Dolphin Tale 5

Bonus [1]

**Sawyer's POV**

Let's just say that it had been a long time since I last went to the mall. Like, a really long time. It was always my mom who went to the mall to buy me clothes and other necessities; I'd always been really busy at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and I had never really liked all the attention, either.

Today, however, I was at the mall. All the stares I was getting were enough to make me want to go home, but I was a man on a mission. And when a man is on a mission, nothing---not even the stares of millions of girls and boys---will get in his way.

After weaving through the throng of people filtering in and out of various stores---I'd forgotten just how crowded and noisy the mall was---I finally arrived at my destination: Jared Jewelers.

A sensor buzzed the second I walked through the door, alerting the employees of my presence. They all looked up at me as I walked in, their eyes widening as they realized who I was.

"Mr. Nelson, what a pleasure! What can I do for you today?"

I walked over to the employee, my eyes fixed on the rows of rings. "I'm just browsing, for now. And please, call me Sawyer; Mr. Nelson makes me feel so . . . old."

The employee bowed his head. "Of course. Anything caught your eyes yet?"

I shook my head. "Not really, no. Do you have any suggestions? I'm looking for a ring---and not just any ring---a ring for someone who is truly special."

"Ah." Understanding flashed across the employee's face. "Who's the lucky girl?"

"A beautiful angel who goes by the name of Hazel Haskett. Do you know her?"

The employee nodded. "Yeah. I've seen her on the TV a few times. I can see why you're into her. She's really lucky to have you, you know. She's a really lucky girl."

I smiled slightly. "And I'm really lucky to have her. She's really something special. So, any suggestions on a ring?"

He glanced around the shop, shaking his head. "Not out here, no. But there are a few special ones that came in a few days ago---they're in the back. I think there's one you may like. Would you like me to go and get it for you?"

I nodded, still smiling. "That would be great, er---" I glanced at his badge "---Greg. That would be great."

Greg grinned. "Great. Just wait here for a moment. I won't be long."

I watched as he turned and walked towards a door, disappearing through it shortly after.

He reappeared a while later, a small velvet box in his hand.

"Here," he said, walking over to me and giving me the box, "I think this one will compliment her eyes, and I know that she loves dolphins . . . I think it'll suit her."

I opened the box, and sitting on the white silk was one of the most beautiful rings I have ever seen. It was fairly simple, and Greg was right in saying that it would suit Hazel.

"It's perfect," I said, unable to take my eyes off it. "How much is it?"

Greg shrugged. "For a normal customer, around seven-hundred-and-ninety-nine dollars. For someone like you? Around one-hundred-and-ninety-nine dollars."

I pulled out my wallet, taking out ten hundred dollar bills, totaling up to a thousand dollars, giving the store a profit of the discounted price Greg gave me.

I held the money out to him. "Thanks for everything, Greg. Keep the change."

He just stared at me. "No, seriously, I can't." He tried to push the money back into my hands, but I just turned and walked away.

"Really. Keep the change. You helped me a lot, today." I grinned at him before leaving the shop, the small velvet box tucked safely in my pocket.

* * *

The sun was just beginning to set as I arrived at the place I had told everyone to meet me.

Nobody was there yet, though I hadn't expected anyone to be. As long as everyone arrived before Hazel and her father did, everything would be okay.

Nervously, I placed my hand into the pocket where I knew the small velvet box was, having placed it there a few hours ago. The ring was ready. Now all I had to do was summon some courage and all would be fine.

"Sawyer!"

I spun around and saw my mother, Phoebe, and Kat walking towards me. There was a knowing look on my mother's face, but both Phoebe and Kat were looking extremely confused.

"Hey, Mom. Hey, Phoebe, Kat. I'm glad you could make it."

Phoebe frowned. "What's going on, Sawyer? Why are we here?"

I smiled nervously. "You'll see. I expect everyone will be arriving soon."

As if on cue, I caught sight of Kyle, Reed, Rebecca, and Virginia walking towards us.

I closed my eyes and took in a deep breath. I had been preparing for this day for a long time, now. I just hoped that it all went to plan.

I drew in another deep breath before opening my eyes.

I was ready.