The Bachelorette

Week 3. Rose ceremony

Today was the rose ceremony, and to be completely honest, I didn't know what was going to happen today.

When I arrived to the mansion, I took a few seconds to gather my thoughts and then I entered the house.

All of the guys were already waiting for me in the living room. All of them were looking terrific.

"Hey guys, looking good."

"Thanks." they said in unison. Josh handed me a glass of wine.

"Thanks." I sighed. "Okay, well. First of all, I feel like I should tell you that I've been a mess all day and truly I am all over the place. Having said that, I need to be honest with you. You know, when I was little, I remember listening to all of this myths about relationships and how they were supposed to be. People always told me that if I were ever to be in a relationship, I should put all of the work, that it was my job to obey and to never question a man. I used to think I needed to marry the smartest guy, or the richest, or the hottest, or the fittest, but then I learnt that it is so much more than that. This may sound cliche, but you guys have allowed me to grow in that way, even if we've known each other for only three weeks. I think I'm getting a little emotional and a little carried away, but I really want to thank you. I know I say that a lot, but I am truly thankful for this journey and this opportunity to find love. With that being said, lets have a good night. So, cheers!"

"Cheers!" Everyone raised their glasses.

"Hey, would you like to take a walk?"Charlie asked me.

"I'd love to."

We walked hand in hand. We ended up sitting outside on the stairs.

"So, I heard what you said in your speech, and I also wanted to thank you."

"For what?"

"Well, you've given me the opportunity to find love. You have algo given me the opportunity to be myself and to grow as a person."

"I also have grown as a person. Looking back at my journey on The Bachelor, on Kris' season, I feel like I am completely different form who I was. I feel more confident."

"You seem more confident. I watched your season and you definitely seem more confident. More in love with yourself."

"I like that. And I am more in love with myself."

"You truly are an amazing woman. I have never met someone quite like you."

"Like me?"

"Yeah. You are super caring, super enthusiastic, extremely loving. And I respect that."

"Thanks." he kissed me. "You definitely made me blush."

"That's okay because you look charming."

"Hey, sorry to interrupt, but could I steal Alanna for a minute?" Kyle asked.

"Sure. Talk to you later."
Charlie hugged me goodbye.

"Can I ask you something beautiful?"

"Yeah, ask away."

"What do you want in a relationship?"

"Well, I want someone who I can be comfortable with. I want a relationship where it's okay to fail, to be silly, to be imperfect. I want a relationship with a person who isn't scared to lose control or who isn't afraid of changes. I want someone who will love me in spite of all my defects, someone who will stand by my side every time. Someone who will accept my mistakes and won't judge me for them. What about you? What do you want?"

"Well." he started to talk. "I want a best friend. I want someone who will stand by me, someone who will pick me up when I fall. Someone who will accompany me on my adventures. Someone loyal and loving. Someone who understands that everybody makes mistakes and that it's okay to make mistakes once in a while. I want a partner in life."