2. The Strange Proposal 1

 

Due to the humiliating disappointments, Mirabel took a decision to remain single when she discovered how dejected her grandmother felt whenever she returned from her blind dates very disappointed, and narrate how her dates walked out on her.

“Mirabel, you are a sweet girl,” her grandmother would always encourage, to ensure that her self-esteem was not destroyed.

“You are right, grandma, but to avoid further heartbreaks, I think it is a good idea to forget about the things that bring us sorrow, and focus on the things that give us joy,” she pointed out. Now, her grandmother ran her eyes over her, and ascertained the joy she radiated when she made her point.

“I see, and what is that thing that would give us joy apart from seeing you love and being loved?” She asked anxiously.

“Agriculture, grandma. It is wonderful when we plant flowers, and watch them grow. The beauty they add to our environments is inexplicable, and I am not convinced that any man can give me such joy,” she explained happily. Momentarily, she agreed with her just to make her stable, but prayed inwardly for the right man to come someday.

“Oh! Your decision is phenomenal. How come I have never thought of it? Get dressed up, and get the farming tools. We are leaving for the farm right away,” she announced with glee. Now, the excited Mirabel gave her a tight hug, and appreciated, “Thank you grandma for believing in me. I will always make you proud.”

“I'm proud of you already, my dear. Get ready,” she emphasized, and walked to her chamber. Then, Mirabel turned around, saw her Knight standing within a hearing distance, and ordered, “Get the team ready, we are leaving for the farm at once.”

Likewise, her knight genuflected, and responded, “I got it, Your Majesty.”

A few months ago, the twenty-three years Alfred Walter, the successor of the Walter International Conglomerates, was new in town, but was desperate to see his life fall into shape. He just escaped a political interest marriage from his country home, Nassau, the Bahamas, in the United States of America. That day, himself, and his friend, Carson Gilmore, his twenty-two years newest friend, and the successor of the Gilmore Group of Companies, walked into a florist shop to pick a flower for Pearl, Carson's girlfriend. Subsequently, he was entrapped by the simple looking florist, who they mistook for a shop attendant. They picked the flower and left, but Alfred did not leave with his heart – Mirabel took it, and kept it. 

“Carson, I think I love that girl,” he confided in him after they got into Carson's car.

“Which girl?” Carson inquired while he fastened his seatbelt.

“The shop attendant,” Alfred made clear.

“There were many shop attendants in the shop, and I would not know which of them you are talking about.”

“The one who helped us with the selection of the flowers.”

“I see. If it is that one that your heart went for, be ready to pick up the pieces of it,” Carson warned, and turned on his engine.

“What do you mean by that, Carson?” the curious Alfred asked.

“I have heard her stories. She seemed to be married to her job, and nothing more. Breaking the heart of her admirers is her stock-in-trade.”

“That makes the two of us. I'm good at breaking unguarded hearts, too,” Alfred declared proudly, and Carson gave him a searching look. 

“Are you convinced that you are capable of getting her?” Carson, who had driven off, inquired with concern.

“Certainly,” Alfred assured.

“Wow! I'm out to watch a life movie,” Carson laughed ecstatically, and Alfred laughed too. Nevertheless, they returned home, and mapped out how to get Mirabel, and keep her.

“Your idea is good, Carson, and if she fails to accept my proposal, I will crush her heart into pieces,” Alfred warned.

“And she would pick up the pieces of her heart instead of you,” Carson pointed out sarcastically, and they laughed the more. Nevertheless, it was Pearl's birthday, and they had planned a surprise treat for her. Therefore, they drove to her hostel that evening, and sent for her.

“A happy birthday to you, my love,” Carson announced, when she walked into his arms for a hug.

“Thank you, my love,” the twenty-year beautiful Pearl responded, while Alfred looked on. After she disengaged herself from Carson, she looked at Alfred, who was smiling happily, and greeted, “Good to see you, Alfred.”

“I'm glad to see you, too. A happy birthday to you.”

“Thank you for your wishes,” Pearl responded with glee.

“Shall we be on our way?” Carson inquired, and looked into her eyes.

“Where are we going?” She asked in astonishment. Meanwhile, Alfred, who was aware of the surprised treat, had started to walk towards the park, and Carson answered “Come with me. You will get to know.”

Pearl smiled in acceptance, and inquired, “What about the rest?”

“They are fine. I will contact them later. For now, it's just Alfred, and us,” he responded. 

“I see,” she acknowledged, and used her fingers to comb her hair backward. Carson watched her, and helped her to tuck her hair behind her ears.

“You don't need to bother yourself. You are always beautiful,” he complimented, and grabbed her right hand, and they followed Alfred. She giggled and walked along. After a few seconds, they were at the car park. He opened the front door of the car, and held it for her. After she sat down comfortably, he shut the door, and walked to the driver's side.

“Are we set?” he asked after he took his seat, and turned on the ignition.

“Certainly,” Pearl and Alfred, who was seated in the back, responded simultaneously, and Carson drove off. 

“I hope you are adjusting to my country's weather and lifestyle, Alfred,” she asked after she turned, and looked at him.

“Well. It's not been easy, but I am coping.”

“That is good,” she complimented. Soon, they were at the school mall, and Carson parked. He got out of the car, and walked to her side, and opened the door for her.

“Thank you for the gesture, dear,” she appreciated, and got off. Alfred did the same, and soon, they were in the restaurant. Meanwhile, the attendants were ready to receive them, just as Carson had requested. They had set up a table at a corner of the restaurant, and walked them to the table the moment they got into the restaurant.

“Make yourself comfortable,” one of the waiters announced.

“Thank you, for this,” Carson appreciated, and took his seat while he adjusted a seat for Pearl, and she sat down snugly.

“Wow!” She exclaimed when she saw the beautifully decorated table with different colors of candle and potpourri. Likewise, Carson looked at her, and asked, “Do you like it?”

“Certainly. It's just spectacular,” she stated euphorically. Nevertheless, Alfred, who was smiling softly, commended, “This is a good one. I hope to have something like this some day.” 

“It won't be long. Do you love my country girls?” Pearl asked.

“Well,” he stated shyly. Now, Carson, who was cognizant of what he meant, smiled softly, and brought out a bottle of champagne that was concealed by a flower on the table. Instantly, he popped it, and they were excited, while Alfred took photographs of the occasion. In the heat of the moment, Johnny excused himself, and walked back to his car. He returned after a few minutes with the exotic and assortment of multicolored stunning orchids which were beautifully wrapped in a transparent wrapping paper.