Unexpected Proposal

Isla fidgeted with her fingers as she stood there watching a heartfelt interaction between Uncle George and her mother.

"You should have called me earlier... Why didnt you did that?" He asked as he kept kneeling beside the hospital bed, holding hands with Jennifer,who looked so calm ,it was unnerving.

George was indeed more handsome than what he usually looks in the TV . Even in his late fifties, he looks much younger.

He was wearing a black shirt with black pants that made him look expensive than he already was.

The Rolex on his hand was sure more expensive than Isla's entire year college fee.

His exterior outlook didn't go hand-in-hand with his personality that Isla could recognise.

The said man was indeed caring and soft hearted completely opposite to whatever image Isla had of him in her mind.

Isla don't know what to do with herself. It was awkward standing there just looking at the long lost pair of best friend.

" Isla?" Her mother called out and the said girl instantly looked at her mother. " Can you please wait outside? I want to talk to George for few minutes." She requested and watched as her daughter got conflicted.

Jennifer was looking at her intensely. She saw that George gave her a small smile.

Jennifer knew Isla hates it when she is kept away from something but some things are to be discussed.

"Okay." Isla nodded nonetheless and walked out of the room, albeit reluctantly.

Jennifer sighed as she watched her daughter leave. George was looking at her with questioning gaze.

" What is it , Jenny?" He asked as he took a chair and sat beside the bed, instantly taking her hand again.

He remembered his childhood friend who was always cheerful and bubbly, with happy expression always plastered on her face, right now, the Same person is laying on the hospital bed ,hollow cheeks and no sparkling in her eyes.

" I won't be long in this world." She said, her voice was weak ,as if she was fighting with her own self to talk.

"Don't say that. I will take you to even better doctor. Nothing will happen to you." George instantly said, his voice came out as a pleading.

Jennifer just smiled at him, the smile was filled with sadness.

" It's late, George. You as well as me know that nothing can change. My tumor is beyond repair." She said, smile never leaving her face as if she don't want anyone sad because of her.

George finally let himself cry. The tears that he was holding on so much ,now fell freely on his face.

" Please don't cry. Don't cry because of me ." She said and brought her other hand to gently wipe the tears on her best friend's face .

"Tell me ,what can I do for you?" George said his voice still begging, he really regrets not having contact with her. It's not like he didn't try to contact her but still.

"I want nothing but happiness of my daughter, Goerge. Please promise me that you will take care of my illy as your own daughter." Jennifer's voice first time sounded broke, now she was the one begging. Tears ran down her face as she choked out words after words.

" She is just 20 years old and I can't die at peace knowing that I am leaving her all alone in this cruel world." She said, each word of hers were painful to hear.

" Please don't say that! Nothing is going to happen to you!" George wanted to shout at her for say such absurd words carelessly.

" No , George. You know better, I know you have already talked to doctor. Just ... Just promise me please..." She cried. George had never seen her so vulnerable before.

George seemingly was disturbed by what she was saying. Ofcourse, Isla was like his own daughter but something came in his mind that he just can't ignore.

" You know how society works. Keeping a unmarried girl at our place would surely cause problems not only for me but also for Isla." He said, voice low as if afraid what Jennifer's reaction would be on his opinion.

Jennifer eyes were furrowed as she tried to consume the sudden opinion George had given to her.

" I understand... I am sorry for that ... Just forget what I said. Having a girl at your home will surely cause problems and would dirty your reputation. I don't know what I was thinki-" she began to ramble but her words were cut short and George spoke again.

" That's not what I am trying to say. I want to ask you for permission." He said with a slight smile.

" What is it?" Jennifer asked genuinely confused. They were still holding hands with eachother.

" I have a son, Leo . He is 27 year old and he has already reached the age of marriage. If I have your permission, I want my Leo to get married to Isla." He said.

Jennifer surely wasn't ready for such sudden, unexpected proposal.

" You know what you are saying?" She asked, her voice reduced to whisper.

" I know what I am saying, Jenny. I wouldn't have asked you if I haven't thought about it correctly. My son would take over my company after I retire and I assure you that he is good for Isla. " George said, smiling down at her.

" I know he would take good care of her but don't you think that you should ask him first about it. He may have someone else in his heart." Jennifer tried to reason with George.

" I have been asking him if he has a girlfriend or atleast someone he wants to spend his life with but each time he denies. Leo has never gone against my will and Isla is perfect for him . " He said but Jennifer still looked conflicted.

The idea of forcing marriage wasn't setting well with Jennifer. Isla surely needs a protection but she won't like to be shoved in someone else life. Jennifer knew her daughter too well but yet the greedy part of her heart wants her daughter to live a life without any difficulties. She don't want her to live the life she herself had lived. Full of difficulties

" So?" George asked .

" I am okay with it ." Jennifer smiled.