Circumstantial

Epilogue

18 months later

It's crazy how drastically things can change over time. Michael kept his word that day when he said that we'd stop by the pharmacy, and saying that I was relieved when I got my period the next month would be an understatement. I couldn't imagine ever being a mother back then. Bringing a tiny, helpless human being into this world, with the responsibility of having to nurture and provide the best for it seemed terrifyingly overwhelming.

That's all changed now. Having Michael by my side has given me a whole new perspective on life. Not only has he removed the loneliness from my life, but he's brought out the best in me. Not that I'm an entirely new person or anything, but I feel good about myself and life. Before Michael, life felt like a dull, repetitive survival cycle. Now, life feels like an amazing canvas with bright splashes of colour continuously morphing into beautiful, adventurous pieces of art. Corny? I know, but there's no other way to describe it. I've found my soulmate and he completes me in every way. Even our bad moments of arguing and fighting are passionate, and the best part is the make up sex.

It's funny how he's found a way to keep me in check and have the upper hand. Even with my typical female moodiness and occasional emotional breakdowns, he's figured out how to deal with me. Sometimes, I pick a fight over nothing, just to get him to punish me in the bedroom. Keeps things interesting that way, you know? He's not a romantic kind of guy, but he finds a way to surprise me every once in a while. All games aside, things are getting serious. Over the past year and a half, we've taken five adventurous vacations around the country as well as a Portuguese island cruise. Visiting my family back at the countryside isn't a big deal anymore. Exploring with him has taught me so much about him and myself. I can honestly say that we're compatible with each other. I've even surprised myself, adapting and compromising to his needs. Michael is the least demanding person I have ever met. He's understanding and supportive. He's amazing.

Six months ago, I came over to his place for dinner, as we usually do when Kate comes home, only to find the front door painted pastel pink. That was his way of asking me to move in. I moved into his family home the following weekend. Now, I can't imagine a future that doesn't include waking up next to him every morning. And kids… I want to hear the pitter-patter of little feet around our three bedroom home. I want us to explore everything the world has to offer. I know I probably sound like a crazy person, but I've already picked out their names. Tommy, in honour of my beloved dad, and Selena, after Michael and Kate's mom.

Maybe I'm rushing things, and the last thing I want to do is jump into something that we're not ready for. But it's been on my mind for the past two months now. We've been on a million dates, we've moved in together and we've been through quite a bit of arguments. I'm ready. I'm ready for the next step, and it's time to find out if Michael is too. This year happens to be a leap year, and today is Valentine's day. I'm a hopeless romantic at heart, what can I say? Even though we can't go out or visit a fancy restaurant due to the Covid-19 lockdown, I'm still gonna try and make today special.

Anyway, Michael doesn't know that I had already taken the entire day off work to prepare for tonight. I hear the sound of the garage door opening, signalling Micheal's arrival. My body immediately tenses as my tummy knots up with nervous anxiety. I wipe my hands on my apron and rush to the hallway mirror to neaten up.

I hear the jingle of keys, then the sound of footsteps as he enters the house. I hear some shuffling and turn in time to see his handsome features jump in surprise.

"Hey!" His greeting comes out more like an exclamation.

"Hey." I can't stop my lips from curving into a small smile. Even after a long day at work, he still looks dashing in his uniform.