Safe and sound ( C. Madrigal )

Sparks fly

The party was about to begin in a few minutes. When you looked outside and saw a large crowd of people wearing masks, you became nervous. "What if he dances with someone else?" you thought. As Mirabel handed you your mask, you snapped out of it.

"Mi primo will dance with you and only you, don't worry." she put your mask on and pat your back after.

"Thanks mira, Eres muy bonita!" (You're very pretty). You hugged her.

"And so are you, now c'mon! Isa will get mad." you chuckled as you and Mirabel joined the others outside.

You sat down as you all watched Dolores walk down the stairs with awe. The first dance was her and Mariano. You watched as they looked at each other lovingly, swaying their bodies.

After a while, Alma started her speech. Expressing how overwhelmed she is that her granddaughter is engaged and how grateful she is for all the happy events. 

The party has been going on for a while and you haven't seen Camilo yet making you uneasy. You spotted someone on the dancefloor, he had curly hair and was wearing a yellow necktie and mask. You titled your head, choosing not to believe it was him dancing with someone else.

You went out and sat on the bench for fresh air. 

As you stared at the night sky, you felt a familiar presence behind you.

"Hola hermosa." He sat beside you and snaked his arm around your waist, kissing your cheek.

"I'm sorry I think you have the wrong person." you adjusted your mask.

"Pft, I know it's you. Right 'lil guy?" he pulled down your mask and kissed your scar.

"That's unfair!" you whined, he took of his yellow mask and adjusted his black vest before he leaned in

"Mariposa, I'd stare at you even if I was in a room full of art." he murmured in your ear.

he kissed your neck before putting your mask back on, standing up and offering you his hand

"May I have this dance?" he asks.

"Really? out here?" you asked as you took his hand, standing up, wrapping your arms around his neck while he does the same with your waist.

"sí. Remember when I told you I promise to take care of you with the moon as witness?" 

(Chapter 5 : This side of paradise.)

You hummed as a response. "Well, let me make another one." he adds and you tilt your head in confusion.

He kneeled down on one knee making you widen your eyes.

"Amor, at this spot, this time, we met." he took out a small box from his pocket.

"You never let the world get to you, even when it turned its back on you. You are still able to stand on your own, and I am very proud of you." he took a brief pause.

"It will be difficult for me to choose what I like about you if you ask me. Is it your face? your laugh? your smile? No way, why would I choose? I fell madly in love with all of you. It still overwhelms me how I'm blessed by the Rodriguez's gem." he chuckled and tears welled his eyes, he opened the small box revealing a ring.

"A promise ring, mariposa." he smiled. "We're young and still learning, but I already know who is it that I want to spend my whole life with. I promise to save you from bad days, to be your source of laughter, to kiss you good morning every day, to cook your favorite food, to always make you feel loved, and many more. Until we are able to marry, this ring signifies my passion and commitment to our relationship."

"So, will you let me fulfill these promises?" he hopeful eyes look at your shocked ones.

You can't put into words how grateful you are and how much you genuinely love the man kneeling in front of you. For all you know, you want to grow old with him and spend your whole life with him. You can't thank him enough for accepting and loving you exactly as you are.

"Yes Camilo, yes." you kept on nodding, repeatedly murmuring the word 'yes' as he slipped the ring on your ring finger then pulls you in his embrace.

"I love you, so much." He withdraws and strips away your mask. Leaning in and gently holding your chin, I kissed you in the moonlight with the stars glistening around it. The cool breeze emitted to the atmosphere, and the fireworks in the background made the night much more memorable.

"I love you most, Camilo Madrigal."