Keep you safe from me

Chapter 1: Prologue

KEEP YOU SAFE FROM ME

CHAPTER 1

EPILOGUE

THE local pub was a bit full when she came and it was just 8PM.

No surprise there, seeing it was gimmick night. One group were already in on the fun when she arrived, sinking in beer and brandy as if it were water.

Too much partying, too early, she mused. No worries. She was just there to drink a couple hard and then would be out of there as soon as the alcohol kicked in and feeling tired and sleepy.

What was she doing in a bar all by herself on a Friday night? Oh right, now she remembered. She had an argument hours before with her boyfriend of three years.

"Where are you??"

Not receiving any response from the other end, he repeated, "Where are you, Emily?!", urgency in his tone now.

"I was sent on a seminar here in the far south of the country, dear. Our senior had an emergency and could not make it so I was sent instead," Emily calmly answered, with deliberate endearment, wishing her demeanor could translate to the clearly infuriated man on the other end of the line.

"This is an important progress for our department," and my career too, a silent pause waiting for his rebuttal. When none came, she continued, "And we need experienced hands for the job. I am really sorry if I would miss your parents' dinner, Lucas. Can you just say hello to them for me?"

Emily crossed her fingers, hoping against hope that he'd understand--this time. It was a major step in her career and she wanted to grab the chance. He should relate to that knowing, he, himself, was an aspiring associate attorney.

But, of course, Lucas could not. How could he when he hated being disappointed. Hated surprises. Hated sudden changes. They had already planned for this dinner a long time ago and she suddenly could not come. It was supposed to be the first dinner with his family since they moved in together and she could not come, could not welcome his family to their home.

He was a bit domineering, bordering on imperiousness, especially when it came to her whereabouts and the people she's with. It was one of the things that Emily wished Lucas could just discard. Never mind the surprise thing. She was not exactly good at them anyways. But him being a little jealous of others. At first. she thought it was protective, that a little jealousy is healthy for an everlasting passionate relationship. But, boy, did it come back to hit her big time. Now, she wished he could be more trusting of her, and give her more countenance than he would allow.

"You should have told me before you dragged yourself into that plane," he droned on, "Mom's expecting us... wanted to see our place... felt like you ignoring her... not important for you... Can't you make it back on time?"

She did not want to listen anymore. They were on this for hours. The same argument and counterargument. She swallowed hard and opened her mouth to explain for the nth time that this needed more attention than a simple family dinner. That sounded bad in her head. She would just have to sugarcoat it. That usually worked. But, before she could utter a word, she realized he already cut the call off.