A/N: Wow I haven't updated since April I believe, my apologies. But I hope this chapter makes up for it, and if it doesn't, well a little constructive criticism never hurt anyone. Also this chapter skips maybe Seven years from the last, so they would be about 23.

Chapter Nine: The Proposal

(Erek's POV)

SEVEN YEARS LATER

I gulped. I've been terrified before in my life, very, very, very, terrified, but never this scared in my whole life. I had already been disastrous trying three times before this, this was it. I took a step forward, the spot light shone in my eyes.

I cleared my throat.

"Umm Hi!" I said timidly into the microphone.

Attempt number one:

"So when are you going to propose to Maria?" Daniel asked.

I smiled, "Well I was planning on asking her to dinner tonight."

Daniel chuckled.

"What?" I asked.

"It's nothing, just a inside joke…" Daniel answered back.

"Sure it is." I answered wearily.

"Soo where are you taking her?" Daniel asked curiously

"The Dining Room"

"Nice"

&&&

"Hey Maria!" I said anxiously running my hand through my brown hair.

"What's up?" Maria's voice asked through the other end of my cell phone.

"Hey I was wondering if you wanted to go out to eat tonight. Say maybe about five?" I asked.

"Five? Erek, you can't eat at restaurants at five!" Maria said.

"Since when can't you eat at restaurants at five?" I asked quizzically.

Maria was silent for a moment.

"Erek do you even know what time it is?" Maria asked.

I looked at the watch on my hand.

"Oh. Its midnight isn't it?" I said.

"Yes, good job wittle Erek" Maria teased.

"Well I- I uh guess I'll err see you tomorrow." I said.

"Yeah see ya." Maria said as she hung up the phone.

………………………………..

"Hi, er- I'm Erek King. Oh by the way Sting I'm a big fan."

……………………………………

Attempt Two:

"This is a nice boat isn't it?" I asked Maria.

We were on a sail boat for the day. The sea was calm; the sun was setting perfect timing for a proposal.

"Yup, it certainly is." Maria answered.

I knew this was the time, it was now or never; "Maria, will you m-"

"Hey Erek! Want some crab cakes?" Daniel interrupted.

I glared at Daniel.

"Oh, I interrupted something, didn't I?" Daniel said apologetically

I nodded, signaling Daniel to leave.

He turned around grinning like a fool and left.

"As I was saying, would you, Maria m-"I started to say but stopped short when some random person, I don't know who, ran over and barfed all over me.

Well this certainly wasn't going well.

…………………………………………………………

I looked out into the audience. Daniel, Lourdes, Jenny, and Maria all came with me to the Police concert with me; little did they know what I was going to do. Not going to let some kid barf on me now!

…………………………………………………….

Attempt Number Three

"So, how did it go Erek?" Daniel curiously asked me.

"It didn't go." I said as I slammed the front door. "I lost the stupid ring."

Daniel snickered.

"Oh shut up! At least I haven't gone through 523 rings!" I said irritably.

"Well-well it's not my fault I keep forgetting were I put them all. Maybe next time I'll just ask Lourdes, without a ring, she'll understand." Daniel muttered to himself.

A sat down at the table and chugged a litter of Mountain Dew.

"I think it might have fallen in my car engine."

………………………………………………………………..

"Anyways, I'm Erek King, and I have to ask a question."

I got down on my knee.

"Maria, will you marry me?"