Chapter 1
"Let's get married."
Married? Us? I stared in shock. US?
"Are you serious? Baby, have you thought this through?"
I asked, trying to sound calm, but my mind was racing. Marriage is not something either of us can pull off. It is a roller coaster, except it is in a scary, haunted house with very real threats. Family...
I heard her say "yes" with firmness.
I was now panicking. It should be visible enough for her to ask if I was okay. I wasn't. I wanted to decline her right then and say, "We can't. Not with how our situation is!" But her expression prompted me to reply, "Yes, just caught off guard."
"Why so sudden? Ally, is something happening?"
There was a moment's pause, our eyes interlocked, and I knew for certain something was fishy. Did her parents find out? Are they opposed to the idea of us being a couple?
"Ally..." I began, but I was interrupted as she started to explain.
"Travis... It is not a big deal, but... it's my family."
"Allan, you know how it is... Anything related to your family is anything but. Just tell me.
"My family's looking for a suitor. I don't think they like you much."
"And just how do you know that?"
"I suggested finding a guy with the name 'Travis Silver Hive,' and..."
"They rejected it, didn't they?" I posed the question knowing the answer too well. The way she was clasping her hands told me that I was not on the suitor list.
"Honestly..." I said, chuckling dryly. "I am surprised I am not yet being hunted by your parents' guards." I said so, attempting humor, and hopefully it cuts the tension, which was palpable.
"It's serious, Travy... Very much; it's now a 'do or die' for me. If I can't be with you..." She broke into tears.
"Hey... shhh... It's all going to be fine, I promise, baby. Everything is going to turn out just right... Remember, time is in our favor, 'cause I am 'Travy, the Time Traveler,' right?" I said as I gently rubbed her knuckles across the table...
She got up and came to sit by my side. And I offered her as much comfort as I could. At least in that moment, by giving her a hug, which was comforting to both of us, calming my nerves at the serious topic she had just then suggested, and to her as a form of assurance.
"I really wish you were a time traveler, Travis." I heard her mumble on my shoulder.
"But I really prefer this, Ally... Being with you, I can travel wherever I should. Knowing you're with me, through and through."
I knew what she meant. To be able to travel through time and fix the mishaps that happened in the past... But I know the reality. I can't just travel through time.
"Thank you..." she said, now a bit happier since I saw her smile as she lifted her head to meet my gaze.
"Feeling better?" I asked, brushing the last bits of tears trailing her cheeks.
"Yeah..." she replied.
"Let's go. I have reservations for tonight... Our Anniversary... "Love you more each year, baby." I said, whispering in her ear, making her fluster a bit.
"Seriously? Reservations now? What about my question? Aren't we trailing off?"
"I know... But why don't we just have a bit of fun to calm down and think clearly... hm? What do you say?"
"Travis, Our anniversary isn't due for another month."
"I know," I said, smiling gently. Pleading with her to trust what I have in plan. "Why don't you go freshen up and put on that 'Cherry' lip gloss?"
She looked a bit surprised... "How did you know my lip gloss is cherry flavored?"
I smiled, the one smile that showed my dimples, which I only show to her alone. "Easy, baby. I taste it every time I kiss you." And shamelessly pressed a soft kiss to her lips.
I could sense the faint blush staining her cheeks. I pulled back just enough for her to see me lick my lips, flustering her more. She gets flustered easily; I can't help but tease her. It's her own consequence for being this cute.
"Hm... cherry." That's all I had to say to have her scrambling away from the chair and get refreshed for the date I have planned.
I took my phone and googled for the nearest play of "Time Traveler." It was 50 minutes away, but I could easily book the tickets. There was one 30 minutes away, but apparently it is ending in about 10 minutes.
I also searched for the "Ever-life" platinum and sapphire-stoned ring she fussed about lately. But I don't have that much money right now. Hah. I am short of a sum of four digits... I had to opt for the Pink-Ruby, which was what she said was her 'favorite ring choices.' If she wants this marriage, then it is happening. I know it's not a sane option, especially now, with her family ready to hunt me if they find out I am dating their daughter.
"Ready, whenever you are." I heard her say as she returned from cleaning herself up. Her makeup was retouched; her off-shoulder sleeve was now covered with one of my coats, which fit her perfectly.
"You look amazing." I said as I held my hand out for her. As she took my outstretched hand, I intertwined our fingers. My fingers lacing her soft, kind hands. The hands that first hugged me when I needed comfort the most in high school, the hands that spent time baking cookies to give out at Social-Sunday events. The hands of the person I cherish the most in this world.
