Nathan

“Do you want to go out today?”

She slowly dropped the dish she was washing into the rack, humming as she thought. “Will Oliver come with us?”

I groaned internally. Why did she always want Oliver to come along? Don't get me wrong, I love him but I wanted some alone time with Alyssa.

“I'm sure he can stay here.” I told her, praying that she didn't say anything else.

“Are you sure? He can come with us, I don't mind.”

But I do. “My grandparents have been wanting to spend time with him for so long, I'm sure even a few hours wouldn't be enough for them.” I tried.

She looked past me. I followed her gaze and looked through the door to see Oliver laughing as Grandad threw him in the air and caught him while my grandmother yelled at him to be careful. Oliver was having fun and even though I knew he would if he were to go out with us, I didn't want to take this away from him.

Oliver sadly didn't have friends his own age and it wasn't all the time I could play with him. There would be times that he'd tell me how much he missed living with my grandparents and that he wanted to see them. I felt sorry for him. Going out with Alyssa today wasn't only for my benefit, it was also so Oliver could spend quality time with his great grandparents.

She sighed, looking back to me. “Where are we going?”

My lips broke out into a grin. “I'm going to take you on a tour of London.”

*******

I drove down the road I knew like the back of my hand with Alyssa in the passenger seat of the car. We were headed to our first destination, the Kew gardens. I'd been there many times, it was a beautiful place and I was sure Alyssa would love it.

I found a good spot in the parking lot and helped her get out of the car. She looked around curiously, her eyes lighting up with admiration.

“You brought me to the Royal botanical gardens?” She was excited, her grin said it all.

“How do you know this place?”

“I've read all about it. It's also called the Kew gardens and holds some of the rarest of flowers in Britain.” She answered excitedly. “I've always wanted to come here.”

“Well, it's a good thing I thought of this place first. Let's go.” I took her hand in mine, walking us to the gate.

We booked a tour that started in thirty minutes and spent the time we had admiring the well kept flowers. Well, Alyssa admired them while I just agreed with whatever she said. The tour was boring but Alyssa loved it so I couldn't show that I wasn't interested in the slightest in what the tour guide was saying. It took about an hour and a half but it was over.

Thankfully our next destination will be more interesting. It was a nice day, cold but okay for a stroll. We had sweaters on and I had a coat on. I asked Alyssa to put one on but she said she was fine. I admit I was so eager to go out that I didn't press her to wear one. I was starting to regret that decision.

Soon, we were along the banks of the banks of the Little Venice canal. I knew from experience that it was a great place to walk around and have a peaceful and meaningful conversation with someone.

“So what are we doing here?” She asked as we began to walk.

I shrugged, taking her small hand in mine. “I just thought a walk would be nice.”

She didn't say anything else and walked with me. There was a comfortable silence as Alyssa studied our surroundings.

We had passed a bridge before she spoke again. “It's beautiful here.”

I agreed, nodding my head. “Have you ever been to London before?”

“No, I didn't get a chance to before my parents died.” She answered sadly.

“And your uncle never brought you here?”

She scoffed. “He did not.”

That was strange. There were many pictures of the Christopher Jordan and his family in London on the internet or in magazines meaning they had come here multiple times even after she had started living with them. Why was Alyssa never with them?

“Why didn't he?” I decided to press on.

It was her turn to shrug. “I didn't really want to come anyway. Traveling wasn't really my thing.”

Or they didn't want you to go with them. “Then why did you agree to come with me?”

“You said we were going to meet your grandparents and it would have been disrespectful to refuse and Oliver was so excited. He seems so close to them, I couldn't say 'no' when he was looking at me so hopefully.”

“Yeah, he lived with them for a while. Well, I lived with them too but I was still in university at the time and didn't really have time for him.” I explained, feeling slightly guilty. I hated that I didn't spend so much time with Oliver when he was younger but I had to get my school work done and it was a lot.

“You lived with them? When?”

I nodded, remembering when Julia, mum and I moved in with Gran and Grandad. “After my parents' divorce my mum gained custody and brought Julia and I here. We lived with my grandparents till my mom decided to move back to New York. I was already in university by then and because my school was here, I decided to stay. Oliver came when I had only half a year left to graduate. He stayed with them until I was done and I started working at my father's company but from here. I couldn't just abandon Oliver with my grandparents, not when his mother had done the same. It was when he was about to start school that I took him to New York. It's safe to say that he's spent most of his life with them.”

“Oh. Did you meet Oliver's mother here?”

“Yes, we met in university. We dated for about a year and a half before she had Oliver.”

“Do you have any idea where she is?”

“No, we tried investigating but we didn't find anything and her mother wouldn't tell us a thing.” Things were becoming too much about me. I brought her here so I could know her better, maybe let her guard down and open up to me. “Have you ever been outside America before or is this your first time?”

“No, my father took us on trips very often, just never to Britain.” She stated.

“Where have you been to?”

“France, Italy, Korea and we were in Spain quite often. My dad took us on trips every summer and we'd have the best time.” She smiled fondly at the memories. “We were supposed to come to London the summer after they died.”

“How did they die?” I knew that I was pushing my luck but I hoped she'd answer.

“There was an accident, drunk driver.”

“Were you in the car?”

She gave a nod. “I was thirteen. We went out that night to have dinner. We were in a limo, the driver didn't see the guy coming and we got hit. My dad had his arms around my mom and I so when we collided, he pulled us into his lap and shielded us with his body.” She sniffled, moving her hands to grab my arm, her head on my shoulder. “He died before the paramedics got there. My mom and dad were unconscious but still alive, I could see my mom breathing and my head was still against my dad's chest so I could here his heart beat until it stopped.”

A tear fell out of her eye and she lifted her hand to wipe it away quickly. I faced her and cupped her face in my hand, bringing my thumb to wipe her cheek. She closed her eyes, letting another tear fall and sighed heavily.

“My mother,” She swallowed. “she died a week later in the hospital. She was in a coma.”

“I'm so sorry.” I said sincerely.

She let out a sob, cleaning her face with the palm of her hand. “I'll be fine.”

“Let's sit down.” I led her to an unoccupied bench so she could calm herself.

I stroked her arm softly as her head lay of my shoulder. She took a few deep breaths and cleaned her face. She assured me that she was alright thirty minutes later but I was skeptical. But I learned that sometimes people don't need to be fussed over to be okay, they just needed a distraction from their problem.

We walked back to the car in silence. I could tell she was still upset and felt guilty because I was the one who made her talk about her parents but I was glad she opened up to me. She was still mourning her parents, I would be crushed if my mum died like that but she needed to talk to someone and I was happy to listen.

The next place we were going had the best fish and chips in this side of London and was conveniently owned my a very good friend of my grandmother. Walking into the restaurant brought a feeling of nostalgia. This was Oliver's favorite place to eat, aside from my Gran's house. We'd come here anytime we could when I was in university.

No matter how busy I was, I made sure that every weekend, I'd come see him and bring him to his favorite places. Sometimes, on weekdays, when my visits were really short and we wouldn't be able to go out he'd say; “as long as I'm with you, Dad, everywhere is my favorite place”. I cried the first time he said that, vowing once again to myself that no matter what I'd be there whenever he needed me.

I took her inside, greeting the owner who was always at the counter. Christine beamed, leaving whatever she was doing to give me a tight hug.

“Nathan, it's been a while since I've seen you.” She searched around my legs. “Where's Oliver?”

“I didn't come with him. I came with someone else today.” I pulled Alyssa into my arms by her waist. “Christine, this is Alyssa, my wife.”

She gasped audibly. “Wife?”

“Yes. Love, this is Christine, she owns this restaurant.” I introduced.

“It's nice to meet you, Christine.” Alyssa said politely, stretching her hand out for a shake.

Christine overcame her shocked and smiled warmly at her, taking her hand. “It's nice to meet you too. Are you going to eat here today or are you just passing through?”

“We'd like a booth, please.” I replied.

“Right this way then.” She took us to Oliver and I's usual booth, setting menus down for us. “Oh, before I forget, Nathan, Abigail has been talking non-stop about you, she missed you a lot, I'll tell her you're here, she'll be so happy.”

Oh no. I said internally. Abigail is her granddaughter and a childhood friend of mine. I use to play together all the time with her older brother who was my age but we lost touch after he went to Australia to pursue his dream of being an animal researcher. Abbie has always had this childish crush on me but I'm sure she has grown out of it by now.

“Hi, Nathan.” I heard her chirp happily. I was sitting so she couldn't hug me like I knew she wanted to.

“Abbie, hi. It's nice to see you again.” I returned. I missed Abbie honestly. She was like a little sister to me.

“I missed you, you didn't call or text. It's like you forgot about me.” She complained with a whine.

“Well, I've been a little busy, work and all.” I decided it was time I introduced her to Alyssa. “Oh, Abbie, this is Alyssa, my wife. Love, this is Abbie, Christine's granddaughter.”

Abbie's facial expression moved from happy to surprised then soured in just a matter of seconds.

She shot a fake smile at Alyssa but anger filled her eyes. “Nice to meet you, Alyssa.”

Alyssa's smile was only a bit forced. “Likewise, Abbie.”

“It's Abigail.”

Alyssa's face flushed with embarrassment. “Oh, sorry, Abigail.”

She rolled her eyes and gave me a sweet smile again. “So I'll be your waitress today, what drinks will you have?”

“We'll have some cranberry juice.” I ordered looking to Alyssa for approval.

“I'll be back soon.” Abbie gave me what was supposed to be a flirty look but honestly it just made me want to laugh.

After she left, I couldn't say anything to Alyssa. She had become uncomfortable here because of Abigail and her stupid crush. I didn't like her that way and told her several times but she never listened.

She came back our drinks, placing them on the table carefully. I saw the way her hand swiped at Alyssa's drink, pouring it all over her. Alyssa flinched and squealed slightly as the cold cranberry juice soaked her jeans and sweater while Abigail faked an apologetic look.

“I'm so sorry, Alexa, the washroom is that way.” She pointed to her right to a hallway that led to the washrooms.

“It's Alyssa.” She corrected through clenched teeth. “I'll be right back.” She stood up and marched to where Abigail pointed.

“Really, Nathan?” Abigail started. “Why would you leave and choose a girl like that for a wife when you know how I feel about you?”

I closed my eyes and let out a breath through my nose. “I have told you so many times, Abigail, I do not have those sort of feelings for you and I will never have those sort of feelings for you, get that into your head now.”

Hurt flashed in her eyes but quickly turned to anger. “But Nathan, I love you, she only loves your money.”

Remembering that I had to make people believe that Alyssa and I were in love, I said. “Abigail, I love Alyssa, I will never have any romantic feelings towards you, understand that.”

Fake tears welled in her eyes. “Nathan, stop, you're hurting me.”

“Then be hurt.” I got up from my seat, pulling some money out of my wallet and practically slammed it on the table. Just in time for Alyssa to return. “We're leaving. Bye, Abbie.”

Before she could say anything, I grabbed her elbow and pulled her to the car. I looked briefly at her light blue sweater that was ruined by the juice and cursed. It was still wet and so were her jeans. She was definitely cold and I didn't want her to get sick. She needed to change from those clothes immediately.

I only hoped we wouldn't have any problems where we were going next.