The Preposal

"I don't know if I'm ready for this."

Mike turned to me, shaking as if he's seen a ghost. The brown tint in his skin turned white briefly as he furthermore explained his dilemma. Mike and I have been friends since birth, literally. You see our mothers were best friends and believed that they would raise their "daughters" like their own teenagehood and the angst that came with them. However it was the opposite, and I'll get into that later on. Brandon and Alex's friendships came later on during school age. He glanced at me as I back at him, assuring him once again that there's nothing in this world that could go wrong with wanting to settle down and enjoying married life. There comes a time where a man will put away childhood games and step into his manhood readied to launch the next step.

"Come on bro. You got this and besides Gigi is a good girl, especially to be dealing with your stupid ass." I laughed after inserting the stupid interjection behind using letting him know that throughout our lives. He's known for constantly being reckless then asking questions later. Nothing about Mike Fletcher was easy, he's a simple man who decided on taking chances despite becoming strategic while using his intuition. I put my arm around his shoulder, reassuring him that marriage is a gift and shouldn't be wasted. Meanwhile, Brandon and Alex decided to chime in and give their insight.

"Yo fuck marriage. I mean kudos to those who decide on taking that step but there's too much pussy in the sea for any man to be stuck on one bitch." Alex, the vulgar one of the group, coming from a strong Afro-Latino background, it was like second nature for him to be loud and boisterous. But the one up-side is that he's my manager and can out-negotiate anyone for a better price. Whereas Brandon, the Timon to Alex's Pumbaa was the Preacher. It was an understatement because B followed Alex wherever and whenever. He was studying to become a Pastor, always in the midst to get everyone closer to God as well as the only one in our circle who's married and with children.

"Jeez, Alex. I can't believe you right now. You do know that there are some women out there who look for men like us with our shit together right?" Turning towards Mike, Brandon stood in agreeance and resumed his thoughts. "Mike, You're doing the right thing. Remember what you told me when I proposed to Sienna?" He nodded. "To love a woman is like roots on a tree, you know you've found the right one when it feels right and the root continues to grow for you. You're doing the right thing alright. God Bless both of you."

Both of the men hugged before Mike took another deep sigh and repeated I got this. "Thanks, man. Right now, Gigi is having a shoot nearby on the veranda. I already told her agent that we're on the way to surprise her." Meanwhile, I interjected. "well let's go and get you engaged." The four of us walked out the doubled doors suave and debonaire readied to go down this journey with him forever. Gianna's photoshoot was within walking distance for us, however, the confidence that my best friend wore made me proud as he's finally going after someone he wanted. He deserved love too. Approaching the top of the large skyscraper, Mike took a moment and gave me another glance allowing me to know that he got something up his sleeve. The eye thing was something that he and I have been doing since we were three. Whenever Mike was thinking out of the box, he'd look at me, and psychically we'd just know. I can't explain it but we know what to do.

"You said you got me right?" Mike handed me the microphone and the lines to sing off the paper. Shaking my head, I looked at him and he assured me that this would work but knowing Fletch it would be simple and contrived. "Yeah man but you know I got to tweak this." Anything to make sure that he wouldn't miss out on a big opportunity like this. Nodding at the pianist, I began the first paragraph and sung. The women looked around in confusion and curious about where the music would come from. Brandon was first, then Alex and me, but I halted when I caught myself staring into Gianna's light-colored eyes and we had a moment. Something in me ignited. I've never felt like this before but internally I had to start ad-libbing about what just happened.

"I know I haven't been there. But I care. The way I love you, from the top of your head, down to the bottoms of your feet. I, Michael Elijah Fletcher Jr. can't do any more stupid shit. Gia, you complete me. You hold me whenever I'm down on myself. You lift me and you're my best friend. Sorry, Cam but she replaced you fam." Everyone in the room laughed collectively and quieted down just as he finished up, dropping down on one knee and grabbed her hand gently. "Gianna Malia Desselle, I love you. Will you marry me and spend the rest of our lives making memories?" her eyes glanced from Mike to me, then back to everyone else, and then back on Mike and began sobbing. "Oh my god. Mike Yes. I will marry you." Both of them smiled as he placed the ring on her finger. Standing to his feet, he placed kisses on her cheek and lips before hoisting her in his arms.