The Day My Future Changed

Chapter One - The Gift

"Hey, babe," my boyfriend Jeremey said as I hopped into his car "Happy Anniversary!"

"Happy Anniversary!" I replied fiddling with the hem of my floral dress.

"You look gorgeous by the way," he said with his eyes glued to the driveway as we backing out. I was
surprised he even had time to look at me.

"You too." I really meant it, he was wearing a dark grey jacket with a blue tie.

My heart pounds as I look at him, is he going to propose? It would be a good time since it's our last semester of college.

"Hey, you okay?" Jeremey asked.

"Yeah, just thinking," I said, "I can't believe it has been three years."

"Same"

"Time sure travels fast when you're getting old," I joked but was completely serious at the same time.

He smiled "Oh stop, we have our whole lives ahead of us."

I didn't know if I believed him. I always thought that once you settled down life was over. But Jeremy always had hope for the future and I knew with him by my side the journey would be less terrifying. Though it still gave me hives just thinking about it.

We parked next to a good-looking Italian restaurant named Mangia E Zitto. I looked through the window and noticed that it was not our normal food selection.

Through the window I noticed the fancy tables, displayed with a stain free white table cloth, authentic silverware and light blue napkins.

Jeremy opened the door of the restaurant, and let me go before him we walked to the hostess.

"I booked us a reservation," He said too casually.

"Um, are you sure this is the right place," I asked?

I was amazed how formal Jeremy was acting. Usually, we hang out at one another's apartments and are glued to the couch playing video games or watching underrated films.

We gave the waiter our order, then sat in silence for a couple seconds.

"Um... I got you a gift," he said pulling out a small black box under the table.

I spit out my water as soon as I saw the box.

"You okay?" he asked raising an eyebrow.

"I-I... yeah," I said sheepishly washing my mouth and lap with a napkin.

"Anyway, here's your present," he hands me the box.

I take it hesitantly and open it to reveal a silver necklace with a red diamond pendant. I took a relieved breath and smiled.

It's not like I hated the idea of marriage, but I've never thought it would happen to me. I still have a ton of single friends who wish to have the relationship I have. I never thought that I would be the one dating before them, much less close to marriage.

"Thank you, it's very beautiful."

"I'm glad you like it."

"I also got you something," I pulled out a box that I had stuffed into my purse earlier and handed it to him.

"Aw, thanks, babe" he opened the box to reveal a picture frame with a photo of the day he asked me out inside.

"Sorry, I was hoping to get you that new game you wanted."

He walked over to my seat and gave me a hug. "I think it's perfect."

"Oh... good, I am glad you like it." I smiled.

"This is super awkward isn't it?"

"Maybe, but we've never done it before."

He sat back down and put his hand over mine.

"Well it's not over, I was thinking maybe going to the place where it all began," he said with a smirk.

The sun was setting as we pulled into the park entrance.

Jeremey and I walked hand in hand.

I turned to him and noticed sweat beading down his forehead. He turned away from me and whipped his forehand with his sleeve.

We went on a long walk in silence, taking in the beauty of the park. Once in a while we would bring up memories of that day.

We stopped moving when we got to the lake.

"Zoe I-I have something to tell you."

"O-okay... wh-"

"I love you!" he interrupted me.

"I love you too."

"I just think, we don't say it enough," he explained.

I nodded. We were still standing and looking at the lake.

"Is there something else you wanted to say?" I asked him in concerned. I never seen him so nervous before.

"Nope, that was it." He poked my nose with his finger and walked ahead of me.

I followed him, admiring the fountain, and the way the sunset hit the water. Every nerve coming undone by its peaceful flow.

Jeremy looked back at me and we finally made eye contact since the date started.

"You're so beautiful," he said.

I looked down at the grass feeling my face heat up. "Um... thank you."

Jeremy laughed "I think we both had enough of this romantic stuff."

"Yeah, but I think we need it every so often," I said playfully hitting him on the arm.

"true, so are you ready to get pulverized at Mario Kart?"

"Yeah right, who beat you three times in a row last time," I pointed to myself with pride.

"Who taught you to play in the first place?"

"Whatever, It just proves how skilled I am."

Jeremy rolled his eyes and took my hand, "You're lucky your cute."

I giggled as we left the park hand in hand.