THE STAND-IN BRIDE

ugh his beautiful curly hair, gi

and slender but with a

Lillian, would I be mistaken i

rtbeat increased in tempo, not kn

not trusting my voice to speak. "That

ces, Lillian, you have the

ke, be rest assured, you

gh of relief

our actions. Mr. Lloyd continued. It pains m

d in. I think that he understand

my girl." Mr. Lloyd respon

to face me. His eyes looked

serve you, Lilli

tion to the family will be a welcomed development,

head in ackn

doctor in that re

ucted, and the doctor confirmed I am

ions, anomalie

gone through my first routine with the doctor, and

periencing in the next three months. She told me how to

d exhale

eat harm. I want to use this opportunity to say I

gh to express how

everyone, but to use you as a

did not know preci

ndure the trauma Mac has subj

o make them play along with his little gam

ss and affection that my emotions welled u

eing treated as trash in my family, a total stra

I began to think I was being irrational, re

that someone else

ing to be alright

nd pulled me into

needed at

o his broad shoulders

ou, Lillian; you must be strong.

rought out a napkin an

he stray hair strands from my fac

right", he said once again, s

ain, too choked up

elief. The weight in my chest grad

ed, and my father entered the room. His voic

ng with smiles. Have you come

doing okay," he replied, glancing a

What am I missing here? I wondered. Wh

y with his phone. I turned to my father; he had this sm

m either my dad or Mr. Lloyd

ll me what is h

e looked at Mr. Lloyd for an escape,

an the doctor said as

or, I responded, stil

t running late; he kissed my for

ng confrontation with my dad. He didn't want to be

gh this evening, Lillian." the doctor sa

for you or the bab

e to keep y

is can't be happening. I need to

have a moment w

ted. You need to listen

ice now, Dad; all I ne

t back