GET ON MY BACK

Ian sat on the couch, staring at Mr. and Mrs. Jackson as they came out. They were friendly towards him, and he knew they liked him.

Why wouldn't they? His dad had helped them get a lot of money because they went into business together. Both of them sat down and waited for him to say what he wanted.

After a while, he got up and said, "Mr. and Mrs. Jackson, I'm here because I need to ask for your consent to openly court one of your daughters."

"Who are we talking about?" Albert Jackson asked.

"Well, it's Kim," Ian replied.

"Kim? That's interesting. I never knew you had an interest in Kim. I would have thought you were more interested in Wendy since you guys seemed to be so close," her dad said.

Ian smiled, "Well, Wendy is sweet and she's my friend, but the one I love is Kim, and Wendy is already aware."

"You're aware of it?" Albert asked Wendy.

Wendy nodded, "Yes, I've known for a while."

"Okay, that's cool," her mom replied.

"So, you want to openly date Kim. Is that what you're saying?" her mom asked.

"Yes, that is what I'm saying," Ian replied. "Out of my respect for the two of you, I want to seek your consent."

"Okay, that's fine. I'll just have to hear from Kim first," Beatrice said.

Ian nodded and waited for Kim to come. Kim, who was in her room, hurried out and said, "Yes, Mum, you called me."

Beatrice explained, "Ian here said he wants you to be his girlfriend, and he's here to seek our consent. This is news to me, so I need to find out if this is fine with you. Are you okay with being his girlfriend?"

Kim smiled and nodded, "Yes, Mum. I am very much okay with it."

Beatrice stared at her suspiciously and asked, "For how long have you both been dating?"

"For almost six months, actually," Kim replied.

"What! You mean you've had a boyfriend for six months, and you kept it from your mum?"

Kim had a guilty expression on her face as she smiled,

"Sorry, Mum. I was just so afraid that you wouldn't be happy about it."

"Why not? Come on, if it was someone else, I might have a problem, but not Ian. I know him, and I know his family very well. As a matter of fact, if you're going to have a boyfriend, I am happy for it to be Ian."

Kim seemed surprised by her mum's reaction, but Ian wasn't. He had told her before that she was worrying too much. When they both gave their consent on the spot, he was very happy.

"Thank you so much, Mr. and Mrs. Jackson," Ian said.

"Thank you, Mum," Kim also said.

"Come on, let's have lunch together," Albert told everyone.

Ian joined them at the dining table, and they ate together. All through the meal, he kept stealing glances at Kim, who seemed to be over the moon. When they were done eating, Ian thanked them for lunch and told them he wanted to leave.

"Should I see you off?" Wendy asked.

"Oh no, do not bother. I actually want Kim to see me off. There are a few things I want to say to her." Ian replied.

Wendy smiled, "Okay, that's cool."

Ian and Kim stepped out of the house, both wearing bright smiles and made their way towards Ian's car.

Kim exclaimed, "That went well!"

Ian nodded, his own grin matching hers. "Yes, it did. I've always assured you that your parents would not have a problem with me dating you, but you were always so afraid."

A sigh escaped Kim's lips. "Well, you know. I told you before that my mom is conservative. I'm so surprised."

Ian chuckled softly.

"Well, I should have known that since it's you, she wouldn't have a problem with it."

"Yeah, I told you that before," Ian continued. "But all the same, it's still a good thing. I don't know why you would be afraid of your mom. She is your mom, afterall."

Kim's lips curled into a fond smile. "Well, she is, and I don't just want to be the disobedient daughter. So I'd rather do it in secret than in public."

Ian laughed a warm sound that filled the air. "That's a smart move."

Standing by the car, he gently took Kim's hand in his, his voice sincere. "Thank you so much."

Kim's eyes sparkled with happiness as she replied, "No, I should be the one thanking you. I am really happy, Ian."

His gaze met hers, full of tenderness. "Yes, I know you are happy. I can see it in your eyes."

With a soft smile, Kim confessed, "I love you so much, Ian."

"I love you too," Ian murmured. "Can I see you later?"

Kim's response was swift and eager. "Sure, I'll see you whenever you want. Just tell me where."

Ian suggested, "What about our favorite spot?"

A shy smile played on Kim's lips. "I will be there, I promise."

"Alright, in that case, I will be waiting for you," Ian affirmed, leaning in to kiss her before parting.

"Goodbye, baby," Kim whispered, then turned and hurried back into the house.

Ian stood by his car, his gaze fixed on her until she disappeared inside and the door closed. He then slid into his car and drove away, a sense of elation coursing through him.

Three hours later, Kimberly slipped into a black ensemble, donning jeans, a top, and sneakers, anticipation coursing through her veins for her rendezvous with Ian. Just as she was getting ready, her mother entered the room, a smile gracing her features.

"Off for your date, dear?" she inquired.

Kimberly nodded, "Yes, Mum."

"That's lovely. Give my regards to Ian," her mother imparted before turning to leave.

"Hold on, Mum," Kim interjected.

Her mother turned back, inquiring, "Yes, what is it?"

Drawing nearer, Kimberly confessed, "To be honest, Mum, when Ian talked about seeking your approval to openly court me, I was afraid. I worried you might say no, given how strict you can be at times. So, I had my fears. But then, you granted us your consent. Thank you, Mum. Yes, you can be firm, but you're perfect. You're the best mother in the world."

A warm embrace followed her mother's voice, "That's kind of you to say, dear. Remember, your happiness is my concern. If being with Ian brings you joy, then of course, I'm all for it. He's a good lad and a family friend to boot. Just don't forget what I've told you before—always uphold good morals."

"I won't forget," Kimberly assured.

After her mother left, she applied a light touch of makeup and ventured out. Riding her bicycle, she headed to Evanston High, the shared stomping ground of herself, Wendy, and Ian.

Arriving, she scanned the area, ensuring no prying eyes were about. It was serene, being a Saturday, yet she knew they weren't supposed to be there. Still, the rooftop was their sanctuary. It was where she and Ian always found solace, and today was no exception. Ascending to the top, she spotted Ian with his back to her. As she approached, he perked up at the sound of her footsteps, turned, and beamed. They embraced tightly.

"You're welcome," he greeted.

"Did I keep you waiting?" she inquired.

"Not at all. You're right on time. Please, have a seat," he offered.

As she settled, Ian began to speak. "I'm genuinely thrilled today, for this marks the official start of our relationship. We used to be hidden away, but now we don't have to hide anymore."

"Yes," she concurred. "I even informed my mum about our date, and she sent her love."

"I had no idea your mum was so cool," he mused.

"She's the best mum in the world," Kim affirmed.

He sighed and stared at her, "You know, I often wonder how I managed before I met you."

"Yes, I've pondered the same thing. How did I survive before Ian? I can't quite fathom it, but what I do know is that you're my essence, and no matter what, I'll always want you by my side."

"That's sweet," he replied. "I love it when you say that."

"I know it shows, and that's why I'll never forget to," she smiled.

"So, I have a question for you," Ian ventured.

"Go ahead," she encouraged.

"What are your plans for prom?" he asked.

"Why? Do you plan on taking me?" she parried.

"Isn't that a given? This will be my first prom. The one before, I had no interest, so I skipped it. I spent my time learning martial arts."

"I'd love to see you in action someday," she admitted.

He chuckled, "I hope it never comes to that. I just want us to have a peaceful life together. So, back to what I was saying, you're my first girlfriend, you already know that, and you're the first girl I'll be asking to prom. It's nearly two months away, or maybe a bit less, I can't recall exactly. But I really want to go this time, and I can't imagine being there without you by my side."

A smile graced her lips, "You know, Wendy and me have once gone to prom. My date was a classmate, and for me, it was a dull affair."

"Really? You found it dull?" Ian asked.

"Yeah, people hype it up, but for me, it was just... I don't know, maybe because I hadn't met you yet. Now, it's different. I'm certain this prom will be the best of my life," she confided.

"Then why not practice?" Ian suggested.

"Practice?"

"Yes, for the dancing," Ian reminded her.

"So, you want us to practice dancing?" she confirmed.

"Precisely," he affirmed.

"But there's no music here," she pointed out.

"I've got that covered," Ian said, producing his music player from his bag.

Kim couldn't help but laugh, "Oh my God, you came prepared?"

"Of course. Now, get up, and let's get ready."

With the music filling the air, they moved in harmony to the tune of Ellie Goulding's "How Long Will I Love You."

As the song concluded, Ian cupped Kim's cheek, gazing into her eyes. "How long will I love you?" he posed.

"Until my dying breath," they replied in unison.

Then, he leaned in, their lips meeting in a tender kiss.

"Come, have a seat," he urged. "You must be tired."

"No, not at all. How could I be tired when I was dancing with you?" she beamed.

"I have a gift for you," Ian revealed.

From his pocket emerged an elegant box, inside of which lay a set of diamond earrings and a matching necklace.

"Oh, this is exquisite. You must have spent a fortune," she marveled.

"That's not what matters. These will complement your beauty perfectly. In fact, they hardly do you justice," Ian assured.

He placed the necklace around her neck and assisted with the earrings. Kim examined herself on her phone's screen, a smile of contentment gracing her features.

"I look stunning. You always spoil me, Ian."

"But it's my privilege. If I don't spoil you, who will? You're beautiful, Kim. The most beautiful girl in the world," he professed.

Kim laughed, "Is that why you love me so much?"

"No, that's not the reason. I can't put it into words, I can't give a single reason. There are so many things about you that just add up. You're a beautiful soul.

I can't explain it, Kim, but the thought of you alone is enough to brighten the darkest day. When I'm on the court playing basketball, just seeing you makes losing an impossibility. You're my inspiration, my world, my everything, Kim."

Kim smiled, and her eyes suddenly became misty.

"No, no, baby, don't do that. Why the tears?" he asked.

Kim spoke in a soft voice, "I don't know what I am doing, right. How is it possible that you love me so much, Ian?"

"Well, I suppose because you're my Kim, and that's all that matters."

Wiping away threatening tears, Kim intertwined her fingers with his, vowing, "I love you deeply, Ian. You're the guiding star in my life, and I promise to hold onto it forever."

He smiled warmly, "I know, and I promise you too. As long as we have each other, nothing can break us down. Now, I have something to show you."

"You do?"

Ian nodded, leading her towards the rooftop's descent. He stowed his music player and took her hand, and together, they began their descent.

As they descended, laughter bubbled up, the playful run exhilarating them both. However, when they reached the ground floor, Kim suddenly froze and released his hand. He turned to find her, breath rapid, struggling for air.

"What's wrong? Are you alright?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.

Her breathing quickened further until she couldn't draw a breath.

"What's happening?" he queried, worry deepening.

"I don't know. I think I can't breathe properly," she managed to say.

"Shortness of breath? Alright. I'm sorry. Maybe I pushed you too hard, especially with the stairs. Let's take a moment to rest, alright? Breathe in and out, slowly," Ian advised.

Kim followed his instructions, focusing on her breath until it steadied. After a while, she smiled.

"I feel much better now. I'm sorry for scaring you."

He apologized, "It really frightened me. I'm sorry too."

"You know what? Let's not make you walk any further. Hop on my back," he told her.

"Are you sure? Your car is far away," she hesitated.

"No, really, get on. It would be an honor to carry you."

"Alright then," she agreed.

He bent, offering his back. After waiting a moment, he felt no weight. Instead, he heard a thud. Turning, he was met with the sight of Kim on the ground. Initially, he thought she was jesting.

He took her hand, saying, "What are you doing, Kim? This isn't the time for jokes."

Yet, she remained unresponsive. Checking her pulse, he felt the stark reality—she'd lost consciousness.

He cried out, "Kimberly!"