Bound To You

Chapter 6 - OH. MY. GOD.

Roman and I have had so much fun hanging out. We've even had sex a few times but stopped because we thought we were going to be that couple. The kind that only has sex and nothing else. I didn't want that.

"So, your parents. You said on our first date that you do whatever they say. Have they ever made you do something crazy?" Roman asked as we were walking through the park.

"No. Well, yes, actually. They force me to date guys and they expect me to like them. It's stupid." I said.

"I would die if my parents ever did that to me."

"Yeah." I said. I looked up ahead and saw my parents. Derek was walking away from them. Oh no. He's probably telling them that I broke up with him already. They're going to be so disappointed in me.

"Lauren, dear." my mom said.

"Do you know those people?" Roman asked.

"They're my parents." I said. We all met in the middle. "Mom. Dad. What are you guys doing here?"

"We were just talking to Derek. Who is this? Is this another one of your so called friends dear?" my mom asked.

"This is Roman. We work together." I said.

"Roman, huh? He seems a little friendly." my dad said.

"Dad." I said.

"I certainly hope you choose him. He doesn't seem like the type for you dear." my mom paused. "Come to the house tonight at seven. Dinner will be waiting on the table." With that they walked away.

"Wow. Your parents are tough. I can't believe you put up with that." Roman said.

"Well I have no choice. They don't leave any room to argue." I said.

"Come on. We have a couple meet and greets to do." he said. He took my hand and we walked along to his car. This was the worst way for him to meet my parents.

***

After the meet and greet was over we were driving back to the hotel. It was sort of silent until I spoke up.

"Listen, I hope you didn't take it too personally. What my parents said." I said.

"I guess they don't like me. It's not what I'm used to."

"I'm sorry. That's why I was hesitant about you meeting them. I know how harsh they can be." I said.

"I noticed you referred to me as your friend. Why didn't you tell them I'm your boyfriend?" he asked.

"It would have started a whole other dilemma that I don't want you to have to deal with. It's easier if I just don't. You know?"

"I understand but sooner or later, you'll have to tell them." he said.

"I know. I will."

***

I arrived at my parents house at seven and walked in. I saw Derek at the dinner table with my parents.

"What's going on?" I asked.

"Derek has a surprise for you dear." my mom said.

"What kind of a surprise?"

"I guess now is as good a time as any." Derek said. He got up and walked over to me. He got down on one knee and I looked at him like he was crazy. "Lauren, I know we just met but I would love it if you would make me the luckiest man and marry me." He opened a little black box that revealed a huge diamond ring. It must have costed a fortune.

"Of course she would Derek. She would love to be your wife." my mom said.

"Then it's settled." Derek said putting the ring on my finger.

I couldn't do anything but stare at the ring. This should be a happy night but I didn't really like Derek. It was the opposite of happy. It was a horrible night.

"I have to.... I have to go." I said.

"Of course. Run along and tell everyone you're getting married to the most wonderful man dear." mom said.

I ran out of the house and stopped on the porch. There was no way I could get out of this unless I told my parents the truth. This was horrible.

Once I was far enough away from the house, I took the ring off and put it in my pocket. I didn't want to wear it. Not when I didn't love the guy. How could I get myself into this? Roman was going to find out and I was going to be toast when that happens. I had to get out of here. I had to get as far away from this situation as possible and never look back. But I couldn't. As much as I wanted to say screw both men, I couldn't. I wanted Roman. I needed Roman. He was everything I ever wanted in a man and more. There was no way I could let him go just like that. I had to figure this out and quick.

I pulled out my phone and called the two people I knew I could trust with anything.

"Hey. I know you're probably busy but I need to talk to you and Brie. It's important." I said.

***

I was sitting in my hotel room with Nikki and Brie.

"So Derek proposed to you and you said yes?" Brie asked.

"No. I told you. My mom shouted that I would and everybody took it like I said yes. I didn't say anything. I just stood there." I said.

"What about Roman? He's going to be crushed." Nikki said.

"I know. I don't know what to do. I don't want to marry Derek but my parents are never going to approve of Roman. No matter how much I try to get them to."

"Well you have to do something." Brie said.

"I know that. Just don't say anything to Roman until I figure it out. Okay? I can't ruin the best thing I have." I said.

"Well you better figure it out fast." Nikki said.

I knew they were right. I had so little time to figure it out. A part of me already knew who I wanted to choose but another part of me wanted to explore a little bit. This was so messed up.