The Assignment

Chapter 8: Advised (Part 1)

With all the discouragement from society, you'd think that Haden and I would've broken up with the pressure on us. It never entered my mind that separation was an option for us, and I knew that he would be the only one that I'd ever be happy with. He was mine.

Jarring me put of my distant thoughts, Jonathan came to sit beside me on the couch. I looked at him, my eyes questioning his change in seating arrangements. All he did was place a hand on my shoulder, giving me a small, but hesitant, smile. "Here."

Jon placed the small, black velvet box in my lap. He gestured for me to open it. "Go on," He said, his voice on edge as if he was anticipating something.

I took the jewelry box in my hand, turning it over and over, marveling at the idea of what could be inside. It seemed expensive, too much for me. Possibly a charm? A small knickknack, or a jewel of some sort? He knew that I liked those types of things. The possibilities were endless.

Suddenly, I couldnt take it anymore. I just had to know what was inside that box. I flipped open the top, and resting on an elegant cushion, something caught the light.

I gasped. The object was a ring. Braided white gold formed the band, which came around to make an intricate design around the inset. There was an absolutely huge diamond in the center, surrounded by a pattern of rubies and amethysts. I slowly took it out of the box, reveling in its absolute and utter beauty. I was cautious of how heavy it was, afraid that I would drop it. I moved it back and forth, watching the diamond catch light from every possible angle

"He worked. For years he went to the bookstore, the supermarket, and even the farm to work and I had always wondered why he would get home so late after school. He never mentioned it, and I never questioned him on the matter. I won't tell you how much money this probably cost him, because that's not what matters. Homey, all I can say is that he must really love you."

I cried, oh how I cried for the man that I wish I had. For the love that I had lost that day, up there on the big stage in the middle of it all. When I slipped that ring on my finger, I knew what every stone meant, and how the perfect fit reassured me that everything would work out. It was meant to be from the beginning, our own love. We didn't need the Assignment to be happy. We needed each other.

"I'm so sorry," I whispered to the ring. It was like talking to Haden himself, because I knew how much hard work that he put behind this. It was beautiful. All those years I waited for something, I got sad when he didn't have time for me. I didn't realize that this was what he was working for.

The rubies, the amethysts, February and July. Emmaline and Haden, together as one. This gift meant so much to me, and I couldn't articulate any combination of words to describe how I felt. It was just perfect.

"Jon," I asked, breaking our silence.

"Yes, Emmaline?"

"Do you know when he planned on giving me these? The ring, the notebook, the frame?" I pressed further.

"All I know was that the frame was his. I just thought that you might like to keep it for the time being, you know? As for the ring and notebook, I can only assume that it was his intention to give them to you the night before it all happened. I'm not sure why he didn't take them with him when he left. I assumed that he was shy about it or that he thought you wouldn't be allowed to take them with you. I think that he had faith that they would get to you somehow, so here I am." Jon smiles.

I smiled myself, knowing that I was loved and that he had worked hard for me. Only a chance of me getting these things, but yet he took it. It was very much like him, unconditional kindness to everyone and an uncontrollable love that he harbored only for me. It was amazing.

After a few more minutes of small talk, Jonathan got up to leave. "Anyway, thank you, Emmaline, for allowing me into your home and for the wonderful tea. It was very grateful of you. Now, I must be off to visit with my son. See what his situation is," He trailed off.

I nodded, thinking that was all that he had to say. I got up off of the couch, as well. He held out a hand for me to stop, as I was about to show him out.

"I could take you with me." He whispers, barely audible from where I was standing. He looks around slowly. "We would have to take your friend, as well, but it shouldn't be a problem for you to convince him. That boy looks at you the same way I looked at Nova. Quickly, if we're going. I presume that they know that I'm here by now."

"Yes. Thank you so much, Jonathan. I'll go get him now." I rush off down the hall in search for Chris.

I found him leaning against a counter in the kitchen, simming from a steaming mug. I assumed that it was the same tea that he had fixed for Haden's dad. He looks up from his beverage upon noticing me.

"Hey Chris," I said, walking over to him. "Do you have any interest in going with Dr. Markson and I to visit one of my old friends? It's part of my therapy, he told me it was to help me adjust," I lied smoothly. "Are you game?"

Chris shrugs, setting his cup on the counter behind him. "If it'll make you more conformable with this, then I'm all ears. Where is it we'd be travelling to?" He asks.

"I dunno, it could be anywhere. Dr Markson never told me who or where she was Assigned to, so it could be right down the street or somewhere far out. But I know that this visit will help us, me and her both. It'd also help me get used to you, so that should entice you enough." I laughed quietly.

"Yeah, let's do it." He says, pulling me in for a quick hug. "Let me just clean up my mess and then we can be off."

^^^^^^^^

A/N: okay, I changed my mind. I may be slow at updating, but neither story is on hold. Wahoo for you! Or for me, depends on if anybody reads this. You guys are losing interest! Let me know if there's anything in this story or in any other of my stories that will make you want to read them. Love you guys.

Comment, vote, fan, share or just read!

Part 2 coming sooner now that this is up.

QOTC: Team Chris or team Haden?

♡~Ken