It's everyday that we cross our path with strangers and in rare times one of those strangers becomes a part of your life. One of them might become your lifetime friend or the one you want to spend your whole life with. The funny part is we never expect that one stranger to become so important.
My life was smooth sailing. I had the best family and most wonderful friends and the love of my life right by my side. When you have such a complete life you don't expect crossing paths with this one stranger to change it all.
It has been five years since I met the love of my life Jessie. It has also been five years since I wanted to ask her to marry me. I wanted to make her my partner for life since the moment my eyes laid on her. Jess isn't from my home place. Along with the fact that she lives in another country she has been extremely busy travelling around for her business so I haven't been possible to do so. It has been her life long dream to open her own travel agency and believe me when I say that now she is at the top of the game.
As for me, I am doing what I have always loved to do. Write. It has been a dream come true getting to publish my words and getting so much love and support from the readers. It has been 2 years since my last book. I haven't been able to write one word. This has never happened to me before and its so frustrating. I have never not been able to write. When ever fellow writers use to talk about writer's block and I could never relate but now that it's happening to me can finally relate. Nothing has been inspiring me lately. I haven't seen Jessie in a year and half. Maybe that's why I haven't been able to write. Its no lie. I really am happy.
My thoughts got interrupted with the sound of my ringtone which filled the whole room. Startled I took the phone and immediately I felt myself smiling widely when I saw the caller's name. It was Jess.
Without a wait I answered the phone. Before I could say anything her voice reached my ears making me smile more.
"Hey to you too and Good morning." I responded to her 'hey'.
"You too. I mean Good evening. I forgot for a second there that it's night there." She can be so cute sometimes.
"Hehe. Its alright. Have you had breakfast? Don't tell me that you skipped it again." Jess has a habit of forgetting to take breakfast. It's weird but I love that too. It gives me a chance to take care of her which is very rare.
"Don't worry I didn't skip breakfast. I don't skip anymore. Like a internal alarm clock your voice goes in my head reminding me to take breakfast."
I couldn't help but burst out laughing.
"Laugh all you want Luke but remember that this will all fall on you." I knew what she meant by that.
"I don't mind making you breakfast for the rest of your life my love."
When I didn't get a witty response from her i knew that she must be blushing. Its not easy to take her by surprise but when i cant help but fall in love with her more because she looks too cute.
"Jess? You there?" i was trying my very best to not tease her.
"Yes I am here. Just surprised. I still blush like a little girl cause of you and it has been five years." She sounded more surprised about the fact that she blushes more than what i said.
"I am glad you do. Plus you look too cute when you blush." I took my chance and teased her a little bit.
"Hehe thanks."
"I have been wanting to ask, when are you coming to New York?" I dreaded the answer i might get but with lots hope in my heart I asked.
"That's actually why I called." Her voice went low.
"You are not coming?" As much as it made me sad to think I had to ask to be sure.
Before she could answer I heard my apartment door bell ring. Who is it at this time? Whoever it is can wait.
"Jess. Are you not coming this time too?" I asked again.
"Wasn't that your bell?" She asked avoiding my question.
"Yeah bu---" the door bell interrupted again.
"Why don't you go open the door and come back? That's already the second time." Jess suggested. As much as I didn't want to leave in the middle of the conversation at the corner of my mind i knew that its the wise choice.
"Alright. I will be back. Hold for a minute." When I got her 'yeah' I kept the phone on the table and went to open the door. As i went i was mentally yelling at the person who was at the other side of the angry.
In the frustration I unlocked and opened the door without even checking who was it. Maybe if i had checked I wouldn't be as surprised and shocked as I am right now seeing the person infront of me. Jess.
No way. I must be seeing things. I took careful steps towards her and touched her with my finger tip and she felt as real as a person can be.
"What...? How...? What...?" I couldn't even speak fully.
"Hey to you too and Surprise!!!" She excitedly exclaimed.
Seeing her right infront of me after what felt like forever overwhelmed me with emotions that i couldn't even explain to myself.
"You are here..." after staying that was the first thing I could say.
"Yes I am. I have missed you so much Luke."
How much have i yearned to hear her voice up close? No amount of counting or measurement can calculate just how much.
Without saying anything I grabbed hold of her hand and brought her into my apartment. I didn't stop until we were near the sofa. I turned to her and sat her down as so did I.
For a good whole minute i just looked at her. I was taking her in. The whole time she looked back at me with her beautiful smile and love filled eyes.
"How are you here?" I asked the question properly this time.
"Plane and car. The reason why you didn't hear from me yesterday at all was because I was on my way. Are you angry that I didn't tell you?" That question and sadness in her voice broke me snapped me out the shock I was in.
"No no. Of course not. I am just surprised. I was talking to you and then i see you so yeah. Just surprised but I am soo happy to see you. Really." I tried to assure her.
She sighed in relief.
"Thank goodness. I was worried you might not like my surprise." The relief was evident from her voice and face.
"I love this surprise. This is definitely the biggest surprise I have ever got for sure." Now that the shock has worn off I couldn't help but laugh.
She chuckled along with me.
Once the laughter died down I made her and myself a cup of coffee and got comfortable to have a long chat. At least that was the plan.
"So where are you staying this time?" I asked. Since she doesn't live here, she always rent a place to stay.
"At Aria's." Aria is Jess's long term bestfriend.
"Finally you gave in I see." I chuckled remembering how every time Jess came to New York Aria would beg her to stay at her place instead of wasting money on renting a place. But every time she would say no. One thing Jess does not like doing is feeling like she is burdening someone. She love Aria to max and she love Aria as a roommate as they had shared the same room when they were in college.
"Yups. When I went to her place to leave my bags goodness she wouldn't stop squealing with excitement." A warm smile curved on her lips making her face glow.
"How come you gave in this time? You have let down the offer whenever she asked." I was curious.
"To be honest, I always have such a hard time finding a place when ever I am planning my trip here. And this was kind of a sudden one. I was just missing you so badly so made this decision on the spot." She didn't look at me when said she missed me.
I love how she is so shy and so reserved.
"I have missed you too. Too much that I haven't been able to write a word since the last book I published." I haven't told Jess about my writers block until now.
"What? Why didn't you tell me?" She turned in her seat facing me fully.
"I didn't want to make you worry. Plus now that you are here for surely spending time with you will get me back on track." I tried to sound positive. But not being able to write has been a huge demotivation.
"Should we hang out today?" She asked.
"As much as I love to; no. You must be exhausted from all the travelling and you need rest. Lets meet up tomorrow." I suggested. I know how hard it is for me whenever I travel long distance.
She opened her mouth to protest but before she could say a word I stopped her.
"Don't even think of protesting. Lets go. I will drop you off at Aria's." She pouted when I said it. I couldn't help chuckle because of how cute she looked.
I stood up from the sofa and went into kitchen area with the now two cups. Leaving it at the sink to wash after I come back, I went to my room to take my coat and car key. When I came back to the living room she was still sitting at the same place she had been the whole time.
I went towards her and held out my hand to her to hold to stand up. "Lets go." To my sound she looked up at me and then to my hand and sighed. She knew there was no changing my mind. She took my hand and I pulled her up on her feet. I led her out locking the door behind us.
The whole ride to Aria's place she didn't even say a word. I couldn't let her leave like that so when she got out of the car to go inside, I stopped her.
Even when I stopped her she didn't say a word. She didn't even look at me. She kept looking down.
"Jess Look at me." I said to her. But she didn't. She kept looking down.
Lovingly I touched her chin and pushed her face up to look at me. When our eyes met I saw how sad she was.
"Even if we hangout today, you wont be able to stay awake. You will doze off. And we both know that you don't want that. You wouldn't feel comfortable staying over yet. That's why I said no. Please don't be sad. We will see each other tomorrow and everyday till you are here, okay?" I tried to lift her mood.
She gave a small nod telling me she understood what I was saying. I was sad too. But I didn't want to be selfish. She needs a good sleep.
"You should get going. See you tomorrow okay?" Lovingly I brushed the back of my fingers on her left cheek. He eyes closed to the action. I removed my hand from her cheeks and took a half step back. To this action she opened my eyes and looked at me. Realization hitting her and remembering the promise we made to one another.
"Good night Luke." Saying that she turned around and walked inside.
When she was out of my sight, I got back in the car and started my to someplace special.
Through out the five years we had such small moment like that which almost lit fire in us. The fact that we don't live in the same country help us control our desires. Neither of us wanted to even the smallest line until we were tie the knot. Living in US and this kind of thinking had made me a victim of bullying. But this is who I am and I am not ashamed to say that I am 25 and I have controlled myself from doing anything that is against my upbringing.
As I drove through the busy rode I kept look outside trying to find the special place. And thankfully without much difficulty I was able to find the place. I parked at a nearby free space and made my way towards the special place. I pushed open the door and entered the Café'. As I stepped in the sweet smell of chocolate enveloped me making me feel at home immediately. This café is the most special place in the world for me and Jess.
"Good evening si--Lucas?" A very familiar face greeted me.
"Hello Claire. How are you?" Claire has been a part of our most special moments. For us she is more than a server. She is a friend. She is a well-wisher. And she is a fan of our relationship per her.
"I am great. How are you?" She asked.
"I am also doing great. You guys must be closing." I asked referring to the empty café and how the other employees were busy mopping the place.
"We are closing for the day. What brings you here this late?" Claire asked reminding me of the reason why I came here.
"Ah yes. I came here with a request." I didn't want to jump into the point straightforward.
"Anything for our most special customer. Anything in the limit of course." She said pointing out.
"Of course. I want to rent this place for a night." I couldn't hold the excitement as said my request.
"Let me check if there is any reservations for tomorrow night. Just give me a moment." Saying that she went behind the cash counter and took out a small book and started rummaging through the pages.
"You are lucky. Its available. Can I ask what the occasion---you are proposing?!!!" One trait of Claire is that her mind works really fast.
"Yes I am. Jess is finally here." I didn't deny her guess.
"Congratulations! I am so happy for the both of you. Its already five years isn't it?"
I felt excitement and happiness fill my heart seeing her excitement.
"Yeah. And five years is a long time. I have waited too long to ask her I had already decided that when she comes this time; I will ask and this is the perfect place to do so." I turned back to look at the place. Its amazing how many memories are made in this one place.
"Well the place is all yours for the night. Is there anything else you would like us to do?" She got ready to write whatever I had to say.
"Actually you know what, I don't want to reserve the whole place. Just our usual table would be great." I said changing my mind. I want to surprise her and keep her in the dark till the last moment.
"Why the sudden change?"
I looked back at Claire.
"If I rent this place and bring her here she would guess what I am about to do next. I would rather keep her in the dark till the moment." Hopefully she loves the surprise that I am planning for her. Meaning I hope she says yes.
"I actually like that idea much better. I am going to put your reservation in the book so tell me if you have another change of mind." She said half serious and half teasing.
"No change. Should I make the payment now?" I asked.
"You can but we have already closed the counter for the day. You can make the payment when you come tomorrow." She explained.
"Alright. See you tomorrow. Goodnight Claire." Saying that I turned to leave.
As I went to my car and went back home; all I could think about was tomorrow. No one knows what tomorrow holds. With all my heart I prayed for tomorrow to be a success. If Jess says yes then everything will be just complete. Having her in my life already makes my life wonderful and tomorrow is she says yes then I will be the luckiest man ever.