MAYBE NOT YOU

THE PROPOSAL

Time seemed too slow, as we headed to my house to get prepared, we were definitely partying tonight. It's a night to share moments and deepen emotions as possibilities shimmered in the dark. I love the way it felt, and I understood why I needed to be out here sometimes. Mariah glided up to me, swiftly adding a touch of makeup before we stepped out. Having a friend who cares so much about your looks, I wouldn’t have asked for more.

*****

Shortly after, Michael and his best friend Lucas arrived right in time to pick up I and Mariah. I’ve been so busy with school and work to the extent my relationship was suffering. I’d give anything to spend time with my boyfriend right now.

And there he was in this killer navy blue suit that hugged his frame just right, paired with a crisp white shirt that made his confidence shine. A stylish watch adorned his wrist, and his confident smile lit up the room. I got closer to him and we hugged.

“You look good baby, damn!” he chimed in.

“Well, I did style her” Mariah added while winking, and I just laughed at their silly attitudes while we got in and drove off.

I got to the venue, and it’s the most sophisticated place I’ve been to in a while. I’m used to being at the club every Wednesday and Friday evenings where I’d dance on a pole and have tons and tons of admirers staring and lurking. This was different. Its peaceful serenade was everything and more. We got to our table and settled in.

Lucas was seen trying to start a conversation with Mariah and the look on her face had me and Michael cracking up.

For all it is worth, she doesn’t like him and Lucas has been pulling out all the stops, but Mariah is just not into it.

She’s not in any relationship, neither has she ever hinted at a crush. I could easily mistake her as being bisexual at this point. She’s a total misery to me. But in a good way!

Just as a plate of dessert with a sweet write-up arrived in front of me saying “Happy Birthday to my eternity”, I was still gushing about what was just happening when all the staff around started clapping in a rhythmic way while singing a birthday song for me. Soon everyone around joined me, and I blushed very hard while covering my eyes.

Then I heard large screams. It took me a moment to grasp what was happening around me. Michael was on one knee holding a little red box and staring at me.

Wait, What!

“ I never knew peace till I found you. And when I found peace, there I found love and happiness. You bring so much laughter to my life, Stephanie, and I know we’re both still young, but I want you by my side forever. This is a promise ring to always love and cherish you and to let you know that I’d never leave you. When it’s the right time, we will do it forever. Promise me baby! That no matter the circumstances, our love will stand the rest of time.

At this point, I was already teary. I love this young man with every fiber of my being.

“I promise you, Michael Willow, this day, that our love will stand the rest of time, and we will go till eternity”, I added as I stretched my hands and the whole crowd kept cheering.

It was quite a scene. He got up and hugged me so tightly.

The rest of the evening, we placed our orders, ate and we laughed. It was over thirty minutes and I hadn’t seen Mariah around. Lucas said she excused herself. I was too engrossed at the moment to even notice her.

But why was she taking so long?

Just then, I saw her from the distance walking towards the table.

“Girl, where did you go? Thirty more minutes, and I was going to call the police.

“So sorry, I went to the restroom and I also touched my makeup”

“That’s fine, here”. I stretched my hands towards her to show off my ring.

“It’s not a proposal, why a ring? Mariah inquired. You guys are the most dramatic couples I’ve seen in a while. She added why smiling. I redrew my hand.

“As long as it’s Michael's kind of drama, I’m interested”. I glanced at the ring and Michael, sneaky as ever, squeezed my thighs underneath the table, grinning.

The supposed long night soon came to an end. Michael drove Mariah and me back to my house. We were spending tonight at my place.

Just at the entrance, I spotted this Bentley continental GT parked outside and wondered whose owner it was. Stepping inside, I was greeted by a perplexing scene.

Right next to my dad sat my luggage, unmistakably mine as I recognized them immediately.

“What’s happening here” I inquired, but there was silence. I repeated. What’s happening here?

“Sweetheart, it’s about time we fulfilled the other end of the deal” my dad said as he handed a document over to me. Mariah and I quickly scanned through the pages. Then, my gaze shifted to the man sitting across from me and back to the papers.

“What does this even mean, dad”?

”This is Chief Winston, and he’s here to reclaim what rightfully belongs to him. Sweetheart, your mom and I are deeply sorry. If we had known, we would have sought a better solution. Back then, before we lost everything, Chief Winston was there to save us. I have told you the story countless times.

“Yes, you did”. “He tried to revive the company, and he still bought it later on”. “So much for a trial”. I added.

“He’s been responsible for most of your tuition fees since growing up, as your mom and I couldn’t keep up any longer”.

I looked at my mom and she was clearly avoiding my gaze.

“What does that have to do with me dad? Why are my things packed? Why then is he here? I questioned further.

“Mariah dear, I think it’s about time you headed home” my dad directed Mariah.

“Oh, um, okay, sir” mariah skittered.

“She's not going anywhere dad, she’s staying here tonight! Can someone for Christ's sake hit the nail on the wall, Ah! I screamed in frustration.

“You’re getting married, Stephanie, to Chief Winston” my mom added. We are so, so sorry, but we agreed that if we’re not able to pay our debt at the stipulated time, you'll be used as collateral.

Stephanie, we thought we could. We kept it away from you because we believed we could. We’re sorry…we’re sorry” she sobbed.

“It’s your 20th birthday sweetheart, and it’s the exact day you get married to him. My dad added.

“This must be a joke!” I added, almost screaming.

****revert back to the beginning****