Chapter Nineteen
From the warmness of the kiss, to the utter chills that surged through my body, this was paradise. One thing was for certain, in the middle of hell, there is always a little spot of heaven.
My father’s will gave my family everything, and even though my mom had to work two jobs, and struggled to put food on the table, we pulled through. Many years later we would look back on it, and reminisce on the hard memories. Everyone was there for us, Nick and the rest of his family were very caring, and helped us with our losses.
Ten Years Later
The smell of bacon filled the air, as Kevin slapped on another pound of the sweet juicy meat onto the pan. Natalia, their three year old daughter, ran over to him to show him the green grasshopper she found in the garden. He quickly grabbed it and was about to throw it out the window, until Ray saved the poor thing, and carefully put it back into the garden.
The table was set with all the necessities, and had fresh flowers on it. “Nickolle?”
Nick had wandered over to me, the smell of cologne seeping from him. “Yes?”
Nick and I had remained friends and more over the last years, nothing came in the way. Of course we were young, so we never thought about a larger commitment.
“You look off in your own world,” he grabbed the pillow that had been sitting next to me, and replaced it with himself.
“I’m just thinking.”
“About what?” Nick held my hand softly, and stared at the ground next to my feet.
“Just… us… and everyone here,” I replied quietly, while twirling a strand of his perfect brown hair.
He quickly looked up, “Me too.”
I smiled nervously, and sat up, “Well let’s not keep everyone waiting, and go eat breakfast.”
“Of course.”
Breakfast was an interesting experience, mostly involved food fights, and long lectures about not acting like a child with children around. During the middle of a potato fight, Niki and Joe waltzed in holding hands, and finally decided to join us.
After washing the dishes, and shooing everyone outside, Nick got us alone.
“Nickolle?”
“Yes?” I looked up from the coffee I was stirring.
“Do you remember what happened after your father’s funeral?” I thought back to the wonderful night, of the stars, and Nick and I.
“Yes, of course I do,” a smile spread on my face as I remembered the beautiful memories.
Nick looked up at me nervously, “Well this is how perfect I want this to be.”
He slowly bent down on one knee, and looked up. From the way he smelt, to the utter beauty of him, there was nothing that could make this anymore perfect. After searching inside his jacket, he produced a little square black box.
“Nickolle Torres, will you be mine,” His hand was shaking, and his face looked uncertain.
I didn’t know if I could respond, I guess a simple nod would do.
Days pass, and people change, but one thing’s for sure: every chance you get, just take it, because no matter what the outcome is, you always have the feeling of accomplishment to guide you.
The End.
