pink paper

Talia was unhappy.

Not sad, depressed, angered or confused. Just unhappy. This was uncommon for a girl in Talia's position. She sat on a stool at the dining table, twirling the silver band Marico had given her as a gift. Her fingers flew to feel the dove necklace Josh had gifted her, and looped around her neck. As she thought of these gifts her eyes trailed to the framed photo collage of her and Luke pinned on the wall. And the star of the gift show was the large crystal chandelier hanging from her ceiling that Henry had ordered her.

Right on Christmas Eve. Special delivery.

Today she's been proposed to by all four close friends. Today she had rejected four potential marriages. Today she sat with her chin in her palms, distraught and mulling over her decisions.

Talia wanted love. Not the coolness of a silver band spiraling around her finger, or the soft rays from the light of the chandelier. She thought she had bonded with Luke, of them all, but realized their bond was only stronger when she made an effort in her appearance. Otherwise, Luke seemed uninterested and that broke any chance in their love. Marico..... Talia never imagined herself with him, and Henry was much too exorbitant in his gifts.

Talia felt like she was being unfair. Possibly too picky.

Once again, her eyes fell to the chandelier and she rubbed her temples. Conflicting emotions fought inside her head and heart, and the pain from keeping them from war hurt something awful. Her thoughts flitted away, Maybe I should give Luke another chance. Henry was really sweet, his gifts are pricey but-

A knock from the front door shook Talia from her tension. She furiously brushed away the tears from her recent occurrences, and sauntered over praying it wouldn't be any of the men she'd rejected earlier this Christmas Eve.

To her relief, it was only Daniel. Her older brother's best friend, Daniel had known Talia's brother since they began the fourth grade and Talia has known him ever since.

She was greeted with a smile from him, and she returned it graciously. She subtly slipped off the silver band and tucked in her back pocket, as well as hiding her necklace under her shirt.

When he walked in, Talia found herself admiring him. Dark black wavy hair that shined against the freshly fallen snow dusting his locks. His tan skin which seemed to glow against the light of the chandelier.

His ivory white teeth every time he smiled....

Talia snapped out of her daydreaming and back into the dreadful reality. Daniel frowned, "Talia, are you okay?" She smiled and nodded, "Of course." An awkward silence filled the air and Daniel cleared his throat. "Is Ben dropping by?" He asked. Ben was Talia's older brother, and always seemed to be traveling alongside his wife.

Their parents were dead.

Talia had learned to overcome that sadness.

"No. I heard he had gone to Florida for the holidays." Daniel nodded. Daniel, a lawyer, worked at a firm in Providence, Rhode Island and lived a couple blocks from Talia.

She found comfort in his visits, but now Talia only felt like a liar.

Against her will, hot tears sprung at the corner of her eyes, and Daniel's face creased with worry. "Talia? Are you sure you're okay?" She sniffled, and groaned. "Yes, I'm fine. Just...emotional." Daniel relaxed, "Oh,"

It was then that Talia noticed the shape of a box standing out from his pocket. Her heart dropped.

"Why did you come visit?" She asked, needing to know his true motives. He sheepishly grinned and scratched the back of his neck. "Oh, that. There's a girl I know- she's really nice," He paused to blink a couple times and Talia possibly heard him sigh. "Anyways. We've known each other for some time. But I came for advice, I thought I might ask her out on Christmas Eve. " Expecting to feel better, Talia felt like she got punched in the gut. Guilt dug in her heart as pressure built up in her chest.

She collapsed on the couch and buried her face in her arms. "I got proposed to four times." Daniel's face contorted from shock, to amazement and envy. Finally, he relaxed and bit his bottom lip, "That's great! Who did you- um, accept?" Talia scrunched her nose and turned red of shame. "None." Once again, Daniel's face switched from emotions, but it was clear he was happy.

He sat next to her.

And reached in so close.....

So close that all Talia could see were two beryl green eyes straight at her.

So close, that Talia assumed his intentions and leaned in.

And they kissed.

Talia presupposed that he would've become shook and backed out, but instead he slid his arm around her waist and smiled. Talia broke apart and frowned, "I thought-" "There is no other girl, Tal. There's only been you." He said, cutting off her statement. He reached in his pocket and revealed a small velvet box. Talia sucked in a breath and blinked a couple times to assure what she thought she saw. Daniel opened the box, and expecting to see a ring bedazzled with diamonds, Talia saw a cut-out pink construction paper heart. She leaned in to read it:

I'm two months early but,

I like you

You might like me

I'm scared to say

Even as gift this to you today

This doesn't really rhyme

But nevertheless, will you be mine?

Not just my valentine.

Talia gleamed, and wept. "Yes!" She exclaimed, pressing Daniel into a hug. He smiled back, and stared at Talia. "Wait- maybe not now. Maybe another year or even years, but will you marry me?" She furrowed her brows and just stared.

"What?" She asked.

He blushed, "Will you marry me?" She jerked back, "Just like that?" He fumbled for an answer, "Well- yes. Just like that." Talia expected to feel anger, and confusion and most definitely no joy. But her heart gained control over her mind and she spoke hopelessly in love. She tried not to smile too much.

"Ok."