With Michael

Chapter 6 - A Merry Merry Christmas

20th of December, 1985
Brooklyn and Janet are 19, Michael is 27

Brooklyn: "Do you have to go?" Janet asked me, and put another sweater in my suitcase.

"Jan, you ask every year, and every year I tell you the same thing. YES. I have to see my grandmother. Plus, I'll see snow again!" I said.

My family and I were flying over to Chicago, to spend Christmas there.

We're originally from Chicago, but after my mother left my dad couldn't stay there. We ended up in Los Angeles because he got a great job offer.

Janet pouted a bit.

"I'll be back by New Year's." I mumbled.

"I know that. But you're taking my brother with you! That's not fair!"

Michael was joining us as well. Dad offered him to come.

"Next year, I'll be here. Promise."

"Oh, you won't have a choice." she barely whispered.

"What?" I asked, confused a bit.

"Nothing, nothing," my best friend said, looking at the clock, "Mike should be here any minute. He said he was coming at six, right?"

I nodded. We have been dating for a year and nearly four months. He's amazing, he really is. I'm so glad I let this happen.

"I think I'm done with packing." I said, closing the suitcase.

We went downstairs, only to find my dad and Michael hugging. That's new.

"When did you get here?" Janet asked her brother.

"Just now." Michael answered, smiling.

~

Michael: "What time is it?" I asked Brandon nervously.

"17:45. We'll be there in five." he answered.

I was bouncing my leg up and down, taking a deep breath.

"Relax, Mike. I'm sure her father will give you his blessing."

"I hope." I mumbled.

The car stopped in front of Brooke's house and Brandon gave me my suitcase.

I went to the door, knocking on it. Joshua answered the door, smiling at me.

"Come in, Michael. The girls are upstairs, should I go and get them?" he asked.

"No, not yet. I- I need to talk to you about a certain thing, Mr. Casey." I stuttered.

"Of course. Please, sit down. Would you like something to drink?"

"No, thank you."

He sat down on the couch in front of me, and I took the little box out of my pocket.

Joshua was traditional, and I knew this would please him.

I gave it to him, my hand shaking a bit. He opened it.

"I would like to have your permission to marry your daughter." I said.

He was silent for a moment before speaking, "Yes, yes, of course. Oh, wow, this is amazing!"

I grinned, relieved. I honestly loved Brooklyn more than anything; I knew I wanted her with me for the rest of my life.

"Thank you so much, Mr. Casey. You won't regret it."

Joshua gave me back the little box with the ring in it, standing up.

"It's Joshua for you." he said.