The "Engagement"

*Disclaimer- This is not a canon scene. However, I plan to write a similar scene like this in the future. Namely for book 3, the final book in the series. That said, expect to see similar or nearly identical pieces of dialogue found here and in the near future. Of course, some lines may be changed later on*

The "Engagement"

Featuring Rigel and Lea

By: Emily Grace

(Rigel's POV)

Before I knew it, another week had gone and went. I grew weary of staying at home, and it was noon, a few hours before school would let out. Nobody who mattered would notice me. Or so I thought...

Her long jet-black hair was up in a high ponytail. That was odd. Not like her at all. I avoided eye contact and tried slipping past her, but she caught my arm. "I didn't take you for a guy who likes jewelry." 

She had caught me when I was standing near the display of necklaces. Truly, I didn't care for those. Rather, what I came for was much more...extravagant. "Well, you'd be right," I said as she released me. "Then what brings you here of all places, Rigel?"

I turned on her, returning her accusatory gaze with that of my own. That got her to back off...barely. "I could ask you the same question, Lea. I also didn't take you for the type to ditch school." Her expression was a mix of annoyed and guilt-ridden. I got around her and approached the real reason for my being here. Naturally, she wasn't going to let me go that easily and followed closely behind me. But I was prepared for that. "Alright, if I tell you, will you promise not to laugh?"

If she wasn't truly curious before, then she definitely was now. I stepped off to the side and pointed at the shiny diamond. "A ring? You're looking at rings? Why...wait," she said, astonished, before finally understanding it. "No. Don't tell me you're seriously thinking about," she was cut off mid-sentence by one of the workers, a woman with an overly ecstatic look in her eyes as she looked between the two of us and blurted, "Oh, congratulations on your engagement. Are you looking to get a ring re-sized?"

Before Lea could open her mouth, I cut in, "Actually, we were wondering if you had a similar ring to this one but at a cheaper price?" Lea looked at me with her mouth agape, her eyebrows twitching. I'd get an earful later, but what truly mattered was making it one step closer to my objective. Was I planning a proposal? Yes. But was I proposing to Lea? Certainly not. But this poor woman didn't know that, and even if she did know Lea and I weren't a couple, all it would take was for someone else, another worker perhaps who didn't know any better to see us and jump to this ridiculous conclusion. 

All the more reason to go along with the silly notion. It appeared Lea realized the same thing because she didn't bother correcting the worker. This particular ring was priced at 6,000 dollars. My ideal range was somewhere between 1,000-2,500 give or take, but deep down I knew that was a long shot. Still, it couldn't hurt to find a less expensive alternative. "Follow me," Kathy (as written on her name badge), said as she led us to another arrangement of rings. "Do any of these speak to you?" She asked, staring intently at Lea. Lea shrugged at first before remembering why I was here. Admittedly, not for her, but for someone else. 

"What about this one?" I asked Lea while pointing out the least expensive one. It was just under 1,000, likely due to its lackluster design. A plain white diamond, but whether or not it was real wasn't entirely clear to me. Lea resigned herself to the role I had given her and plastered a fake, cheery smile on her face. "Oh, it's perfect!"

Kathy's eyes seemed to light up even more. "We'll definitely keep this ring in mind," I said, causing Kathy's smile to waver. "Are you sure you don't want to go ahead and get it? We can determine the size now if you'd like." She reeked of desperation, but that was to be expected. She was likely fishing for a promotion of some sort. "No, it's fine. We'll come back later." 

Before Kathy could get another word in, I grabbed Lea's hand and together we walked out the store. Once we were in the clear, Lea firmly stated, "Are you out of your mind? People at school already think we're an item. Aren't you worried what your girlfriend will think? My conscience is clear because my ex-boyfriend is dead. Your conscience, however, is a different story." 

"It's sweet of you to worry about me, but my girlfriend and I trust each other. There's no reason for us to doubt each other. A few ridiculous rumors aren't going to change anything." 

[To be continued. Like I said before, this isn't officially canon material. But I will likely write a scene similar or nearly identical to this one in book 3].