She just pulled in
Oriah's car pulled into the parking lot behind the restaurant. I waited inside patiently for her, watching her through the slits of the blinds window. Her short, dark brown hair and blond highlights glistened in the remaining moments of dusk. Her wardrobe consisted of a black skirt and simple but classy heals.
I felt like I could smell her sweet scent from where I was sitting inside. As she walked into the door, eye contact was made instantly. I began to smile, simultaneously, and to my surprise, she did as well. We walked closer towards me, her scent getting strong with every placement of her feet. Her brown eyes lit up as soon as she saw what I had sitting on the table ready for her.
Before today, I did not have the money to buy her the ring that she wanted. I felt with the money that was about to be gained from Enan's success, what ever I had saved inside the bank, I could safely use for this moment. Her eyes began to water up when she noticed the blue box with the white ribbon tied around it.
Thank you, Tiffany
"Adrian, what is this?" she tried to ask, fighting back her tears.
"Remember how hard it was for me to get you a ring. A ring that you really wanted. I had to resort to going to the local super stores to purchase your engagement ring. Well, I felt that this would be more suitable for you Oriah" I answered happily.
She opened up the box and unveiled the almost 18 grand ring and band. I watched carefully the reaction on her face as it grew from happy to even happier. The tears rolled down her cheek onto the ground below. Had she continued to weep joyfully, she would probably have been knee deep by the next day.
"Baby, you didn't have to do this. Really. As much as I wanted to have something like this, this is not what I needed the most. What I really needed was you, Adrian. Just for you to listen, to be there for me. To make me feel something a diamond ring never can. Loved. "
It seems that this whole time, through my accomplishments and endeavors, I had things wrong. I had changed. Before Enan, I was a loving boyfriend. Caring, understanding. I was always there. Although imperfect, I tried my hardest to be the best friend that I could be to her. I allowed myself to change. I have no one to blame for that but myself.
"I understand. I promise you that things have really changed, for the better. I no longer have to worry about Project Enan or anything else that will detour me away from handling my business. Oriah, I love you more then anything. Will you forgive me for how I have been? Can you, forgive me?"
She paused and looked me in the eyes once more. Her steadily wiped her tears away with a napkin on the table.
"I was going to use that, you jerk" I said jokingly.
She giggled, which turned into a laugh, striking a playful blow into my shoulder. She smiled and sniffled, then grabbed my hand and held it tightly.
"I forgive you, Adrian. I love you so much, and all I want is for us to be happy, and to continue to grow happy together. That is all I want, baby."
I smiled. In my head, I knew that was something that I could do. Everything is getting better. My life at that moment had so much promise. I would be able to take care of Oriah with the money earned for the Enan project. I can pass the torch to someone just as qualified to do so, and I can finally spend the time I need with Oriah. Have those two kids we have been talking about with so long. With Enan, I can do that.
"Babe. I want to tell you something. But you have to promise me that you won't get alarmed. That you won't look at me differently."
I looked around for those that were listening. It seems that Oriah and I are always the center of attention in someone's world. She finally sat down, a concerned but interested look appeared on her face, as she was waiting, ready for what ever I was about to put on her.
