Hannibal: Your Mine

Chapter 29: Lotus

Ivy's POV

The opera hall was filled with people of all sorts. Most were regular attendees, which included Hannibal. He held me tight under his arm, almost as if I was about to run off. We made our way to the seats. I don't know how but, Hannibal managed to get us a box. I felt like a queen; So high up, judging everyone and finally figuring out that I don't belong here. This place was filled with the highest class of society, and here I was. I blended in well, but I felt so excluded from this class.
  Hannibal clutched my hand and whispered, "Ivy...I love you" I blushed. The orchestra boomed as the fat lady began to sing. Hannibal refused to let go.
Intermission
The halls once again became packed as all the socialites began to crave their wines and rosés. A small cluster of people headed our way. Hannibal and I were chatting away, before we were interrupted by this group."Hannibal, Darling, how are you enjoying it?" A short blonde woman asked.
"It's splendid! I cannot wait for Act two" A large man stared at me, before asking, "Hannibal, who is your delightful little friend?"

"How rude of me, This is my girlfriend, Ivy" I let a small 'Hello'.
"Why Hello my dear, Hannibal never mentioned you before, must be something very special for him not to mention" The blonde women continue. "Ivy, have you tried the champagne? Here" A small men said, handing me a glass. Hannibal opened his mouth as if the say something, but I beat him to it." Oh I'm sorry, I can't drink"

"You can't drink?! Why what's wrong?"

"Oh I'm pregnant, I'm afraid I can't drink" The small cluster all looked at one another in shock. All looked to Hannibal.
"Well congratulations, you two! Hannibal you should really have informed us, we would have brought something for her to drink!" One said. The group quickly dispersed after the attendants Called for Intermission to end. We made our way back to our box. The opera began again, this time a fat man was singing...
Later on...
The opera was still going on when Hannibal called me to follow him. Like he had before, he kept me under his arm,Leading me out into the opera's gardens.
     The moonlight gently caressed the trees, that swayed rhythmically to the breeze. Our footsteps echoed towards a small lake, blessed with lotus flowers. Soft candle light soothed the ripples in the water, motioned by the breeze. The air was sweet and light, and moved with a delicate quality. I was in awe of the beauty around me. Hannibal lead me by the hand to sit with him by the lake. The weeping willow that hung in the moonlight,whispered in the breeze. "Hannibal...This is beautiful, but-but why?"

"Ivy, this is the only way I could tell you; only if I had the perfect moment and the perfect time, and now is that time" He scooped down to the water below and grabbed a fresh lotus blossom. He gently placed in my hair.
"You are my beautiful lotus blossom...But the only thing that I can do to top this is give you this and ask you for your hand..." From his pocket, he pulled out a shining diamond ring, and placed it on my ring finger.
"Ivy...Will you marry me? Will you be mine, forever and always"

"Forever and Always..."