The Boy A Life Away

Epilogue

Leaning against the metal railing, I gazed out at the Statue of Liberty standing tall in front of me. In my palm was a small black box, my thumb fidgeting with the clasp. My thoughts were a jumbled mess, my heart pounding in my chest.

"I don't know what to do," I whispered, the words barely audible over the sound of the waves crashing against the ship. The skyline of New York City stretched out before me, the lights twinkling like stars in the night sky.

Arin had gone to check out the banquet in the lower deck, leaving me alone with my thoughts and a small black box in my hand. It had been three years since we started dating and while he pursued his passion in basketball, I begrudgingly followed in my family's footsteps to work in finance. The only perk was the hefty salary, which kept me from quitting altogether.

The reason we were in New York was twofold. Arin had been scouted by the New York Knicks right after we graduated from university and I had a business trip to meet potential clients. I was supposed to be focused on work, but my mind kept drifting to the box in my hand and the decision that needed to be made.

The box felt heavy in my hand, as if it held the weight of my entire future. The topic of marriage and children had been a recurring theme in our late-night conversations, and I knew without a doubt that Arin was ready for both. The only problem was, I had no idea how to propose. Should it be a grand gesture, or an intimate moment? My mind raced with possibilities, unsure of which would be the perfect fit.

As I stood lost in thought, I heard footsteps approaching from behind. Turning around, I saw Arin standing there with a grin on his face. "What are you doing out here all alone?" he asked, his warm voice cutting through my thoughts

I quickly slipped the small black box into my pocket, not wanting Arin to accidentally stumble upon it and ruin the surprise. His eyes met mine, a mischievous glint in them, while the scent of smoky kebabs wafted from the handfuls he held in both hands.

"Do you really need that many?" I couldn't help but chuckle at his obvious excitement over the food.

"H-hey! Some of these are for you, alright?" he responded, his cheeks bulging as he spoke through a mouthful of meat.

"I know you love your meat, especially mine," I teased, taking the offered kebabs from his hand and taking a bite. "But isn't this a little too much?"

"Shut it!" Arin laughed, giving me a playful punch on the shoulder. It felt good to let go of the anxiety that had been plaguing me before, and simply enjoy the moment with him.

"The night sky was clear and beautiful, the stars twinkling like diamonds in the sky. As we stood in the front of the cruise ship, I couldn't help but be reminded of a similar night on the school rooftop, just the two of us, lost in our own world.

"Remember that night?" I asked, pointing up at the stars.

Arin chuckled. "Of course I do. That was the night you finally agreed to go to prom with me."I rolled my eyes, but couldn't help but smile at the memory. "Yeah, I should have listened to you from the beginning."

We finished our food and threw away the trash, content to just stand there together in silence. After a while, Arin broke the silence with a question that had been on his mind.

"Do you think I could make it onto the team?" he asked, switching his gaze from the night sky and met mine istead

"Of course, without a doubt." I answered, taking his hand and squeezing it gently. Arin's eyes darted away from mine and a frown creased his forehead

"But... there are so many people better than me, what if they don't pick me." he aksed, his voice tinged with uncertainty

I knew Arin had been pouring his heart and sould into this opportunity. "Hey, you're supposed to be the confident one remember? The one who doesn't fear failure and from what I know you've been working harder and training harder than any other person" I said with conviction, hoping to bolster his confidence

Arin's eyes flickered back to mine, searching for something. I could see hi doubts, fears, and worries deep in those deep green orbs. I wanted to erase them all, and I knew I could. "No matter what happens, I'll be by your side," I added, my voice softening

"You're right, I have you after all." he said as a small smile touched his lips and he leaned in to give me a kiss on the cheek

"Well, let's get to it then!" he exclaimed as he turned away from me and went to the front of the ship

"Get to what" I asked, watching him curiously

"We're on a cruise ship baby," he exclaimed, his arms spread wide. "We gotta do the Titanic thing!"

As Arin stood at the front of the ship with his arms outstretched, the wind blowing through his hair, I couldn't help but feel a sense of joy at his carefree spirit. "I'm on top of the world!" he declared, a smile spreading across his face.

My heart swelled with affection as he turned to me, his eyes bright with excitement. "Come on hold me, be the Jack to my Rose," he said, the corners of his mouth curling up into a playful grin.

I couldn't help but smile, my heart swelling with love for this man. I knew that no matter how I proposed to him, as long as we were together, we would be happy. So I casted aside the black box from my thoughts and took his hand, ready to join him in this moment of joy.

But before I could move, he playfully scolded me for taking too long. "What's taking you so long? Stop daydreaming and hold me already!" he teased.I chuckled and closed the distance between us. "Alright, I'm coming," I said, my eyes locked with his, knowing that our story is just beginning.