A Thought For Evie

[Elegance Industries. 5:45 pm]

Evie's POV

Three days later I fully recovered from my jet lag and was happy to be working again. My shift began at nine and now almost nine hours later, it's coming to an end. At this time I was finishing up the last errand I was running for Gabi. I had to deliver some papers to the design team on the second floor of the building. After I got off the elevator, I walked in on the design team engaged in a heated argument.

"You don't know colors if it looked you in the face!"

"Are you calling me blind?!"

"No! I'm saying you can't see nothing!"

"That's calling me blind, you idiot!"

I thought to myself whether or not I should get myself involved. But since I'm here, I might as well.

"Hey! Hey! What is going on here?!" I asked aloud.

They stopped arguing and all of a sudden started acting good. Probably because they know I'm Gabi's assistant.

"We were just…having a conversation." responded one guy.

"Obviously. But that's not all. What led to you all yelling at each other?" I asked.

The team showed me different designs for a new line of men's suits. But they seemed to have trouble deciding on the texture and colors of the suits. I placed the papers I had to deliver on the desk next to me and took a deep breath.

"Okay, this is your department. I'm not going to tell you what to do except you need to get yourselves back together. Apologize to each other, and then work together to figure this out. You all are very creative. I know you can figure this out." I said.

"Yes, ma'am."

"Good. Now, off you go." I said.

I turned and walked back to the elevator. As I pressed the button to go down, I heard the team apologizing to each other just as I told them to. After I was in the elevator going down, I smiled to myself as I felt proud of myself for what I've done.

[Downtown Vancouver. 6:35 pm]

After I left work, I headed to the downtown area. This city is absolutely gorgeous. And the shopping is so diverse here. I don't think Mal could have picked a better place. Anyway, I went there because I have a coupon for a jewelry store that expires soon. I know, like I need more jewelry. I'm not going to buy a whole bunch. Maybe just one or two things. Maybe one thing for me and one thing for Mal. I don't know. Depends on what is available and the price.

I parked the car at a spot near a parking meter that was off to the side of the road by the building's entrance. After putting in enough change that gave me an hour, I headed to the entrance. A swift gust of wind blew past me as I touched the door handle. It really is getting cold. I delayed no longer getting inside. After I walked in, I was amazed by the look of the store. It didn't seem cheap, that's for sure.

As I was taking a moment to look around me, a man, dressed in a nice suit, approached me.

"Hello, miss. Welcome in. Is there anything I can help you with?" he asked.

"I'm just looking around. I stopped by because I got a coupon which expires soon. So I thought I'd stop in and have a look to see what you offer." I replied.

"It's an excellent day to stop in, miss. If there's anything I can help you with, feel free to let me know."

"Thank you."

The man walked away and I began my stroll on looking at some necklaces that were displayed behind glass countertops. I saw some very pretty ones. A little on the expensive side. Some around a thousand dollars, but I can see it would be worth it. I did see one necklace that did get my attention. But keeping it in my mind, I continued on.

I eventually made my way to the rings section, and that section is what got me. One particular ring, in fact. An engagement ring. One that was three thousand dollars. A ring that was silver with a small purple amethyst as it's center stone. Then I had the thought of what Mal said to me a few nights ago:

"When did you become my wife?"

She was being sarcastic, of course. But Mal and I had a few thoughts on getting married. We've been through so much in the one year we've been together. One year though. Is it too soon? I don't know. Some people do get engaged after one year of dating. Others two. Others three. It all depends on how strong your love is for one another. And whether you're ready or not.

I stared at the ring for a few moments until the man who approached me earlier, walked up to me again.

"Is there something I can help you with?" he asked.

I sighed and stepped back from the glass counter.

"I'm just deep in thought, that's all. You see, I've been dating this wonderful girl for over a year now. And we both love each other very much. Very much to the point where we could get married. We both thought about it a couple times and I'm just trying to decide if...well...I would like to do this. It's just, I'm trying to decide if the right time is upon us to ask. If that makes any sense."

It's funny. You would think Mal would propose to me. But with everything she has done with the house, I'd like to do something nice for her.

"I just need a few minutes to myself." I added.

"Of course. Take your time."

He walked away and I stared back at the ring, beginning to reminisce about everything that has happened lately. We both did nice things for each other. It almost feels like we're, I don't want to say competing, but one of us does something nice, and the other feels it needs to be paid back with something else. Like, I bought the house. So Mal pays me back with it's fantastic remodel. But now I feel like paying her back for the remodel.

I know none of that is necessary, but I can't help but feel that way. But one thing is for sure, if I do get this engagement ring and if I do decide to propose to Mal, it won't be because I want to pay her back, it'll be because I truly love her. And I do believe we would be ready for marriage. But I can't just buy the ring and ask her. I got to be like Mal when she got the idea of living in Canada: I would need to thoroughly plan this out.

[False Creek. 7:10 pm]

I left the jewelry store promising that I'll be back. I'm not sure why, but after thinking about proposing to Mal, it made me sick to my stomach. Not a feeling of "Oh my god! I could never do that!". More like "Would Mal even want to get married soon?". I felt very nervous about that thought. I drove to a park that was located at a shore of a short inlet that also had a nice view of the tall city buildings. It was starting to get dark and the lights of the city were starting to turn on.

I sat on a bench that was faced in the direction of the inlet, only pondering. I would love to get married to Mal as I told my mother once when I was on the Isle trying to save Mal from her spell. Oh, if only she could see how Mal and I are today. Anyway, I would love to get married to her, as I know she would love to be married to me. But the key question is now a good time? Not now now. But soon.

"Damn, why is this so difficult to figure out?!" I asked aloud.

A little too loud, but luckily no one was around to hear me. It's a big life decision, that's for sure. One that I would love to take. And I know Mal would as well. Okay, Evie. You're saying the same thing over again. Calm down.

"I think I will have to do what Mal did with me when her dream of living in Canada was still a secret." I said to myself.

All of a sudden, I heard my phone ring. I took it out of my purse and saw it was Mal. Without hesitation, I answered the call.

"Hi, Mal." I greeted.

"Evie? Where are you?"

"I'm in downtown."

"Are you busy?"

"No."

"Then hurry home. I just finished making dinner."

"Alright, I'm on my way."

I hung up and hurried back to my car. I felt better and excited to get back home to my beautiful girl.