A Not-So-Happy Anniversary
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  "Minnie! Minnie, my Minnie!" I barely made a flinch as the familiar voice boomed loudly from the front door. Instead I covered my ears from the deafening sound and curled further into my snuggy that had been wrapped around me like a cocoon of sorts. I looked over from where I sat on the couch, where I WAS watching my favorite episode of FRIENDS. It had been almost three hours. He was late and I was pissed. So what do I do when I'm pissed? I turn on Netflix and binge watch every season of FRIENDS. That's what I do. It usually helps, but now that the source of my initial anger was here, I couldn't help but be reminded of how annoyed at him I was.   I felt a dip in the cushion beside me and automatically glared over at the boy with dark red hair. I furrowed my brows as I watched him manage to grab a hold of the bag of my favorite Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Caramel Popcorn. Apparently he had a death wish.   "Wanna die?" I asked while I took back the bag and left him with only a handful of popcorn.   He looked at me sideways and pouted. "Don't be like that, Minnie. Today is a good day."   Pssh. Good day, my . "What has you so chipper?" You're three hours late, jerk! Why are you happy?   Him being in such a good mood, despite clearly knowing I wasn't, just further fueled my anger towards him. It had taken me most of the day to get ready as soon as I got back home from work. I took a shower, washed my hair, did my nails, dried and styled my hair, did my makeup and even managed to slip into the nicest outfit I owned. And for what? It all went unnoticed and under appreciated by him anyway. All of my efforts always did.   I saw him smile that perfectly charming smile and bit back my own smile from appearing. "Just happy. Can't I just be happy?"   Why was he so damn adorable? It's disgusting.   "Maybe if I didn't know you, I'd say yes. But unfortunately for me, I do know you. And I'm stuck with you for life. So no. You can't just be happy. You never are."   Again, his stupid dumb smile only got brighter. "You know me too well."   I scoffed and turned away. I can't keep freaking looking at him. "Damn right, I do. So spill."   "Not just yet," He assured and then nodded towards the stairs. "Now get your things."   I rolled my eyes, still acting stubborn even though now he was beginning to pique my interest. "What for?"   He arched a brow and his little sideways smirk appeared, making my heart race when he managed to place his arm over my shoulder. "Don't think I forgot what today is."   Again, I just wanted to give him a taste of his own medicine. So I Ignored him.   He sighed and ran his fingers through his wine-colored locks. "Look, I'm sorry I was so late, but I promise it was for a good reason." I looked back at him and I saw those sad puppy dog eyes of his boring right through me. I couldn't just say no. I groaned and he knew he had me hook, line and sinker as he flashed that grin I was such a er for. "Now let's go. I made reservations."   My heart skipped a beat. Was he getting everything ready... for me? I felt my cheeks burn and my smile finally showed through. Without him needing to say anything else, I headed straight up stairs to quickly grab my things and slip back into the dress I had given up on in favor of my favorite pajamas. I gave myself one last look in the body-length mirror and felt confident with how I looked.   Tonight was going to be a good night.     ----------- ♦ ----------    

I was silent for most of the car ride due to my excitement. Luckily there was music playing so forcing a conversation was totally unnecessary. The only time I decided to become vocal was when I was speaking out about my curiosity toward where he was taking us. See, we live in small port town and across the channel was the nearest city. Right now we were heading farther off towards the city, but not exactly. It wasn't until he turned into a private lot that I realized where we were.

Isolated from the rest of the town, was a restaurant by the name of Bellissimo Mare  —a very well known expensive port-side restaurant that was located near the sea —or rather, it was located directly on the sea. In fact, it had it's own road to get to it since it was the only place located on a small strip of land. But for good reasons. Apparently the view from there was extraordinary. Something that only a few people get to experience since it wasn't a place you couldn't go to any day. Unless you were loaded of course.

I looked over at Mark, almost as if asking if he were serious about where we were. But all he did was smile and walk out the car so that I could follow. And I did.

Walking in, I became so nervous for whatever reason. This was my first time ever being there and it meant so much more that it was because of Mark's efforts. He was really going all out this time. And the curiosity was starting to eat at me.

"Yes, a reservation for Mark Tuan," He informed the hostess as we got up to the podium at the entrance.

"Right this way," She smiled and led us both forward, deeper into the place that I was already falling in love with. I couldn't help but watch in awe as we were guided passed the indoor dining area all the way outside to the beautifully lit patio area that was directly on the beach with a view of the ocean and the city in the distance.

The view was absolutely breathtaking.

"Nice, right?" I heard him ask, his smile still there as he watched my reactions when he pulled out my chair for me to sit on.

"How could you afford this place?" I was looking up at the decorative lights above us, mesmerized by their beauty, before finally managing to look over at him. I should've realized what he was wearing earlier. Mark wasn't someone to dress up in a nice dress shirt and pants. How did I not realize this before?

"Are you kidding?" He scoffed. "I've been saving up for the last few months specifically for today." My heart raced. Why was it that everything he said had such an impact on me? I tried to shake if off.

"What's so special this time that you had to do all this?" He really was doing a good job at building suspense. And the surprise... I mean... was he really gonna finally say something? Finally?

"Did I tell you that you look beau