Black and White

32- Nico

I had expected my heart to be pounding from my stomach, but instead, I felt eerily calm. The feeling was appreciated greatly considering there were quite a few people around, and I couldn't afford to rush myself. I paced from one end of the store to the other, replaying the other night's events in my mind. The man behind the counter had asked me multiple times if I needed help, but I was confident I could make this decision on my own. I paced back the other way, my eyes glued to the rings behind the glass countertop, determined to find the perfect one.

Then I saw it. Or rather, them.

The first one was simple- a thicker, gold ring with a black diamond pattern stretching from one end to the other. I asked to see it, pursing my lips. It was only when it was in my hand that I knew it wasn't the one. Then, behind it, another ring became clear. It was stunning- a gold band with a small ring of black Celtic designs running through the centre. No diamonds- they were too gaudy for us. It seemed to dance in the light as if to say, "What are you doing? I'm perfect for him, you know that." I put the ring in my hand down and pointed to the other one. "How much is that one?" Now, my heart was pounding. The man behind the counter pulled it out and checked. "This one? $6, 680." My stomach dropped. Just too much. Wrecked, I tried to come to a reasonable conclusion in my mind. I needed a job, then maybe in two weeks after that, I'd be able to pay off the rest of the ring. Trying to stay calm and focused, I took a breath. "I'll take it."

The weight of the ring was almost as much as the weight on my shoulders.

Still, I was thrilled I was going to get this chance with Will. I was confident in our relationship, but still- we were young, and I wasn't sure if he'd want to wait until we were out of college, or get too scared and not say yes at all. Or maybe he'd found some kind of reason to hate me in the few hours that it would take for this to happen. I bit my lip. Don't think about that. Just think about doing this right. And think about a job. My stomach fluttered. Ugh. When I returned home, my hand squeezed tight in my pocket, Will was sitting at the kitchen table.
"Hey, babe." I smiled, kissing him casually. "Hey," he beamed. "Where were you?"
"Just went shopping, but I didn't find anything."
"You should've told me, I would have come with you. I need a few shirts anyway."
"Oh, okay. We can go back tomorrow if you want."
"Sure." And with that response, an idea formed in my head.