Wednesday, October 8, 2008

38. shock, surprise and delight

Once the ring was finally safely on my finger, we were officially engaged for all the world to see. We were supposed to go for dinner at the Rainbow Room, but the Tiffany’s escapade had taken up most of the day and all our energy, so we decided to rather just spend some downtime being together, cuddling and kissing and staring at Lucy. Yeah, it’s terrifically cheesy but we named the ring. Lucy for Lucida, also for Lucy in the sky with diamonds. So sue us.

That evening my Beautiful Boy took me to see Chicago on Broadway, which I absolutely loved and I suspect that he enjoyed it every bit as much as I did. I vividly remember sitting in the theatre, getting completely caught up in the action and then remembering with a shock that there was a rock on my finger. I literally got a fright each time!

Whenever this happened, thoughts would start spinning. My parents! They’d never even met him! My brother and sister, how would they take it? Sure, they liked him well enough but that didn’t mean they’d cheerfully let me marry him. My friends, his friends, would everyone think we’re crazy? When could we actually be together, would I have to move to Madison until he graduated? Spend a whole winter in Wisconsin with nothing to do but stay indoors out of the snow? When would the ex find out?

I’d focus back onto the stage, sneaking sideways looks at the Boy. He seemed in his element, as usual. Relaxed, entranced, lost in the show. I really love the way he can just do that. Be in the moment, no regrets for yesterday and no fears for tomorrow. It’s a gift. I took his cue and tried to just enjoy our date. Afterwards we had divine sushi and champagne at Blue Fin on Time’s Square – a perfect meal to end our eventful day.

I couldn’t really relax into this newly engaged state though. Not until the next morning when we both woke up eager to spread our good news to our loved ones. We found a quiet place with good reception (not so easy in NYC!) and started dialling. First up were his parents: they were ecstatic. His mom asked what took him so long! Then I called my Mom. She was surprised and a bit sad that she hadn’t met BB yet, but trusted me to know what I was getting into. My Dad was hesitantly happy, worried about the suddenness and whether I was still on the rebound after ex. Either way, they wished us all the luck and joy in the world and looked forward to meeting BB. Sheesh. Getting that out of the way felt like a weight off my shoulders.

Over a Ruby’s burger we texted all our friends and messages of shock, surprise and delight came rolling in. I was a bit worried when I didn’t hear anything from my siblings. Everyone else replied in one way or another. Also looming was another airport farewell. Before the end of the day, my fiancĂ© (the word still sounds strange and pretentious!) would fly away back to Madison and in five days I’d leave for home. It was a mad roller-coaster ride this here girl was on.

19 comments:

her said...

this is slow slow torture!! haha...so are you married now? are you still engaged? are you living together? huh huh huh huh??? just kidding. but really, i love your writing!

Anonymous said...

I think your story unfolds itself perfectly.

Cate Subrosa said...

Oh man I would have been so nervous about telling the family. I'm actually nervous just reading this to hear what's going on with your siblings.

Modelmental said...

Thanks Krystal! Sorry for the slow torture, will catch up quicker now that the US trip is over... Much more sedate life at home! I'll give you a preview though, happily living together and the wedding is next month, eek!

Catherine, as I said before there's no planning involved so I had no idea it was going to take this long! But I also like the way it unfolds, thank you. Using the blog as a memory-keeper, it's so easy to forget the details. And I want to remember everything!

GS, it's so complicated but I'm quite independent of my folks so they didn't stress me out that much but the siblings and friends were hectic!

Yocy said...

Found your blog yesterday and I am addicted!! Its like a juicy Sex and the City but with such suspense!!!

Anonymous said...

I look forward to your posts every day now! I am excited to hear what happens when the U.S. trip is over. AND I just know that your siblings will be happy for you, I just know it!

Kimberly Julie said...

"Lucy" is the nickname my boyfriend gave my tattoo (it's a bird)... so I've actually thought about getting diamonds around it for Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, haha!

Anyways, I cannot wait to hear about how the ex finds out and what he does!!

Unknown said...

this is so fantastic... you are always one of my first blog stops of the day... love your story!!

Rachel said...

more, more! x

Rachel said...

more, more! x

beka said...

I love the fact that you named your ring.

Modelmental said...

Yocelyn, that satc compliment is right up my alley! And who knew I was a frustrated Agatha Christie? Thank you for reading!

Thanks mrs. S, I can't tell you how much it means to have you gals returning again and again. I always thought the story is spectacular but didn't realise others might find it cute too? x

Kimberly Julie, that sounds like an awesome tattoo! Can they do that these days? I really don't feel much like posting bout the ex ever again, but I will. Just to satisfy your morbid curiosity!

Thanks Jessica! I try my hardest to keep it up and make sure there's something new every day... Glad it's appreciated thus!

Rachel, you know it. Can't stop it if you tried! Well, maybe if you tried, you could...

Bekapaige, thanks, I'm still slightly embarrassed about it but its stuck!

Contando con palabras... said...

Oh my! I've been following your blog since I found you via Peonies... I must say, I read almost all your posts in one day -my boss must not know about this haha-!

So now you know how anxious I am to read more and more! I love your writing!

Hollywood Tai Tai said...

somehow I am expecting another twist on this farewell! write soon pls..

Anonymous said...

What a cute story! You seem to have a great and vivid imagination. Writing a post in "his" perspective was a nice idea as well. :)

Unknown said...

You need a book deal. I, along with all the friends I told about it, are obsessed with your blog!

Modelmental said...

entonces decidimos casarnos... no fair! i can't read your blog. but i've always wanted to learn spanish so maybe it's time? your secret's safe with me, and thanks so much!

hollywood, coming up. is it a twist when there is no twist? ha ha ha.

anonymous, you're so funny. you've made me laugh out loud - thanks! but seriously, you don't believe any of this? i never considered the possibility that someone might think it's fictional! now there's an interesting twist!

mary, bless you for spreading the word and the greatest compliment! x

Mrs T said...

I have the morbid curiosity too. Nothing worse than being the one before the one. Did the ex freak out?

P.S. Love that you named your ring. I think it's really cute

Modelmental said...

charlie, true to form, the ex said absolutely nothing, not a word. will write about it soon, promise.
and lucy says thanks.