62

ALEXANDER WALTERS

As I drove back home from the snooker place, the words of our conversation with Nathan echoed in my mind.

I tried to brush them off, but they lingered like an unwelcome shadow. Despite my determination to stand my ground, his doubts planted a seed of uncertainty in my heart.

Nathan's words played on repeat, reminding me of my Playboy past and how I used to pride myself on never getting attached. I had built a reputation, and my friends expected me to maintain it. But with Katherine, everything had changed, and I couldn't ignore the emotions that now consumed me.

As I stopped at a red light, I let out a frustrated sigh. It was true; I had been an asshole in the past, using girls and never caring about the consequences of my actions. But Katherine was different. She made me want to be a better person, to be worthy of her affection and love.

I couldn't help but feel a pang of hurt at the thought that even my friends doubted my capacity to change. Did they see me as incapable of real emotions? Did they think I was just playing a game with Katherine?

But deep down, I knew Nathan was wrong. I loved Katherine so damn much, and it was unlike anything I had ever felt before. She had a way of getting under my skin, making me feel vulnerable yet so alive.

As I pulled my car into gear, I became lost in my thoughts. I had to prove to Katherine that my feelings were genuine, that I wasn't just another guy playing with her heart. Because I knew she still somewhat doubted me. Especially considering what happened today at school.

I wanted her to see that she meant everything to me.

I knew what I had to do.

I had to be honest with Katherine and show her that I was serious about us. It was time to put my words into action and prove that I could change, that I could be the guy she deserved.

With newfound resolve, I picked up my phone and sent her a message, asking if we could meet up tomorrow, after school at my place again. I wanted to tell her how I felt, to lay my heart bare and show her the depth of my emotions.

As I waited for her response, I couldn't help but feel a mix of nervousness and excitement. The fear of rejection lingered, but I pushed it aside, knowing that I had to take this chance.

I loved Katherine, and I was ready to fight for her, to show her that my feelings were real and genuine. No matter what anyone else thought or said, I knew in my heart that she was the one for me.

Tomorrow, I would face her and let my actions speak louder than any words. I was determined to prove that I had changed, that I was capable of love, and that I was ready to give my heart to her completely.

-:-

The next day, after school, my heart was pounding with both excitement and nerves as I hurriedly rushed to Target to get everything ready for the evening. I wanted tonight to be perfect, a chance to express my feelings to Katherine in the most romantic way possible.

In the store, I picked up a bag of rose petals, envisioning them scattered on the floor to create a path leading to where I would stand, waiting for her. I also grabbed a bunch of heart-shaped balloons, intending to fill the room with a touch of whimsy and love.

Next, I found some scented candles to add a warm and intimate ambiance to the room. I knew they would cast a soft glow, enhancing the romantic atmosphere I hoped to create.

I then headed to the food section and picked up the ingredients for the dinner I planned to prepare for Katherine. Pasta, her favorite, was a must. I grabbed some fresh vegetables to sauté and a bottle of her preferred wine to pair with the meal.

As I checked out, my mind was buzzing with anticipation, wondering how Katherine would react to my surprise.

…

With the sun setting on the horizon, I busied myself in the kitchen, preparing the special dinner for Katherine. The aroma of sautéed vegetables and simmering pasta filled the air, adding to the anticipation of the evening ahead.

As the food cooked, I carefully set the dining table, wanting everything to be perfect for her. The heart-shaped balloons floated gently above, and the scattered rose petals added a touch of romance to the room. I lit scented candles, their flickering glow casting a warm and intimate ambiance.

Once satisfied with the setup, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness.

I quickly snapped a photo of the beautifully decorated dining area and sent it to Katherine with a short message: "Can't wait for tonight. It's going to be special. See you soon. 😊"

Now, it was time to freshen up and dress up for the occasion. I rushed to the bathroom and splashed some water on my face, trying to calm my racing heart. I wanted everything to be perfect for her, to show her how much she meant to me.

After changing into a clean, casual outfit with a touch of sophistication, I checked myself in the mirror, making sure everything was just right. My mind was filled with thoughts of Katherine and the moments we would share tonight.

As I waited for her arrival, time seemed to pass by slowly. The anticipation was almost overwhelming, but I couldn't wait to see her reaction to the surprise I had prepared. I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves.

Finally, the sound of the doorbell echoed through the house, and I rushed to open it. There she stood, Katherine, looking absolutely stunning.

She was wearing a knee-length, emerald green dress that perfectly complemented her olive skin tone. The dress had a subtle shimmer, catching the light in all the right ways as she moved

Her long, brown hair cascaded down her shoulders in soft waves, and she had a touch of natural makeup that highlighted her striking features.

I couldn't help but feel a rush of admiration for her as I greeted her at the door. "Hey, Katherine," I said, my voice filled with genuine warmth and appreciation.

"Hi, Alex," she replied, her smile radiant and infectious.

"You look absolutely amazing," I couldn't help but compliment her, my eyes lingering on her for a moment longer than I intended.

"Thank you," she blushed, a playful glint in her eyes.

As we exchanged pleasantries, I gestured for her to come inside. "Come on in," I said, my voice slightly nervous but excited.

She stepped inside, and the soft scent of her perfume lingered in the air, adding to the enchanting atmosphere. As she walked past me, I couldn't help but notice how the emerald green dress complemented her eyes, making them stand out even more.

I closed the door behind us, my heart beating a little faster as I led her further into the house.

As I led Katherine towards the dining area, my heart was pounding in my chest, and my palms felt slightly sweaty. I was nervous, not knowing how she would react to the surprise I had prepared. I had put so much thought and effort into creating a special moment for her, hoping that she would see just how much she meant to me.

As we approached the table, I noticed her eyes widening with surprise, and her hand instinctively covered her mouth as she took in the sight before her. The heart-shaped balloons gently swayed in the soft breeze, the candles casting a warm glow on the rose petals scattered across the table.

"Alex, you didn't have to…," she stammered, her voice filled with wonder.

Taking a deep breath, I knew it was now or never. I couldn't let my nerves get the best of me. With determination in my heart, I got down on one knee in front of her, looking up into her eyes.

"Katherine," I said, my voice slightly shaky but sincere, "I can't imagine my life without you. From the moment we met, you've brought so much joy and happiness into my life. You've shown me a side of myself I never knew existed, and I can't deny the feelings I have for you."

Her eyes glistened with emotion, and I could see the surprise and curiosity in her gaze. I continued, my heart pouring out the words I had been longing to say.

"I know we started off on the wrong foot, and I've made mistakes in the past. But being with you has made me want to be a better person. I've realized that I don't want to be the playboy that I once was. I want to be with you, and only you. I want to be your boyfriend, and I promise to be there for you, to support you, and to cherish every moment we share together."

The seconds felt like an eternity as I waited for her response. Time seemed to stand still.

As I looked up at Katherine, anticipation and hope filled my heart, waiting for her response.

However, instead of the words I longed to hear, a deep silence hung in the air, and I could see fear and uncertainty in her eyes.

Her hand trembled slightly as it reached for her heart-shaped necklace, a nervous habit I had noticed before.

"Katherine?" I called out softly, my voice filled with concern.

But before I could say anything else, she turned and bolted towards the door, her footsteps echoing through the hallway. I was taken aback, my heart sinking with each step she took away from me.

"Wait, Katherine!" I called out, rushing after her, but she was too quick. By the time I reached the door, she was already gone, disappearing into the darkness outside.

My mind raced with worry and confusion. What had gone wrong? Did I push her too far? Did I scare her away with my feelings? I felt a wave of regret and guilt wash over me, knowing that I had probably overwhelmed her with my impromptu proposal.

I stood there for a moment, trying to gather my thoughts, but the emptiness of the house felt deafening. I didn't know what to do or say. All I knew was that I had to find her and make things right.