Bitter sweet affair

Chapter 85 - Proposal

AMELIA...
I couldn't sleep a wink all through the night. I kept tossing and turning. The memory of last night wouldn't let me sleep. Maybe I shouldn't have done what I did. I'm so stupid. To be honest I felt relaxed and I forgot what it felt like to be unhappy. That one hour was the best time I've had in a while.

He couldn't stop staring at me the whole time, gosh the butterflies. Amelia! Get a freaking grip. I slapped myself hard on the face to get a reality check. I hated Andre and that was all.

I had to be at the hospital soon. I decided on making Mom's favorite dish. It took me three hours but it was worth it. I packed it in a lunchbox and drove to the hospital. Annie, Archie, Zach, and Jasmine had all gone before me since I stayed with Mom all through the night.

I arrived at the hospital and sent them all home to rest. They refused but after much persuasion, they left. Just as I was about to go into mom's ward I got a call. I reached for my phone in the back pocket of my jeans. It was Mason calling.

"Hey, are you okay?" his calm voice came through the other end. I could sense his concern and I was grateful.
"I'm hanging on," I responded. He sighed before saying the next few words that shocked me.
"I can't let you be by yourself and go through this alone. I'm going to stay right by your side"
"You don't have to"
But he cut me off not wanting to let me complete my statement.
"I'm on my way" and with that, he hangs up.

I walked in and Mom was fast asleep. I didn't want to wake her up so I dropped the lunchbox on her bedside and sat at the lobby. The hospital was swarmed with sick people and my mom was one of them. I keep questioning it all if it's all a horrible long dream. I desperately want it to be a dream.

"There you are," I heard a voice say. I turned around and it was Mason.
"That was fast," I said shocked, it had barely been ten minutes since he called.
"I was nearby. Where's your mom?"
"She's asleep" I sighed.

He sat next to me and nudged me on the shoulder. He was trying all he could to brighten my mood but I wasn't feeling it today. The more days flew, I get a sudden reminder that I might wake up and my mom would be gone.
"Mason," I said meeting his gaze. He stared back at me worriedly.
"Thank you, but I think you should leave. I'm only going to worry you."
"I told you that I'll stay by your side, and let me worry about you"

It had been a week and Mason had been by my side like he said. I'd pushed him away several times but he wouldn't budge, I finally gave up.
"You should eat something" he pleaded.
"I'll just grab lunch at the cafeteria-"
"Not hospital food." He sighed walking back and forth.
"Let me take you out for lunch"
"No-"
"I'm not taking no for an answer, even if I have to carry you I'll do it"

Gosh, he was persistent. I didn't want to leave Mom's side but if I don't give in he'll draw attention to us and won't stop until I agree.
"Fine" I sighed.

He took me out to a fast-food restaurant. He ordered our food and we ate in silence. After which we returned to the hospital but I was surprised to see...
"Andre?" I called out, seeing him pacing back and forth in front of Mom's ward.
"Oh, hi. I'm sorry for coming without informing you. I just couldn't wait any longer, there's something I need to say to you" Andre paused moving towards me.

Mason held my hand, making me stare at him in surprise. He smiled at me, as if not knowing why I was looking at him. Andre's gaze fell on my hands which were intertwined with Mason's. He nervously ran his fingers through his hair.

"Am I late again?" He chuckled, but I could sense the sadness in his voice.
What was he talking about?
Before I had the time to think about, what was going on; Mason got down on one knee and pulled out a small box from his pocket. He smiled at me and opened it; revealing a beautiful diamond ring. I gasped, what was he doing? Andre looked as shocked as I was.

"Amelia. I've thought about this for a long time but I kept denying my feelings for you after our relationship sank. After giving it much thought, I realized I'd rather be by your side than anywhere else." He paused.
My heart was racing fast because I knew where it was all leading to.

"I planned on saying so much more but I'd rather just stay simple" he chuckled.
"Amelia, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" He asked his gaze still fixed on me.

I stared at Andre, who looked petrified. I felt guilt rush through me like I'd be doing the wrong thing if I said yes but why should I feel guilty? It's my life and my choice. I deserve to be happy.
I stared back at Mason and I knew my answer.

To be continued...