Where my Heart Lies

Welcome to my World

"Is this okay?"

"Yes."

"But are you-"

"I assure you, you look stunning. Just perfect for the occasion."

"Liam, Do I really need to-"

Liam pulled Jessica closer and kissed her passionately, throwing her endless questions about self-doubt out of the window. And that did work. After much resistance to the temptation, Jessica finally moved away.

"Any more questions?" He looked straight into her eyes.

"No sir. Let's leave."

It had been a busy week, with preparations in full swing for Ryan and Larry's wedding, and college, and Jessica trying to make time to spend with Liam. Those were usually a few hours, but it was worth it. She remembered every moment, every wind that blew over his face, caressing those beautiful locks, and how he smiled like the rising sun when he was with her, or how annoyed he was with the phone calls he received every few minutes on some busy days. She framed the memory of when the had the cassata ice-cream, and how gently he put on her shoes for her when they got ready to leave anywhere. It felt the like summer of love, the rising joy inside her heart was overwhelming and she wanted to remember as much of it as she could. It was just the start of love, and she could still feel her falling and falling. Too hard. She thought she liked him enough. And yet the feeling grew in her every time she looked at him. It was now, she felt life was complete. That she had all she would ever want. Maybe, this was how love was supposed to feel? Maybe, just for a little while, she felt happy.

Today was the day, she would officially meet someone as Liam's fiancée. Mr. McCallum had invited them over for dinner, it had no purpose, in the old man's words, but in fact, this was a meeting designed for him to meet Jessica and know about her, and she knew it. She would be in the spotlight, and that's what had made her even more nervous. 

The place was about twenty miles away from Liam's new home, a long journey for a meal, but to Jessica each mile flew by in a blink and they were already there. She wore a simple evening gown, subtle makeup and heels. Her hair was let loose in waves that Liam himself had worked for. He, on the other hand, chose to wear a simple white shirt and jeans, with formal shoes and Jessica wondered if they looked a little too mismatched. For even in that simple attire, Liam somehow seemed to borrow more eyes than Jessica. It was perhaps something in the way that he walked in, the aura that he held. And Jessica was proud of that. Also doubtful whether or not she too, could someday match his energy. She had too, after-all, the would be married. 

Throughout the way from the car to their table, Liam held Jessica's hand and made sure his pace matched that of hers. Then, like a gentleman would, he did adjust the chair and only when Jessica sat comfortably, did he take his own seat. The old Mr. McCallum was already sitting opposite to these two, grinning widely as he saw the two young love-birds show all the young love they had for each other. 

"I see you too are quite affectionate." He glanced at Liam and then his eyes lingered at Jessica, even as Liam spoke.

"Good Evening, Mr. McCallum. Yes, I guess, we are quite new in love. We look forward to learn much more from you." He looked at Jessica who smiled and nodded in approval while looking at him. She was already getting uncomfortable.

"Ah, I'll teach you all I know, Liam. But before that, I might want to know this lady a little more."

Jessica's face flushed and she looked at Liam in search of help.  But he only raised an eyebrow and gestured her to go ahead and answer. The air grew empty as the two other men in her vicinity waited for her to fill the silence. It was too much attention for her, yet she managed to reply in a rather decent tone.