Musically Problematic

Chapter 51: Christmas Night

He slips the ring onto my finger and tries to get up, but instead pulls me onto my knees with him. We hug each other so tightly and he kisses me passionately. I can hear everyone around us on the ice, clapping and whistling at our romantic display.

Sophie's POV:

We get back in his car to drive back to Riverstone, the whole trip I can't help but play with and admire my new ring.

"So this means we're stuck together forever now?"

"Yeah, that's not what you want?"

"Of course it is, I just can't believe it's real. Are you sure I'm not dreaming?"

"I hope not, you're my Sophiemon for life."

"Stop. You're puns suck."

"You know you love 'em."

"I do love you, horrible puns and all."

"Good, because I love you too."

I feel Michael's hand rest on my thigh softly. He looks over at me briefly with the biggest smile on his face. I send him a smile back but it's not brief. I can't help my admire his face, the way his eyebrows scrunch together slightly in concentration, the way his eyes are slightly squinting at the heat waves, the way the aircon is blowing his thin hair. It's this sort of thing that makes me realise that I can't see my future being as bright without him. I pick up his hand and kiss it lightly.

***

We are sitting on the couch together in Michael's little 'granny' flat.

"So does this mean...you know...we're going to move in together or something? Because I only just got my apartment, I don't really want to move out already. But you know if you want to get a home or something together we can. I'd just request that it be in Sydney rather than out here because of work, but I get to work from home now so-"

I get cut off by Michael's lips on mine.

"Stop worrying about it so much, that ring just symbolises that we will get married one day and spend the rest of our lives together...we don't have to rush into anything. We have our lives ahead of us, we're only 22, babe. We can keep living arrangements exactly how they are for now, if you want, I'll just come into Sydney and visit you more often...if that's okay?"

"I'd like to spend as much time possible with you before you go back on tour."

"I've already asked you one big question today, so don't you dare get stressed out and think you have to answer this one quickly or anything. But do you think you'd be able to work while travelling? What I'm trying to ask is...will you come on tour with me? I don't think I could survive nine months without you."

"I'm going to have to talk to my boss about it, but I also have to consider a lot of things. So I am going to need that time you offered."

"I didn't expect you not to, need time I mean. It's a big decision, and not like getting engaged...that's bigger yet everyone makes that decision so quickly, why is that?"

"I don't know, Mikey. But I do know that it was an easy decision for me because I know how much I need you in my life."

Then my phone starts ringing from my purse on Michael's bed. I get up to answer it and see mum's number. I look at Michael's confused face, send him a small smile and answer while heading towards the door for more privacy.

"Hello?"

"Hello Darling, I know we have barely anything to talk about anymore with our different opinions on past events but you're still my daughter and if you're in town I'd love to see you again, bring your new fiancee if you want."

"Wait...you know about Michael proposing? How?"

"He came and talked to me about it a few days ago...he also wanted to know why you have a problem with me now. Honestly, I told him, I wanted to know the same thing. I know things were difficult for all of us and we...I...didn't handle them the best way when your father left but-"

"When dad left? I had to get dad...it makes me sick to even call him that...taken away because of what he was doing to me and you were oblivious to all of it. That's my problem with you, if you really cared about me as much as you care about my siblings you'd have known about dad...I would have felt more comfortable to tell you about it. And that's why, no, I will not come and see you before I leave. I honestly hate the fact that Michael felt he needed to ask your opinion on him marrying me. Bye."

I hang up and lean back on the wall trying to calm down before going back inside to Mike. His warm, comforting smile pops into my mind and I can feel the smile creep on my face. I push off the wall and go back inside. I put my phone down on the bedside table and look back at the couch where we were sitting but it's empty, then I hear water running. I get my stuff out ready, knowing he won't take long.

***

We're laying on his bed, I'm wrapped in his arms.

"I hope I gave you a very Merry Christmas, baby."

"Yeah, it's was the best. Except, why did you ask my mum if you could propose? And about our issues; one...me and Mum's problems are none of your business, two...I will tell you about when and IF I'm ever ready to, and finally...I don't care about you getting mum's permission for marriage. It's not like she ever cared about my life."

"Okay, firstly I just wanna say I'm sorry for that...I didn't realise that you had really bad issues with her, I just wanted to do things right."

"Thanks Mike, that's sweet but that's not the point."

"I wasn't finished. I also wanted to say that I will wait until you're ready to tell me, but I'd feel better if you trusted me enough to share any issues you have with me...whoever they're with. I can't help you if you don't know, and I know you've said you'll tell me once I've got my issues sorted which is starting in January. And also your mum did and does care about you, heaps, she just didn't know how to react when she found out what was happening to you. She was just as shocked as everyone else, but she had to try to think of all her children as well as her self and she was being pressured by social services and stuff and obviously they were hacked and not a reliable bunch to be supporting you guys. They screwed up a lot with you and your siblings, it's not your mum's fault."

"Whatever, I'm not letting this ruin my night. Can you sing to me?"

"Of course, beautiful."

I drift swiftly off to sleep to the sound of Michael's soft raspy voice.

Author's Note:

So I'm so excited right now...not just a cos I love where this book is leading but...because I'm going to see our boys (5SOS) perform tomorrow night! I'm so full of nerves/anxiety right now but also I'm so excited. So for any of you guys that have seen them previously or are still to see them (either in Brisbane like me, or in Sydney) I hope they have you the best night ever...that's what I'm hoping for...
Anyways, I hope you're enjoying the book so far. Please keep reading, voting and commenting it's really appreciated.