CREATIVE Illustration by Karla Engdahl
FICTION The Proposal by A. Davis She dabbed her forehead with her napkin, sure that her hair would be like cotton candy by now, even just from the humidity radiating from her own scalp. Her pocket felt heavy as the decision weighed down on her. Hands shaking, she tried to fold the napkin and place it back on the table. He would be back from the bathroom any minute now. Every nerve in her body was on fire. Her heart beat violently against her ribs. Sweat glued her dress to her skin. She’d never quite felt this kind of stress before, but there was no more time for deliberation. She would have to choose. “What’s wrong, Ella?” Dan asked, his arms wrapped around her. “Nothing, I’m fine.” Dan snuggled closer, worried by her quick response. He placed a hand on her cheek so she couldn’t avoid his gaze. “Do you want to talk about it?” Ella sighed, “I just…” She paused, she wasn’t sure how much she could tell him without letting him know things he shouldn’t.“I just have a big decision to make.” He placed a small kiss on her nose. “You know you can do anything you put your mind to, right?” “I know… I’m just worried I might ruin everything if I make the wrong choice.” “Never,” He kissed her on the lips this time. “I will always be here to support you, no matter what.” Ella feigned a smile and rolled over, pretending to go to sleep. He said he would stay with her no matter what. She wasn’t so sure. Rain chilled her to the bone. Dripping, she entered the impossibly white store nestled between a designer clothes boutique and the café she’d been meaning to try for a while now, but never thought to go. “Long time no see, Ella.” The storeowner greeted her as she tried to avoid getting any of the displays wet. “How are you, Chris?” Ella asked, pushing damp strands of hair out of her face. “Good.” He replied, “I wasn’t sure you were coming back, you know.” “Are they done?” “Of course.” Chris reached down and pulled a small, black box out from under the counter. “Take a look.” Ella nervously took the box from him and opened it. A small gasp escaped as she gazed at the surreal beauty of its contents. They were so much more than anything she had imagined. Fidgeting with her cutlery, Ella dwelled on all the reasons why she shouldn’t do this, why she was making the wrong decision. She sipped her wine, awaiting his return. He returned from the bathroom, resuming his spot across the table from Ella. It was time. She stood up from her seat. Her knee collided with the table. “Ow…” She mumbled as she rubbed her developing bruise. The entire restaurant turned to stare at her, causing her cheeks to burn. “Ella! Are you okay?” Dan asked. His brow furrowed. Ella’s blush deepened. “I’m fine! I’m fine…” “Are you sure you’re okay? Did you need to go to the bathroom?” “No! It’s nothing…” Dan tilted his head like a puppy. Ella faltered. She couldn’t lose those warm, hazelnut eyes. Hesitating, she put her hand to the table to guide herself back to her seat, knocking a glass of red wine over as she did so. Tears stung her eyes. It was wrong, all wrong. “Ella, what’s wrong?” Those eyes again; full of concern. Ella knew what to do. Ignoring the other diners, the staff and the spreading stain over her dress, Ella moved beside Dan, her motions full of purpose now, not a hint of a second-thought. She dropped to one knee. “Dan…” Concern turned to shock, “Will you marry me?” Ella pushed the small, black box towards him and opened it, revealing two, beautiful rings. A silence fell across the restaurant. Ella stared into Dan’s eyes which appeared to be glowing with something. Was it… joy? Dan grinned. “Of course I will, Ella.” He stood up and pulled her up from the floor into an embrace. She relaxed into his arms. Relief slowed her racing heart and a sense of calm contentedness soothed her raw nerves. “Do you like your ring?” She asked. “It’s perfect.” They exchanged rings as the restaurant cheered. One problem still troubled Ella. “You don’t mind that I proposed?” He shook his head, “Ella, I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I don’t care which one of us had the guts to say that first.” The knot in her stomach that had been plaguing her for months finally unravelled. He had said yes. Lot’s <strong>Wife</strong> | 55