Hide It

20

August 2015

Pippa's POV

Lin had handed me the one thing I needed. It was a little black box that I had to hide in the depths of my bag so she wouldn't find it. Lin and Renee were the only ones who knew of this box since I had them go together to pick it out. I couldn't do it myself but I sent ring size information over to them while they did so.

"Do you think she'll like it?" I asked him while I looked at the ring. I sent them with my credit card so that way it was all paid for too. It was a pretty ring, simple, but pretty. It had one decent sized diamond in the center and one on each side of it.

"I think she'll love it." He smiled at me.

"I hope so..." I sighed. He patted my back and I put it back in my bag. She was busy getting ready while I was already ready to start the show. Her parents have given me permission during her birthday party when Daveed had distracted her.

"Don't think of it as something to be afraid of. Just think of it as the beginning of the rest of your life with someone you can't wait to be with." Lin smiled. I nodded at the thought, knowing what he had said was the truth. I had to believe him. He was already happily married and with a kid. Things had to be good for him.

When we had begun the show, everyone was already super excited for it all to begin. I couldn't wait until the end when I could get to hold Jasmine in my arms again.

"So I see you and Jas worked it out." Renee smiled at me during our little break.

"Yeah, I'm very happy we did. I wouldn't know what to do with the thing if I hadn't come back home." I sighed nervously. "I really don't want to lose her." I gave a small smile and she squealed with happiness. I couldn't believe I was going to take this next step so soon, but it felt right. 

We had done the show with little errors, minor mishaps with messing up lines, but that's alright. Nothing too major like someone falling or anything. I was happy to finally be in my dressing room for intermission. I sat with my mug of coffee and sipped on it while my helper fixed my hair for act two. Jasmine bounced in as usual and smiled at me. 

"Hi!" I laughed. "I haven't seen you in a while." I smirked. 

"I was just on stage with you." She giggled. I held out my hand, which she gladly took and I couldn't wait to ask her to marry me. I was planning on doing it tomorrow, before the show, before the curtains rose too. Tomorrow was going to be our official opening night and it was going to be crazy alright. "Tomorrow's it." She breathed. 

"I know..." I sighed. It was it. Not just because I was going to have my Broadway debut... But for other reasons too. Leslie's birthday, me asking Jas to marry her, Lin's accomplishments. Everyone had something special planned for tomorrow. I was excited, nervous, and terrified. 

~~~~

The next day, Jasmine and I showed up at different times because I was terrible with times for some reason. I had missed the train, and decided to rent a bike just to make it on time. Of course, I made it before her since I knew short cuts and how to weave in and out of traffic skillfully. I wouldn't recommend it though... I had almost gotten hit by oblivious cars three times just in that one trip. 

I turned in the bike and sprinted my way to the theatre. Hopefully everyone would be okay with this. I just hoped it would all go good. Things had to go great. Lin greeted me at the door and gave me a huge bear hug. 

"Today is the day!" He yelled. "Well, it's a big day for everyone." He laughed. 

"Yes.. I can't wait." I smiled while digging in my bag. "Is everyone here yet? Well, besides Jasmine?" I asked. 

"Yes. They're all on stage. Did you bring your gift for Leslie?" He asked. I nodded and handed him the wrapped up box that I had pulled out of my bag. "What is it?" He asked while lightly shaking it. 

"Liquor. What else would it be?" I laughed. "Jasmine picked it out so I threw in a little card and wrapped it for us." I shrugged. He nodded and went to deliver the present to his dressing room. I sat in mine for a bit waiting for the call to go to stage. I heard the stage door open and a few people screaming hellos from a distance. 

"You did make it. Thank god." I looked up and saw Jasmine walk into my dressing room. I stood up to hug her and she smiled. "How did you make it before me?" She asked. 

"I know where all of the bike ports are." I laughed nervously. She just shook her head while laughing at me and held onto me. "Come on. Let's get to the stage before everyone wonders where we went." I whispered. She nodded and we headed up to the stage with everyone. 

We had decided to talk a little about how far we had come, and how everyone had begun. Lin was already in tears because of it. Tonight was already special to him. We talked a little more, then leading into singing to Leslie, and completely embarrassing him of course. I nodded at Lin, giving him the approval for what was next. Alright Pips. Now or never... 

"Well, since we are on the topic of beginnings and starting new chapters in our lives...." Lin smiled. "Pippa? Would you like to say something?" He grinned. 

"I would..." I laughed nervously. I looked at everyone and they all nodded eagerly. "Um... Well, I'm really grateful for everyone here, and well, everyone who has helped me on this journey, and I would love for you guys to know that. But right now...." I said while taking a step back from the circle. "I really need to let Jasmine know something..." I took her hands and smiled at her. "I know it isn't the Public, but this show was where we started, and I really, really am grateful for Lin because he decided to cast us. And if he hadn't then really, I wouldn't have met you..." I smiled. 

"Aw Pip..." Jasmine beamed. 

"And I really do love you... So, I guess, what I'm trying to say is..." I got down on one knee and pulled the little box out of the bag I had over my shoulder. "Jasmine Cephas Jones...." I watched her eyes begin to water and her hand flew up to cover her mouth. Everyone made little happy noises and clapped behind her. "Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife in the future?" I asked while flipping the box open. 

"Yes!" She cried happily. Everyone cheered loudly and a few had gotten the whole thing on film. Thank goodness for the camera guy too. I slid the ring on her finger, thankfully it fit, and I stood up to kiss her. "You've made this day a hundred times better." She whispered when we broke apart. "I love you." 

"I love you so much. You've made my whole life a hundred times better." I whispered.