Bad Timing Chapter 01

He stared at the departing figure who was running away from him. He had done everything right, hadn't he? Tears ran down his face as he shakily stood up and sat down on the bench he was kneeling next to. The box he held in his hand he placed next to him on the bench, still open.

He was certain he had done everything right. He had picked her up at exactly 7pm. He'd given her a bouquet of flowers, lilies for they were her favourite. Then he had taken her to her favourite fancy restaurant, Les trés Chique.

After a delicious meal they took a carriage ride through the streets of Nottingham. Leanne had always loved horses.

The carriage ride had lasted about an hour. They had stopped at the entrance of the park to take a stroll through it. He'd always loved to take a stroll through the park, especially at night. It was one of the things he loved to share with her.

They ended at the small hill at the middle of the park. They had sat down on the bench and talked. He was nervous but the small talk helped him calm down a little.

He swallowed one last time after the conversation died down to gather his courage before he stood up and took the small box from his pocket, which was burning a hole in his pocket.

He kneeled down and opened the box. "When we first met I was afraid to talk to you. I didn't know what to say and was very nervous. Because since the very first time I laid eyes on you I know we belong together. Something deep inside me said ‘she's the one'. But how could I tell you this? How could I tell a complete stranger that I loved her?

"But I did walk up to you and started talking. I don't remember what I was talking about all I remember was your smile.

"But all that didn't matter once I started to know you. Nothing could compare to the beauty that shone from within your soul.

"What I am trying to say, Leanne, is I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Leanne, will you marry me?"

Leanne was shocked, tears ran down her face and she tried hard not break down. She stood up and without saying a word, she ran away leaving James on his knees, looking devastated at the departing figure.

What had he done wrong? He wondered once more. Rain started falling from the sky reflecting his feelings. Ironic, he thought.

He did not know how long he sat there, nor did he feel the cold, when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Flabbergast he turned to the figure who touched his shoulder.

"Leanne?" he asked, confused.

"You deserve an explanation for my earlier department and an apology for my reaction," Leanne said as she slid down next to James.

A silence fell over the two lovers. "I've never told you much about my past, I think it's time I did." once again silence fell. She took a deep breath before she continued. "When I was 18 I was engaged to a wonderful man, or so I thought. On the day of our marriage he treated me awful this resulted in him leaving me at the altar. It didn't end at that. He said some awful things before he left me at the altar. I never trusted anyone after that," she finally had the courage to face James. "Then I met you, things changed." She took his hand in her own. "I don't know if my fear will ever go away but I'd like to try, with you."

James smiled at the woman he loved. "I'd like to try as well," he replied.

"I'm sorry I ran away like that. I just got an awful flashback. Once I calmed down I realized that you are not him, you are not Tim. So, I came back and knew I could try with you beside me. That is if you still want me," a blush crept over her face as she lowered her eyes.

"Of course, I'd still have you."

Smiling she threw herself in his arms. "Ask me again," she whispered.

"Will you marry me?" he asked once more.

"Yes," she whispered against his mouth before claiming his lips with her own.

The End
5 June 2008