new beginnings

Four Words

"Ugh," I heard Jordan say as she sat up from the ground, hat falling into her lap.

"You're awake?" I said, since it had been three hours of silence. 

"Yeah, thanks for letting me sleep," she said and rubbed her eyes sleepily. She moved closer to me and sat by my side.

"No problem," I said and she handed me my hat.

"Why'd you put this on my face?" she asked.

"I didn't want the wind in your face," I explained.

"Oh, thanks," she said.

"You know, you didn't have to do all that for me. You've been shirtless for a couple hours," she said, chuckling.

"Just trying to help," I said, truthfully.

"You need help more than anyone. Why don't you ever do anything for yourself?" she played with her hands.

"I don't know. Just my personality I guess," I shrugged.

"You don't have to worry about me," she said.

"Of course I do. You're carrying my kid, and I'd like to protect you both," I said. It was silent for a while after that. The sky was getting darker, and there was no sign of anyone. The wind picked up a little and it was getting colder.

"Why do you let Joel control you?" I blurted out of nowhere. She looked at me, thinking of a response.

"Well, he usually makes my choices, and I like that because he's kept me safe all the time. He's my protection," she answered nervously.

"I can be your protection," I reminded her.

"I know. He used to be so nice, but now... I've never seen him act like how he does," she said.

"I'm too afraid to see what happens when I try to break away," she finished. I was surprised. I thought she idolized him.

I looked at her, and gave her a sympathetic half-smile. She looked away and watched the trees sway from the wind. The silence was peaceful.

Building up courage to make a choice, I placed my hand gently on top of hers. She turned to me, but I didn't look at her. I kept staring at the trees and the darkening sky. She continued to watch with me.

It was finally sunset, and the mixture of all the colors in the sky was beautiful. I turned to Jordan after a long time of thinking.

"Jordan," I shakily said.

"Yes?" she asked, facing me.

"...I want you to be my wife," I said, now bold. Her face lit up in shock and surprise.

"...What?" she quietly said.

"Will you marry me?" the four words came out of my mouth after daydreaming about it all this time.

Tears rolled down her face and she clasped my hand. "Yes."

I smiled and kissed her lips slowly.

Jordan was now going to be my bride.

She pulled back and smiled widely. I was so excited and so was she. I had something to look forward to. I would have a wife.

So many emotions were felt as she cried tears of joy and hugged me. I felt I was making the right choice choosing her. I just hoped Ron would understand.

"Thank you," she squealed. I smiled and kissed her cheek.

But the moment was cut short when Jordan separated from me and had a nervous look on her face.