One Thing Can Change A Life

Chapt. 23

~Copeland POV~

I was struck silent when he got down on one knee and he began to speak. "Cope, I've loved you for a few years now and I wanted to be more. You're my life supply of happiness and I never want that to go away. I want you and only you and that will never change. You're a strong and amazing woman. We've been through a ton of shit these first years of our lives and I believe that you and I have a really great shot at happiness together. Will you marry me?" I just look at him with tears stinging the back of my eyes. I don't know how to make words anymore, so as tears flow down my face, I nod 'yes' and he quickly holds me in a tight hug that seems to last forever, which felt really good. "Yes, I will." I felt a big smile form on his face, which made me smile also. Max pulls away to put the ring on my finger.  It's a black band with a white sinus rhythm and occasionally there will be a white heart in the middle. It fits perfectly, and it's not too girly. "I have the same one, but for the actual ceremony." He adds quickly. "Obviously. Why wouldn't it be?" I ask sarcastically with a smile. Max chuckles. 

When we pay and leave a tip, we head out to the car. "Thank you babe, for everything." i say within a smile. "You're welcome my little fiance." he states with a small cute kindergartener smile. Ugh that put butterflies in my tummy. Hehehe. He makes me feel 14 again. I need to tell Dustin. 

Hmm, I wonder how he's doing. Maybe when we get back to the house I'll give him a call.  It only takes about a half an hour to get home. "Babe, how long have you planned this for?" I look at him as we speed down the highway and have Sacrifice by Creed playing. "Planned what?" Is he stupid? Yes, yes he is. "The ring, and the dinner." He mouthed "O". "I've been planning the ring for about two months now, and the dinner I came up with a week ago when I was ready to ask you." I nod and look out the window, even though I can't see anything. The song changes to My Immortal by Evanescence and I turn it up even though it's a slow song.  I love the piano in it. It's calm and soothing.  

"Baby, were home." Max says waking me up. "Uuuhhhh" I groan. I don't want to move right now. "Come on, we have to go in. I have a surprise for you." I still don't want to move. I don't care what he says, just fucking let me sleep! "Uhhhhhhh, I don't want to." I groan again. "Come on babe." That's the last thing I hear from him before he forcefully picks me up out of the car and brings me inside. "What was that for?" I struggle to get out of his arms. I don't like to be carried all that much. "I wanted you to see something." he says with a sheepish smile. "Answer me fully." I say in all seriousness. "Look for yourself." I turn around into the kitchen and I see Vito with a box of chocolates around his neck with a red ribbon sitting in front of mom and dad. 

I go to hug them when I get hugged by... OMG Dustin??!!

"Dustin!!!" I almost scream. "Hey pumpkin!" He lifts me off the ground in a great big bear hug. "Omg, I have so much to tell you. I love you dude, and I've missed you." I say without letting go. "I love you too sweetcheeks." He replies. I hear Max take in a sharp breath quietly, but loud enough that I heard it. I shoot him a look that is reassuring to him that Dustin and I are just friends. I should be allowed to say I love you to him. We've been together since... EVER. When I give Max the look he goes outside. After the door slams, mom and dad leave us alone to catch up and hang out. I let go of him, but he still hold on, slamming me into the wall and kissing me. "Dustin!!" I shout, more offended now. 

"Cope, you know I've loved you for a long time, and everytime you say you love me too... my love for you grows and grows. Copeland, now that you aren't with Maxi pad, will you go out with me? You're perfect. You're my dream girl. You help me with my problems, and when you moved, I realized that I need you in my life. You make everything better. I realized that life isn't the same without you." Tears form in his eyes, but he blinks them away. "Dustin, what are you talking about? Max and I-" He kisses me again, this time with more power. "Dustin," I push him away. "Ya, baby?" "Max and I aren't not together. He, actually, just proposed." Dustin's face went pale. More pale than the arctic; which is white. "I-Uh-h... Cope, uh, pl-pl-please forgive me. I heard you two broke up, and, and I, wanted to see, if you loved me like you always say, but I guess not." His face became gloomy and glum. I automatically feel like a big loser and a bully. "You know he doesn't love you, I love you. What he does isn't love, it's bribery. He only wants you for your body. HE DOESN'T WANT YOU FOR YOU." He shouts, backing away. "He's a loser and a no good piece of sh*t." I look at him and slap him. I didn't mean to, but he really ticked me off right now. He ends up a few feet away from me. "You bitch." Dustin snaps, coming at me and forcing me down the halls. 

"DUSTIN NO! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! STOP PLEASE!" I scream, but he keeps his hand over my mouth and pulling me down towards my room. We go up the stairs and find my room. "DUSTIN NO! STOP PLEASE! I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING TO YOU!!" "Shut up." Dustin slams the door and locks it. "You shouldn't have slapped me, Cope. You are about to pay." He says as he takes his shirt off. Max, please help, please please, please. I want you Max, help.