The Proposal

Chapter Five: Romeo & Juliet?

            

10-25-2018

Dear Journal,

            Its Sunday, when I normally go to church and normally have high school bible study, and normally get all dressed up. Well, the only thing that is even related to this normal routine is when I went into the library, found a Bible and began to pray. I needed to pray so badly; I had so much on my mind. I had looked at the calendar; it's only 55 days until December 18th. I didn't even notice when the tears started flowing and began to drip on the page. Suddenly Elijah was by my side, his hand on my shoulder. I tried to look away, hide the tearstains on my cheeks. But he cupped my chin and carefully turned it towards him. "What's with all the tears, I don't think the Bible needs any watering unless you're planning on trying to make it sprout roots or something." This got a small smile and I tried to wipe away some of the tears. Elijah handed me a hanky and I dabbed at my eyes. "What's on your mind?" he asked kindly. I bit my lip debating if I should really tell him, but somehow in his presences I felt safe and I had nothing to hide. "Just about the same thing in everyone else's mind. Why is the government interfering with our lives? Why must we marry so soon? Why will we die if we don't? What is the purpose of this, is it a huge experiment? If I must marry, will I find someone before my death date? Does who I like, like me back?" I paused, the last thing I had said just spilled out, and I hadn't even intended it. Trying to change the subject I added, "What's your mind?" He responded with, "The same thing you said, especially that last one." I shook my head, it wasn't intended as embarrassment, but I felt like I was on the hot seat. How was I supposed to respond to that? I closed the book, handed him the hanky, and walked back over to the shelf where it belonged. He followed me over and asked, "How's Fred? Is he still following you around?" "Fine," I said, "I hooked him up with Lauren... maybe. They seem to get along quite well." "What?" he said, "Was he to good for you?" That received a glare, "What kind of question is that? We don't have a lot in common, he and Lauren do." He leaned against the bookshelf blocking my only possible exit. "You like him, don't you." "If I did, why would I pair him up with Lauren?" He smiled casually and looked at me closely, "Because that's how you act. You are very considerate, others before yourself." I shook my head, were we really having this conversation? "I'm not that much of a goody-two-shoes. If you had any idea why I put him with her, you might be shocked that I wasn't 'considerate'". He raised his eyebrows, "And why did you put them together then?" I could have said it right then and there; I love you. NO! I of course said something completely hysterical and the irritation verging on anger mixed in my voice was filled with so much love, bah! "None of your business; now move!" I stomped off and knew instantaneously my anger wouldn't last long; I would be going back for to apologize soon. He wasn't trying to invade my privacy; I was just in a touchy mood.

Sincerely,

Emily Thompson

10-26-2018

Dear Journal,

            Last night I woke up around two and Elijah was standing next to the window. I hadn't yet apologized for my lovely performance, and I thought I could talk to him privately then. I got up quietly and began to walk towards him, when I realized he was singing. I caught a few of the words and realized he was singing 'Romeo and Juliet', and he had told me time and time again he hated that song and the singer. For his sake I purposely ignored that factor and snuck up behind him and joined in the song. Why I joined in, I don't really know. Maybe it's because the song seemed to be talking about the hopes and dreams everyone here was thinking about: love, laughter, spouse, perfect couple, life, the whole shebang. He looked up and the expression on his face was something I had never seen before. It was full of pain, relief, and joy, talk about complete opposites! I took his hand, not out of love but out of comfort. He seemed to be on the verge of tears and I had a feeling that I could help him somehow. I lead him outside into the chilly air and we sat on a bench under the stars. The guards were marching around the school, which did not help, but we tried to ignore them. We sat there quietly for a long time, and then I just had to say something, anything. I was shocked with what I came up with, almost pleased. "Elijah, do you know how many stars there are in the sky? Enough that if they were turned into tears they could make anything grow roots, or sprout beautiful flowers. But their not tears their angel; they all guard and watch over you. They'll make sure you find the perfect wife long before December rolls around. You don't need to worry about that." He didn't say anything, but tears began to roll down his cheeks by the millions. I let him cry for a while and then said, "I don't really want to get rooted to this bench." He smiled and whipped away some of his tears. Then he asked me, "Emily, will you find someone by December? Have you gone on any dates?" Now, one thought did cross my mind when he said that, isn't this the perfect place for a proposal?? So I said, "No, I haven't gone on any dates. Unless you count going to Pizza Hut with you." He looked at me, slightly puzzled and then shook his head. We sat there quietly for another hour before we got cold and went inside. Today he acted like it didn't happen, like he didn't cry in front of me or listen to my TRY to make a good joke. That disappointed me even more. He could have proposed last night!

Sincerely,

Emily Thompson