This post is part of Writer’s Digest February Flash Fiction Challenge. Flash Fiction is a short, often under 1,000 words, style of writing. I hope you enjoy my 28 contributions!
Day 9 Prompt: A Surprise That Doesn’t Go According to Plan
Andy glanced at the clock on the wall for the umpteenth time that morning. He still had another hour before he was off, having taken a half-day, and, admittedly, hadn’t got much done. His stomach was in knots and it was becoming more and more difficult to concentrate on even the simplest tasks as lunchtime approached. He looked back at his computer, staring at the flashing curser on his half-completed email, and took a sip of his long since cooled coffee.
As soon as 12:00 flashed on the analog clock above his cubicle, Andy jumped out of his seat and packed up his bag. On his way out of the office, his co-worker, Johnny, called from down the hall, “best wishes tonight, bud!” Andy spun around and waved to Johnny with a huge grin, then jogged out the door to his car. He had a lot to take care of before Ashley got off work and the amount of time he had to prepare felt increasingly thin.
He drove over to the mall and was relieved to find it mostly empty. He stopped at a directory, trying to locate the candle shop Ashley loved. Andy’s finger moved quickly over the list of shops and restaurants until it froze over the store he was looking for. He grunted in annoyance when he realized that the shop was at the exact opposite end of the mall from where he now stood. He walked briskly past the colorful window displays and decals, salivating from the delicious smelling aromas wafting from the food court, and dodging groups of mothers as they pushed their strollers along the wide paths. As he arrived in front of the candle shop, panting, Andy dug his hand into his pocket for the piece of paper he had written Ashley’s favorite scent on, only to discover that it was nowhere to be found.
Frustrated, he entered the store and found an associate, in the hopes they would be able to help him identify his girlfriend’s favorite scent. “I don’t know, it sort of smells like flowers, with vanilla… and maybe some cinnamon?”
The associate forced a smile and blinked wildly as she searched for an answer, “Well, umm…” She cleared her throat, buying herself more time to decipher his description. “Smell this one. This is our Autumn Harvest scent.”
Andy took a deep breath, then squinted towards the ceiling, wracking his brain for some familiarity. “Honestly, I’m not too sure.” Starting to ramble, Andy caught himself, “It’s for my girlfriend… it’s our three-year anniversary tonight, and…” He laughed awkwardly. He glanced at his watch and, with time ticking, he resolved to purchase the Autumn Harvest candle before trekking back to his car on the opposite side of the mall.
On his way home, he had to stop at two different florists, the first of which had run out of white roses, Ashley’s favorite. The second florist had charged Andy a small fortune for the fresh flowers, for which he paid begrudgingly, reminding himself that tonight had to be perfect.
When he got back to their apartment, he ran inside, and immediately got to work on the basil pesto linguini Ashley always ordered when they went out to eat. He nervously chopped the basil and minced the garlic, nearly slicing his fingers on multiple occasions. As the pasta cooked, he ran to his room and changed into a smart looking button-up shirt with some slacks. With only twenty minutes before Ashley was due home, he threw the garlic bread in the oven before setting the table, haphazardly arranging the flowers, and lighting the decently scented Autumn Harvest candle.
Just as he was spooning the pasta into the two large bowls, he heard the front door unlock. Ashley walked in, confused but pleasantly surprised at the lavish display in front of her. In the dimly lit room that smelled of flowers, vanilla, cinnamon, and now basil pesto, she called out to Andy, “Wow, this is fancy!” She walked in and threw her bag on the couch. “Where is the chef, I would love to give him my regards,” she joked.
From the kitchen, Andy yelled, “I’ll be right there! Take a seat at the table.” As soon as he said table, there was a pop from the kitchen, one Ashley recognized as a champagne bottle. Giddy with excitement and wonder, Ashley sat in one of the chairs, admiring the flowers in the middle of the table with a huge smile. A minute later, Andy walked in with the bowls of pasta and sat them down next to the place settings. He gave her a kiss and wished her a happy anniversary. “Let me grab you a glass of champagne so we can cheers to three years!”
Andy, back in the kitchen, took a deep breath, poured their champagne, closed his eyes as he mumbled a couple words to himself, then, with shaking hands, went to rejoin Ashley. He handed her a glass and, looking into her big hazel eyes, said, “cheers to three amazing years together and to many, many more. I love you.” They clinked their glasses then took a sip.
As Ashley swallowed her mouthful of the cool bubbly drink, her eyes widened. Andy, nervous, asked her what was wrong. She pointed to his glass and said, “I think there’s something in your champagne?” Andy looked down at his glass mortified. Sitting in the bottom of the glass meant for Ashley was a beautiful sparkling engagement ring. Andy froze with embarrassment and silently handed Ashley his glass.
Before he could say anything, she burst out laughing. His emotions frayed and his humiliation on full display, he started laughing too. Ashley set both glasses down, walked around the table to Andy, gave him a kiss and before he could form a word, said, “my answer is yes.” She wrapped her arms around him as they both laughed together. Finally, she pulled away and, sniffing the air, asked, “Is something burning?”
“Crap! The garlic bread!” Andy jumped out of his seat and ran into the kitchen.
