Erika & Gabriel » Unexpected gift
The woman in the small shop repeated another time how much she was certain his fiancée would love the ring. He was tempted to tell her that they were already married, but instead, he decided to shut up and simply nod, writing the check for the old lady. It wasn’t that expensive. It could have been a lot worse, if he had picked a traditional engagement ring. But he knew Erika enough and was certain that she would prefer something different. After hesitating for a few days between rings, he had finally made his choice, opting for a small ring with branches designs and one single diamond. Because apparently, it was the only rock he could pick without starting a war. “I hope she will, otherwise I’ll have to come back.” He said with a nervous smile. He wondered how she would react, when she would see the ring. He knew it was not that important to her, but for some reason, he really wanted to buy her one. He had never really believed in marriage, or thought it was a big deal, but since he had met the brunette, a lot of his opinions had changed, and this was one of them.
He finally left the store and walked to his car. Closing the door after he was comfortably sitting, he opened the small box and gave a quick glance to the tiny ring again. He didn’t think of a specific speech, he was not sure if he ever needed one. After all, they were already married, right? He didn’t have to propose again, it was just a gift. He put the box back in the small bag on the seat next to him and took out his phone from his coat, texting Erika to inform her that he would be home soon. He had already made his stop to the liquor store and bought two expensive bottles – because one was never enough obviously – and was almost ready to face her with the ring. Almost.
He couldn’t help but think that maybe she would hate it. Or laugh, because she would not understand the point. Maybe she would run away, or react in any other terrible way. He was imagining the worst, not thinking once of the best. What if she liked it, after all? She was probably used to his romantic ways, by now. He never had the chance to spoil anyone before, or at least anyone who truly deserved it. He just wanted to make her happy, in any way possible. Real affection was something new to him, and he really liked it. He finally started the car and drove away in direction of their home. She had officially moved in, bringing her cats with her, and it was much better this way. He didn’t have to feel bad when she left, or wonder when she would come back.
He stopped the car in the parking lot, and picked up the small box to hide it in his pocket, leaving the bag in the car. He grabbed the second bag, which contained the wine, and took a deep breath. He really wondered how she would react. There was no other way to find out than to give her the ring, and he knew it. Gabriel slowly made his way to the building’s door, and climbed the steps to his apartment. He unlocked the door and chuckled at the sight of the three cats waiting for him at the door. There was no sight of Erika. “Honey, I’m home!” He said in a joking tone, putting down the bottles on the small table next to the door. “I bought some wine and something else… Don’t know if you’ll like it though.” He added, sliding the ring in his pocket to hide it from her.
@erikanazaripeters