5

As I walked into the house with the birthday gifts I received from my friends, all packed in my hands, I began to count my every step.

None of the gifts really matters much like the most important one I expected from Richard.

He came late for my birthday and still couldn't stay for it to be over before he ran off again.

I wish he had stayed and most important I wish Richard proposed.

I had high hopes, I broadcast it out. I told every of my friends about the supposed proposal and it was a big embarrassment for me.

Some may even talk behind my back, they will think i was acting desperately and came up with the whole engagement idea.

But I saw the clear signs in Richard, he told me within a short time we will start talking about marriage. I assumed he planned to ask me to marry him on my birthday, which was a special day for a proposal.

My high hopes was cut short and yet I still love him and ready to wait until he is ready.

The problem is what will I tell my parents.

If Melinda finds out that Richard end up not proposing she will have something to laugh about and will feel like she is more fortunate than me.

I silently prayed that my parents will be asleep when I entered the house.

And it was as I prayed.

Every where was quiet as I walked into the house.

I tiptoed quietly into my room to avoid making any noise.

It was only the gate man that knew that I was home. 

And it was a good thing that my parents had gone to bed before I came in.

Immediately I got to my room I fell into the bed helplessly

I was already tired from the whole activities.

I freshen up and went to bed.

Since my birthday was on a Saturday, the following day will be Sunday.

 I wish it was a Monday, I could have sneak out very early to work before my Mom and Dad wakes up.

No escaping for me, I have to face the reality sooner or later.

I didn't want to come out of my room that Sunday morning.

I wanted to sleep all day. 

there was a knock on the door and my mom's concerned voice followed.

I got up and went out in my pajamas.

My Dad was the first to speak immediately he saw me coming out.

I try to hide my ring finger but I quickly realize that it was a useless act because they will still find out that Richard did not propose.

"See the birthday girl and Richard's wife to be. Me and your Mom have already started with the wedding plans. The whole souvenirs, the big wedding hall, the refreshments and other things will be well taken care off. We made some calls on the latest souvenir that is presentable to the guest. And with my big status... important dignitaries will be coming so we need to give a reasonable items out not the usual ones used in many other occasions. You don't need to worry about many things, me and your Mom got you covered. So how was the proposal? How did he knee, what kind of ring did he used... show us pictures. We were up waiting for you last night until nature kicks in and we have to go to bed. Now is time to feed us on the whole latest. I know Richard, my son in-law to be will take good care of you...

I was quiet all through, listening to my Dad not knowing how to break the disappointing news to them.

My Mom was scanning my whole fingers with her eyes searching for the engagement ring.

When she did not see one, she was forced to ask me.

"Haaa Rebecca! Why did you remove your engagement ring. Don't you know you have to wear it at all time. Later it will be replaced with a wedding ring ones you get married. As you can see I'm still wearing my own even after 34years of marriage to your father. Go and wear it let's see how it fits in and also bring pictures and videos. I'm eager to see how it all went down... Go and bring it and don't remove it from your finger. You are 28years already, we need to start executing the wedding plans... enough of all this delay. Me and your father is very happy for you that at last you got hooked up and will soon be Mrs Richard.... hahahaha. Isn't that beautiful? Go and bring the ring...go...

I quietly turned and matched back to my room.

I stood in my room confused on what to do or say.

I can hear my parents laughter from the sitting room.

My Mom shouted my name, asking me to hurry up.

I robbed my two sweating hands together as I looked round, searching for invisible ring.

I was looking around for something that doesn't even exist yet I'm there like a confused child.

I lost all boldness to tell my parents that their was no ring or even a proposal because I don't want to spoil their happiness or high hopes.

Still, I have to summon the courage to let them Know the truth.

I can't keep it all in.

Mom and Dad were already getting impatient as they keep calling my name.

I breathed in before leaving my room to go and face them.

"Where is the ring Rebecca? Don't tell me you don't know where you kept it. But is never a problem anyway, Richard can afford another one. What of pictures or videos. Why are you not saying anything... have your tongue dissapeared from your mouth?

My Mom asked impatiently.

I dragged my breath in and then out before saying with a very low tone that was difficult for them to hear.

"Ri..Richard did not propose again"

I said quietly while looking at my toes.

I'm sure they didn't hear me and they asked almost at same time why I was talking as if I'm being choked.

I have  to raise my voice this time.

Yes, I was worried and scared of breaking such news to my parents but I had no choice.

"There is no ring. I only had my birthday yesterday. He came but there was no pro...posal...

Everywhere fell silent for some second, their faces changed into a frown and my Dad was the first to speak.

"What was his reasons?, haven't two of you dated enough? You sound so sure that he was going to propose to you Rebecca....

I was quiet my Mom laughed out loud and said to my Dad.

"You worry too much over Rebecca. Can't you see that she is trying to prank us. She wants to trick us with such news. Why won't Richard propose after all those announcement that she went about announcing to family and friends....

At the end they realized it was not a prank even though I wish it was. 

 and Just as expected they were disappointed.