2005-11-12

Engaged

This year Gavin is living on-campus. So I knew something was up when he said I had to go to pick him up from rez before we went out for dinner. So, as per his request, I took the bus to campus, all dressed up, to pick him up. "Let's go for a walk!" he said.

"Go for a WALK!? But it's 5 below and I'm wearing nylons! Can we go for a walk inside!" (I know, I know - aren't I the romantic?). On our way we passed a whole group of his students, standing around waiting for something. They probably missed the meal in the Caf and had to get delivery. BOY am I glad I have a kitchen this year!

When we got to Gavin's room, I was horrified. Something dreadful must have happened to Big Bird. There was trail of yellow feather leading straight to...Gavin's ROOM! WHAT?!

"Actually - the feather's lead away from my room. Maybe you should- uh- well- let's find out what happened to Big Bird! Follow that trail!" Haha! You've gotta give him credit. He's playing it pretty cool - we're all dressed up, and now we're on a Big Bird hunt because I made a joke...

At the end of the hall, we followed the feathers of romance up the stairs, and into the next hallway. As soon as we step into the hall, someone started blasting some music. Barry White actually. Now I have a thing about Barry White - and Gavin knows it. Now he's teasing me.

"I can't go in there Gavin! They're playing Porno music!!!"

"You've gotta come in Zo. It'll be great." Gavin's starting to get really excited and really nervous. I'm just nervous. REALLY nervous.

Apparently his whole house is in on it. A couple girls were in the kitchenette, and they were stationed to snap our pictures on the way in. And blast Barry. But they decorated the commonroom too! It was fantastic! They decorated the door, and the room. They'd taken the TV and couches out and set up a little table "Japanese Style" with cushions on the floor. The table was set up for two. Not a candlelight dinner, that's against rez policy ;) But there was a little starshape lamp instead. As soon as we sat down on our cushions another student came in. Papertowel over her arm and "Champagne Bottle" in hand.

"Would you and the lady like some sparkling grape juice sir?" Of course. 2 days ago in the grocery store I pointed out the same bottle. I'd said it was the perfect champagne for kids like me, who don't like to drink ;) Besides, alcohol in the common room is against the rules. He'd gone back after I'd left and bought it for me!

"Yes, please." Jess pours him just a sample. Gavin looks at her with total confusion.
"To sample, sir," of course. Gavin smells, swirls and tastes it. He approves and she pours us both a glass.

Then, another student brought us salad. Oh my Goodness! I've never had sundried tomato dressing, but boy oh boy is it delicious. Gavin said I could have the bottle ;) But I'm getting distracted!

Remember the kids waiting for their delivery earlier? When we finished our salad, one of the girls came in with Chicken Primavera (or however you spell it).

"What? You were waiting for OUR food?! And I didn't even guess!?" Ok, he got me. Usually if I see something, I notice, but this time I was oblivious. But the food was delicious! The music con'd the whole time we were eating, but only the first song was Barry White. When we finished our noodles and chicken, the 'servers' brought us out a beautiful plate of wafer cookies. mmm-mmm, but at this point I've already eaten so much I think I'm going to explode.

I didn't even notice but a reggae song came on which, little did I know, was a queue for Gavin. After this song is when the next part of his plan starts. But I'm just enjoying my cookies! When "Stand by Me" comes on, Gavin tears me away from the cookies, "But I'm still eating..." and we dance. At the end of the song, Gavin proposed.

Before I had a chance to answer, Gavin thought he heard me say no. "Did you say no?"
"No!"
"Oh...Oh? No no? or just no?"
"YES!"
"OH! GOOD!"

The girls were peeking - Gavin whispered "She said yes!"
"Go go go!" said Ashley, and 25 kids ran in the room.
"AAh! What's going on here" I asked.
"I don't know!"

I guess they planned that part as a surprise for both of us. And then there was a giant group hug. Ow. I don't think they understand how much I ate! But it was all SO lovely. And now you know ;)

OH! And I couldn't fit all the pictures on here, so you've GOT to CHECK OUT MY PHOTO GALLERY!! DO IT!