Sex Education

Hand on Your Heart

Mary sat on Liam's teenage bed. She smiled fondly. There had been so many innocent, tender shared moments between them in this house. Her heart was racing as he placed the box in her hand.

"Go on, open it." Liam encouraged as he sat beside her.

Mary felt sick with nerves. Surely it wasn't... the ring. Liam was romantic. He'd have a whole speech prepared. He'd get down on one knee. He'd make a fuss. She hoped and prayed that was the case. She gave a sigh of relief as she opened the box to be presented with a pair of very pretty earrings. Small, delicate golden hearts with a small, dark Ruby gem subtly glinting in the top corner.

"They're beautiful." She said with a grateful smile as she took her earrings out, replacing them with his.

"I saw them when I was on tour in Paris. And I thought of you, you know."

"They look expensive. You shouldn't have."

Liam shrugged.

"Now I'm making a bob or two. Why can't I spend it on you?"

Mary smiled at him softly and pressed a gentle kiss to his lips.

"Thanks."

Liam squeezed her hand gently.

"You've looked a bit...I dunno, nervous or something today. You alright?"

Mary gave a relieved sigh and laughed.

"It's stupid. You'll laugh."

Liam grinned.

"Go on then."

"Just to make this clear, I was in no way wanting or expecting this, but Ruby was convinced you'd propose. And I was like, absolutely no way! She got me all paranoid."

Liam didn't laugh he actually looked a bit hurt.

"Why did you think absolutely no way?" He asked quietly.

Mary swallowed thickly. She had to be careful here so as not to hurt his feelings.

"I'm 20. You're 22. It'd be crazy. You're a rock n roll star you can't...I mean you can't want to get married right now?"

Liam shrugged.

"I know we're young, but that's not a big deal to me. I've always wanted to get married and have kids young."

Mary frowned as she felt her heart pound. A sickening stone sinking in her stomach.

"Yeah?"

Liam nodded.

"I mean, I get for women it's different they maybe want to wait a bit later so they can have time to have a proper career without having kids to take care of. Or just yeah... I get it. But like...I think I'd be a good dad. I'd do my fair share. I know with what i do It'd be difficult. But I'm not going to be a rock n roll star forever."

Mary nodded.

Liam frowned and tilted her chin up.

"What are you thinking about?"

Mary hesitated.

"I'm thinking about how I can't think of anything worse. Marriage. Kids. I don't want that." She admitted honestly.

Liam brushed his thumb against her cheek gently.

"I don't mean right now. Just some day."

Mary shook her head.

"I don't want it...ever."

They both froze in silence. The beautiful cord of their relationship pulled taut and one tiny bit of pressure away from snapping.