December 9th


The snow was falling in aery feather rain, like angel caresses. Lucy was watching it from above, in a bridge over the river. It was completely frozen after the past few days of very low temperature and a lot of people were skating. In fact, so was the blond, as soon as her boyfriend would arrive.

Desmond arrived at this precise moment, as if her thoughts were summoning him. However, her smile faded at the first look on his face. The young man was an honest soul and an ever purest heart. He could not lie, even if he tried.

- « Hey, Desmond. What is wrong? »

- « Hey Lucy... Well, not much... »

- « Des... » She scolded him with a soft voice. A second look and she knew it was not "that" serious. More likely him overreacting.

- « It... in fact... I... » Desmond sighed heavily and suddenly found the courage to speak. « My boss just landed a new job for New Year Eve. A big gig. And he needed me as prime caterer. »

- « But this is great news! You are team leader, now! And you say Mister Da Vinci "needs" you. This means something, right? »

- « I guess it is a way to see it. » Desmond rubbed his neck with embarrassment. « But that means we won't be spending the night together... And we have already Christmas booked. I am so sorry, Lucy! »

- « Hush, Baby, it is OK. I really look forward to spending the 24 with the kids. It is a good thing, and this is exactly why I love you. And New Year Eve... Well, just make sure to be available at midnight. »

She caressed his cheek with affection. His concern for her and her overall well-being was really touching. She was loved. It felt good, to know one was care for so much.

- « Let's go skating, Des. It will clear our head, and I want to see your... how did you put it? Killer moves? »

One hour or more after, both the youngsters were out of breath, their skin bright red of the nip of the cold and their efforts. Desmond was nursing a numb arse after a quite spectacular fall and Lucy was still trying to muffle her laughs. She settled for buying them hot wine as silent apologies

- « Lucy? » Desmond's call break the comfortable peace they have installed between them, as they sat on a bench, looking at the others on ice.

- « Hum? » The tune of his voice was uncharacteristic. No worries or concerned. Just... serious. And Desmond was rarely serious. Only when necessary. Otherwise, he was a charming, teasing young man. Oh, did she mention his good look and his abs?

- « I wanted to give you this on 31st but... it appears now is more or less the best moment I'll have. »

And at this moment, her heart stopped. He was fingering with a small, velvet black box. Could it be..? He caught her glare and her reaction, and he smiled with a mischievous smile. « Yeah, no Lucy, this is not the big moment. Quite close, but not yet. »

He opened the box and gave it to her to see a really simple silver or white gold ring, with just a sort of wave effect on it and two little white stones. Not diamond, there was no way he could afford it.

- « I am not ready for marriage. But I do know that you are someone very precious to me... And you know all this shit about the 21st and the end of the world. Well, I can also die from a car or slipping out the shower. And it... yeah, it hurts me to think another year will be gone without me telling you how much I love you. So... I am not dropping in my knee – particularly not on a frozen river – but... I guess I am asking you to consider this point as... the point I ask you to consider a future with me.. ARGH, it does not make sense. I am so bad with work. It is in my family. My uncle Haytham is a real dork when it comes to feelings and such. You have met the guy, haven't you? Of course you have, I am crashing at his place. Well, I wanted to say. I guess.. I-I-I. »

She locked her lips unto his, after having considerating him with stupefaction first, then tenderness. And finally, and really strange feeling full of warmth and butterflies, summer sea waves and mint.

- « Yes » She whispered when they finally break for air. « I will totally consider a future with you. And yes, we are not getting married. Not yet. But in few years time. And starting now, we are building our future... »

- « Re-really? »

- « Yes, Desmond, really. Did you have any doubt about it? »

- « Kinda... Look at me: the young stupid lad, going to a culinary and hospitality college, working more than part-time, and crashing at his uncle's... Not the brightest future.. »

- « I don't do bright, Desmond. I have a knack for darker souls. You have ambition, and dreams, and hope despite everything. You make me believe life is worth living it. So I would not have anyone but you to stand next to me at the end of the world and farther. »

The ring slide nicely on her fingers and for a moment, everything was perfect in the world.