The full moon shone through the trees in the front yard like long, delicate fingers, gently touching the colorful plants in front of the house. The water from the soft rain sparkled like diamonds on the leaves and petals. Dark clouds dominated the sky, save for a few open patches where the light from the stars and the moon shone through brightly. The rain made soft pitter-patter sounds on the grass and the trees, and the wind blew softly, making the leaves rustle.
Adrina stepped down from the window seat and walked downstairs to the front door. She quietly opened it and walked outside, closing the door silently behind her. She didn�t want to wake up her cousin, Lucia, on her way out. Lucia and Adrina shared a little house in a rural area in Maine, where they worked for money to pay for college. Only Adrina had a boyfriend, and Lucia was often scolding her for staying out too late with Ethan. Adrina never paid any mind; they only went out on the weekends, anyway.
It was still raining as Adrina walked under the trees barefoot, making her way to the road. She usually enjoyed the feeling of the wet grass under her feet, and the water falling on her from the trees overhead, but tonight, she was too worried about Ethan to enjoy anything.
Adrina made her way to the road and sat down on the bench her mother had bought her. She didn�t care that she was getting soaked, even though her dark blue dress was dry-clean only. All she cared about was Ethan.
She sat on the bench for an hour, waiting for him. The lump in her throat grew larger and larger as her worry began to overwhelm her. Ethan would never break a promise. Never.
I�ll come tonight, Adrina, I promise. I�ll get there. I wouldn�t miss your birthday for the world.
Adrina stood up to head for the house, and sat back down again. She would not give up; she would not lose trust in Ethan. He would show up, she knew it. She closed her eyes and lay down on the bench, waiting for the telltale sound of Ethan�s car coming down the street. She lay there for a long time, just hoping and praying that Ethan would show up.
Under her eyelids, Adrina saw a bright flash of orange, as lightning struck not 50 feet away from her. The thunder was earth-shaking and terrifying, and Adrina�s eyes shot open as she screamed a bloodcurdling scream, petrified. She closed her eyes and shook her head to compose herself.
At that moment, Adrina heard a faint pat-pat sound in the distance. It wasn�t the soft sound of rain, or the rustling of leaves, or anything of that sort. It sounded like� footsteps. Adrina kept her eyes closed and listened as the footsteps got closer and closer, until they finally stopped right in front of her. She opened her eyes and saw Ethan standing in front of her, his dark brown hair dripping in front of his eyes. He was soaked through and through, and he was shivering.
Didn�t I say I would be here, Adrina? I promised. Even my car breaking down ten miles away from here couldn�t stop me from coming to see you. I love you that much.
Adrina began to sob as the lump in her throat dissolved. Her worry vanished like a vapor, and she jumped up and wrapped her arms around his neck. His lips met hers and they kissed as only lovers can. The rain that had previously fallen softly now began to pour as if with a rock solid determination. Ethan picked Adrina up and began to spin her around as they embraced and kissed in joy. He put her gently back down to the ground and let her go, pulling away and looking deep into her eyes.
I love you, Adrina.
Adrina smiled as the tears fell down her face, unnoticeable with the rain running down from her hair as well. She took his hand, and he pulled closer to her. They walked back into the house and quietly looked for towels to dry off.
After they had dried themselves as much as possible, they sat down on the little couch together, wrapped in a big, warm blanket. Adrina rested her head on Ethan�s shoulder, and Ethan put his arm around her, pulling her closer. He put his lips to her ear and began to whisper.
I got you a present, Adrina. I think you�ll like it.
Adrina looked up into Ethan�s eyes and giggled.
What is it, Ethan?
Ethan took his arm from around Adrina�s shoulders and reached into his pocket. He pulled out a little box wrapped with only a small red bow.
Open it; you�ll love it, I promise.
Ethan never broke a promise. Adrina pulled the little bow off the box and opened it slowly.
Inside was a beautiful ring. It sparkled, even with only a minimal amount of light in the room. There were six small diamonds encircling a larger blue stone, a sapphire. The band was made of silver, brightly polished. It was beautiful. Adrina gasped and looked up to Ethan, who was grinning from ear to ear.
Adrina Carina Musaio, I love you with all of my heart and soul. Will you marry me?
Adrina put her hand to her mouth and began to cry silent tears of joy. She looked at the beautiful ring and then back to Ethan. She nodded her head violently.
Ethan David Matthews, of course I will marry you.
Adrina put her arms around Ethan�s neck and gave him the longest, most beautiful kiss either of them had ever experienced. Adrina pulled away and looked deep, deep into Ethan�s brown eyes.
I love you. I love you so, so much.