Chapter 9 : Proposal

I woke up first the next day. She was still deep asleep, so I went ahead to cook. I made bird's nest soup, a Chinese dish for energy along with rice pudding and a lot of fruit. I knew how hard she'd pushed herself to keep up with me last night.

While the food was cooking, I took a quick shower and did our laundry. When I got back to the kitchen, the bird's nest was almost done. I brought the freshly cut fruit from the fridge and drizzled condensed milk over it. I served a portion of her food on a tray and took it to the room, then woke her gently.

Me: "Ann… Ann, wake up."

Ann: "Leave me alone, I want to sleep," she grumbled.

Me: "I know, but when you're done eating you can go right back to sleep."

Ann: "I don't want to eat. I just want to sleep."

Me: "If you don't wake up, I'm going to eat you again," I teased.

Ann: "Nooo, Daddy, pleaaase…"

God, I loved how cute her face was. She looked so adorable, so innocent, like a precious jewel.

Me: "Princess, wake up. I'll feed you. Your eyes can stay closed, but I need you to eat. You already missed breakfast. Plus, you didn't take your morning after pill."

Ann: "After I eat and take my pill… can I go back to sleep?"

Me: "Yeah, sure. I'll pet you till you're out again."

Ann: "Feed me then, Daddy."

Me: "That's my princess."

How had I never known Ann could be this coy? I loved it. And… I loved her, too.

I propped a pillow behind her and helped her sit up, her back against the headboard. Her eyes were still covered with a sleep mask maybe she was just that sleepy, or maybe she trusted me enough not to peek. I pulled the chair from my desk over and fed her, stuffing her until she cleared the plate. Midway she mumbled she was okay, but I kept going she'd honestly done a good job last night.

After she finished, I sang her softly back to sleep, covered her up, and went to do the dishes.

Three days had passed since we'd had sex. Our one week break was ending, and I decided it was time to do the right thing: court Ann properly.

I woke up early, made breakfast for both of us, cleaned the house, and left a note for her on the table with a new outfit beside it. Then I showered and went to Mike's place.

I asked him what was really going on between him and Ann , I wanted to court her openly and with pure intentions. He told me everything, exactly as Ann had said. When I told him I wanted to date her, he was shocked at first. I mean, I'd never crossed lines with her while they were "together." Then he got excited. For the first time in three years of school, I was interested in something besides games, and that something was a woman. He gave me his full support.

We played a few rounds. For the first time ever, I lost to Mike in the second round, I was keeping track of the time. I had an appointment with Ann, and I didn't want to keep her waiting.

Mike: "Broooo! I won! I freaking won!"

Me: "Yeah, you did, loser. First time ever."

Mike: "Dude, what you mean, 'first time'? Doesn't matter anyway."

Me: "No, it doesn't. Work harder."

He was so excited he kept jumping up and down. He grabbed a bottle of champagne and two glasses to celebrate. I never knew winning just one round would mean that much to him. I didn't tell him I'd played half heartedly, it would've ruined the moment.

My mind was with Ann. Was she awake yet? Had she seen the food I left in the microwave? Had she showered? How would she look in the dress I bought her? And how would she respond to my proposal?