Although he already promised to marry me in a church before 2009 ends, we’ve never really talked about our wedding. Honestly, I didn’t even fancy that he’d keep the promise and I wouldn’t mind if he didn’t. I just didn’t dig weddings. It was a distant thought, rarely and barely crossed my mind. And I didn’t realize I’d be engrossed with weddings the way I am now. Because I really was not the type.
And no proposal fantasies either. You see, all my friends who got married didn’t have theirs. Getting married was often just a mutual decision. No rings, no surprises, no Will you marry me’s. So I believe you’ll understand why I would think that the proposal drama only happens in the movies. And movies don’t happen to me.
But it did, so to speak. He proposed.
February 14, 2009, Saturday.
We were supposed to meet up later in the evening because he had to work that day. It was around 8 a.m., I was lying on my bed thinking It’s just another Valentines when the door opened. And there he was.
No flowers. No gifts. Nada. It’s just another Valentines.
He said he filed a leave days before and lied about going to work because he wanted to surprise me. We hugged and wished each other Happy Valentines. Then he asked me if I wanted to go out. Truth is, I wasn’t in the mood.
No flowers. No gifts. Nada. It’s just another Valentines.
But in the spirit of the occasion, I obliged. I was about to take a bath when he hugged me again and told me he needed to say something first. Now normally, sentences that start with those words mean something. Something bad. Or sad. Something I wouldn’t want to hear. But I have to know.
He asked me to promise that I won’t get mad. I asked him if it’s anything bad for our relationship. Did he find another girl and only found the courage to tell me now? On Valentine’s Day. (Yes, I am cynical). He said No, nothing like that. But he’s crying already. I got tensed and I started to cry with him. What is it? Tell me. Don’t you love me anymore? Are you breaking up with me? (That cynical).
No.
Then what the hell is it? And why are you crying?
Because I don’t know how to tell you.
Tell me what?
He hugged me tightly. And I felt my heart was crushing inside his arms. Inside his arms, I could sense the weight of whatever it was that he couldn’t bring himself to say. Sadness and fear, they were all waiting in the corners, waiting to claim my heart.
Didn’t we promise to tell each other if there’s something bothering us? Didn’t we promise to be open?
We did.
So why can’t you tell me?
Promise you won’t get mad.
I promise. Even if I don’t know what it is. Is it something I should be mad about?
No.
So why can’t you tell me? Why be afraid that I’d be angry?
Because… I want to ask…
He raised his hand. And there was the RING.
Will you marry me?
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A few times, when he thought that I was sleeping, I’d catch him in front of the computer, looking at some rings. Thoughtless as I was about proposals and weddings, I thought he’s just studying how the pictures were edited. At that time, he’s editing photos of vintage jewelries for his online employer. So it’s really possible that he was just studying them instead of looking to buy one. But apparently, he was indeed browsing to buy. =)
Also, before he bought the ring, I sorta prepped him unknowingly, and of course, unintentionally. I would often look over his shoulder when he’s doing the editing job, pointing out the pieces that I like, the styles that I want. I told him I prefer it simple, round, no protruding stones, nothing too flashy. I like this yellow and not that yellow.
Bottomline, he knew what I want. And bought it.
So proudly, not because it has an enormous stone encrusted on it, nor because D had to break the bank to buy me this, but because I love it knowing how he strove to make the day special for me, I present you — the ring that started it all:
