From Be A Man by Walter Burchette
Conversation during dinner was amazing. Even though we were together nearly every day, we rarely got a chance to talk when it was just us. She infrequently discussed her future and dreams with me. As mysterious as she was, Rachelle always talked about family and growing her family her own way. On this night, I got a different glimpse into the young lady who I loved. Rachelle enjoyed cooking and preparing food for the family. What I did not realize was that she enjoyed the look of food just as much as how good it tasted. She made me realize that the past three meals that we ate together, she made a grand presentation out of the food. Although not important to me how food looks, or taste for that matter, Rachelle’s passion for cooking was very evident in her description of how she wanted to prepare our next meal.
After completing our meal, Rachelle grabbed me by my hands and gazed into my eyes. Meanwhile, her bare feet began to rub against my legs. “Walton, I can’t believe we’ve have been together for nearly two and a half years if you count the months that we talked for endless hours before we finally got together. When I saw you walking with the guys at the community center, I knew that we were going to make something special together. I know things have not been perfect, but we have certainly had a most memorable one. Before today, I wasn’t sure people even cared about our relationship. I’m now certainly sure that people are going to talk and be envious of what we have,” Rachelle explained. “It may not be the perfect relationship, but it is what we have.”
“I know. I did speak to Tommy right before we left about what happened, and we hashed things out,” I told her.
“You know, it’s not Tommy and Kimberly I’m worried about. I’m worried about everyone else,” Rachelle stated.
“We can’t worry about that. We need to focus on what we have going forward,” I said. “We need to focus on how we can make people even more jealous of what relationship that we have. That’s my mission from this point going forward.”
“Your mission, eh?” Rachelle laughed. “I don’t know about that, but I kind of figured that you will do whatever you want just to make us look good. Can you believe that we are one year away from graduating high school and leaving for college?”
“Yeah, time flies. I’m ready for it though.”
“I’m ready too. I just want to get out from under my parents’ rules and run my own life. What about you?”
“My mom isn’t as strict on me, but that’s because I’m not a girl. I mean, your parents were parents at a very young age, and if it wasn’t for a couple of lucky breaks, things could be way different for you, guys. I look up to your father, and you must know that your parents mean well. They just want what’s best for you.”
“I know they do, but I’m glad that we got a chance to sneak away tonight,” Rachelle stated. “We can finally put a feather in the cap of our relationship, and it gives me a chance to show you how much you mean to me.”
“It’s not sneaking out when you go out for a dinner in a smoking hot dress like that. Besides, next year, we’ll be in the dorms and living the college life,” I replied. “I can’t wait for that to happen.”
“Oh, you want to live in a dorm?” Rachelle immediately asked. “I’d thought you’d want to get an apartment off campus or something.”
“I would, but at this point, it might be unrealistic,” I replied. “But if I could, I would.”
“Would you share an apartment with me?” Rachelle asked.
“Of course, I would, but I didn’t think you would be the type to want to be shacking up before marriage,” I snickered.
“Well, I don’t particularly encourage it, but I’d think it would be a lot of fun and easier for us,” Rachelle said. “Besides, it would be good for the both of us to get a taste of living with each other before we get married.”
“You know, Rae, life is good,” I told her. After a short pause, I stood from my seat in the dimly lit restaurant and walked around the table to her.
“What are you doing?” Rachelle asked as I repositioned my chair and sat it directly in front of her at the table. The night was getting late, and the restaurant was getting empty quickly.
“You know, I want to do something, but I don’t know how to do it the right way,” I whispered as I grasped her right hand with both of my hands. Her hands were soft but strong. Years of playing softball and basketball did not ruin the texture of her soft and beautiful hands.
“What are you trying to do?” she asked as butterflies floated about in my stomach. Sweat began beading on my forehead as my nerves began to take the best of me. Gawking at Rachelle in that red dress was awesome, which didn’t help my nerves at all. However, smelling her sweet scent got me excited while seated next to her.
“I’m trying to get my bearings together so I can focus,” I replied after taking a few deep breaths to calm my nerves. Rachelle simply smiled and nodded. I continued by asking, “What makes a woman beautiful?”
“It depends,” she replied. “Whatever it is, I hope it makes me beautiful enough for you.”
“Well, yes, you’re beautiful any kind of way that I see it. But the answer is very easy . . . makeup,” I joked.
“Shut up, idiot,” Rachelle jokingly replied while lightly slapping me on the arm.
“I’m only kidding.” I laughed before continuing. “But on a serious note, Rae, after two years of being with you, I will say that the little feeling that was in my stomach called love when we first met has gone all over my body. As I look at you every day, I have always dreamed of having someone like you. I should thank the Big Man upstairs that I found you,” I started.
“Walton, I didn’t think you were so religious. Are you trying to tell me something?” Rachelle asked me.
“Hey, let me finish. I’ve got a long way to go,” I told her as I continued grasping her hand. The temperature of the room was a nice sixty-eight degrees, but the temperature between us was rising by the moment.
“Okay, but this sounds a little too sweet for me,” she replied. “You’re embarrassing me.”
“Don’t be embarrassed. This is your moment. Enjoy it,” I asserted. It was showtime. There was no turning back. When she told me that I was embarrassing her because of my sweet words, I knew that I had her right where I wanted to have her. “When I wake up in the morning, you are on my mind. I go through the day and can’t wait to see your smile. Your beautiful face, endearing heart, and a smile that’s always kind. It makes me smile and makes me want to run a mile. Being with you gives me hopes and dreams. To start a family would be only a beginning. It’s like eating your favorite chocolates and ice creams. While dying in your arms will make a perfect ending, it’ll make you my life, my love, and my soul mate. In the life we share, our love will grow stronger. Our souls will meld together, and so goes our fate. Our love will stay together and last longer if we focus on our goal to stay true. As we walk forward in our life, I understand what I need to do. I need to make you my wife.”
“Walton, you have to stop. I can’t take this,” Rachelle stated as I paused to look deeply into her eyes. She appeared to be trapped in a trance that also engulfed me. “I love you, and my heart is telling me that something special is about to happen.” I simply paused for a minute to soak in the moment of glory. I was winning the battle between me and Rachelle’s emotions.
After a few seconds, I continued with my plan. “You know that I will always be here, and I will always care. Baby, it isn’t how people feel or what they say. It’s all because my love for you will always stay.” I continued. I stood and reached into my front pocket and pulled out one of my gifts to her. It was the tennis bracelet that I bought for her at the last minute. She loved it. She hugged me and immediately had me help her put it on.
“Walton, you are so awesome. I love you,” she told me. “Where did you get the money for this?”
“Don’t worry about that. I’m just glad you like it. I also got something else to give you,” I told her. I reached into my other pocket, pulled out a ring box, and kneeled on one knee. I clutched her left hand and began putting a beautiful diamond ring onto her finger. It fit like a glove. “As I take this ring and slide it on your finger, I would hope you would know the role. I love you. I want you. I want to marry you. Rachelle Amanda Arlene, will you give me the pleasure by giving me your hand in marriage? Will you marry me?” I then slid the ring completely onto her finger that fit perfectly. Before I could look back into her eyes, I could sense that she was crying.
“It’s beautiful,” Rachelle said as she had tears rolling down her face. “I just wish our friends could have seen this. Your poem was so sweet. I can’t believe you would do something like this.”
“I know, but this is a moment that only you and I should share,” I told her while still kneeling on one knee. “But I’m still waiting on your answer. I’m not getting up until you tell me your answer.”
“You are such an idiot. Setting this all up—the poem, the bracelet, and the ring—this is all ridiculous. I love you. Yes, I will marry you. No matter what!” Rachelle exclaimed before I stood. We shared a very passionate kiss and hug. Afterward, Rachelle took a long look at her ring because she thought it was so beautiful. “Wait! Walton, where in the blue hell did you get this ring?” She obviously was either surprised that the ring was expensive or recognized the ring. “This isn’t any normal ring. This is priceless.”
“I’ve got my connections,” I replied as I moved my chair back to the opposite side of the table to be seated again.
“This is my mother’s ring. You did not get this from my mother or father, did you?” Rachelle asked.
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