Chapter 7

Prom night is happening in a few days. Carlo and Isabella were able to finish the decorations ahead of time. While everyone is busy buying their gowns and accessories, the two are just sitting down on their chairs talking about a lot of things, just anything under the sun. Isabella didn't worry about the gown she'll wear. She was able to borrow an evening gown from a cousin. It was a red backless velvet gown that reaches her ankle, with a high slit that goes up three inches above her right knee. The gown shows her sexy back up to the top of her buttocks, but it's wholesome enough not to show any cracks.

When prom night came, Carlo picked her up from their home, although her mother is still not in favor of their friendship, Mrs. Manlangit was able to convince her that they are actually doing more good than harm to each other. When Isabella stepped out of the gate, with her four inches silver stilettos, Carlo's jaw dropped. Her hair is tied up in a pony tail. He can see her long neck. She put on a little make up, wrapping it up with a red lipstick. She also wore a pair of long silver earrings.

"You look…"

"What?"

"Amazing!" he said, barely blinking his eyes as he stared at her beauty.

"Thank you!"

Carlo helped her get into the cab that he hired on his way to her house. As they sat beside each other inside the vehicle, Carlo held her hands. "I feel so lucky to date a very gorgeous lady like you."

Isabella smiled and kissed him on the cheek that left a kiss mark. Carlo didn't wipe it, he wants to show everyone that the most beautiful girl in school kissed him.

When they arrived, everyone's eyes were on Isabella, as she walked with all her grace and poise down the corridor, her hands holding Carlo's right arm. He can feel the other men stare at Isabella but he didn't feel any jealousy, instead, he felt proud to be her escort. He held her hips, touching her curve as they entered the ballroom.

Carlo and Isabella danced all night. He didn't allow any guy to dance with her. When midnight came, Carlo invited her to their table. Under his coat, he pulled a box, and presented it to Isabella. She felt her ring on her left ring finger to make sure that Carlo is not playing another game with her. It's still here. Oh my God! This must be real. Her heart beat faster with excitement. She didn't say a word until Carlo opened the box. There are two silver plain rings inside. Carlo took the smaller one and held Isabella's right hand. Isabella held her breath waiting for him to speak.

"Isabella, we both know that we are more than just best friends. We know exactly how much we feel about each other, but we never dared talk about it, about what we have. I guess this is the perfect time for you to hear it from me, though I know that actions speak louder than words, it's still good to say the things that needed to be said."

He held the ring right on the tip of her ring finger and said, "Isabella Reyes, I love you. I love you more than anything and anyone in this world. You are the reason why I see the beauty of life again. You are the star in my darkest nights and all I want is to be with you for the rest of my life," he paused, waiting if she will respond but she remained silent, staring at him, still stunned with what is going on. Her daydreams are playing like a film right in front of her, and she doesn't seem to know what to do. Her monologues before doesn't seem to work at the real situation.

Carlo thought, If she doesn't love me, it's okay. What is important is I was able to tell her how I feel. Nervous, he continued, "Isabella, do you love me, too? Even just a bit? Even just a speck? Even just for a moment? Even not for the rest of our lives, maybe just a second or a few days? Do you feel the same thing that I feel for you?

"Carlo," Isabella caressed his face, her eyes still, her mind, her whole being still can't believe everything that is going on but she knows that it is true. "Of course, I do love you, too, Carlo. I've been waiting for you to tell me this, and I thought you don't feel the same way for me. I love you so much!"

Carlo put the ring on her finger and kissed it. He hugged her tightly and whispered, "Thank you, Isabella. I will always protect you and never make you cry. "When they parted, Isabella took the other ring and placed it on his right ring finger and kissed his cheek. Then she looked at her ring again, and said, "This ring fits me perfectly. Now I know why you stole my ring."

"Hey! I didn't steal it, I borrowed it from you."

"Yeah, but you made me believe that I lost it for two months."

Carlo laughed, "Forget about it. God! I thought you wouldn't say that you love me, too."

"Silly! We've been flirting with each other for almost a year and you think that I won't say yes? Well, in fact, I didn't say yes."

"Huh?! What do you mean?"

"You have to work on your active listening. I said Of course, I do love you."