up, spinning him through the air. His joyous laughter filled the room, and soon, we were all caught in a fit of giggles. Michael rushed over and started tickling Ryan, who wriggled and squealed in my arms.

"Momy, plees soop!" he gasped through his laughter.

I gestured for Michael to stop and set Ryan down on the sofa. We sat on either side of him. Why was he doing all of this? We were practically strangers forty-eight hours ago. Who was I to him?

"Momy, I want to eat pissa," Ryan said, breaking my train of thought.
"Wait, I'll order it!" Michael said, grabbing his phone from the coffee table.

I sat quietly, watching the cartoons Ryan had found on the TV. I knew I couldn't stay here forever. Michael's parents would be home in a few days, what would they think of a fugitive living in their guest room? Ryan deserved stability, not a life on the run. I needed a job, but with my lack of education and the police looking for me, it felt impossible. God, please help me, I prayed silently.