this is how it went.
It was a Friday, January 23. We planned to have dinner out, just as how we did every Friday, to end the workweek and welcome the weekend. At the back of my head, I knew it had to happen sometime, because we were already getting into the specifics of wedding planning. But I try to not think too much about it, because Chips would always tell me that I stress myself out too much over-thinking and over-worrying about stuff (must be all that time in P&G). So to me it was ordinary. And totally normal. Nothing really special. It was just a night of gluttony at Brazil, Brazil Metrowalk.
Towards the end of our meal, a waitress approached our table to tell Chips that his brother (Cian) is outside. Again, I didn't see it odd. They lived in the area. His brother usually likes going out. So, why shouldn't they bump into each other? Chips steps out to say hi (I supposed). I ask who Cian was with and he said, "a friend". I continue to eat my grilled chicken and swathed the schublig with gravy.
As we proceeded to dessert, Chips announces that he's full and couldn't take any more food. I was leisurely enjoying this lovely mango cream pie (or something of that sort) and those grilled bananas. He prods me finish my food, wanting to take a walk outside. I brush it off, because I was actually enjoying the sitting down, having come from a cocktail event at Megamall where I was standing for almost an hour in 3-inch pumps. He mentions the wanting to stand up and walk again, so I finally agree (a little annoyed) and allow him to get the bill. Like, what's with this impatience?
We step out of the restaurant, finding Cian sitting on those plant ledge things. He's alone, so I figure that his "friend" has already left. Down at his feet is Porkchop, one of their puppies (my favorite actually, coz he's so cute and fat). I ooh and aww at the sight, sitting on the ledge. Out of the corner of my eye, I see a blur of an old couple smiling at us. Didn't make much of it, was too distracted by the cute puppy. I reach down and pet him, nuzzling his head with my fingers. I notice that he had a red bow around his neck and actually utter "aww that's cute he has a ribbon!". My thought balloon - well, they probably didn't have a collar yet, so they put a ribbon instead (okay fine, i overthink and i'm dense).
"Why don't you pick him up?" Chips says. I do as he says, and I faintly notice something metallic by the ribbon. Again, my Friday brain thinks, oh it's probably there to hold it together (so dense, so dense i know). I'm too distracted by the cuteness and brush my hands down the puppy's tummy, cuddling galore and making nyunyunyu sounds. Everyone must have been looking at me weirdly, wanting to smack my head into the pavement. I hear Chips let out a tiny sigh and he says, "Hun kasya ba?". To which I daftly answer, "ang alin?". His eyes trailed down to the puppy and THEN it finally struck me. Oh LORD it's a ring. It's a diamond ring. I whap Chips with my hand beyond comprehension. "Oh no you didn't!!!"
"Do I need to ask for a yes?"
I untie the ribbon, tears welling up in my eyes. I contained the lump in my throat and kept myself from breaking out into a horrid bawl. Then I gave him the ring. Now it's on my finger. Now we're engaged :)
*thanks to LHC for the photos
