What Could've Been

Chapter One

       I practice smiling in the mirror as I get ready for my date tonight. My red hair pleated and over my shoulder, my green-hazel eyes surrounded by dark liner and light eyeshadow, and my lips gently coated in gloss, I feel ready. I slip into my viridian dress with a slit almost to my thigh, grab my purse, and head out to see Darrek, my love. I see his wide smile from the car window as he excitedly gets out, his soft, toffee colored eyes shining as he opens my car door.

      "Hey, Melody, you excited? I am!" He says, making sure my feet and hands weren't in the way as he closes the car door. He quickly makes his way around to his side, hops in, and starts up the engine.

      "Hi babe! I'm totally excited, I can't believe it's been 5 years already," I say as I ponder the possible implications of a 5th anniversary date. Will he propose? No? Either way, this is bound to be an amazing afternoon.

      We make light conversation as we make our way to my favorite Italian restaurant, the same place we had our first date. Holding his hand as we walk inside, I can't help but beam as we walk to our seat, the exact same table we always reserve. I notice his slight nervous ticks right away, running his hand through his deep brown hair, bouncing his leg, fidgeting with his fingers. I don't say anything, but I do secretly hope he's planning what I think he is.

      It's about an hour into our date and he stands up, stretches, runs his hand through his beard, and looks straight at me. I'm speechless in glee as he kneels in front of me.

      "Melody, you are my North Star, and I am but a moth. I cannot help but feel myself drawn to you as if you are my only life source. Through these years I have felt my love for you grow and bloom. You are a cherry blossom, a full moon on a fall night, the gentle twinkle of the stars. You are the beauty and happiness in my world, and nothing would honor me more than if you agreed to marry me, my Star," an absolutely gorgeous Blue Goldstone ring appears out of his breast pocket, it looks like the night sky, more beautiful than any diamond.

     "Oh, I, I- Of course!!" I manage to stutter out, absolutely overcome with joy. We both stand up in a tight embrace as the people around us applaud. I try to hide my bright red face, but Derrek stops me.

       "Don't, love, don't hide your face from me. I want to see every bit of your beautiful self." I nod in agreement as I move my hands. We sit down and finish our meal, and the waitstaff bring out a free dessert. Every woman as I pass congratulates me and compliments my ring.

      We finally make it back to the house, and we giggle and play around before he pulls me into a deep, gentle kiss.