Black and White

31- Will

My lips turned up a little. Through the glass of the window, I watched my boyfriend sketch on the front steps of the house. The summer sun had hit the golden hour, bathing everything in a warm yellow and making for a picture-perfect afternoon. I wanted to reach for my phone, but everything was so peaceful that I just couldn't bring myself to move. It was as if any action would shatter the moment. My eyes closed for a second, before studying the scene out the window again. Everything was so easy. So comfortable and natural. And I was so tired. Nico watched a few people walk by the house and tucked his book under his arm, lightly stepping back inside. "Let's go to bed, Neeks." I stood up and leaned my chin on his shoulder, my arms finding their way around his waist.  "It's only 6:30, babe." He smiled a little, ruffling my hair. It felt good; I felt like I was a child again. "I know, I know, but I'm just so tired. We can get up early or something." 
"It is a lazy day, I suppose. Come on then." Nico took my hand and we went upstairs. The light was still spread across our bed like butter on toast, and I let him sit in my lap in bed, my fingers automatically tracing through his hair. He closed his eyes and nestled into my chest. 

The next thing I remember was a soft weight being lifted from my stomach. It was obvious that I'd fallen asleep since the sunlight that had been in the room earlier had been replaced by the soft moon's glow. Nico wasn't in bed, either. I slowly stood, placing my bare feet on the cool wood floor and checking my phone. Only 10:30.  Each step I took was hesitant. I was exhausted and wanted to go back to bed, but I still pushed on, wondering where Nico went. The clock seemed to be ticking directly in my ear, even though we didn't have one in the hallway. 
I found Nico in the kitchen with my mother. She must've just returned from work, because the lights were still off. I didn't go inside, as it seemed they were in the middle of a conversation.  Nico seemed fidgety. He was shining with a thin layer of sweat in the pale light. Contrary to Nico, as they talked, my mom seemed only calmer and calmer. Her hand was on his shoulder. 

"Nico, darling. I love you like my own, you can tell me anything. Don't stress."
"Well, ma'am, it's not so much something I have to tell you. A question, more like?" His fingers twiddled behind his back.  "Well of course, what is it?"
"I was wondering, ma'am- well, that is- I love your son very much." I smiled a little from behind the wall.  I could feel my mother doing the same.
"And, well, I was wondering if I could have your permission," He cleared his throat. "Ah, to have his hand in marriage?"
Suddenly I wasn't tired anymore. Instead, adrenaline coursed through my veins. The urge to shriek with elation was overwhelming. My heart pumped from my stomach instead of my chest. He was going to propose! 
Still waiting in the spotlight, the usually pale boy seemed flush.  My mother's hand caressed his cheek softly, her eyes gleaming with a film of tears. "My son. Of course. You two will have so much joy together. I'm so happy for you." Her hand ran from his cheek to around his shoulders, pulling him for a tight squeeze. Shock, and then relief, was clear on his face, and he wrapped his arms back around her. 

"Thank you, ma'am."

"No, Nico, thank you. Now go back to bed, Will's probably wondering where you are. Your soon to be fiancé!!" She squealed softly and he nodded, leaving her with a kiss on the cheek before heading in my direction. Shoot. Stepping as lightly as possible, I speed-walked back into the room, throwing the covers back over me, even though I knew I wasn't going back to sleep tonight. Nico's steady footsteps grew louder until I let my eyes flutter open naturally as if I'd just woken up. I sat up in bed. "Babe? What are you doing?"  He kissed my head. "Nothing. Just went to the bathroom."