It's been six years since I last asked him to marry me, and six years its been since he rejected for the millionth time. How could one man be so stubborn and wait so long to ask the most obvious question to the person who not only has his heart but he who has mine too.
"Jeffrey Nero Hardy…." I started my regular six yearly rant whilst he sat at the breakfast bar and ate his cereal, only this time it wasn't just a regular rant this time I was more serious than I had been for a while. "do you remember that time when you threw Jason Piggams football back cause he hit April in the head, but instead you smacked Suzie square in the face…." I trailed off whilst he continued to eat "will you marry me?" I quickly asked as he smirked and turned his head to the side.
"like how you just slipped that in there almost caught me on that one" he laughed as I tried to keep a straight face but failed and laughed also, "I know I suck this year, you know what you win" I said defeated as he looked at me with the like your giving up that easy face "you know after 17 years of dating we own three properties out right, two bars, have two separate clothing lines, and broken up a total of 8 times…granted one time was just a two month period where I didn't talk to you because you threw my limited edition punky Brewster doll into Shannon's crapy bonfire" I rambled "oh my god that was like 12 years ago already, your never going to let that go are you? Oh and don't forget the time when you put that disgusting brown hair die in my supposed 'blue' shampoo…that's why punky got it" he replied as I rolled my eyes and stuck my tongue out at him.
"Why would you want to marry me anyways?" he asked breaking the silence that fell briefly between us "so I can kiss you anytime I want" I replied laying my southern accent on a little thicker than normal as I lent in and kissed him. "your so cheesy" he responded as I punched his arm playfully "and your such a jerk, you know there is only so long that you can drag me along for Hardy. you keep this up and ill be out the door" I stated knowing full well that I would never walk out, as if I was prepared to do that then I should have walked years ago. Truth was Jeff was my soul mate we fit together like macaroni and cheese it just worked, were the best of friends the worst of enemies. "we'll get married one day...when the time is right" he said quietly as I rolled my eyes and slapped my hand down onto the cold garnet of the bench top "what a joke, I'm use to living in sin now anyways...I think I'm comfortable the way it is, and I think I've reserved myself to the fact that we're probably never going to et married so I'll just resort to sabotage when I want things" I replied with a cheeky grin "sabotage?" he repeated with a raised eyebrow "girls gotta do what a girls gotta do dude" I stated before slapping him hard on the bare skin of his back and quickly made my exit before he could retaliate "oh you are SO going to pay for that Ella May Moore!" he yelled after me as I let out a menacing laugh.
Two days later we were catching up with the family Shannon and Crystal along with my new nephew were visiting and Matt was on his way over with Ashley to hang out for the afternoon, I struggled out the back door carrying a bucket filled of ice and beer bound for the pool "oh look your such a regular house wife, Crystal should take some pointers from her favourite sister-in-law" Shannon stupidly announced and in turn received a filthy look from his wife "oh Crystal I really do feel for you, it must be so hard having to look after two babies all day" I responded plonking the bucket down on the ground between both Jeff and Shannon as Crystal laughed "it's okay boys, I don't need help I love to struggle" I added giving them both a slap upside the head as they whined in unison. "So when is Matt and Ash getting here" Shannon asked as Jeff cracked a beer open for both myself and Crystal "not sure I think he said about two or something like that" Jeff replied looking up at me as he handed the beer bottled over "yeah there not too far away Shan, why you so egger to see them anyways? wouldn't have anything to do with Ashley's botched boob job would it?" I questioned as Crystal gasped and held back laughter as I handed her a beer "sorry I know I shouldn't be catty but she's just so stupid sometimes." I added as Jeff rolled his eyes "no your just too over protective of a Mr Matthew Hardy that's what it is" Jeff piped up and I shrugged "I didn't say she wasn't a nice girl guess I just don't agree with the barbie image she tries to portray sometimes" I stated before slipping into the pool careful not to spill my beer as I did so.
"Hey guys!" Matt yelled from the top step of the porch with Ashley by his side "oh god she's wearing platform hooker heels to a BBQ?" I mumbled as Jeff kicked water at me laughing slightly "what!? wasn't like you all weren't thinking it" I added as Shannon spat his beer out unable to control his laughter any longer "what's so funny?" Matt asked as he approached the pool shooting Ella a knowing look "whaaaaat?" I questioned defensively with a sweet smile on my face "you know what" he responded pointing his finger at me "you know it's rude to point Matthew" I shot back "she dose have a point there bro" Jeff finally chipped in as Matt gave him a shove "your wrapped around her little finger" he commented as they playfully pushed as shoved "so what took you guys so long anyways, you only live down the street" Shannon asked looking up at Matt whilst shielding the sun out of his eyes, "I thought I would be a nice big brother to all you douche bags and buy up some top quality produce for this BBQ" he shouted as Ashley held up the bags of shopping "yeah good try" Shannon replied as both he and Jeff laughed insinuating it was due to other reasons they were so late "you guys are gross" both Crystal and I shouted loudly.
"I'll help you set the table if you'd like" Ashley announced as she walked into the kitchen her giant platforms making giant thuds as she moved about "okay you can help me on one condition" I replied looking down at her feet "they gotta go, you don't need them anyway dude why are you wearing them? it's just a BBQ relax" I added as she blushed and shied away "I'm sorry" she squeaked out as she started to take her shoes off "don't be sorry Ash, you just need to realise you don't need to try so hard to fit in. Just be yourself and it'll be fine were not that scary" I noted as she smiled and kicked her shoes towards the door before holding her hands out for items "thanks Ella I guess you just make me so nervous" she responded as I snapped my head around slightly shocked by her statement "really?" I asked as she nodded somewhat embarrassed that she let it slip out "just because of the relationship both you and Jeff have, and I know that Matt wants what you guys have. it's the perfect love story I just hope that I can give all that to Matt" she replied as I sighed, it wasn't the perfect love story there were still so many missing pieces to the puzzle yet to be placed "oh darling it's not the perfect love story, if it was id have a ring on my finger and a bun in the oven by now" I scoffed laughing to myself as I dug around the bottom draw in search of a tray for the meat as she smiled sweetly "why hasn't he asked you yet? I mean you guys have been together for a really, really long time haven't you?" she questioned as I finally found the tray and straighten up handing it over to her just as Matt walked in "it's because my brother is an idiot and liked to play hard to get" he answered her question for me "it's all about games and how well you play them in the Hardy clan, better skill up now while you still can" I smirked as Ashley gave me a high five "Ella...that wasn't cool" Matt responded pouting as Ashley awed at him like a mother would to a baby "yeah your right it wasn't cool...it was rad, you guys and your lovey doveyness make me ill" I added laughing before leaving them to it and heading back outside placing all the BBQ supplies on the back porch.
"I don't know if I really trust this whole BBQ thing with Jeff, I mean" Shannon started to say before I cut him off "oh and your any better to man something that contains flames?" I asked before Jeff stepped in placing a hand on Shannon's chest "man she pulled out the punky brewster cremation the other day...it's not over" he warned as I grabbed the fly swatter and smacked Jeff with it "hey Punky didn't deserve to be burnt by you two brutes...she was my favourite" I argued pouting at there utter disregard to her importance and value "it's okay Ella I understand, my brothers blew up my troll doll collection using fire crackers" Crystal announced as I turned to her in shock "that's just barbaric" I exclaimed in disgust of such an act "oh please" Jeff murmured as fired the BBQ up "you....should zip it right about now if you know what's good for you pal" I commented throwing him a not too pleasant look just as Shannon made a whipping sound, and insinuating that Jeff was on a tight leash which warranted him the exact same look shutting him down pretty quickly "you know I need to get lessons from you on how to execute that look, it's so effective" Crystal laughed as I sat down the pitcher of juice and the accompanying glasses smiling "it's okay first lessons free anything after that I'll have to charge you" I replied laughing and sitting down next to her pouring myself a glass.
"Alright ya'll I guess where headed out" Matt announced as he and Ashley gathered there things "thanks for coming over" I said giving Matt a hug "thanks for having us" Ashley spoke up coming towards me "it's not a problem, sorry if I was a bit rude earlier, just remember what I said that you don't have to try so hard yeah?" I repeated as she smiled and nodded "alright safe trip home guys, I'll let Jeff know you left since he and Shannon seem far to preoccupied being stupid in the pool" I added as Matt laughed and rolled his eyes "well that's nothing out of the ordinary you know" Matt replied as I nodded and waved them off out the door. I went back into the kitchen and started cleaning up the mess when I heard the familiar cry of a newborn, how I wished for the day when that cry would be for me tho for now I took it as practice and headed towards the spare room where Caleb's tiny form laid in the portacot, wrapping him tightly in his blanket I softly picked him up and held him to myself patting his back lightly to calm him down before placing him back in his cot totally oblivious to the fact Jeff was watching me from the doorway.
Coughing awkwardly he made himself known as I spun around to face him still trying to settle Caleb back into a deep sleep "yeah what's up" I asked still slowly rocking back and forth watching as Caleb's heavy eyes finally started to close "has Matt left already?" he asked still watching me as I smiled and looked up "yeah him and Ashley left a few minutes ago, I was going to come get you but looked like you and Shan were a bit preoccupied in the pool at the time" I stated as he shrugged "that's cool I'll call him in the morning, your looking way too comfortable there" he motioned as I turned and slowly placed Caleb back in his cot "he's my first nephew I can do what I want, plus I'm so maternal it's insane...can we have a baby? I mean its not ideal cause you wont marry me but I'm willing to compromise if we can have a baby!" I replied smiling sweetly as I made my way out the door pulling it too slightly totally forgetting about the baby monitor into the room and that both Crystal and Shannon could hear our conversation.
"we shouldn't be listening to this Shannon, it's rude!" Crystal said trying to reach for the monitor to turn it off "it's not rude were just trying to listen to Caleb and make sure he is alright, if Ella and Jeff are in reach it's not our fault" Shannon defended as Crystal shook her head "it's there personal business Shan we cant listen to your sisters private life like this, its just not right!" she argued angrily as he finally backed down and huffed. "That's not really a fair deal you know Ella, a baby isn't a toy" Jeff replied in some what of a dismissive tone "Jeffrey I'm not stupid and can not believe that you would think that of me, if I wanted to pretend I would buy a baby born doll" I replied angrily before storming outside. "Hey how's Caleb going?" Shannon asked quickly moving away from the baby monitor "don't act like you weren't listening, your a pathetic liar" I responded "and Caleb is fine, fast asleep with no care in the world" I added sitting down and cracking open another beer just as Jeff walked out the back door "something that I know I'll never get to worry about that's for sure" I quipped as Crystal looked at me with sad eyes before moving to sit next to me and motioning for Shannon to leave us to talk.
"are you okay?" Crystal asked once both Shannon and Jeff were out of sight and hearing range, "yeah I'm fine, just sucks I'm so ready to settle down and he just wont...I don't get it we've been together for so long have so many things we share and I'm happy I am I just want it to be 'official' you know, just would top everything off and yeah" I blurted out as Crystal sat silently nodding "I mean I'm defiantly not a girly girl you know that, and I dot need the fancy wedding hell I'd be happy with the court house for all I care. I just want to be made an honest woman and have babies and live out this supposed fairy tail you know what I mean? and lets face it we both know that if I was to pop out a kiddlet now both mum and dad would have a freak out" I added "yeah well there church people and that's how they were raised in the south, maybe Jeff's just waiting for the right time?" Crystal stated but it was more like a question as I tilted my head to the side "when is a right time Crystal? it's been what 17 or so years now, I'm pretty sure a bunch of right times have come and passed" I replied sarcastically as she smirked "true but I mean if he didn't see a future with you do you think you guys would still be together? He loves you Ella it's totally obvious ya'll are still in your honeymoon phase and that's lasted how many years did you say? it's sickening really" she responded as I cocked an eyebrow "oh puh-lease honeymoon phase? girl that was over and done with by the time we hit the 9th grade...you know I give up on it, I love that man more than life itself I just have to realise marriage and possibly kids is out of the question. heck were pretty much married now maybe I should just go buy a ring like Brooke Burk did and say were married, or I could just tamper with the birth control and say it must have been an accident?" I rambled as Crystal chocked on her drink "now y our going into espionage?" she asked as I laughed "girls gotta do what a girls gotta do, and if it aint being given then sometimes yah just gotta take it" I replied laughing.
"Dude what are you doing man?" Shannon asked as both he and Jeff sat on the couch flipping through the TV channels "what do you mean?...or did you hear everything with those bat ears of yours?" Jeff replied smirking and avoiding the incoming cushion Shannon launched in his direction "I heard it and not with my 'bat ears' but through the baby monitor you looser, and I mean what are you doing to my sister" Shannon asked trying to be all brotherly but wasn't working and had never work to intimidate Jeff tho Jeff let him think it did "I'm not doing anything wit your sister, just the same old story you know that" Jeff replied with a shrug "when are you gunna make an honest woman out of her dude, seriously it's pretty over due" Shannon stated laughing as it had become quite a joke as the years rolled by "I'm gunna ask her dude have just been waiting for that right moment, I want it to be perfect just like everything else has been." he responded as Shannon sighed "this year at least?" Shannon asked questioningly "I mean you don't have the verbal it just nod or give me a wink or something at least?" he added as Jeff just looked at him blankly and slyly winked an eye "oh thank freaking god!" he practically yelled and quickly quieted down remembering Caleb who was sleeping in the spare room "quiet down man you cant spoil this alright, I'm not going to tell anybody when, or where just know by the end of the year" Jeff stated trying to calm Shannon and his excitement down "you better dude or I think she's going to explode, and we all know how Ella is when she's pissed" Shannon added as Jeff scrunched up his face and nodded in agreement.
Once everything had calmed down and all the dust had settled Shannon and Crystal headed home much to my disapproval, "you headed to bed soon?" Jeff asked as I finished cleaning the kitchen up and packing the leftovers away "yeah I'm gunna go have shower n hit the sack I think, are you coming?" I asked making my way halfway up the stairs "nah I'm going to catch the rest of this game before, wont be too far behind you tho" he replied as I rolled my eyes "stupid football, LAME!" I yelled as I continued my climb "it's only lame because Clemson isn't playing" he bit back playfully "whatever" I replied as I continued my way into the bedroom thinking about my conversation with Crystal, maybe sabotage or trickery wasn't a bad thing but then again I'm just as bad of a liar as my brother so that would never work guess I just have to keep riding this wave out.