True love
Standing outside of Roenger's jewelry store, stood James, a tall lean man, who radiated a sense of unease. Standing there, in the middle of the sidewalk, James thought about what he was going to do. His girlfriend for two years, Ashley, was turning twenty-five. And this was his chance to surprise her. Taking her to Easter Island to see the mysterious heads of stone was something she had dreamt about for her entire life. And this was the perfect opportunity for just that.
Finally deciding that this was it, James walked forward and into the store. The inside of the store was lined with glass cases containing every kind of necklace, ring, watch, earring imaginable. The sheer majesty of all of the gold and diamonds almost overwhelmed him. Gazing around thunderstruck, James thought, this must be one of the best jewelry stores in the country. And he was right. Roenger's jewelry store was indeed one of the best. It had pieces from all around the world, created by some of the most prestigious designers.
"Can I help you?" A voice asked, "Are you looking for something special?"
James nearly jumped out of his shoes at the sound of the voice. As he turned to regard the speaker, his eyes were met by the sight of an old, wrinkled, man bent from his long years.
"Oh, hello, sir. I'm looking for a necklace. It's for my girlfriend," James said.
"For a special someone. I see. I see," deep in thought the man pondered for a moment. "Let me show you some of our finest necklaces."
Leading James over to the back of the store, the man gestured to a lone display case. In the case lay six necklaces. Each piece of jewelry, a masterpiece. Looking them over, James thought, none of these is right for what i want to to tell her. And then one caught his eye.
The golden links of the necklace gleamed up at him from under the display case.This was no ordinary necklace, this was the necklace. The perfect thing for his plans.
Hanging on those golden links, was a key. The key was made of solid gold, with mother of pearl inlay. Rough around the edges, this was it. The key to her heart, the key to his love. And in his heart, he hoped that she would love it.
"What do you think of this one?" The store clerk asked, interrupting his thoughts.
The reply came quickly, "I love it. This is the most perfect thing I've ever seen." He paused for a moment and then said, "This is the one. I would like to buy this one."
"Ah yes, I thought as much," The clerk said, deep in thought. "This necklace has a very interesting story. Would you like to hear it?" The clerk asked.
"Definitely,"
"Okay. This necklace was originally thought of when the woman who made it was on Easter Island. When she was admiring the stone heads there, she stepped on something, it was an old rusty key.
"Finally feeling inspired, she took the key home, and copied it down to every exact detail. The finished product is what you see here." With a flourish, the clerk pulled out the key necklace. "I know you really want it now, don't you?"
"It's beautiful," James sighed. "How much do you want for it?"
"It costs fifteen thousand four hundred dollars."
A look of clouding sorrow crossed James's face. The clerk could tell that the necklace was over his budget.
Shaking his head, James looked down at the illustrious golden necklace, and said, "This is it. This is the one. I'll take it."
While placing the necklace into the box and wrapping it, the clerk said, "You've made a good choice young man. I know that she'll love it to."
"Thanks so much, sir," James said. "I'll remember this story for my life."
As he walked out the door of the shop, he said to himself, "This is it James, with this you put your heart and relationship on the line."
"Where is he, where is he?" Ashley muttered under her breath, "He always does this to me. Just keeping me waiting."
Ashley was sitting on a bench in Reider Park under her favorite tree, an old gnarled elm. Wearing a white, double breasted jacket with black buttons and her favorite pair of jeans, Angela was ready for a night out with James.
Creeping in the back of her mind, Ashley thought, 'What happens if he doesn't propose soon?' It was her twenty-fifth birthday today, and she was only five years away form being thirty. All of her friends would be married soon, so why not now? Then, making up her mind, Ashley said aloud, "If he doesn't propose by the end of the year, it will be over for the two of us. I'll just find someone else who will marry me.
Walking quickly, James made his way through the park.
"Oh no," He muttered to himself. "I'm late. She's not going to be happy about this."
Finally arriving, James sat down next to Ashley and said, "Are you ready to go?"
''Yea," Ashley said, then the bag James carried in his right hand caught her eye. "Wait, what's in the bag?"
"Oh this?" James asked. "This is for you."
Her interest sparked, Ashley immediately thought of the things that might be in the bag. Was it an expensive pair of earrings? Was it a Tiffany's necklace? Was it the long awaited wedding ring? The white bag had no name, no logo to give a hint on what was in the bag.
When she had thought enough of the bag, Ashley asked, "What's in it?"
"Why don't you look inside to find out"
Looking inside, Ashley saw a black box. The box of something expensive, she hoped. Tentatively reaching inside, she almost touched it, but thought better and slowly withdrew her hand.
"Why don't you open it for me?" Ashley asked, a smile curving the ends of her lips.
That being decided, James took out his box and said, "Are you ready?"
"Yes."
Grasping the lid, James slowly slid the top off, and there, sparkling in the sunlight, was the necklace with the key hanging from it. Standing from the bench, he lowered himself onto one knee, and said, "Ashley, you are the most amazing person I have ever met. From the moment I saw you, I knew that I had to have you as my wife. Will you marry me?"
Tears welling in her eyes, Ashley thought, do I say yes? And she said, "I"m sorry James, but I have to say. . . Yes!!"
When he heard the words I'm sorry, James was ready for the rejection. But when the word yes struck his ears, he was taken aback. She said yes! I can't believe it!
Throwing herself into his arms, Ashley's lips met James's. Even though they had kissed hundreds of times before, this one had the sparks that very first kiss had. The electricity of happiness flowed through both of their bodies. It seemed like there was a bubble separating the couple from the rest of the world, the bubble full of love. After what seemed like an hour, Ashley broke the contact. Slowly, her soft lips withdrew from his.
Looking deep into his eyes, Ashley said, "I love you so much."
Picking her up, James spun Ashley in a slow circle, then set her down, saying, the exact same thing. . . .
The End
