A Century of Loneliness

Chapter 2: A Walk at Sunset

Jamie P.O.V

A few days pass. I've been thinking about how to propose to Elizabeth, but I just don't know how. Just the thought of asking her such a ridiculous question when we haven't ever considered being romantic with each other makes me nervous. Perhaps it wouldn't be so difficult if I actually loved her.

'How can I be expected to marry someone that I don't love in an intimate way? I can't marry Elizabeth. She's my best friend and I love her, just not in the way I should if I'm supposed to marry her.'

I sigh and lock my fingers into my hair, tugging a bit. The whole situation is stressful and putting a lot of weight on my shoulders. The last thing I want is to be murdered by the Mafia because I won't marry my best friend.

'My biggest fear is that I won't make Lizzy happy. I want what's best for her. She deserves someone who knows what they want. I don't know what I want. I don't even know if I want to marry a woman.'

These types of thoughts could definitely get me killed. If the Mafia knew that I was reconsidering my arranged marriage to Elizabeth they would take me out to some secluded area and make a quick job of me. I don't want that to happen.

For a while, I sit on the curb of my street and watch the people walk by. Some people look happy while walking with their wife or husband, while others look like they could use a serious drink. Unfortunately, consumption and production of alcohol are illegal for the time being. It makes everyone a bit cranky.

I sigh and stand up from the curb. The ring box remains in the pocket of my slacks. I take it out and peek at the ring inside, seeing that it's a diamond ring. It's a good size stone, meaning that it probably cost her father a pretty penny.

I put the box back in my pocket and begin to walk towards Elizabeth's house. I decide that I'm going to purpose tonight and get it over with. The sooner the better.

'Perhaps Elizabeth will reject my marriage proposal. Then the Mafia cannot blame me for not marrying her. At the end of the day, it is her choice on whether or not she wants to marry me. Please Lizzy, for once tell me no.'

Even when I want Lizzy to reject me so I can act heartbroken and not be killed, I still want the moment to be special for her. It's not often that a woman gets a proposal. It should be special, even if there's no romantic love behind it.

I'll wait until sunset. I dress in a nice shirt, slacks, and a vest that I had been saving for a special occasion. I suppose this is as good as any. I won't have to deal with what Elizabeth chooses to wear because she looks gorgeous no matter what. To some, it seems like she doesn't try, but I know that she has to do a lot of work to stay that pretty.

I comb my hair and straighten my tie before leaving the house. I hope that Lizzy will not question why I'm dressed up nicer than an ordinary day, but I won't put it passed her to do so. She notices almost every tiny detail in everything.

When I arrive at her house I am surprised to see her father waiting on the porch, sharpening a knife. The sound of the blade scraping the stone makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. My heart starts beating faster and faster each time the blade reflects the sunlight.

"Are you going to do it tonight?" he asks while glancing up at me with dark, unforgiving eyes.

My hand instinctively clutches the small box in my pocket. The Mafia is scary enough when it's just talked about, but having to possibly marry into a Mafia family is even more terrifying. It does give you some level of protection, but it also can put a rather large target on your back.

"Yes. I'm going to take her on a walk after dinner and ask at sunset."

Before he can say anything about my plan, Elizabeth walks out and smiles. She looks beautiful in a light red dress that blows in the wind as if dancing to a popular melody. One can't help but stare for a moment. And her smile completes the entire look.

"So Jamie, where are we going?" she asks happily, grabbing my arm.

"We're going to dinner and then I figured we would go for a walk," I tell her.

She flashes her beautiful smile once again which makes her father smile. It's a bit odd to me because I've never actually seen him smile before. It's definitely interesting.

He gives a small nod of approval and then we're off. We walk to a nice restaurant to have dinner.

Every once in a while someone will whisper or call Lizzy a "flapper," which is basically a rebellious woman who wears clothing that is more revealing and stands up for themselves. Their clothing is often flowing because they are out dancing; something considered improper during this time.

Lizzy does nothing to retaliate the talk of the people. She simply keeps walking until we reach the restaurant. She has definitely never been one to fight back gossip. It's normally the Mafia that fights her battles. Although she doesn't ask them to, it's her father that takes things into his own hands.

We arrive at the restaurant and have dinner at a table for two. A few people stare, but we don't let it ruin our dinner. This is one of the few times that we can go somewhere nice where it feels like it's just us. We both know that there are other people, but it doesn't feel that way.

After dinner, we take a walk around town. The sun is starting to set, filling the sky with reds and purples. It's truly beautiful. It seems like the perfect setting for a proposal.

'Here goes nothing.'