I picked Shelly up around six and we went back to my place. We watched two movies that were on Netflix. Shelly had asked if we could watch them. I really enjoyed the first one as it was based on a true story. The other two were good also but my mind was on the ring that was burning a hole in my pocket.

 

As the second movie came to an end, I stood up and then dropped down to one knee in front of Shelly. I pulled the ring box from pocket, opened it and held it out to her.

 

“Shelly Price, will you marry me?” I asked as I looked into her eyes.

 

Then I saw a sudden change come over her. A look of such sadness and pain filled her eyes that I almost wanted to cry. She did not make a move to take the ring or even look at it. She just locked her eyes on mine and then I saw the tears start roll down her cheeks. I stood up and reached for her hand.

 

“I’m sorry, did I do something wrong? I love you and I want to spend my life with you.” I said as I pulled her to her feet and took her in my arms.

 

I felt my shoulder getting damp and then she looked up at me.

 

“Max, I do love you. I wish I could explain but…it’s just too painful. There are things that I’ve been through, terrible things, and I’m afraid if you knew those things, you would change your mind about marrying me.”

 

“Nothing could change my mind about that.” I said as I again pulled her close. “Will you at least think about it?”

 

Shelly again raised her head and looked me in the eye and said, “I will think about it but I can’t guarantee my answer. I need to go now, I’m sorry. I know you had a wonderful evening planned and wanted to welcome the new year together but…”

 

“Please Shelly, don’t leave. I’ll put the ring away. We won’t discuss it anymore tonight. Please just stay!” I cried.

 

“No Max, I’m sorry but I need to go. I promise I will consider your proposal and give you my answer soon, but for now I’ve got to go.”

 

Shelly pulled away from me and retrieved her coat, hat and scarf. She walked toward the door.

 

“Will you at least let me take you home? I don’t know if it’s safe to be walking out there tonight and besides it’s freezing.”

 

Shelly turned to me and said, “Okay, you can take me home. I’m just sorry I ruined our evening.”

 

“I think maybe I’m the one who ruined it. I just thought it might be a good time. I’m sorry if I read you wrong.”

 

We went out to my car and I drove her to her apartment. As we pulled up in front of the home where she rented a room in the basement, Shelly turned to me and took my hand.

 

“I don’t know how I can make you understand. I’m not fit to marry anyone. I’ve been through some terrible things and I can’t possibly tell you about them. I’m so sorry.”

 

“Why don’t you try me. Love can make a person overlook a lot of things.” I replied.

 

Shelly smiled at me and took my hand.

 

I pulled the ring box from my pocket and handed it to her.

 

“Will you at least take this? Maybe if you look at it long enough it will convince you of my love.”

 

Shelly took the box from me and then smiled again as she said, “Good-bye Max.” Then she was gone.