Shane-

Im sat beneath a tree just like I was a week ago, watching the sun go down, painting the sky a breath taking mix of pink and orange. I shake my head. Im starting to think that Im whipped, that I may actually like this girl. But theres something lingering behind that word like. Forget it, we all know that I should. But five dates say that it seems to be pretty hard to forget Nancy Sedar. She makes it hard, she makes it very hard. Shes so god damned nice you know. She listens and she talks and shes interesting and I know, I can read between the lines, this girl is not just cute or hot or ***** shes beautiful.
But like I said, forget it, because when I take her to Bettes gallery opening tonight she will. When she hears about my track record, gets a whiff of my complicated life shes gonna run before Ive even had a chance. Had a chance for what though? What is it about this girl that makes me feel like Im sorry before Ive even done anything?
I know that its been a week, trust me I know. I dont like the way this feels. I dont like it, and yet theres nothing like seeing that smile on her face when I see her. Theres nothing as confusing and exciting as hugging her goodbye and feel her squeezing me just that little bit tighter than she needs to.
You know Ive never spent a week with a woman Im this attracted to without sleeping with her. Its not like I havent tried, havent flirted with her, she just doesnt fall for any of the old moves. Sometimes I think its pointless, think I could be the one getting messed around here, but then I catch her looking at me with something that resembles want in her eyes and I think that if I wait Ill be rewarded.
That must be some deep thought you have there She teases sitting down next to me. I saw you from across the park, thought Id say hi
I smile, I grin, Im an idiot. Im glad you did I answer non chalantly. Ready for tonight?
Absolutely, cant wait. I have no idea what to wear though She mumbles self conciously, picking at blades of grass.
Cmon youll look good in anything I touch her cheek with my hand, more out of habit than anything else. She smiles at me and something in the pit of my stomach turns over. I take my hand away.
Well I wouldnt want to embarrass you She teases, bumping shoulders with me. I smile, but behind it Im thinking that Im not the one whose going to be embarrassed.


Dana-

I wait until Bettes gallery empties slowly, until theres nobody left but Alice, me and the rest of the family. I down a glass of wine, reaching into my pocket and fingering the ring box anxiously. Only Tina has any idea of what Im about to do, and Im relieved to find her reassuring face. I look at Alice chatting easily with Shane. Shes so lovely, so beautiful. The way she smiles, the way her eyes light up, the way her brow furrows.
So you want to interview me? Shane asks.
Sorry Al could I… I swallow the lump in my throat. …I need to say something
Just a second baby Alice says without looking at me. Just a short…
Al this is really important She hears the desperation in my voice, and apparently so does everybody in the room because eight pairs of eyes are all on me. I gulp and my throat feels so dry, I can barely swallow. Why the ***** didnt I do this when Alice and I were alone.
Whats wrong Dane? She asks with concern.
I just… I close my eyes taking a deep breath and holding both of her hands. I try to manage a smile but my lips and my hands tremble. She squeezes my shaking fingers leaning closer to inspect my face I love you Al. I love being with you, I love listening to you, I just really love you
She smiles but looks confused. I love you too Dane
I could never in a million years imagine being with anybody else. I dont know how I could have let you slip between my fingers for so long. Youre my world Alice, I adore you, I want to be with you forever… I kneel down on one knee because in my head thats just what Alice deserves. I hear somebody or everybody gasp as I take out the box and open it. My hands tremble as I take out the ring and Im so god damned scared that I cant even look at her. Shes going to say no and Im going to be kneeling here with my arm outstrecthed offering her something she doesnt even want. Im going to fast Will you marry me? I almost blurt it out, like it hurts to keep it to myself for any longer. Since I bought that ring its burnt a hole in my pocket and my mind. Everynight Ive been going to bed repeating over and over again will you marry me. Imagining what it would sound like.
Alice looks down at me teary eyed, clutching my hand and biting her lip adorably. I cant believe… The room seems so silent that I can hear my heart pounding noisily in my chest. I gulp waiting for her to say no. Thump, thump, thump. Of course Ill marry you Dana She gushes kneeling down with me and throwing her arms around me. I slide the ring onto her finger, wrapping my arms around her, holding her tightly with something like relief and happiness. I kiss her, almost unaware of the smiling faces that surround us.
I love you
I love you too She smiles rubbing her nose against mine.
Way to go Dane Shane exclaims patting me on the back. I help Alice up, practically crushed by the group hug were greeted with.