Are You The One?

Chapter 17

Christmas was extremely fun that year. Manny had received many gifts from friends and family, and there were very few repairs to be done. But what would Kelly's response be?

He had the proposal plan perfectly formed in his mind, and her special gift was also ready.

"I'm so happy, Manny!" said Dusty. "It'll be so romantico!" added Felipe.

Fix-It nuzzled at Manny, wishing him good luck before he and the tools went to Kelly's party. 

At Kelly's party, the kids were laughing at Mr Lopart, who was wearing a really funny hat. The only people who were dressed in matching clothes were Elliot and Carmela. He was wearing a red shirt and brownish-green corduroys, and she was wearing a striped dress of the same colours. 

Mrs Singh had made some authentic Indian sweets, and as usual, Mrs Portillo had marvelled with her yummy cakes. 

Manny gave Kelly his gift, anticipating her reaction eagerly. It was a miniature figure of a man and a woman, which Manny had created himself. 

Kelly was overjoyed. "Oh, thank you, Manny. I love it!" she said, and gave him a peck on the cheek. 

Manny leaned in to kiss her, and she buried her face in his chest, wanting to feel his masculine scent. They moved away from the rest of the party guests into a room. 

"Kelly, I want to to tell you something really important," said Manny, gazing deep into her eyes. 

"So do I, Manny," replied Kelly. 

As both of them were slowly getting lost in each other's eyes, they tripped on something. Manny sprawled on the bed with absolutely no noise, and Kelly landed on top of him. 

"Are you okay, Manny?" asked Kelly, worried.  Manny nodded. 

The night was dark and tender, and it was perfect. 

"What was it you wanted to tell me?" she asked him, curious and excited at the same time.

Manny looked deep into her eyes, as if they were infinite wells. The words wanted to tumble out of his mouth, but were stuck in his throat. 

"Kelly Crenshaw, you are the love of my life," he said. "You have always been there for me in everything, and I love you so much."

"I know all of this, and I love you too," replied Kelly. "But come straight to the point, Manny. What do you want to tell me?"

"What I mean is that," he said, and clasped her hands. "Will you make these adventures last forever, and..."

Before he could finish, Kelly gave him what was probably a king-sized snog. 

"Manny Garcia, a million times, yes! Of course I'll make these adventures last forever! I love you the most and I know you are the one for me!"

Manny felt an innate, colossal happiness. Something which could only be felt. The kiss of her lips, warm and sweet at the same time, totally took him away from the real world. 

But, their alone time was disturbed by her brother Elliot and the tools, who didn't delay in sharing the news with the other guests. 

The happiest, however, were Abuelito and Mrs Portillo, for they had always known about Manny and Kelly's feelings for each other. 

The tools were jumping about here and there in joy. Even Turner was really happy.