Don't Stand So Close (completed)

Chapter 24*

There's no doubt in my mind that this decision, for Harry and me, is the right one. We are well matched in every way. I know some say the age difference means we're not compatible, or that we both have some kind of issue that we are somehow unaware, or that he's probably just an immature man looking for a pretty young thing and that eventually he'll tire of me when I get older, or I'll tire of him... but none of that describes our connection and our relationship. I think when people see a couple where the pair have a big age gap, there are assumptions made that are simply unfair. When it comes to matters of the heart, why is anyone else's opinion in the mix? Unless we're talking about Starla, or someone directly involved in the union. Everyone else can go fuck themselves.

So, while I am fine to put behind me the opinions of those who aren't involved, I can't quite remove the opinion of Starla. It's heavy on Harry and me. As I walk to the park near campus to meet up with her after my last class on Monday, I'm nervous. I'm wearing the pretty engagement ring Harry gave me and I love looking down at it (I've found myself obsessed with the way it sparkles and makes my hand look prettier) and reminding myself of what it means. But it makes me anxious to see Starla's reaction. Harry already told her that he'd be asking me to marry him, but she doesn't know that it's already happened. When he told her he was going to propose, he didn't know the day it would happen, but here we are.

I take deep breaths and try to calm myself as I head to the spot where there are picknick tables near the wooded area. We planned on starting off at the park and then going to eat dinner together. I already see her as I approach. I stuff my hands in the pocket of my light jacket and smile when she sees me.

"Hey." I speak as I slid into the seat across from her.

"Hi." She smiles at me and we both look around. There aren't too many people here at the moment.

I wonder to myself if I should just get it out of the way, show her the ring and let her slice me in half with her words. I leave my hands in my jacket pocket for a bit longer, "How's school? What classes are you taking this semester?" I ask her.

"Classes are good. I've got a sociology class and two biology. My evolutionary biology class is kind of interesting. Also taking an easy credit class, Family and Consumer Sciences. Just needed one class to be easy this semester, and it's pretty fun actually. What about you?"

I sigh and smile, "I'm loaded with my senior courses right now. I've got three literature classes, Major British Authors, Literary Theory and Criticism, and Senior Seminar in English Literature. Plus I'm taking a History class. I tried to get into the Honors Study History class but it's full, which is shocking so I just stuck with the four I'm taking."

We both smile at one another and it feels so awkward and forced, "How's Paul?" I need to fill the silence.

We chat for a bit. Small talk, surface things. And without thinking I pull my hand out of my jacket and move my hand as I'm gesturing and speaking.

I notice immediately Starla's expression change. I stop talking and put my hand on the table and we both look at the ring. I swallow and blink and then look up to Starla, "Yeah..." I say as I lift my left hand upward and nervously laugh.

Starla nods in silence and keeps her eyes on my finger. I didn't know what to say but I wanted her to know how happy I was. As much as I don't want to make Starla uncomfortable, I want her to know the truth. Maybe it's the only way we move forward if she hears it from me.

"Harry is amazing, Starla. I really love him. I've never met anyone like him and he makes me happier than I've ever been. This just makes sense to us." I lift my hand and stretch my fingers out to look at the ring again.

Starla sighs and then looks at me, "It's pretty. I'm happy you're happy, Anna. Really. I know you make my dad happy. He already told me he was going to propose to you and I'm not going to a brat and tell you that you can't marry each other. That's not fair to anyone. I wouldn't want to see either of you suffering because I'm petty. I love you both. It's just a lot for me to take in. You and my dad have been together for a lot longer than I've been aware of it, so it's still new to me. In my mind you two just started hooking up." She lets out an incredulous laugh but keeps the smile on her face and I feel privileged to be on the receiving end of her pretty smile. Dimples like her dad.