Bittersweet Moments

Epilogue | Put A (Doughnut) Ring On It

Epilogue | Put A (Doughnut) Ring On It

*third person point of view*

Jackson leaned back and surveyed the area of the coffee shop. He had come to the same shop for years now and he knew this particular day was different because there were lots of people – chattery people. There was a family of eight, a couple trying to fight over the barista calling out names, a group of laughing old ladies and of course, the Bridgeshade students who decided that Starbucks was the best place to rehearse their presentations.

Next, Jackson looked at the things on his comfy round table. There lied his glasses, an open textbook (one chapter of which he had to discuss with his students later), the cup of coffee with his name written in uppercase (added to his first name was his last name) and of course, a blue velvet box.

For some odd reason he was repulsed by seeing that tiny velvet gold-lined box in front of him. Whenever his eyes were drawn to it, he averted his gaze. Jackson didn't know if it was the nerves talking or it was a sign that he shouldn't do it.

But I have to, god damn it, he chided himself distastefully.

Past college already, and past the peak of Divide and Conquer fame, Jackson thought that it might be the best time. He was ready to start a new stage of life with his sweets. And after all they've been through, why not do it?

He groaned inwardly. How would Ollie react if he prolonged the wait for the proposal?

He looked up when he saw someone occupy the seat in front of him. He recognized the Ray Bans and the radiating attitude immediately. "Please tell me you're kidding right now," begged he.

The new company wiggled his fingers. Behind those sneaky glasses, no doubt, Jackson knew he had a sparkle in his eye. It was the same sparkle present whenever Jackson and Ollie were caught in a moment and he intruded.

"I'm afraid I'm not, brother mine," Brendan said in his irritating accent. It was so fake that it was a lower quality than the accent his amateur students could muster. Jackson nodded and sighed. After all, his brother was still famous; he had to make precautions.

Brennan leaned forward and lowered his Ray Bans for me to see his eyes. "So you're really going to do it? You're going to propose to her?"

"I don't even know now. Should I?"

His brother looked at him funnily.

"Fine," Jackson rubbed his temple, "Let me rephrase that –"

"You know she'll say yes anytime," Brennan said pointedly. Jackson sighed once again. He can't help but admit silently that Brennan was right. With all those years together, people were already implying their marriage.

Jackson remembered the first time it was brought up publicly. It was a D and C interview in a late night talk show and he was watching with Lawrence and Jess. An audience member had the audacity to ask Oliver whether he would be proposing soon. Jackson had spat his drink all over the couch. Lawrence had laughed, while Jessica had been gasping.

Oliver had looked like it didn't faze her that much. She had replied that 'there was still time' and she 'trusted Jackson in his decisions' and 'the whole world simply had to be patient'. From that moment, an invisible weight was put on Jackson's shoulders. He felt like there were eyes everywhere, waiting for the grand 'Joliver' proposal.

The paparazzi were so serious that Jackson had to ask his father to get the ring for him.

"I just don't know if it's the right time," Jackson honestly told Brennan. "What if I mess up? What if she doesn't like the way I do it? But what if she says no?"