Love you more

True love

Giovanni:

The past few days had been extremely stressful. I constantly was busy with the dance show, additionally to planning the next dance show and most of the time, Faye and me hadn't even seen each other because she now is busy with performing in panto. Gladly today we both have a day-off, meaning we can spend the whole day together without needing to worry about forgetting about the time.

I planned to take her out for dinner this evening ane before that I promised her to take her shopping. We hadn't done anything like that in weeks; in fact I believe the last time we actually went shopping together was shortly after the Strictly tour finished.

Whilst I wait downstairs for her, my thoughts circle around something else. Basically I thought about proposing to her for quite a while now. I started looking for engagement rings, started to make up a speech in my head but every time I decide to propose soon, I get scared. What if she says no or doesn't want to get married? Okay, fair enough she said she wants to get married. But what if she thinks it's too soon to get engaged? I mean, we meant like what... not even a year ago.

"Gio?" a voice behind me asks. I shrug slightly, turning around to see Faye standing behind me with a shy smile on het face. She had her her curled in what I assume are her natural curls, only having a bit of make-up on. "Do you think I can go out like this?" she asks silently.

"Of course you can! Sweetie, remember what I told you? You're beautiful with and without make-up." I smile, wishing she could see how beautiful she is herself. We will get there, I will get her more confident in herself. "Where do you want to go?"

"I... uh... want to look for a nice party dress. You know, me and the band plan to hang on again soon and I want to have a nice dress. But if you don't want to go shopping, we can do something else of course." she says, getting more silent with every word. It hurts to see so little confidence in her, I just want to see her gorgeous smile and to see her as confident as she was during the Strictly tour.

I take her hands, gesturing for her to sit down. "What do you want to do? We'll do whatever you want."

She bits her lip thoughtfully while I hug her tightly. "Shopping." she says after a long while of silence.

"See, decision made. Let's go shopping." I smile, taking her bag all gentlemen-like. I call us a taxi and although our way to the city is rather quiet, Faye starts smiling as soon as we approach a shop. Seeing that sparkle in her eye immediately makes me more happy as well.

"I love that shop." she smiles. "Claire, Lisa and me often go here. In the early band days, we literally bought everything in that shop and our management went mad when we arrived with loads of bags because they said-" she trails off when someone looks at us rather judgemental, making Faye stop mid-talking.

I can see in her eyes that she gets panicky, taking my hand as if to show me that she wants to go. But no, I don't allow anyone to judge us because of our love. We're not doing something bad, so why do some people judge us? "Should I show you something?" I smile. Without even waiting for her answer, I guide her through the shop; walking a few metres until we reach a place where less people are walking around. "All okay?" I ask worried. "Are you anxious? Or is it a panic attack? Do you want to get some fresh air?"

"No, I'm good." she says with a thin voice. "It's just... I don't like that some people judge our love."

"Sadly sweetie, there always will be people who judge others. It's hard and it hurts but just don't mind about them. I love you and you know that, okay?" I assure her, kissing her cheek. Aware that others could see us - which doesn't matter as we announced our relationship - I just smile at a couple that looks through the jewellery. They both smile back friendly, proof enough that there still are many nice people out there.