Ink and Instincts...I guess you hate me.

Chapter 11: The Proposal: Hearts Entwined

Note: This is a surprise chapter that is dropping in suddenly. It adds a twist to your beloved characters Shirley and Trevor's journey, so I had to post it today. I hope my lovely readers will like Trevor's proposal style. Enjoy reading it :-)

Shirley stepped out of her room and onto the balcony. She could hear the sparrows chirping. She fed them and they returned with sweet chirps as if telling her today was special. The sun was shining on her face and her open hair. She was glowing with excitement and nervousness. Trevor will be back today. She went to school with a big smile.

Trevor woke up early today with a wide grin on his face. He reached for his notebook and turned to his favourite page. He could see her face on that page as if it was her picture. This was the perfect way to propose to Shirley. The two hearts were ready to express themselves.

But someone was ready to tear them apart forever, Ron. He had an idea that one of them would propose to each other soon. He felt jealous and revengeful towards Shirley and Trevor, and this was the perfect time to avenge his shame.

Shirley Pov:

As I stepped off the bus, my eyes met Trevor. My heart started racing instantly. He was sitting on his bike, already looking at me. He looks different today. Is it my imagination? My excitement and nervousness confused me more. Was I at my best or looking silly? I walked through the gates. As usual, Trevor followed.

For a few seconds, it was just me and him. I could smell his cologne and feel his presence around me. We were in the middle of the playground. The sun was shining on us, perfect for a picture. The whole school disappeared at that moment. During the assembly, I could feel him watching me from the corridors. I also noticed he was carrying his notebook with him everywhere he went. He doesn't do that usually. What's so special about that notebook today? What secrets did it hold? Only time will tell.

Trevor Pov:

I changed my hairstyle three times in front of the mirror today. I wanted to look perfect. I couldn't let anything go wrong. I managed to reach school early today. I parked my bike and fixed my gaze on the road from where Shirley's bus arrived. I was excited and nervous at the same time.I held my notebook closer to me. The bus stopped and Shirley got down and looked at me. My heart started beating fast and my palms were sweaty. She looked like a fairy casting a spell of beauty. I followed her through the ivory gates, grinning like a fool.

For a few seconds, we were standing beside each other. I could smell Shirley's perfume. The same sweet and classy one she wore at Bookania cafe. I wished time to freeze at that moment. The sun's rays painted us in the middle of the green ground. It was perfect. Everything and everyone else disappeared for me. During the assembly, I stood in the corridor admiring her simplicity. I remembered the Bookania meeting again. She looked adorable that day. How could I hate this face the first time I saw it? Well, everything will change from today.

Ron Pov:

I can see the changes in Shirley and Trevor. Trevor will propose to Shirley and she will say yes. She was told they like each other. Why does it always happen that the girl I like leaves me for Trevor? And this time she argued with me and insulted me. No girl has ever done that to me before. Keeping Trevor's notebook away from Shirley will be my peace.

Trevor looks for a chance to place his notebook on Shirley's desk. Ron steals the notebook and sees the beautiful 's' tattoo on it. He already had a plan to ruin Trevor's proposal. The class has games in the second last period so Trevor quietly places his notebook between Shirley's textbook when everyone leaves. He bookmarks the 'S' design page by folding it. Shirley returns to class and finds a notebook between her books and immediately knows it's Trevor's. She opens it and finds the beautiful 's' design on it.

Shirley Pov:

I entered the class and reached the last bench, my usual place. My heart raced as I saw Trevor's notebook between my textbooks. I picked it up and opened the bookmarked page. It had a beautiful 's' tattoo on it with a quote, " I wish to ink this on my heart."I blushed as I saw Trevor looking at me. He was standing by the teacher's desk. I met his eyes, which asked me a yes or a no. I walked towards him to return his notebook with a smile. Our hands might touch today and sparks of romance might fly. This would mean a yes without speaking. As I moved, the world around us slowed down. My heart was beating so loud it would burst out of my body.

Trevor Pov:

I entered the classroom and saw Shirley walking in. I had placed my notebook between her textbook, bookmarked on my favourite page. I couldn't miss even a second of Shirley's reaction after she read my message. I just stood near the teacher's desk and waited with bated breaths. What if she doesn't like it? What if she rejects me? I wouldn't be able to survive without her.

As she read my message, a smile appeared on her face. She blushed for the first time, and my heart beat faster. She didn't say a word but her eyes said it all. I proposed to her before the class and she said yes silently. I felt my stomach churning with excitement as she walked towards me. Time slowed down at that very moment. Each second felt like an hour to me.

Shirley slowly walked towards Trevor. Their hearts were beating fast and their breaths were heavy with excitement. It wasn't just about returning a notebook. It was a yes. Shirley's smile concluded it. The class was silent too, as Mary, Pam and other classmates realized a bit about the silent proposal between Shirley and Trevor. No one said a word. The distance from the last bench to the teacher's desk felt like kilometres for Shirley. Trevor couldn't believe that finally, Shirley would be his. Hopeless enemies to a couple. Opposites attract each other. They looked at each other with smiles and hopes in their eyes.

Ron Pov:

I saw Trevor entering the classroom after Shirley. I knew he had put his notebook on her desk to propose to her silently. I was furious. I followed him and saw Shirley walking towards him. Both were lost in each other. This was the time to use my trump card. I approached Trevor casually and said, "Hey Trevor, how is your girlfriend? I came to know that Shanaya is back from her holidays. So are we going to her school to meet her today? You are always excited to meet your girlfriend, aren't you?" I said it loud and clear enough for Shirley to hear.

Shirley was shocked when she heard Ron's words. Her hopes were shattered in a few seconds. Trevor has a girlfriend outside school and her name is Shanaya. She instantly realized that the 'S' meant Shanaya and not Shirley. Trevor froze when he heard Ron's words. He just looked at Shirley with a blank expression. Why didn't Trevor shout at Ron and say it was a lie? His silence meant it was a truth. That hurt Shirley even more. Ron made a brilliant move with perfect timing and Trevor couldn't deny it.

It was true that Shanaya was his girlfriend. Even though he plans to break up with her today after school, whether Shirley accepts or rejects him, he will only love her. But what could he say now? Shirley's face went white as she stood frozen near the first bench. Did she fall for a guy who was already committed? Was Trevor cheating on her all this time? Was this all a show? Betrayal or deception? She was confused.

Note: Thank you for reading the chapter, and stay tuned to discover what turn Trevor and Shirley's story will take. Read the next part on Coming Tuesday to know Shirley's reaction and Trevor's response to this sudden move by Ron. Do vote and comment on your views. It is encouraging:-)