"What is it?" I said excitedly. My eyes trailing every motion of his. He knelt towards me and I couldn't believe my eyes when I turned to see heads turned towards me. They were all looking at me. Why were they looking at me? I brought back myself to look at the reason for the attention I was receiving and immediately, my initial excitement vanished. Arms outstretched, holding out a box containing a bracelet. A larger part of me was distraught as I had hoped for a ring while the rational part of me was glad it wasn't the ring we were hoping for. I mean who proposes on a birthday eve?
"Ohhh, how thoughtful of you Ryan. Thank you" I said while giving him the little appreciative smile I could muster. I've never been good at masking displeasure. He didn't seem confused. He was teasing me and he knew he got me already. Ryan had always been a smart guy. He knew what exactly I liked and how I liked it. He knew I loved surprises and doesn't fail to always give me one every now and then. One of the many reasons why I gladly accepted him when he asked me to be his girlfriend. I still plastered a smile on my face as he carefully put the bracelet on my wrist.
"It's so beautiful" I said. That was not a lie. The bracelet was beautiful. It was a single-stone bracelet, adorned with blue sapphires and it fit so perfectly on my wrist. My initial displeasure beginning to vanish as I kept looking at the bracelet. Ryan sure knew how to pick the best.
"I'm glad you liked it"
I love love love it babe." I responded, proceeding to give him a hug and ended up falling into his lap. We both laughed over how clumsy we seemed and we kissed.
Guess what?" I said to May my closest friend and housemate, storming into the house.
"Let me guess. He definitely did not propose, did he?"
"No, he didn't but look what I got" I said. Flaunting my bracelet.
"This really is beautiful. So, I assume this is a pre-birthday gift?"
"I-- think so" I responded, slurring the I.
"You know, I just hope he proposes soon. I want him and he knows it" I said
"Don't fret over it, Anna. Ryan will definitely do a great job." She said to me in an encouraging tone.
THE NEXT DAY
"Hey babe. I'm at your doorstep" I heard him say as I picked up the phone.
"Okayy. I'll be down in a minute. " I responded as I picked up my purse and headed for the door.
Earlier, Ryan had told me to get dressed that he'll be picking me up at 5. I had to get my hair, nails and makeup done before five. May had told me earlier that she had plans so she won't be able to access my last look. And I accepted it. May isn't the kind to bail out when it comes to things like that.
Successfully maneuvering my way down to the porch, without getting tangled in my dress, Ryan held out a hand towards me in a gentlemanly way and I gladly took it.
"You look beautiful as always" He said as he led me towards the front passenger seat.
"Thank you" I responded, settled into the car and he shut the car door.
Getting to the arranged venue, I was surprised to see everywhere looking like it was set to accommodate more guests.
"I thought we rented out the place?" I turned to Ryan confused but got only a smile as a response. I was beginning to feel nervous as I walked into the venue. Everything seemed like I was in for more than I had expected.
As I walked in, I began noticing the trail of rose petals strewn across the floor indicating a pathway. I followed the trail and it opened up into a garden. I've always had a thing for nature. I love being surrounded by nature. I totally understand why this garden was Ryan's choice of venue. I took a look round the environment and it was breathtaking. My eyes skimmed over everything and finally settling on the letter balloons tied from one end of a tree to another. They made up the words "Will you marry me?"
I turned back to look at Ryan and found him kneeling on one knee. I wasn't expecting this today as Ryan hadn't shown any sign of proposing anytime soon. I was dumbfounded. Realization dawned upon me that I hadn't even noticed the people around me. I was engrossed in getting the hang of the situation than getting to acknowledge the people present.
I whipped my head to the left, found some of Ryan's friends and few people whom I knew from Ryan. I then slowly turned to the left and found some other people whom I knew. They were all staring at me. Then, I saw May and my eyes widened.
That statement of her's yesterday randomly flashing into my head "Ryan will definitely do a good job". So she was in on this too? And was this the plan she had when she said she had plans?
Realizing I had spaced out, I turned back to Ryan who was still propped on one knee, looking as unsure as ever.
"What do you say Anna?" He asked. Getting agitated, thanks to my silence.
"Yes Ryan Yes. I love you and will gladly be your wife". I said. Unable to contain my emotions anymore.
I stretched out my fingers and he slid the ring in. Stood up and enveloped me in a warm embrace. I pulled away from him and slid my lips across his, zeroing in for a kiss. I didn't care if we were surrounded. Nothing mattered anymore. Just the two of us.
