Chapter 26:
She could not stand thinking this much about the same subject. She needed to get a grip of herself, and soon. She tried distracting her mind using several methods; case studies resembling that of William's problem with inter-continental adoption, solving issues for her several organizations or even just reading a Jane Austen book she loved so much. Yet, somehow, nothing seemed to ease her thoughts. The only result was an empty packet of red Marlboros and an even more distressed state of mind resulting from the fact that she realized how many problems she has been ignoring in this week of perfect bliss.
Why is it that even when things are perfect, nothing is? Ying-yang, I suppose; there is always something undesirable in everything good that happens to one. It's the curse of Life perhaps. The only possibility is accepting that fact that she is not WonderWoman and placing priorities. Honestly, though, that second part was the hardest. How can you choose between personal happiness of having found the person you love the most and getting the chance to be with him, and at the same time feel empty at the knowledge that all your dreams will remain unfulfilled if you stay with him?
Choices. Never easy in life. Maybe, if they were, life would not be this exciting. Yes, without failures, you could never feel sufficiently pleased at some success or good fortune. How to decide, then? You can make a list, you can create sets of possibilities, you can do yoga and meditate, and still you won't ever be truly satisfied with a decision when that decision is at the expense of something you really wanted. Unfortunately, usually that seems to be the case. I suppose the only way is to continue living, and things will resolve themselves, she considered. There is always a solution, even if at a moment of despair, one does not see it.
She got a text from William a few hours later, asking her to meet him at SmilingCoffeeCup, so there she went. Traveling there she thought how horrible it was that she did not seem able to discuss her deepest worries with the person she trusts and admires the most… Maybe, if she talks to him? Then again, the conversation might just push him away. Troubling herself already with whether to marry him or not, mere days after getting back together! What if he doesn't intend to marry her? She definitely isn't the perfect woman described in the radio.
"Smoking again? Are you nervous?" he asked, as she sat at the table waiting for him. He seemed exhausted, worried, troubled, and yet beautiful as ever. Elizabeth just stood up and hugged him, without uttering a word, just a hug seeking for protection and giving support. He hugged her back, evidently relaxing in her arms; he needed this just as much as she did. In fact, this was exactly the one and only action that could make him let go of all the problems he was facing. Not words as they gave little support, just the knowledge that he was not alone, that someone was there and would always be there for him to rely on. Ending the hug, they looked for a comfortable sofa where they could sit next to each other arm in arm, and ordered coffee.
"Mother wants us for dinner. And she wants your parents to come too; she seems to believe it imperative to meet them." He stated, noticeably calmer, with a sigh that pushed away all his worries into the air for everyone to deal with. She, in a similarly calm state, did not find this piece of news so stressing.
"It is to be expected I imagine. Would have preferred it to happen later, though. Not looking forward to it, that's for sure". He turned her hand to look into her eyes, all the while caressing her hand in his.
"Don't worry. Everything will turn out well. The only important thing is that I love you. My dream of 8 years, the one that seemed impossible, has come true; trust me, I won't allow anything to ruin this. You have my word of honor!" she smiled and kissed him, sealing this promise for ever. Little did he know all the things he still had to solve before the promise was truly kept. At that moment, she received a call from Mrs. Brandon.
"this will be ugly" she sighed, before answering the phone, William squeezing her hand for reassuringly. "Hello? Yes, Mrs. Brandon! How do you do?" William could only hear the tone of voice, which was not at all encouraging.
"I know, and please, forgive me. My actions were completely unprofessional. I am already in search for another-" she was cut-off apparently, but soon answered "What do you mean?" she eyed William with an insecure smile. He would have to find out a bit later it seemed. "Uhm, yes, of course, I-" again, she was cut-off. "Definitely! Thank you. Tomorrow at 8, I'll be there." And with that it finished.
"What was that all about?" he asked with arched brows, hoping for some light in this day of dark clouds.
"Apparently, I don't have to look for a new job!" she said, quite in disbelief still. "They will just assign me a different subject, but they are rather keen on keeping me and giving me another chance!" she said, almost laughing in happiness. Finally, something that works out! Or, at least, an issue less to worry about. William understood too, and shared in her joy, calling for a celebration.
"I'm so proud of you. I know I have already said it, but Lizzy, you are one humbling woman!" he exclaimed.
"All is not lost after all." She smiled.
"Except maybe all the lighters" he laughed at this.
"Or all of the cinema tickets"
"Every Starbucks mug" she ventured
"Oh, what do we have here?! Rooting for the competition are we, when enjoying the pleasant atmosphere of SCC?" now it was her turn to laugh.
"no, no, never!"
"Good" he kissed her nose "because I already asked for this place to be reserved exclusively for us"
"Well, that should be convenient. Do you intend to live here?"
"Practically, yes. You do know the importance of a good coffee I presume." She raised her mug
"Cheers! For many more good memories in this place, on this sofa, with these mugs and, most importantly, for Coffee!" "Cheers!"
"So," she asked a while later "what plans for today?"
"Hm, let me check" he took out his daily planner, and studied for minutes the noticeable emptiness of the half-page that represented his afternoon. "Nothing important" he grinned "why, any ideas?"
"Why am I supposed to always be the creative one thinking of fun ways to spend time?!" Cheeky! William thought. She'll see.
"All right, tell you what. Meet me at the entrance of Bingley's building at 8pm."
"Sure. What will we do?"
"Surprise" he grinned. Bugger, now I have to come up with something truly awesome! I think I'm going to call Bingley.
With that they separated, as she had to prepare for tomorrow's meeting with her boss, and he had to… well, had to prepare a super unforgettable evening for her.
"Charlie? Yeah, it's me. I was wondering if you could help me with something today, seeing as you have more experience than me at-" No, I will not let you know before Lizzy finds out. Call me cruel, or call me a genius, You, dear Reader, will have to wait anxiously as she does.
"Oh, Jane! What am I going to wear, I have nothing. I know I always ask you, but Will was so mysterious, I don't know where we are going and I want to dress properly!" Elizabeth was, certainly, nervous. Jane only laughed; she loved these girl times she spends with her sister, insecurities and all. She knew, though, that no matter what she wore, William would find her beautiful. Besides, he would never risk taking her somewhere where dress would matter, to embarrass neither her nor himself. Finally they agreed on something, though Lizzy kept trying to make last minute changes. She was almost literally shaking!
"It is incredible how love can change someone. Lizzy, has I only seen you when you arrived here and now, I would definitely not recognize you!"
"Thanks, Jane, that's very helpful" Lizzy's sarcasm was a famous trait of hers, and from it not even Jane could escape.
"Don't be like that, I mean it with the best of intentions." Jane smiled.
"Well, 10 minutes for him to arrive, check my make-up please and then I should be going down." Lizzy was seriously nervous. Actually, she was freaking out; her sweating was causing more troubles for Jane, who was trying to make her face look impeccable. Why is it that woman worry so much about their looks, especially when they have already got the guy! This is not right. I just hope he is suffering with this just as much as I am. Lizzy had little experience with this kind of feelings, as she has never had a relationship she really cared to maintain. Not like this. And though she felt, in her heart, that should she appear in rags and unwashed hair, he would still love her, forever. She knew their 'thing' was the real thing, that it was meant to be, that their future lies together. Aaaaah! Why does he do this to me! If he isn't nervous, I'm going to kill him! Don't worry, dear Liz, he is nervous, trust me.
"ok, so, how do I look?" he asked, for the millionth time.
"Dashing, as usual." Bingley responded, smiling.
"I can't have 'the usual'!!! Everything has to be perfect, more than perfect, it has to be unforgettable, it has to be the best night of her life until now! Don't tell me I look 'the usual'!" William was angry. No, rather, he was nervous, freaking out. It diverted Bingley to see his friend like this, as he was usually so calm and controlled. I suppose it is as they say… Love changes people. Bingley thought about how he had been changed by Jane… That wonderful woman! I just hope she likes the ring. He hasn't told Darce yet, but it was sort of a non-spoken understanding between them that they will both marry the Bennett sisters. He wouldn't be surprised if Darcy had already a ring separated from the store, for his best friend to use. You can say anything about the Prince's manners, but he definitely had taste.
"Darce, you don't want to be late. Stop fidgeting and go have fun. You look exceptionally handsome today, and your tie does not need to be done again!" Charles reproached his friend, who was untying and tying his tie, again.
"Yes, you're right, for a change. Have you called the-" "Yes" "and are you certain that-" "Of course I am!" "are the-" "Willaim Darcy, just go! Everything is taken care of!" Ok, Will was getting on Bingley's nerves now. But who can blame him?
"Brother, you must tell me everything tomorrow!" Georgina was almost more excited than her brother, except she did not share his nerves too. He took a deep breath, went to hug his sister and placed a good-night kiss on her forehead.
"Sweet dreams Georgi. See you tomorrow at breakfast."
"If you arrive back by then!" she said, cheekily. He allowed himself a little chuckle, and left.
Lizzy was waiting outside the entrance, looking at her watch every 5 seconds, waiting for William to arrive. She was looking at the cars, hoping every taxi and every limousine held the person she was waiting for. Minutes seemed to pass as slow as usually decades do, and she was restless by now. Also, interestingly, she was dead curious! She couldn't wait for what William had planned for her, though she tried not to imagine so as not to get disappointed. Of course, she could never in her wildest dreams imagine what was waiting for her.
"Will! I thought you would never come! What-" she could not finish her sentence, as the moment William arrived and she realized part of the plan, she was speechless.
"Elizabeth, I'm sorry, I encountered a little hold-up… You see, some aspects of transport are beyond my control." He said. Miraculously, now that they were together again, all nerves were forgotten, as if they had never existed; Elizabeth could not care less about neither dress nor makeup nor hair, and William would not notice even if her tie had a huge hole in it. Not even the flashing cameras were noticed by the two, they were so immersed in their own world where only the two of them existed at the moment. Sort of like dreaming a dream about each other, where both dream the same thing, and when the other's actions are full of surprise.
A few seconds later, Elizabeth was over the shock and started laughing.
"You are crazy, you know that?"
"Some might offer that explanation. However, I choose the term 'original'. Now come on, this is just the beginning of the surprise!" Ok, I'm seriously not disappointed Lizzy thought, with an excited smile on her face.