Defining Paranoia

The Birthday Gift

“Don’t open your eyes.”

He had his hands over her eyes.

“No peeking.”

She giggled.

“I won’t open my eyes.”

She put her hands over his.

“Promise!”

She shook her head trying to shake away his hands but he was determined.

“Ok, ok! I promise I won’t open my eyes.”

He slowly lifted his hands and paused for a brief moment to make sure she had kept her promise. He took her hands in his and slowly turned her to the side. He stood right behind her and gently rested his head on her shoulder. He whispered in her ear …

“Open your eyes.”

She opened her right eye first and upon laying it on the scenery in front of her, the other one shot open and she stood mesmerized. Her heart beat fast and she found it hard to breathe. She opened her mouth but no sound came out. Her throat was dry. She turned her head to the side only to be met with his smile.

“Happy birthday.”

She stared at him, stared into his eyes. She couldn’t believe what was going on around her. She stared in front of her again.

“You did all of this?”

He let out a little laugh.

“Yes ...”

They were silent for some time. He was still holding her hands.

“Close your eyes.”

She was about to turn her head but his whisper stopped her.

“No … close your eyes.”

She felt a knot in her throat and butterflies in her stomach. Following his orders, she closed her eyes.

“Don’t open your eyes, ok?”

She was silent.

“Promise?”

She nodded her head. Her voice was failing her. He leaned down and whispered in her ear…

“You have to say it so I can believe it.”

After much hesitation she finally spoke up.

“I promise.”

Smiling, he stood facing her. Slowly, he lifted her hands to his lips and kissed them both. She felt shivers run down her spine. He then leaned down and placed his lips on hers. It only lasted a few seconds but it felt like an eternity to the two. She opened her eyes and looked up at him. He rested his forehead against hers.

“I love you.”

Her tears were foreseeable and he wasn’t shocked when he saw a trail of tears run down her cheeks. She locked her arms around his neck and kissed him. He embraced her. They didn’t let go until the clock read 11:00 p.m. and the sprinklers went on. They broke the embrace and ran to the car holding hands and laughing along the way. By the time they reached her house, her hair and clothes had dried and her makeup was fixed. She got out of the car and headed towards her house. Before she rang the bell, she turned around and waved to him. As he drove away, she remembered his gift for her …

She stared wide eyed at what he had done for her. There, in the distance on the hill arranged little sticks forming the words she never thought could come out of him …

Will you marry me?

She slept soundly that night …

posted by 5ada @ 10:39 PM