Chapter 4

The couple were up bright and early; they had a train to catch and weren't going to miss it. In a short while they would be on their way to their final and most anticipated stop on their journey through Italy, Venice. They could feel the buzz in the air of busy Italians on their way to work and a few other tourists like them, this was the first time they really felt the excitement and anticipation of going to the floating city. 'Today is the day' Mike thought to himself getting butterflies in his stomach at the thought but looking at the beautiful girl walking just ahead of him ushering him to catch up calmed his nerves. 'Hey I think it's this way' said Tina pointing to a sign with a large 2 on it signifying platform two which matched their tickets. They had arrived ten minutes early but their train was delayed by five minutes. 'There is a shop over there, we should go and grab some snacks for the journey' said Mike, Tina followed and five minutes later they emerged with a bar of chocolate and two bottles of cola. Tina opened the chocolate and teased Mike with a piece before transferring it to her own mouth, Mike frowned at her joking before smiling at her and snatching the whole bar away from her and teasing her by holding it out of her reach before taking a piece for himself and handing her the bar back. Shortly afterwards the train arrived Tina boarded and went to find the seats they had reserved whilst Mike sorted out the luggage and helped a young mother struggling to get her pushchair on the train. Once they had sat down they got out their map of Venice to check what they were doing once they reached Venice before cuddling up and going back to sleep as they had gone to bed late and woken up early.

When they reached Venice they went to check in to their hotel and drop off their luggage before going to lunch and coffee. They went to a lovely café in one of the many squares around Venice. They had had a great trip so far and as every moment passed Mike got more and more nervous but he was enjoying his time with his girlfriend as they sat and chatted 'I didn't realise there where quite so many pigeons here' exclaimed Tina Mike smirked at this remark half daydreaming 'Mike are you okay you seem a bit quiet and you have been staring at my eyes since we ordered and even for you that long is unusual' said Tina.

'No it's just your eyes, you, you are so beautiful, so amazing, you make me happy when I'm sad, you make me laugh, you make me forget whatever's on my mind, you make me feel like I really belong where ever you are and you make me love you more and more every moment of every day, I, I really do love you' whispered Mike thinking that maybe this was the right time but no he had planned it to be perfect and he would wait until this evening. Tina smiled and almost started to tear up at Mikes compliments 'I love you too Mike Chang, you are the sweetest guy I have ever and think I will ever know'. They decided that if they wanted to see everything they had planned to they had better leave now as soon as they were behind what they had loosely planned already Mike covered the bill and they carried on. As they carried on through the city visiting the attractions and getting the occasional espresso or ice cream they both felt complete they were made for each other, the perfect couple and as much as they loved the city and all of its enchanting views they were enjoying each other's company more than anything else. As the day drew to a close they went back to their hotel to get changed and have something to eat before going back out into the city.

They had been planning to do arguably one of the most romantic activities in the world ride a gondola through Venice. Mike knew the time was near and he was more nervous than ever, what if she said no? What would he do then? But at the same time he was confident knew that Tina loved him and they had been dating for 6 years not including their short break-up in the middle but that had made them stronger. When they reached the dock Tina boarded the boat whilst Mike paid and gave the driver a message before boarding himself. The city was beautiful at night riding through the star lit water with a surprisingly calm breeze. The couple held hands, stared into each other's eyes and whispered word of love to each other, it felt right, everything was perfect, Mike gave a subtle nod to the driver who then spoke in his deep Italian accent 'I'm sorry if I'm interrupting my bella gentlewoman but I thought you may be interested for me to point out the bridge of sighs just over there it is mystical in the day but on a bella notte like this words cannot quite describe it' Tina turned to look he was right it was stunning. She turned back to find Mike holding a small box, he opened it contained a beautiful gold ring with three diamonds in it, it was simple but somehow seemed to be more beautiful than any ring, anything she had ever seen. Mike took a breath and started 'Tina you are amazing, you're the only one that makes me feel complete, those couple of months where we were apart where some of the worst days of my life, I missed you so much, I always miss you when you aren't here by my side, if I could I'd buy you the world but for now my word and this ring will have to do, Tina Cohen-Chang I want to spend the rest of my life with you by my side' He takes another breath swallows and whispers 'Will you marry me?'.

'Yes Mike of course I will' she leant to give him a hug without rocking the boat too much but by this time the ride was over Mike tipped the driver who wished them well. They returned to their hotel, what happened next is up for debate but I will let you make your own mind up.

THE END