Fake Smiles

#17: Promise

Grayson heard Ethan walking in at 3am last night. Lily had fallen asleep on him while watching a movie, so he took her to bed. He had crawled in bed with her. He had an amazing dream, until his alarm rang.

He pressed dismiss and cuddled up to Lily. They slept until 12pm. Grayson woke up and made everyone breakfast. He walked into Ethan's room to see him lying across his bed in a starfish position. He smiled as he ripped the duvet off him.

Ethan pulled himself into a ball position and continued to sleep. Grayson jumped on him and woke him up. It took a while, but Grayson was able to convince him to wake up.

The three of them ate breakfast together. They were laughing about stupid things they did as a kid. Lily had tears in her eyes from laughter and her stomach hurt.

Ethan left saying he had to meet someone. Grayson and Lily were confused, but Lily could tell he was going to meet a girl. It was the way his eyes sparkled and his face lit up. She could tell he was in love.

Grayson decided to take Lily on another date. He was going to take her to a winter carnival. They dressed up warm and left the apartment for their date.

Grayson drove her to the carnival. It had an ice skating rink and wintry games. They walked around linking arms. Lily stayed close for warmth.

They stayed out until late at night. There were lights around the carnival when it was dark. They walked around and admired the scenery. It was beautiful.

There were Christmas trees that were covered in multicoloured lights. They had a gold star on the top that seemed to shine, even without a light hitting it. There were lights along the path, guiding people around the carnival. Christmas songs were being playing around the area. The ice skating rink was amazing. There were blue fairy lights along the side and Christmas decorations hanging along the barriers.

After skating round for an hour, they went to a restaurant for lunch. They sat down at a table near the window. The view was amazing. It was of a fountain that had water flowing. It must be warm water or else it would have frozen over.

They ordered their meal and spoke about absolutely anything and everything. As they left the restaurant, Grayson held her hand. He led her to the park where they went the day they went out. He sat her down on the swings and got down on one knee.

"Lily, I have come to realise that I cannot live without you. I may have gone almost 17 years without you, but I can no longer go a minute without you crossing my mind. I feel empty when you're not around. I would say you cross my mind all the time, but that would be a lie. You live in my mind. I don't go a second without thinking about you. Your gorgeous eyes, your cute button nose, your soft pink lips, your heavenly laugh. I love everything about you. And after everything we've been through, I want to promise you that I will love you for eternity. Lily, will you accept my promise of loving you and be my girlfriend?"

She cried as she nodded her head. She pulled him into a kiss and said "yes". She smiled into the kiss as he stood up. He picked her up and twirled her around. They broke the kiss and he gave her the promise ring he brought her.

She read what was engraved on the inside. 'I am with you still in each new dawn'. She smiled as she read it. She placed it on her ring finger, but on her right hand. She pulled him in for another kiss. She wrapped her arms around his neck as he wrapped his arms around her waist.

They walked back home and was greeted to an empty apartment. They smiled as they cuddled on the couch and watched movies.

They woke up to the sound of the apartment door opening. They looked to see Ethan stumble through the door. He closed the door behind him and sat on the couch.

"Where have you been?" Grayson asked.

"I was out" he replied. "I've been talking to this girl. I went out to meet up with her. It was fun. We spent the whole day together. But then her brother chased me and threatened to kill me if I hurt her. I can't believe I out ran him!"

"Hahaha! Looks like you've got a test. Her brother will be watching how you treat his sister. And if you fail the test, you're practically dead. Good luck!" Grayson said.

Ethan glared at him. "Oh! Thanks for the support! I don't know what I'd do without you!" Ethan said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Ethan" Lily said. Ethan turned to her. "If you really want her, you need to show her. My dad told me that it is never the girl that runs after the boy, it's the other way round. If the boy wants it, he'll go after it. You need to show her that nothing can stop you from seeing her. Show her you care about her. Show her how much she means to you. Make her feel like she's the only girl in the world. Make her feel special. If you really wish to be with her, you won't let any one get in your way".

He smiled at her. "Thanks Lily. You did better than Grayson. You gave me some helpful advice. I owe you one!" He hugged her before running out the apartment.

Grayson pulled Lily back into his arms. "Since when did you become so wise?" He asked as he kissed her head.

"Since now, I guess. Being wise is not from age, but experience. You learn from experiencing. Whether it's by learning from your mistakes, or from others" she replied.

"Wow! My girlfriend is wiser than I'd ever be!" He said before bringing her into a kiss. She kissed back almost immediately. They continued to watch movies and cuddle.