masquerade【janiel】

Part One of Three: I Can Hear The Bells

Okay, where to begin with all the craziness? The way I remember it all was in three separate parts. The first part went a little something like this:

"... HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!"

I blew out the candles, giggling, and everyone cheered.

"Okay, now Joey, come here." Daniel held my hands and guided me to the centre of the room, everyone crowded around us.

"Can I open your present now?" I asked him.

"No ... But I can open your present. I think it will be more romantic that way." What does that mean, I wondered. Some of my friends around me started giggling and smiling at each other. Were they informed of something I wasn't?

Daniel took out a small, black box with a bow on it and got down on one knee. Instantly the hairs on the back of my neck pricked up. I knew what was happening, but I couldn't actually believe it (I still can't to be honest!).

"Holy shi...tzu." Everyone let out a little laugh at my expression. Even Daniel.

I instinctively pulled my hands up to my chest because - honestly - I was terrified. Terrified of getting married.

Daniel could see this and so he began his speech.

"I know you're scared, I mean I'm shaking inside. But I have never been so sure about anything in my life, then how sure I am about wanting to spend the rest of my life with you. Every time I see your face I thank my lucky stars that I get to wake up to it every morning - and I never want to lose that. This may be risky or impulsive or even down right crazy, but after all the times I've nearly lost you, I don't ever want to risk that again. There is nothing I want more in life than you, all I want is you, all I need is you to make me happy. What do you say, Joe, be mine forever?"

Admittedly, I was tearing up at this point.

"If I say yes, will you stand up and give me a hug?" I got another laugh from a circle of teary eyed people. "Because this does not feel like real life right now." That, however, got a set of 'awww's.

Thinking back, I now I understand why my family flew in from Boston just for my birthday.

He slipped the ring onto my finger and stood up and just gave me the biggest hug possible. I could feel him shaking and he could defiantly feel me shaking. And it was in that moment that I knew 100% that this was real - that I was engaged to Daniel Preda!

Later on in the day, after everyone had gone home. Daniel and I were snuggled up on the couch watching Netflix when my phone started ringing. It was a private number, I knew exactly what this meant. I fled the room quickly without giving an explanation and rushed outside.

Even in jail she still managed to create a wedge between me and Daniel.

"An inmate from California County Jail wishes to contact you, press one to accept" said the familiar voice.

I tapped on the one button and said "happy birthday."

"Happy birthday," replied Cat.

Yes, I had been in contact with Cat since she was arrested, I mean she was one of my closest friends and I did miss her. But, mainly I wanted to know how she could have done what she did. I was confused and I wanted answers. I went to visit her and she seemed so sad. I felt sorry for her and kept visiting her and taking her phone calls.

"I have some news." I said quietly.

"Spill."

"Daniel just proposed." I said softly, hoping she wouldn't take it hard. The next think I heard was the sound of a dead phone call. She had hung up.

Little did I know at the time, but that turned out to be the worst mistake of my life.