SYMPATHY FOR THE DEVIL, J.HUGHES

SIXTY EIGHT

We get in the car, and the ride is mostly quiet except for the familiar hum of our favorite country playlist playing in the background. Normally, we'd be singing along or laughing, but tonight, Jack's focus is elsewhere. His jaw's clenched, hands gripping the wheel a little tighter than usual. The only sound filling the space between us is the soft guitar strumming from the radio.

We pull up to a parking lot near New York, the lights of the city glittering in the distance. I can't help but glance around, wondering where we're going next, but it's Jack's voice that breaks my thoughts.

"M," he says, turning to look at me, his breath shaky as he puts the car in park. "You remember when I told you I'd show you the best view of New York?"

I swallow hard, my mind flashing back to that conversation. It was when he wanted me to stay here, to make New York our place. I nod, a little hum escaping my lips, feeling the weight of those words.

"I remember," I say softly, turning my head to take in the skyline.

"Today's the day," Jack says, his eyes soft but intense, the city lights reflecting in them. His words hit me, and my heart starts pounding in my chest.

I try to laugh it off, but my voice is quieter than usual. "You want me to stay here... with you?"

He leans in closer, his voice dropping to a tender whisper. "Forever, M."

That's when it all clicks. Oh my God. My pulse quickens as we step out of the car, and I'm hit with the realization of where we are. A helicopter. He's taking me on a helicopter ride around New York.

I can't stop the giggle that slips out, a mix of excitement and nerves bubbling up. "This is insane," I say, laughing as we make our way hand in hand toward the pilot. Everything feels surreal, like a dream I didn't know I was having.

Jack's hand stays firm in mine, and we walk up to the helicopter. There's this energy in the air—like something big is about to happen, but I still can't quite put my finger on it. The pilot nods to us, opening the door, and we climb inside. It's all so smooth, like it's been meticulously planned.

As I sit down, fastening my seatbelt, I glance out the window, trying to take in the view, when I spot something—or rather, someone. My breath hitches as I see Gab and Luke in the distance. They're standing by the edge of the lot, trying to be all casual, like they're not part of this whole thing. But I know. My heart skips a beat.

That's when I realize. This isn't just a helicopter ride. This is the moment.

My emotions start to catch up with me, and I blink back the tears that are threatening to spill over. Everything's happening so fast, and yet it feels like time's slowed down just for this. Jack is still holding my hand, and I squeeze his fingers, trying to calm myself, but it's no use. My heart knows. It's beating too loud to ignore now.

The helicopter lifts off, and as we rise into the sky, the view of New York spreads out beneath us, glowing and alive. The city looks magical from up here, like a blanket of stars, and for a moment, it takes my breath away. But then I feel Jack shifting beside me. He's reaching into his jacket pocket.

I turn, and there he is, holding something small and familiar—a green post-it note. The same kind of post-it he used when he asked me to prom back in high school.

I can't stop the tears this time. Jack's hands are trembling slightly as he holds out the note, and I take it from him, my fingers shaking too. Written on it, in his messy handwriting, are the words that make my heart stop.

"Will you marry me?"

I look up at him, and he's already smiling, his eyes shining with nerves and love, just like that day so many years ago. Only now, this is forever.