The Weekend

“We drove up the snowy, winding road towards the cozy A framed cabin. Joe was brimming with anticipation. For he was now, after ten years of living as man, and wife finally ready to propose and officially make Kayla his wife. The pair were conversation less as they approached their Airbnb. Kayla looked over at joe who seemed unusually giddy, was bobbing his head to the music. Kayla was restless, not just in this moment, but with their relationship, and with life in general. This was the couples second vacation together in ten years. She looked at Joe feeling a bit of pity for him he was so happy and yet so dangerously unaware that this was to be their last getaway together. Kayla had over the ten years gotten away on her own. In fact, over the ten years had done too much alone. She had expressed her dis- satisfaction on numerous occasions. However, he made no change. The closer they got to the cabin the more she began to dread the outcome of this weekend. They pulled up, and It was by no means average. Kayla looked over at Joe again but this time with a worried look. Babe this place is beautiful. Joe proudly replied I know and you haven’t even seen the inside yet. This must have been really expensive she said. Joe hopped out the car, come on babe I'll get the bags, you go on inside. Joe hands Kayla a key, she takes the key, pausing for a moment. Joe how do you already have the ke? Oh, they mailed it to me, go inside.  

Kayla proceeds up the walk way, with each step toward the stairs leading to the cabins entrance lights came on along the path, as if Kayla were some enchanted forest nymph. As she walked up the steps to the front door the light came on revealing a beautifully decorated porch with an antique style porch swing. Kayla smiled and proceeded to open the Cabins door. Upon entering another set of sensor lights activated revealing a vast open floor plan with the dining, Kitchen and living area, adequately and creatively separated. But that isn't what took her breath away. It was the window that took the place of a wall overlooking a beautifully moon lit lake. Kaya was just about to fall into the sunken living room, when Joe grabbed her arm, I got you babe. Watch your step. Oh my god Joe this is beautiful. This is Just the beginning Joe replied proudly. Wow, look at the Christmas tree. The tree looked as if it popped out of a magazine, the entire house was what dreams are made of. I can't believe that is an original Naguci coffee table. Kayla got onto her knees to examine the table closely, babe it is she exclaimed; after having found the furniture designers name etched in the glass. 

 Come on let’s go unpack. Joe leads Kayla past four closed doors before introducing her to the master suite. Joe opened a door revealing a room almost the size of the entire downstairs. A beautifully decorated California king bed, a fire place that separated the master bath from the bedroom and decorated on the side facing the bathroom in the same tile as the shower walls. Kayla exclaimed Joe come look. He walked in behind her yes, I know again smiling with pride. Babe, take a bath while I get some things ready. Happy to oblige Kayla opens the door leading to the shower and claw foot bath tub. Kayla turns on the water then proceeds to gather some essentials from her bag. Kayla had always dreamt of a bathroom like this. She dropped a shower bomb under the shower took off her clothes turned on the shower and jumped into the hot tub of water. Kayla sunk down into the tub, deeply sighing. He obviously took time and planned this Kayla, but he never plans anything. Kayla was having a battle in her head. She loved Joe with all her heart. However, it was their relationship she didn't care much for. He was reliable and extremely predictable. He was always present yet emotionally, romantically and most times financially absent.  

 He was the kind of guy to go out the night before Christmas and grab whatever not really putting much thought into it; and birthdays was usually a same day run out and grab something really quick. When Kayla was the type that planned surprise parties, thoughtful romantic gift and gestures until one day she just stopped. Stopped doing the things she once loved doing for her partner. It was no longer a pleasure working for the reciprocity her type of love deserved yet not received. A smell wafting through the house peaked Kaylas hunger. Is he cooking? Kayla said out loud to herself; well, aren’t we full of surprises she thought sarcastically. Kayla hopped out of the tub jumped into a dress and headed towards the down stairs. 

 As she approached the top landing Kayla noticed there was a path of roses guiding her down the stairs. She could hear pots clanking in the kitchen, wow is he really cooking? But to her surprise Joe was standing with his back to her staring out of the window. The path of roses led Kayla to the dining area, Kayla proceeded, and just when she was about to turn to peek into the kitchen a tap on the shoulder startled her, and Kayla let out a mid- ranged shriek. Apologies ma’am I didn’t mean to scare you. May I offer you a drink, she said in a British accent.  Joe burst out into laughter walking toward his future bride to be. Surprise my love.  

Babe what is all of this, a private chef, a server and, and this place Kayla stuttered, can you afford all of this? I mean no offense, I love it, but just a few weeks ago you couldn't put gas in your car. Joe takes Kayla by the and walks her along the path of roses to the dining area. You can bring us the champagne please, “Yes sir. There is a small box on the table at Kaylas setting. Have a seat babe, and don't open that box yet. Kayla bit her lip, where has this guy been the last ten years she thought. The dainty server returns with the champagne pouring each a glass. Perfect timing Joe exclaims. Babe, Kayla, I love you so much and you have endured me and my issues over these last years, I just want you to know that I may have been silent. However, I was listening. Joe proceeds to get down on one knee reaches in his pocket pulling out a velvet box. Will you marry me? Kayla is at a loss for words and begins to cry. He puts the ring on her finger. Oh, Joe its beautiful. Kayla, will you marry me, wait before you answer. I promise everything, our life and myself it will all be different.  

Open the box on now. Kayla opened the box to find an empty key ring. What is this for she questioned though her tears. That ring needs to be attached to the Key I gave you. Marry me or not this house is yours. I hope we can make it our home. Babe how did you do this? All those times you complained about I couldn’t take a trip or didn't want to go out or didn’t want to marry you. It wasn’t because I didn’t want to, I was taking notes and making plans to give you what you were asking for. I'm sorry I took so long. Kayla said yes, I will marry you. But Joe I have to be honest and say that I was going to break up with you this weekend.  

I know babe, Joe took Kaylas hand come he said walk with me to the tree, the presents were wrapped on paper monogrammed with her name. I planned this and intend for this to be the start of me showing you today tomorrow and always. It might take some time, but know I hear you. They laugh and embrace.