SHELLY

From that day on Shelly and I spent every possible moment together. Of course, I still had to work and I never knew what she did on the days when I couldn’t be with her. I asked her several times about what she did for a living but she always avoided the topic. All I knew was that I was happier than I had ever been in my life. Even on the days when I worked, we would meet and spend the evenings together often having dinner at my apartment and then watch a movie before I drove her home.

As the hot summer days melted into the bright colors of autumn, I found myself lost in the love I felt for her. Thanksgiving came and since my parents had taken a short Thanksgiving vacation I spent the day with Shelly. I fixed a small turkey breast and made stuffing and all the trimmings. We ate until we could hardly move and then watched “It’s a Wonderful Life” followed by “Miracle on 34^th Street”.

After the movies, we just sat and talked as I held her in my arms. I tried to draw her out to talk about herself but she always seemed to direct those questions back to me. I still never wanted to lose her.

After Thanksgiving the cool days of autumn froze over into winter, I realized that I was definitely in love. I decided that on New Years Eve I was going to propose. I didn’t know what her answer would be but I felt that I couldn’t live without her.

As Christmas approached, I invited Shelly to spend Christmas with my parents. I was an only child and my parents always threw a big party for friends and neighbors. I was expected to be there to act as host. Shelly hesitated for a moment and then looked at me with sad and haunted eyes.

“Max…I don’t know. I don’t do well around a lot of people. I always manage to commit some faux pas and ruin everything.”

“That’s not going to happen. I’ve told my parents all about you and they can’t wait to meet you. Please come with me. My parents have a huge house and you will have your own room with your own personal bathroom. I guarantee that you will have a great time.”

Shelly looked down at the floor for a moment and then I thought I saw her make a decision.

“Max, you don’t know what you’re asking. I’m really very shy and don’t do well in situations like that but…if you promise to never leave my side, I’ll go.” Shelly said as I watched a tear stream down her face.

“I promise. I’ll stay right next to you the whole time. Now, maybe we should go shopping and find you a new dress to wear. What do you think?”

Shelly just smiled at me and said, “I don’t do well at the mall either. But I really would like something nice to wear.”

We headed to Fashion Place Mall and I knew my plan was working perfectly. As we walked through the mall, I stopped in front of one of the jewelry stores we were passing.

“Let’s stop here for a minute. I just want to get your opinion on something.”

We stepped inside and was met by a salesperson.

“Hi, I would like to look at some of your friendship rings please.”

“Of course, come right this way.”

He led us over to a case and pulled out several rings and placed them on the glass counter top.

“These are some of our best models and I think they are exquisite.” He said as we gazed at the rings.

Shelly was just looking at me with a scowl on her face.

“Can I talk to you a minute?” she said as she took my arm and turned me away from the case.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

“I’m just looking at some rings…for a friend. I just want your opinion on which one you would choose.”

“Well…you’re being a little obvious, but okay I’ll play along.”

We turned back to the case and Shelly examined the rings. She picked up one up that had a beautiful emerald set in a bright gold setting.”

“I would choose this one, but your “friend” might not like it.”

“Well, why don’t you try it on and see if it fits?” I said as I tried hard to look her straight in the eye.

Shelly just rolled her eyes and then slipped the ring on her finger. She held it up so I could see how the ring looked.

“Well, I think my friend will like it just right.” I said with a smile.

Shelly just shook her head as she removed the ring and handed it back to the salesman.

“Okay, we can go now.” I said smiling again.

As we left the store I reached into my pocket and said, “I think I left my phone, I’ll be right back.”

I returned to the jewelry store and walked slowly up to the salesman who had been helping us.

“Hi, could you tell me what size that ring is that my friend tried on?” I asked.

“Of course, sir, it was a size four.”

“I will be back in later in the week.” I told him.

“Will you be purchasing this ring? I could hold it for you.” he asked.

“No, when I come back, I will be purchasing an engagement ring. I was just trying to get the right size.”

“Ahh, I see.” He said, “Then I guess we will see you soon.”

“Yes.” I replied.

I went out and met Shelly and we continued to Nordstroms to shop for her dress. She found the one that she really liked and tried it on. She came out to model it for me and I thought it fit her beautifully, but when she looked at the price tag, she moved to put it back on the rack.

“What’s wrong with that one?” I asked.

“Oh, it’s really not my style.” Shelly said as she moved to a rack that was marked as sale items.

I walked over to her and took her hand.

“Is it the price you’re worried about?” I asked looking straight into her eyes.

She lowered her gaze and shook her head.

“I decided it just wasn’t really me.” She said in almost a whisper.

“Shelly, if it’s the price you’re worried about then let me buy you this dress. It’ll be one of my Christmas gifts to you.”

“I couldn’t, I…” she stammered.

I placed my finger over her lips and said, “No argument, I’m buying you that dress. Unless you see one you like better. I thought it looked great on you.”

She just looked into my eyes and I could tell she was holding back tears.

“No one has ever given a more beautiful gift. I guess I just don’t know how to accept it graciously. Thank you.” She said as she took the dress from me and we walked toward the checkout counter.

The days flew by and Christmas came before I knew it. Shelly and I arrived at my parent’s home on the day before Christmas Eve. My parents greeted her warmly and my mother took her to her room and made sure she was comfortable. My dad invited me into his study and asked me to sit down.

“Max, how well do you know this young lady?” he asked.

“We met in July and we have spent every spare minute together ever since. I feel that I know her pretty well.”

“I guess what I’m getting at is, what are your intensions?”

“Well Dad, I plan to marry her. Is that a problem?” I asked.

“No, of course not, your mother and I were just curious. I wish you the best. Do you love her?”

“Yes Dad, I do.”

“Then that’s all I need to know. Now we better go rescue her before your mother gives her the third degree.”

The rest of our Christmas went wonderfully. Everyone that met Shelly told me how gracious and polite she was. Then Christmas was over and we had to return to the city.

I had purchased a beautiful diamond engagement ring, not too large or ostentatious, as I knew Shelly would not like that. I was looking anxiously to New Years Eve. We had planned to just have our own little celebration. We were going to spend the evening at my apartment watching movies and then watching the ball drop at midnight. I planned to pop the question earlier in the evening so that we could celebrate the new year and our engagement at the same time.