6 THE UNION

MAX' POV After our first date, we had three more dates together before I introduced her to my parents. Karen had non family to call here, but was raised in an orphanage. Rather than allow her predicament to pull her down, she struggled to attend college and she graduated with good grades. She proceeded to the university where she got her degree in Pharmacy. Before she graduated from University, she already had three different job offers from different companies. She had to weigh her choices before she finally picked Laura groups. In her company, she had the chance to further her education while still working. The pay was pretty huge and Karen dedicated half of her monthly salary to the orphanage where she grew up. Apart from being smart, she had a compassionate heart that always wanted to help. I always discovered her passion for arts. In her lesure, she painted and donated her works to developing galleries. I was struck by her kind nature. While I was ready to settle down with Karen, I thought of Alexa and her amazing skills but I wanted to settle with Karen. Two weeks before I introduced her to my family, I told my parents about her and they didn't fail to express their contempt. “You mean, of all girls in the UK, in Kensington, you only found a poor orphan? That would flee with your properties?” My mother asked with disgust. “Come on, mum. I told you she's a pharmacist and she is doing well. She's not a beggar. You have to accept her. You have no other choice.” I brawled. “How else do you want to embarrass us? What do you really want from us that we do not give? Now, it's your turn to be responsible for once and you're dodging?” My father spoke up for the first time in ten minutes. “But, dad. Karen is not just a person. She's established and rich enough to make the family proud.” “You had a perfect choice but you blew it just because of a silly reason. I am fully sure you guys could have resolved it, but you chose to let her go for just some gabbage.” Mum said “I won't sit here and watch you talk down to my girl like she's not human. I am bringing her home in a couple of weeks and I don't care what you think.” I said and stormed out of the room. I called Karen and requested to know her free period. Fortunately, she was at home, she had a day off. I offered to take her on a long drive. “What do you say to a long drive round town? Then we'll probably crash at a restaurant to grab something to eat before we hit the cinema.” “Amazing. Not a bad idea. I could use a very nice drive to unwind. I'll dress up now.” She said before she ended the call. I picked her up at exactly 4pm that day. She was dressed in a simple jeans trouser that fitted her body tightly, a black oversized T-shirt and a pair of black sneakers. “What's up with the sudden ride?” She asked with smiles on her face. “I just needed something to help me relax and I thought of a drive with you.” I said and squeezed her laps gently. I considered taking the scenic routes that offer breathtaking views and interesting stops so as to make a drive more enjoyable and romantic. We embark on a leisurely road trip near Kensington, exploring both urban charm and nearby scenic routes. Beginning with the iconic Kensington High Street, lined with boutique shops and cafes. Cruise through the affluent neighborhoods of Kensington and Chelsea, catching glimpses of elegant townhouses and garden squares. “I loved window-shopping a lot as a child. I wanted to get all the beautiful toys and shoes. But, I had no one to buy them for me.” Karen said after a respectable silence. “What an irony. I had almost everything as a child. My parents frequently gave me a lot of things just to keep me happy since they were hardly at home.” I added. “Really? Desoot having both parents, you mean you were still lonely as a child?” She questioned “Yes. Although I always had a lot with me, it didn't fill the gap of my parent's absence. I felt that it almost affected my academics.” “That's terrible. Hey, why don't we take the road leading to Bath? It's quite a view.” She suggested. Just like she suggested, I ventured beyond the city, considering taking the A4 towards Bath for a picturesque drive through the English countryside. Enjoying the view of the quaint villages, rolling hills. “Should we make a stop here?” I asked for her opinion. She nodded her positive response and I packed the car at a distance while we walked to the little society. We made a stop at Stonehenge for a touch of history. Then, we headed west towards Windsor via the M4 for a royal experience. Visit Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and meander along the River Thames. Afterward, I followed the A308 for a scenic drive through Richmond Park. We marveled at the vast greenery and also spotted some of the resident deer. We concluded our journey with a relaxing stroll along the Thames in Richmond, savoring the blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty that made our road trip near Kensington memorable. “I can do this over and over again. I love the experience. It really helps to calm the nerves. Are we still going to the cinema?” Karen asked me. “Of course! But, before that let's get some dinner. I bet you must be starving just like I am.” I suggested. “I have a restaurant in mind. Let's have our dinner there so we won't miss the premiere of the movie we want to see. We had a quick nice dinner before proceeding to the cinema. We visited the highly regarded restaurant in Kensington popularly known as "Dishoom Kensington." Known for its exquisite Indian cuisine and stylish ambiance, Dishoom offers a unique dining experience. The restaurant is inspired by the Irani cafés of Bombay and provides a warm, inviting atmosphere. We had an English meal before going to the cinema. We watched a romantic movie together, wishing for the moment to last longer and not to end. It was after the movie I told akaren about my plans to take her to my parents. “Babe. I think it's time I introduce you to my parents. We should not delay any longer.” I proposed. “Are you sure about this?” “Totally sure. You have nothing to worry about.” I assured her. I was not yet done with akaren when my phone buzzed, loudly, interrupting the peace of the night.