2.1 FOURTH OF JULY DREAM DATE: WHEN SPARKS FLY

Four years have passed but still, I felt like we haven't done anything spontaneous lately. We have always been like this every year on Fourth of July. Going to the cookout with friends.... Eating barbeque and grilled vegetables.... Watching the Fireworks Display under the Brooklyn Bridge in New York....

It was more like a routine. Some past time in which our schedules could fit into.... or perhaps a tradition we need to follow.

Somehow, it was starting to grow on me... and I was looking for something more...

Something to remember this day for once...

If only Chris knew what I really want but then, why can't he see it?

Chris and I have been together for four years. We have been best friends before that and eventually had grown feelings for each other. We knew each other's flaws and every little detail of each other. And yet, we lost that excitement.

I missed the times we did things spontaneously. Not worrying what will happen next. He always surprises me on a day trip to some place we haven't been to yet and be gone for days. But lately, it had not been like that and I'm getting bored.

Now, we're here, with the other couples, sitting on the grass, waiting for that wonderful sparks in the sky. I wonder when will sparks fly again. I want an excitement. I love it when he surprises me with things especially on holidays. It makes me feel special. Today, I have only one wish, and I hope he will do it. I want him to propose to me as fireworks flare up in the sky. The sparks, the crowd, the excitement, all in one. It will be one of the most memorable moments of my life.

"Chris..." I started. "Do you think it is time for us to..."

His eyes darted away from the crowd to look at me.

"To what, Honey?" he asked.

I didn't continue as I felt embarassed. Though we knew each other well, I still don't want to sound pushy to him.

"What is it, Honey?" he asked again, quite concerned and held my hand.

Should I tell him?

My mind was contemplating and I was about to speak when suddenly the music played in the background.

I sighed as we heard the Star-Spangled Banner play in the background. We sang along.

I was watching Chris the whole time as I sang along half-heartedly.

Will he be able to think about it? Does he like to do it too?

My mind continues to ask questions.

I love him and it had never changed through the years. It had grown deeper and stronger that the desire to be with him had made me look forward to this day when he will actually propose.

But what if he doesn't? How long will I wait?

My thoughts were interrupted when the sky started to light up. Flashes of blue, white and red flares up in the sky like rockets and scatters into the sky. Then more and more comes as the crowd cheers and pulls out their cameras. Some looks like daffodils in the sky and slowly separates as it glowers and shatters slowly.

My heart sank. I guess it will always be just a dream and maybe, in some way, he is really not ready for it. I tried not to cry. I know, I'm stupid to think that way but I feel like I couldn't wait another year for him to do it.

As he clapped his hands and cried out, "Happy Fourth!" to everyone, I stood there gloomily. Tears slowly formed in my eyes and trickles slowly on my cheeks.

"Hey, Honey, are you okay? What's wrong?" he asked as he lifted my chin up to him. "Are you crying?"

"No," I said, sniffling and wiped my eyes quickly in anger.

How can he not take the hint? I was getting frustrated.

"Why are you crying?" he asked, and cupped my face. He tried to look me in the eyes but I kept looking away.

"Are you mad at me?" he probed, as he wiped the tears on my cheeks. "Look at me, Honey."

I finally met his gaze. His eyebrows crossed and I could see the concern in his eyes.

"I-I don't know," I answered, shrugging my shoulders. My voice quivered even more. I felt stupid. "Maybe.."

"Why?"

I am getting very upset with him by now and I glare at him. Is he really trying my patience?

"I just thought..."

"Thought?"

"Nevermind," and I lowered my eyes. Then, I pushed him away. I turned my back and started to walk away from him. Amidst the crowd, I managed to walk further from him. I just needed to get away.

"Honey, wait!" he called and I walked swiftly towards our parked car in the sidewalk. "Please, just stop for a moment."

"No!" I spat out and I reached for the handle of the car.

"Are you mad because of this?" he said.

"Whatever it is, I'm not interested," I yelled and I was about to open the door when a shiny object caught my eye from the side mirror.

"Hmm... well, it definitely does not fit me. I got it sized up just for you," he calmly stated and I turn around to face him. There in his hand is what I have been waiting for all day, and my heart throbs faster as I hear the next words that came from his lips.

"Marry me?" he asked, smiling. The diamond ring glistened under night sky as he presented it before me.

"Yes, yes!" I answered, laughing, as he slipped the ring in my finger, and we kissed. Soft and sweet under the moonlight with all the remnants of the sparkles in the sky.

Though the fireworks display had been long gone, I could still feel it over me as we held each other tight.

Because finally, sparks fly and I am oficially engaged!