Chapter 3 The Strange Proposal 2

“Thank you for your wishes,” Pearl responded with glee. “Shall we be on our way?” Carson inquired and looked into her eyes. “Where are we going, Carson?” She asked in astonishment. Meanwhile, Alfred, who was aware of the surprised treat, had started to walk towards the park and Carson answered “Come with me. You will get to know.” Pearl smiled in acceptance and inquired, “I got it. What about the rest?” “They are fine. I will contact them later. For now, it's just Alfred and us,” he responded. “I see,” she acknowledged and used her fingers to comb her hair backward. Carson watched her and helped her to tuck her hair behind her ears. “You don't need to bother yourself. You are always beautiful,” he complimented and grabbed her right hand and they followed Alfred. She giggled and walked along. After a few seconds, they were at the car park. He opened the front door of the car and held it for her. After she sat down comfortably, he shut the door and walked to the driver's side. “Are we set?” he asked after he took his seat and turned on the ignition. “Certainly,” Pearl and Alfred, who were seated in the back, responded simultaneously and Carson drove off. “I hope you are adjusting to my country's weather and lifestyle, Alfred,” she asked after she turned and looked at him. “Well. It's not been easy, but I am coping.” “That is good,” she complimented. Soon, they were at the school mall and Carson parked. He got out of the car and walked to her side and opened the door for her. “Thank you for the gesture, dear,” she appreciated and got off. Alfred did the same and soon, they were in the restaurant. Meanwhile, the attendants were ready to receive them, just as Carson had requested. They had set up a table at a corner of the restaurant and walked them to the table the moment they got into the restaurant. “Make yourself comfortable,” one of the waiters announced. “Thank you, for this,” Carson appreciated and took his seat while he adjusted a seat for Pearl and she sat down snugly. “Wow!” She exclaimed when she saw the beautifully decorated table with different colors of candles and potpourri. Likewise, Carson looked at her and asked, “Do you like it?” “Certainly. It's just spectacular,” she stated euphorically. Nevertheless, Alfred, who was smiling softly, commended, “This is a good one. I hope to have something like this someday.” “It won't be long. Do you love my country girls?” Pearl asked. “Well,” he stated shyly. Now, Carson, who was cognizant of what he meant, smiled softly and brought out a bottle of champagne that was concealed by a flower on the table. Instantly, he popped it and they were excited, while Alfred took photographs of the occasion. In the heat of the moment, Johnny excused himself and walked back to his car. He returned after a few minutes with the exotic assortment of multicolored stunning orchids which were beautifully wrapped in transparent wrapping paper. “Happy birthday once again to the only lady who means everything to me,” he said while presenting the bouquet to her. “Oh! My God!” She exclaimed when she saw the beautiful flowers, which were the expression of how he felt about her. Now she stood up and collected it. Thereafter, she gave him a prolonged hug and appreciated, “Thank you for loving me, my dear. I promise to make you happy for the rest of your life.” “You are welcome, sweetheart. I will always be there for you,” Carson promised and the excited Alfred resolved to up his game in getting Mirabel to love him. Afterward, they had a good time, while Pearl kept admiring the beautiful bouquet. “I'm glad that you like the bouquet,” Carson remarked with a loving look. “It is just marvelous. Thank you, once again,” she pointed out. Afterward, Carson took her back to the hostel, before he drove off with Alfred. Along the line, he asked, “Do you wish to return to your hotel or crash with me tonight and then head home tomorrow?” He waited for his reply, while he concentrated on the road, but to his dismay, none came. After a few seconds, he looked at him and found out that he was lost in thought. “I'm asking, Alfred,” he called his attention to him and concentrated on the road. The startled Alfred recalled himself and asked, “What did you say?” “Here we are again, Alfred. I thought we had a deal. Why are you lost in thought after you shared your problem with me?” Carson reprimanded. Howbeit, Alfred tilted his head and explained, “It's not what you think. I wish we could stop over at the florist shop.” Carson furrowed his brow and asked, “Stopover? What for?” Alfred smiled sadly and said, “I wish I knew. If the shop is still open, I wish to see her lovely face once again, before I retire for the night.” Now, Carson was relaxed and smiled confidently when he realized that he had overcome the burden that he ran away from and the pursuit of Hazel. “I'm proud of you, Alfred. You have truly overcome your past. Why not? We can check on her.” Instantly, Carson made a detour to the flower shop. “We can begin our plans right away. Or what do you think?” Alfred informed. Carson smiled broadly and commended, “I agree with you. Provided you have rehearsed your lines.” “Don't bother about that. I'm good to go.” “It's all right,” Carson agreed and drove on. Soon, they were in front of the shop. It was a few minutes to 9 PM and Mirabel was still in the shop. Most often, her grandmother would be worried about her health because she would leave for work early and return home late. When she got tired of complaining, she resorted to sending her dinner to her through one of the guards. That night was not an exception.