Lot's Wife Edition 2 2016

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 Wife | 55