Let Tomorrow Come (final)

Chapter 7.

CHRISTINA.

What should I wear? Oh my God! His door creaked. My heart is pounding. I hate myself for this. I chose a dress with blue and white vertical stripes. I'm looking in the mirror. This makes me look a little taller. Exactly what is needed. It's funny that I try so hard for him even though I have no chance. Shoes... Let there be sandals with a small thick heel. Hairstyle... Two loose tails flowing over the shoulders. And also makeup. Although I'm not strong at this, I make it light in brown tones. I look in the mirror again, and it reflects a quite pretty girl who really looks like she's nineteen. I need to go down.

I open the door and go down to the dining room. Everything is already assembled. Only John is missing.

"Marie, can I help you carry it?" I ask.

"No, honey, I don't need anything. We're almost done."

A couple of minutes later he appears. He isn't alone. Next to him is a sultry brunette in trousers and an emerald-colored top. She is skinny. There is something tough but attractive about her features. She reeks of authority. And she's tall. I feel so helpless. I want to run away and cry in my room. After all, I'm trying completely in vain. But I try to hold on, because they immediately head in my direction.

"Who is this here with us?" She asks arrogantly, and I'm ready to fall through the ground as if I've done something bad.

"Meet me," he says to me, "this is Linda, my..."

"Yes, I'm his girlfriend!" She looks at me with a destroying look.

"And this is Christina, my sister," he continues more loudly. Everyone turns in our direction.

I want to object, but he discreetly shakes my hand lightly and looks at me. I quickly look away. But what did I see in that short moment when our eyes met? Was it support? I guess it was just my imagination.

***

"My kitty, I have something for you," Jack turns to Aela.

She looks at him questioningly.

"Chris, give it to me, please."

"Take it," I hand him a small box upholstered in velvet. Since they are sitting next to each other, he asks her to stand up.

"You know, my love," Jack begins, and Aela begins to feel shy. Freckles are dancing on her cheeks.

"When I first met you, it was a difficult time for me and my family. But you illuminated my life with your radiant smile, and the pain of loss receded. You always supported me and my children, even if sometimes it made you uncomfortable. And you always took care of my mother, until her last breath, and tolerated her whims. You took care of me while I didn't give much in return. Now it's time to change everything, and it's time for me to show how I can answer you. Aela Scott, will you marry me?"

The heroine of the occasion covers her mouth with her hand, then laughs nervously, then almost cries. Jack hugs her reassuringly.

"You don't have to give an answer now if you don't want to."

"No, I agree! I was just worried."

She extends her hand to him, and he places a ring with a small but very elegant emerald on her finger.

"It will suit you perfectly."

With these words they freeze in a short, tender kiss. Everyone is making noise with delight. And then we continue drinking and having fun. All this time, only Linda is staring at me, but I try not to pay attention.

***

After a noisy feast, everyone, tired and happy, goes about their business. I run upstairs to change clothes and go out to get some fresh air.