Marriage plans

 "Sheldon, what's going on?" He asked holding my head.

"You are aware of what your mom did to my mother, aren't you. She was maltreated by your family and you kept it a secret. Why?" I questioned, staring at him helplessly. 

"I couldn't tell you. The moment I found out, I wished I didn't. Because I knew it would hurt you deeply."

"You're hurting me now, genius!" I pulled away from him. "Guess what? I met Raven some hours ago and she handed me some money and I accepted it. I'm such a fool. I'm selling myself short to the monster who hurt my mother." 

"Don't overthink this, Sheldon. You've done nothing wrong." He soothed. 

My eyes squeezed shut, picturing my mom's disappointed face. I hurt her too many times when she was alive, now that she's late, I'm hurting her more. When would I learn to do better? 

Clutching onto my bag, I went into my bedroom and bawled my eyes out. 

I came to the conclusion that I needed to get rid of Mrs. Raven. She's a monster who doesn't deserve to live. I'm such a fool for not searching about my mom earlier and I easily adapted to this family and their tricks.

 I had slept off on the floor when Denzel came knocking on my door but I was too weak to respond. He opened it up and came over to where I was on the floor. He picked me up and kept me on the bed. I clutched onto my pillow tightly whispering to my mother as though she was here with me. But it was Denzel, who was speaking over my head saying words I couldn't hear. The next morning I woke up to find him right beside me. I was startled and backed away slowly. "Denzel!" I screamed and shifted from him. "How long have you been here? Did you spend the entire night and my room?" I was lost.

He simply laughed as his eyes opened. "And what if I did?"

"The only thing I have to say to you is, I'm sorry about your mom's death because I'll definitely kill her for my mom. I'll avenge for everyone she hurt just because she had the power to." 

"I'm sorry for not telling you about your mom but you can't do anything drastic. It's not right. You can't make yourself miserable because of my mom. And you certainly can't be in jail when you are supposed to be the mother of my children." 

My mouth parted. "What?"

"I'm so sorry for not telling you. You're not a fool, I was just worried about how you'd take it. My private investigator was the one who told me about it just few days ago."

"I understand and I forgive you."

"Now that you're no longer upset, what are your plans for today?" He asked getting out of bed.

"Nothing, just heading to college." I breathed out.

"Okay...I wanted us to start planning our wedding." 

I froze, shocked by his words. "You want us to plan our wedding? Hold on...what are you saying Denzel?" I yelped, grasping for air.

"I just want you to think about it. And I'm dead serious about this."

"Denzel..."

"I know it's a lot but I can't hide what's been going on in my mind." 

"I need lots of time to really think about this. I can't just jump into a marriage..." I whispered.

"I know, Sheldon."

He didn't say anything else until I heard the door close. I screamed and squealed into my pillow. Denzel wants to marry me? How?!

I stepped into the bathroom and got ready for college. My last day as a student apparently. Today was my graduation day. I'm just not thrilled about it like I was supposed to. I wore one of my decent gowns and shoes to match. Then, I took a taxi to the school environment. My department had already started the official ceremony. Going in wasn't a problem since Birdie and Cali arrived just in time for us to sit together. We sat through the speeches and other activities before heading outside for photos. I took a number of photos with as many people that came by. That was the moment I realized many people knew me after all. Birdie's parents came prepared, inviting me to a big feast they were having this evening in their home. I beamed till my cheeks started to hurt. 

I was finally done with a chapter in my life. I knew my mom would be watching me. Seeing me accomplish this. I remembered how difficult it was along the way but I scaled through. Thank heavens I was done! 

"Sheldon, look!" Birdie called dragging my attention to the driveway just few meters from where we were standing. She has been doing this since morning, trying to show me the divas in our class and the outfits they slayed in. And seeing their guests and boyfriends was a bonus.

This time, it wasn't just a random guest.

It was a tall figure glowing in the reflection of the sun. My heart. It felt like I suddenly came alive. He took off his sunshades slowly. Denzel.  He was walking toward us with a bouquet of flowers in his hand. I was dumbfounded. What was he doing here? Last time I saw him, he was getting ready for work. 

His walk toward me was calculated, my heart beat each passing second. Everything froze around me and all I focused on was his eyes, digging into my soul. 

"Happy Graduation, Sheldon. I'm proud of you." His voice was soothing and the smile on his face was infectious. 

Attention from a few were noticed as they glanced at on us. 

He offered me the flowers and I accepted it, fighting the wide grin I couldn't control. 

"Thank you." I whispered. 

"You two should take a photo together." Cali giggled pulling the photographer toward her. Denzel posed and a few moments were captured with the camera.

After the brief celebration, Denzel and I were riding in his car on our way to the restaurant he had reserved for the two of us.

"How did you find out about this?" Okay, not telling him was on my part and I should have been more concerned if he was mad at me. But I didn't recall telling him about my graduation. 

"I just happened to know." He was smirking by the time his eyes was back on the road.

"Denzel, that's not a response." 

"You should be apologizing right now for not letting me know about such an important day in your life—"

"It's nothing —"

"It's something. We should be there for each other before the kids come." 

Silence set in quickly, keeping our thoughts floating. 

"Kids? Denzel, that's enough assumption!" I humorlessly said.

"What's the matter? We might as well talk about our future together. It can't be built on keeping things from each other." He carefully stopped the car at a parking lot. Looking ahead, I saw we were at a fancy restaurant in the heart of the city. I started to wonder how come Denzel knows so many meeting places. Business deals and dates with influential people must have contributed to it.

I took a deep breath.

Letting it out was exhilarating.

"I had my reasons. That's on my part, I didn't know you would be interested. And please, you don't have to bring up marriage. I already told you I'll get back to you. I'm not done thinking."

We simultaneously pulled off my seatbelts.

"I'm sorry. I saw your graduation outfit in your room last night and then i asked around to confirm." 

I patted his styled hair in a playful manner. "Thanks for the surprise." I didn't know you'd leave everything you were doing just to be there for me. He was kind. Too kind that I wondered if he had a motive or he was only falling in love with me like he said. I wanted to laugh. How could he mean it?

His face loosened up and i sighed in relief. 

"Shall we?" He offered and I nodded. 

I enjoyed the evening, chatting and laughing as darkness filled the sky. I wished things could be like this. Things working out without me thinking myself to death. But it was only temporary. The next day, I stepped outside to find Denzel and Hunter having what seemed like a serious conversation.

I observed them for a while, waiting to see a sign that they were about to tear each other apart like lions. 

When Hunter saw me, he smiled. "The queen is awake." 

Denzel turned around and his eyes peered at me like he wanted to make sure everything was in order with me. I slept off after going through series of job applications. I wanted an upgrade. To work hard for my money and build myself. 

"What's going on?" I asked drawing closer to them. 

"We are going on a road trip." 

I arched my brows. "What do you mean?" 

I squinted and as if it clicked, I gasped. "Are the both of you doing brotherly things now?" 

"Never." Denzel snapped and held my wrist. "We are paying Rehan and Lena a little visit and you're coming with us." 

"Is everything alright?" I pondered.

"Oh, it is." Denzel replied.

"Unless they decide to make it difficult." Hunter added, sounding mischievous.