Smile

Three weeks later...

Jordan's face lit up with a radiant smile as Sydney gazed at him, her eyes dancing with excitement and anticipation. 

His silver eyes sparkled like precious gems in the light, casting an enchanting and irresistible glow that felt almost magical. 

His dark hair was meticulously styled, and the perfectly tailored green tuxedo he wore accentuated his broad shoulders and strong, commanding presence. 

Sydney appeared stunning in her shimmering little green dress, her hair and makeup impeccably done, adding to her captivating allure. 

Sydney had a heartfelt plan as they stood on the patio, enveloped by the gentle glow of candlelight. 

She had been seeing Jordan for a few weeks now, and she felt a deep connection that she had never experienced before. 

Despite her allergy, she fervently hoped Jordan would fulfill her desire, determined not to let her reaction spoil the moment. 

Her eyes were locked onto his, her arms wrapped tenderly around his shoulders, while his hand gently rested on her waist. 

Before their arrival, they had slipped away from her birthday festivities to the terrace, with Sydney promising Jordan that he could offer her the most extraordinary gift imaginable. 

Everyone at the gathering was likely wondering where she had vanished to, as she unexpectedly left the party to ensure her heart's desire was fulfilled. 

"Are you truly sure you won't react this time?" Jordan asked, his face a canvas of worry. 

"I believe I can handle it this time," Sydney replied with a warm smile. 

"What do you want me to do?" Jordan inquired, seeking clarity. 

Sydney paused, allowing the melody in the background to gently recede, then reached for his hand. 

Her eyes traced the path from their linked fingers to his face, meeting his gaze with intent. 

"I've never experienced a friendship as genuine and beautiful as ours. No matter my situation, Jordan, you have been there for me. I realize this might be challenging for me, but with all the confidence I can muster, I want to ask, 'Would you please be my boyfriend?'" 

Jordan inhaled sharply, his cheeks turning a rosy hue, brimming with excitement. 

"Are you really saying this?" he asked, caught in a whirlwind of disbelief and eager anticipation. 

Sydney nodded, her eyes sparkling with happiness. 

"I know, right? I can't believe my heart truly desires this. I'm just so relieved I haven't ruined it," she exclaimed, as they both dissolved into laughter together. 

In the stillness that enveloped them, a profound silence descended, allowing their eyes to lock in a lingering gaze. Jordan's hand, gentle and warm, rose to caress her cheek, brushing softly against her skin as if carried by the gentle breeze. 

His eyes, unwavering, stayed fixed on hers, filled with a depth of emotion. 

"What makes you think I'm not eager to present you with this gift? It's not just for you; I genuinely cherish this gift I'm bestowing," he murmured with sincerity. 

Sydney released a soft breath of delight, her eyes shimmering with joy, as she delicately placed her hand over his. 

"Oh, my God, I can't believe it. This feels like a proposal now," Jordan quipped, and their laughter mingled in the cool air. 

The air was crisp, adding a certain thrill as their eyes remained interlocked; their connection mirrored the world around them. As he leaned in gently, Sydney's eyes widened, her cheeks tinted with a blush as his lips brushed hers. 

Her eyelids fluttered shut, savoring the warmth of his lips; whatever thoughts had flitted through her mind before were now replaced by a flurry of butterflies in her stomach. She parted her lips slightly, letting the kiss deepen. 

Her hand rose, encircling his neck, drawing him nearer. 

To her relief, her allergies chose not to intrude on this magical moment. 

Perhaps she was finally unburdened from whatever had kept her heart restrained. 

And now, she could fully embrace the beautiful complexity of love. 

With Jordan. 

***

Six months later...

Pene sighed dramatically, hopping onto the bed and gently nudging Sydney, who was absorbed in her laptop screen.

"Oh my goodness, Sydney! Please don't tell me you're chatting with Jordan again. It's past midnight, and you have a movie shoot bright and early tomorrow!"

Sydney replied nonchalantly, "Just give me a second. I'll be done soon."

Pene grumbled under her breath, "What's with couples these days? Lately, you've been prioritizing Jordan over me."

Despite Pene's words, Sydney remained silent, seemingly engrossed in her digital conversation.

"Seriously? You're not going to say anything?" Pene muttered, feeling a twinge of annoyance.

"I know, right?" Sydney finally responded, her eyes glued to the laptop, not sparing a glance for Pene.

As Sydney typed away, Pene sneaked a cheeky look at the message.

"Ooh-la-la," she teased with a mischievous grin.

Sydney quickly adjusted her laptop and gently nudged Pene off the bed.

"Ouch, that was uncalled for," Pene moaned, struggling to get back up.

"You had it coming," Sydney shot back sharply, her attention still riveted to her laptop screen.

Pene softly patted her back, reminding, "You know, I've always been there for you, through thick and thin. Now it's all Jordan—texting, gazing, kissing—"

As Pene rambled on, Sydney abruptly stopped typing and made a hasty dash to the bathroom, slamming the door behind her as she retched.

Pene's teasing demeanor shifted to concern.

"Sydney, are you okay?" Pene rushed to the closed door, knocking gently but receiving no reply.

After a tense moment, the door swung open, revealing Sydney's weary and drained appearance.

"Are you alright?" Pene asked with tender concern, her voice filled with genuine care as she drew closer. 

Sydney managed a weak, strained smile, attempting to brush off her worry. 

"Yes, it's nothing significant. Just some stomach issues," she replied, her voice not quite convincing. 

Pene's expression turned to one of deep concern as she tenderly placed her hand on Sydney's shoulder. 

"Is your allergy acting up again?" she inquired, her voice layered with worry. 

Sydney gave a slight nod and made her way to the bed, grabbing a tissue from the table to gently wipe her lips. 

Pene's eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief as she observed Sydney settling onto the bed, remembering the teasing she had planned. 

"Sydney, your mother called earlier this afternoon. Have you spoken with her?" she asked, her tone playful yet curious. 

Sydney's head shot up, her eyes locking with Pene's, a reminder of the uneasy conversation she last had with her mom. 

She quickly looked back at her laptop screen, her hands trembling slightly, her face clouded with anxious thoughts. 

As she continued typing, memories of her mother's last words swirled in her mind. 

She stood, moved to the dresser, and began pulling her hair into a tight bun, seeking some semblance of calm. 

"What's going on, Sydney?" Pene prodded gently, sensing the unspoken tension. 

"Ummm," Sydney stammered, her discomfort palpable in the air. 

Pene watched her closely, her face etched with concern, trying to piece together the puzzle. 

"Sydney, is there something happening between you and your mother that I should know about?" she asked, her voice a mix of curiosity and worry.