Here is chapter 2 of Lockdown. I hope you like it! Comment your suggestions and review.

Emily's POV

"So, Nashira, the presentation is looking good. I'll send you the final report as soon as Andrew sends me his take on the book. Eli, I need you to proofread the report before finalizing it. Miles, can you check the notes for the presentation and send them to everyone? Team, I need you to remember them by this weekend and then we can have a dry run to check for any issues. We still have two weeks left." I said to everyone in our group project Zoom meeting.

"I told you all to let Emily lead. And I was correct. We are two and a half weeks ahead girl. Chill. Everything is done. We just need to practice presenting and that will be done this weekend." Eli said.

"Ya, Emily, we are almost done. We can complete it by this weekend easily." Andrew said.

"See even Andrew is saying this. Chill girl. Go to talk to your mysterious boyfriend tonight. Rest before you burn out!" Eli said

I couldn't help but shake my head at my project group. They were all so different but worked well together. And they were right. Even if we did nothing till this weekend, we were so ahead that we will be done with the project easily.

"Fine, we can chill a bit. Also, Eli, you have talked to Jayden. Stop calling him Mysterious boyfriend" I laughed.

"Girl, you know I'm joking. But I ain't joking about you talking to the poor man. Go! Get out of this meeting and give him some love too." Eli barked at me jokingly.

I laughed at Eli's antics. I quickly said bye to them and left.

I looked at the clock. It was only 7:30. I knew Jayden would be teaching right now. I checked my phone and saw Antonio had messaged me "Call me ASAP" in bold.

I called him and he picked up at the second ring.

"Hey, Miss Busy Bee! How are your classes going? I hope I'm not interrupting any assignments." Antonio said.

"Nah, I just got done with a project. All my assignments are done. So, I'm free. Now tell me Fishboy, what is so urgent?"

"Well, I want to propose to Lauren and I need help to come up with an idea that is romantic and also us."

"OH MY GOD!" I yelled as I walked out on the porch. My mom gave me a look from the kitchen window and I couldn't help but laugh at her. She was looking at me like I was crazy.

"Em, don't scream. I swear Lauren will hear you all the way over here." He chuckled.

"Well, it is big news! My friends are getting married! Ohh, you can have it on the farm if you want a rustic wedding or by the beach or…." I started rambling.

"Em, let me propose first. She can say no as well." Antonio cut off my rambling.

"She won't say no Tonio. She loves you. You both are perfect for each other."

"Em, I'm scared. What if she can't see herself be married to a fisherman or she finds someone better or…"

"Hey, hey, hey. You spiralling on what-ifs won't help. She loves you remember that. She loves you as you are. So, don't think about the what-ifs. They can ruin things. Now, for the proposal, what were you thinking?"

"Well, I want it to be in the park where we had our first date. We had a picnic there and we had everything, the little sandwiches and a little bit of wine, chocolate-covered strawberries. We just sat there and talked."

"Perfect, recreate that. Do it at night and set up a gazebo of fairy lights near the lake. Enjoy a date, considering all of us are cooped up in the house. It would be COVID safe as well. Hide the ring in a box filled with chocolate-covered strawberries. Let her open it and then propose when she sees the ring."

"That sounds amazing! But when will I set it up?"

"That's where Jayden, Kevin and Mike come into play. They set it up. You both just need to dress up and come to the location. I'll tell them what to do. Now, decide the day and tell me. I can't wait!"

"Thanks, Em. You are amazing. Bye!"

And the line clicks shut. My friends are getting married.

I look at the clock. It's 8:10 pm. Jayden would be free now.

I FaceTimed him. He picked up after two rings.

"Hey!" I exclaimed on seeing his face. His hair was a bit longer than usual and he was wearing his favourite red plaid shirt, that I got him for his birthday, with a white T-shirt underneath. He looked so cute. He had a tiny smile on his face.

"Hey Em! How come you are free so early? Not that I'm complaining. I get to see your beautiful face."

I couldn't help and blush at him calling me beautiful. Jayden chuckled when he saw me blush.

"Well, my group is way ahead on the project and they literally begged for an off day. So, here I am. All free from assignments and papers."

"So, how are you and Serena? How is your mom?"

"Everyone is fine. Just busy with the farm. How was your day?"

"You know, same old same old. Had a meeting with the client today."

I couldn't put my finger on it. But Jayden seemed a bit different. He sounds so dull. He usually is full of life.

"Hey, Jay, are you OK?"

"Ya, I'm fine. Why do you ask?"

"You seem a bit distant… You should come here and live with me on the farm for a few weeks. It can help you get out of your routine."

"Em, I can't trouble you and your mom. You all have your hands full with taking care of the farm and Serena."

"Jay, you won't be troubling us at all. My mom will love another person in the house. She will love it even more if that person is you."

"Em, listen I gotta go... I love you"

"I love you too. Please think about it."

I couldn't help but wonder… I know the pandemic is getting to Jayden. I'm not sure what to do… He refuses to come to the farm. He also refused to live with Mike, Antonio and even Kevin and Mia. I guess I'll talk to others.

So, I got tired of studying and wrote this chapter up all in one day. As you see, Emily's chapter is longer cause 1. I find it easier to write as Emily and 2. This shows that she has a lot happening in her life. So, I hope you like it! You can DM me any ideas you have!