Chapter Seventeen

Nate brought me through the crowds towards our seats. William sat a few seats away from us to keep a watchful eye on us from afar. Many people recognized us, but Nate communicated well, and they seemed to understand to let us be.

I waited anxiously for Thomas's turn, by the time it came my hand was gripping Nate's thigh with everything I had. Nate picked up my hand and wrapped his warm fingers around them. "Breathe Loretta," he whispers. At first, it worked but then our Thomas walked out onto the stage with his guitar.

Thomas's eyes refused to lift from his feet as he nervously walked on to the stage. The audience clapped along, just like they did with every contestant but both me and Nate jumped up to clap for him. The sound of cheering below us forced my eyes down where I saw Thomas's parents, who were almost emotional. I couldn't imagine what they must be feeling right now but I'm sure they are very proud of him for doing this.

One of the judges asked him a few questions which he cutely answered making most of the audience fall in love with him already.

"he's so cute" I whisper to Nate leaning over slightly. He nods his head agreeing with me, before turning his attention back to the stage. When we turn our attention back to the stage, I was surprised to see Thomas scanning the audience, it was evident that he was looking for someone.

I had no idea how, but Thomas found us. When his eyes flickered over to mine, he seemed to stoop, his posture changed completely, and I was genuinely worried. Why was he so adamant on not having me here? I just couldn't miss this.

I turned to glance at Nate to see if he had noticed this too, but I shoved my hand over my mouth as I spotted Nate holding a sign with the help of a few over-excited teenage girls to the right of him. It read “We love Thomas.” In big capital letters.

I think everyone was a little shocked, but I was even more shocked. I was confused about how Nate managed to get that here without me noticing. But regardless the sign seemed to cheer up Thomas and instead of his deep-set frown, he grinned.

The laughter soon subsided, and we all managed to focus our attention back to Thomas who was grinning back at us.

After the judges gave him the green light, he started to strum on his guitar. My breath hitched when I recognized the song.

The song will always have a special place in my heart but only when it's Thomas that Is singing it. The same song that we sang together all those months ago. Nate's hand tightened with mine as Thomas began to sing.

Showing off his raspy voice and full range. I was lost in the music as Thomas began to play and sing along. When he finished his performance, I shot up out of my seat and clapped loudly for him. His performance was flawless, and I was so proud of him. It was only a few seconds until everyone was standing along with me clapping enthusiastically for him.

The next few minutes were tense as the judges commented on his performance. They asked him why he poured so much emotion in that song and I held my breath as his eyes lifted to mine. I was going to give that boy the biggest hug ever, later.

My smile widened when he received the news he would be going on onto the next stage of the competition. Due to the rules of the show, we were not allowed to leave until all the auditions were finished. I tried to enjoy the rest of the show, but it was almost impossible.

The minute we were allowed to leave, Nate pulled me with his down the steps of the auditorium and through to the exit doors. William was following behind us, watching us from behind. When we made it out, we were ambushed my Thomas who was waiting with his parents.

"Don't touch me, Nate, I am angry with you." Thomas cut us off as he wrapped his arms around me only.

Nate's face was clearly surprised. "That's not fair," Nate grumbled, pretending to pout when he knew exactly that was going to be the response from Thomas.

"I am so proud of you Thomas; you were so cool out there." I beamed at him. Forgetting Nate for a minute. Thomas beamed right back at me. "I am sorry I didn't tell you I just didn't want to disappoint you," Thomas said slowly lowering his eyes.

I brought his chin back up. "You wouldn't have disappointed me, Thomas. Don't worry about it anymore. You made it through and whatever happens, I am so very proud of you," I said to him. I can understand why he did what he did. I wouldn't hold any grudges.

"Now go hug Nate, he did the right thing," I whispered as I turned his body over to Nate who just stood there watching us carefully.

When we left Thomas, I noticed Nate suddenly become very quiet. I had asked him if we were going home but Nate didn't want to finish the night here, it was 10 o'clock by the time we had had some dinner, so he suggested that we go out for a walk in London.

There were still people out either getting back from work or university, some people were taking walks out as well. I didn't blame them it is a beautiful night tonight.

"I can't believe Thomas tonight I was amazed at how good he was with being as nervous as he was "we manage to find a bench to sit on. Nate grabs a hold of my hand and rests it on his leg. He bounced it lightly. We sit there in silence for a few minutes. Listening to the city at its quietest time of the day, I really can't remember the city being this silent before.

"Thomas isn't as shy as he was before. I think being at a special arts school with kids like him is doing him good" Nate said. I nodded my head. "That's true, all thanks to you as well. You must be so proud," I replied.

"I am," he mumbled looking out to the city.

I was enjoying myself just sitting here peacefully until Nate suddenly wanted to go all weird on me and started to wrap something around my eyes. He had said that he needed to throw something in the bin but when he came back, he placed a soft material around my eyes.

"Nate what in the world," I ask attempting to remove the material from my eyes, but he quickly grabs my wrist bringing them forward. "Just roll with its Loretta, "he tells him mouth much closer to my cold ears. He decided to kiss my earlobe just to add extra effect. I still shiver at the motion but I'm already being pulled up out of my seat.

He tightens the material slightly before grabbing my chin and lifting it, so he's got my face completely up. He kisses my lips before releasing me again. Little rough not going to lie. Not going to complain either.

"Do I have to be blindfolded Nate can't you just trust to keep my eyes shut" I moaned, I didn't like how tight it was on my eyes and don't forget I was wearing eye makeup. I waited for his response, but I heard nothing, all I heard was the city. Suddenly I could feel his fingers on my face, he lifted the fabric slightly. I opened my eyes and thankfully Nate adjusted the blindfold to not be so tight and restricting on my eyes.

"Thank you" I whispered. He moves the fabric to cover my eyes back again but this time he starts walking us. I really had no idea what was going on but it I had hoped it was worth my while. I knew I shouldn't have worn such high heels today I thought as we continued to walk.

we kept walking for at least 10 minutes before Nate decided to slow down the pace we were walking at. Since my eyes were covered my hearing was heightened significantly which is why I turned my head quickly at the sudden sound of hushed voices and music.

I felt like I was going crazy. Music started to play out, sounding like a piano and possibly a few guitars but I couldn't be sure.

Nate refused to uncover my eyes, but he just placed his hands on my waist. I leant my head back on his chest as the music made me relaxed even though my nerves were threatening to kick in.

I felt Nate take a giant inhale and then the music started to quiet down, letting the harmony of a violin play out in the night. Nate removed his hands from my waist, and I was suddenly left alone as I could no longer feel his presence on me.

The next thing surprised me the most, the material on my eyes was suddenly being lifted and I could finally see. It took me a while to adjust to the lights outside but when I could clearly see I was shocked to see my father standing before me.

"what's going on," I ask him, he smiles back at me placing his finger on his lips. I keep my mouth shut. Dad moves out the way before I could say anything else to him. At the sight, before me, I couldn't believe it. I finally realized where the music was coming from.

About 30-40 people were standing and sitting before me. All with different instruments with them. It was a collection of violins, drums, cello's, flutes, saxophones and a grand piano. I was beyond speechless; I really couldn't believe what I was witnessing before me. It looked ridiculous and out of place here on the quiet street of London.

I was mesmerized and I couldn't remove my eyes from them as they played out the melody, I recognized the song very vaguely as all of me by john legend, however it was just an instrumental and no words.

The music began to calm down and I was left with the sound of the piano as the last of the song was played. My eyes were fixed on the man playing the gorgeous black piano in the middle of the city.

The music finally drifted away, and I suddenly felt small hands on my arms. I looked down and I could recognize the face immediately. Thomas was standing right in front of me with a single white rose in his hand.

When I took the flower from him, I gasped. He made it clearer exactly where I was. How could I forget? This is where I played with Thomas all those months ago, the day that changed both of our lives altogether.

"Loretta, turn around" his quiet voice barely loud enough says. He turns on his heel and walks to the side. I spot his parents standing there with mine as well.

My mind started to panic at the possibility of what was happening right now. But I was too nervous to turn around and confirm my suspicions.

After a few moments, I do exactly as he says and slowly turn around. At first, I was a little confused because I couldn't see anything but a bunch of people standing there watching me. I noticed a few of my friends standing there. Tammy, George, Angela and even Cameron.

Cameron wasn't just standing there however he had a camera in his hand and the red light was flashing signaling that he was recording this specific moment.

My eyes cast down and I had to step back a little bit. I thought correctly. Nate knelt down on his knee, looking up at me with those beautiful eyes. 

"Nate what are doing? "I ask even though it would take an absolute idiot to not have an idea what is going on, but I had to ask him.

"Hello, beautiful," he says charmingly still on one knee. I couldn't take my eyes off him; all I could do was stare into his brown eyes and just be lost in them.

Was he going to actually do this now? Wasn't this a little too soon.

"Loretta, ever since I saw you singing here with Thomas I was done for. You were constantly on my mind both day and night and I couldn't help but make you mine. Your beauty, your mind and your whole existence have made me fall in love with you and I couldn't think of a better woman to have at my side. I am here on one knee asking for you to marry me"

He pauses for a minute looking forward. I look down at my feet and a laugh escapes my lips as I see my little brother walking with his little legs up to Nate. Nate hugs Eaton before taking a small black box from his little hands.

At the little exchange, it brings a little cheer from the crowd in front of me. I must admit it was the cutest thing I've ever seen.

"Loretta, will you do me the honor of marrying me?" He opened the box and I'm graced with a beautiful diamond ring that I couldn't imagine ever being mine. The ring had the most beautiful stone sitting on a thin band that was decorated with small, detailed diamonds.

Tears fall down my cheeks as I gaze on the box and into the eyes of the man asking such a big question. we hadn't even talked about marriage.

I noticed Nate's worried expression as I stayed quiet.

Did he honestly think that this was the time to be doing this? We had only recently gotten back together after such a big fight. I didn't know if this was his way of making up for everything that happened.

But then, we did love each other. There was no other man that ever made me feel the way I did with Nate. It worried me that we would be moving too fast but again, I loved Nate.

The slight movement of Nate's head tilting down brought me out of my daze. Nate had never looked so scared in his life and I had realized that he was still waiting for me to respond.

I bent down to come level with Nate. My fingers tilting his head up and forcing his eyes to mine. My heart clenched as I saw a tear slip from his eyes and trail down his cheek and splash against the collar of his white shirt.

I had never loved anyone as much as I loved this man that knelt before me, baring his all to me.

I parted my lips to finally answer him.