The Footsteps to Freedom

Chapter 4

The next week, Alice was sitting in her room, going through a magazine, when she heard a knock on the door. Jess poked her head into the room and said, “Get your lazy self off that bed and change your clothes. You can’t be in your PJ’s! It’s only 6 in the evening.”

“What are you planning?” Alice sat up.

“You think I’m going to ruin the surprise? Of course not! I’ll pick an outfit for you, and you just put it on,” Jess ordered.

“I think you’re crazy,” Alice said, but got up anyway. Jess handed her a knee-length caramel brown dress with a neon orange belt. It was a simple dress, but it was elegant, with its pleated neckline and sides. She then handed her a neon orange necklace with matching earrings and bangles. Finally, she gave her orange platform shoes. After giving her a crazy look, Alice quickly slipped everything on and then her friend turned the curling iron on her. Finally, she made up her face with all the makeup she could get her hands on and showered her with perfume.

“You look fantastic!” Jess squealed.

“So what’s this for again?” Alice tried to pull it out of her.

“Not telling. You will find out soon. I promise,” Jess promised. “Now come with me.”

Jess led her friend down the stairs and into the living room. There, both her and Jess’s families were gathered, waiting for them.

“Oh honey, you look beautiful!” Mrs. Kinsley exclaimed.

“Thanks. So does someone want to explain to me what is going on?” she asked as she surveyed the smiling faces of her family members and her friends.

“I’ll do the honors,” Thomas said. He stood up and went to stand in front of Alice. “Alice, we have known each other for our whole lives. We were practically raised together! Some might say we are like brother and sister, but I disagree. Despite being thought of as your sister, I fell in love with you. I don’t think I ever loved anyone as much as I love you. You are a beautiful young lady, and your personality is so amazing I cannot even begin to describe it to you. You’re the sweetest person I know and you are super caring. You’re dependant and aren’t afraid to do what comes to your mind. I could write a whole book describing your beauty and loving personality and not even finish, but without further ado, I am ready to move on to the important part.” Thomas reached into his pocket and pulled out the most beautiful ring Alice had ever seen. “Will you do me the biggest honor of becoming my wife?”

Alice screamed and threw her arms around his neck. Tears of joy flew down her face as she hugged the life out of him. When she finally let go, she faced him and said, “I would be more than happy to be given the honor of being your wife. You can ask Jess. I’ve had a secret crush on you since God knows when! This is the most beautiful thing that has ever happened to me!!” She allowed Thomas to put the ring on her finger, and then faced her family, who lined up to congratulate the happy couple. After they all finished, Thomas excused himself and his new fiancée, and decided to take her out for dinner. Happily, they got into Thomas’s car and drove off to a fancy restaurant nearby.

“How are you feeling?” Thomas asked Alice as they slid into the booth.

“Words cannot even begin to describe my happiness,” Alice informed him with a smile. “How long have you been planning this?”

“For like, a month,” he answered.

“No way,” Alice gasped.

“Yep. I was going to break down and tell you the other night, when you came back from your visit with the Queen, but Jess interrupted us,” Thomas admitted.