25 to Life-On Hold

Yes

-----Michelle-----

He thinks I am phenomenal? I couldn't help but blush. He could have any woman in the world with his personality, his intelligence, his looks. He is one of the kindest, most responsible, respectable, independent men I know. He reminds me of my dad and granddad sometimes. People think he is lowly or beneath them because he is the janitor. But, I know a different side. He is a take-care-of-business, no regrets, good-natured man, just like the other men in my family.

I have known him for a long time. I graduated from UC Berkeley's School of Business with him. He could have had a job at any corporation he wanted to but he gave up on his dreams to take care of his family. He dreamt of staying in California to work for the biggest firm in the state. After Sam and Alex, his sister and her husband passed, he moved back to Michigan to take care of his niece and nephew. Then, when his mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, he lost all hope for ever going back to California.

Our families have always been close, and when Ms. Linda was diagnosed, we all felt the pain. When I heard he needed a job, I tried to find him a place in our department, but he didn't want it. He said it would remind him of what he couldn't have. So, my dad made sure no matter what job he had in the building, he could support his family.

Even with all the help and support from us all, sometimes they still struggle. He doesn't know, but my dad has been taking care of some of her bills since he will not accept our help. He might be a respectable, capable man, but sometimes he can also be very stubborn and prideful.

I never knew he thought so highly of me. I knew what I thought of him, but it never occurred to me that he could possibly reciprocate those feelings.

There have been sometimes when I thought about him. I mean, who wouldn't. Those piercing blue eyes that seem to read your thoughts like a book. Those perfect, pearly white teeth that always seem to show because he has the brightest smile I have ever seen. That rare, 6'5 stature that allows him to tower over almost everyone. The way his hair seems to always lay perfectly, even in a 50 mph windstorm. The muscles rippling out of his shirts and the small tattoo on his right upper arm in dedication to his sister and her husband. The smooth baritone of his voice whenever he lets someone in, close enough to talk about his family. The pride in his voice when he tells someone about Savannah's latest concert or Zach's last award.

That man is truly a saint, and he thinks I am amazing....

This time, I was the one to zone out, and I feel I have missed a very important conversation.

Wait, when did I walk back to dad's office? When did I sit down? What did they just say? I just heard my name. What are they saying?!

I don't know. Why don't you just listen, Michelle?

Shut up, Michelle!

You shut up!

No, you!

You!

No, yo-

"I would be honored, sir."

"What do you think Michelle? It's all up to you!" Dad sounds a little too excited...Maybe I should just say yes so he won't know I have no idea what they are speaking about.

"Of course dad. I would like that very much." What did I just get myself into?

Smile and nod. I can ask dad what they were discussing later.

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-----Michael-----