“Is it weird we can talk about this like friends, and it not seem gross?” Mary asked.
“I don’t know. We used to go to the toilet in front of each other,” Eli said.
“Yeah, that was gross,” Aria said. She chuckled.
“We heard about what Wayne told you last night, creep,” Rachel said.
“I think our parents are the biggest creeps,” Aria said.
“I know. Who would organize an arranged marriage between babies? It’s sick,” Mary said.
Aria sighed. “Did my parents call either of you?”
“Your mom called me. I told her you were sleeping, and I wasn’t going to wake you,” Rachel said.
“Are you going back home?” Branson asked.
“I’ve got to. I can’t exactly go into hiding. I’ve still got school to finish, and besides, I’ve got to tell my dad where he can shove his arranged marriage. I mean, come on, it’s Wayne, and he’s gross.”
“Even if he wasn’t gross, you still have me,” Eli said, stroking her neck.
“Right, we’re going to let you two crazy lovebirds go.”
The cell phone went blank, and Aria sighed. “We’ve got to see them.”
“We will. I was only kidding last night. I’ve got a surprise set up for you later this afternoon. We’re going to meet up with them.”
She kissed his lips, and he leaned back, opening one of the drawers.
Aria paused as he held out a black velvet box.
“Erm, Eli?”
“Yeah. I want you to open my present.”
She took a deep breath. The box was small, and square, and screamed something she really didn’t know about.
As she opened the box, her nerves didn’t fade. There was a small diamond ring glinting at her.
“Eli?”
“I want you to marry me, Aria.”
“We’re so young.”
“I know, and I know what I want.” He took the ring out of the box and held her hand. “Do you believe in fate?”
“I don’t know.”
“I do. If this ring slides on your finger, it means we’re meant to be together, no matter what.”
“And if it doesn’t?” she asked.
“Then I made a mistake, and I’ll get the right ring. I’ll win either way.”
She let out a breath. “I don’t know what to believe right now. I’ve never thought of fate, or destiny.”
He held the ring out to her. “May I?”