PERRIE
Officially Jade is mine. I had to wrap my head around this truth and hold on to it, because it's still so surreal. I still can't believe it myself. But Ellie did not get much a surprise.
"I knew you'd be good together!" she danced happily. Kids today. Already knows what romance is but not mathematics. Well, that's new generation.
"Will she be here often?"
I thought about that. I would not like to disappoint the little girl, but I haven't even tried asking Jade if she'd want to spend time here, then there's the thought of having to leave Demi with Jesy if Jade has to be away from home.
Jade had her eyes closed as the soft music played on the car stereo, I almost thought she'd fallen asleep if not to her humming along. I knew it was a good idea to be playing that on the ride home. I actually didn't. I just had that gut feeling that it was the kind of music to make her peaceful, even though I'd hoped she would nap with it.
She was so deeply immersed in the beautiful melody that as I hoped, she did not notice my steering back where we came towards the direction of my place. This feels like kidnapping her, but of course I'm not doing that. It's just an unusual night.
When the song had faded out to its end, she opened her eyes, now to look for another song. But she stopped herself from scanning through the iPad as she looked around surprised.
I took her hand in mine and planted a kiss on it.
"Where are we?" she asked.
I just smiled and continued driving. I hope she isn't as frazzled as I feel now, praying that she would at least not dislike what awaits us. I've never ever felt so nervous in my life. I guess it's true that only love can bring so much change and I am entirely certain I would do anything for her, even if it gives me a heart attack at the worst.
I turned towards our property's gate, my chest now heaving quicker than its quick earlier. Here goes everything I think.
"Is this your house?" Jade had her eyes wide as I pulled up at the parking. Not to brag, anyone who would ever be able to see the house would be awed. I could not take full credit of it though. My father, bless his soul, laid the foundations by purchasing this land out of his profit in the electronics company that he handed down to me. And when I caught interest in architecture at a young age, he allowed me to design our house so it was designed so uniquely. But the house impressing Jade is not even close to my concern right now. I just nodded to her question.
"It's beautiful." She went on.
"Thank you." I smiled as I helped her out the car. I made sure to park in the ground floor parking that has a stairs connecting to the lawn and at the moment we're heading up that staircase. There is now pounding in my ear and I'm sure it's from my heart racing.
I stepped to the side to let her through to the area and as soon as she was in it, I felt Jade tighten her grip on my hand.
"Oh my God!" she gasped.
JADE
I had no idea that Perrie would bring me to her home yet I could not be mad.
When we reached the top of the stair, a wonderful air transformed my reality. The grass was carpeted in thousands of red petals and a string of fairy lights hung across the lawn. A table for two occupied the center, lit with candles on an ornate candlestand. And a pianist and cellist started playing slow music.
She turned to me, smiling nervously. "Can I have this dance?" there was a tremor in her voice as she said it.
I was speechless. To say I like it is an understatement. No one's ever set up something like this for me in my life, not Sam or any other boyfriend nor friend I've had before I secluded myself with Jesy. And I have missed out on the graduation dance, which I understand she remembered. I could not help but kiss her.
"That's enough to answer, right?" I said as she led me to the open area of the lawn and I wrapped my arms around her shoulders, while she held me by my waist. Standing this close to her is so comfortable. It is as if all the cares I have in the world have melted in the distance and I feel alive.
"It's our first week together, babe." She whispered. "and I wanted to make something memorable for us. I'm sorry I wasn't able to do earlier since I still had to believe it myself that you're mine now."
I looked up at her and spoke my heart, "Neither did I. Is this a dream?"
She returned my smile. "with you in my arms now, I am most certain it is not."
I bowed my head, "But...Perrie...I have a lot of baggage. What makes you want me?"
"Shhh..." she shook her head. "You have a lot you bring with you, you're right Beauty, care, and the presence that makes me feel heavenly. You are perfect to me."
Her words sent a mass of butterflies circling my insides. Never once had she failed to appreciate me, which I honestly still can't do myself. But she makes me feel beautiful and makes me want to believe it.
We stayed in the embrace for a few more minutes, swaying to the piano and cello, just relaxed in the closeness of the other until the musicians had to switch songs.
We both seated ourselves at the table and at Perrie's signal, a servant brought us our food. A bottle of wine was readily on a cool bucket and Perrie poured some into both our glasses before raising hers.
"To my beautiful angel"
Then, I wanted to toast her too.
"To me and you"
Her smile grew wider than ever I saw before, as she clinked her glass with mine.
