It has been just over a year since the Shorewood and Shorecrest student bodies accepted Otis and my Romeo-and-Juliet-like love, and our relationship has only blossomed. But as I floated on the air currents, hovering just above the school like I always do when I’m not making a public appearance, I couldn’t help but think of the future.
You see, Otis asked me out to an amazing dinner spot tonight. I’m so glad I’m a sentient talking giant stingray with storm powers, or else I might be stressed about what to wear! But a distraction might have been nice… Oh, if only there was a way to know what was happening under those dark eyes and chiseled brow! Normally, I’d find someone to talk to, but it seems everyone’s avoiding me today! I suppose I’m doomed to stew on my own…
After what feels like forever, Otis picks me up in a gorgeous limo. It’s the same one he used for our first official date, modified to fit an 8-and-a-half-foot stingray. I flop gracefully into the cab while Otis holds the door open like the true gentleman he is. For some reason, his glistening eyes held a sort of nervousness unusual of his unwavering demeanor. A worry bubbles up in my chest… Otis couldn’t be… could he? Was Otis breaking up with me?
Arriving at the restaurant doesn’t quell my worries. A private secluded outdoor picnic like dinner?! This is the perfect place to politely let your love down! And maybe Otis was explaining his hatred for me to the whole student body and that’s why they wouldn’t talk to me. As I float slowly towards the scenic picnic setting I feel like I left my stomach back at Shorewood High School.
Both of us sit in silence for an uncomfortable amount of time. My amazing boyfriend Otis eats his haggis, I nervously slurp down my raw oysters and squid. Before I even begin to realize the change, sunset is upon us. Otis beckons me to follow him for a walk along the river. “This is it,” I think to myself. This is when our dream-like romance ends.
Otis takes a deep breath and faces me. I can feel tears brimming in my eyes. My mystical storm powers react to my emotions and stir the leaves out of the trees. I close my eyes and brace for the end. “Sammy…” Otis begins, emotion spilling over every word of deep baritone. “Will you… do me the honor…”
Wait, this doesn’t sound like a breakup. He clears his throat. “Will you do me the honor of marrying me?” Oh. Oh. “Oh Otis, I would be the most foolish stingray alive should I say no! Yes! Of course!” I felt the tears stream down my flat face, not out of sadness but joy. I heard faint cheering, some of the students from Shorecrest and Shorewood had hidden in the trees to watch.
An hour later I’m resting on the ground next to Otis, my boy- no, my fiance, watching the falling sun cast fractals of light through the diamond ring now firmly set around my tail. “Did you know,” I say softly, “that I thought you were breaking up with me?” Otis looks over at me shocked. “Oh Sammy… Should I even dream of something like that, it would be the most terrifying nightmare ever!” I laugh. How silly it seems. I’m glad the student bodies of Shorecrest and Shorewood agreed to this marriage. Next time, they could at least talk to me!
“One thing for sure,” Otis smirks. “Our wedding is going to be one real rager.” I nuzzle into Otis’s rock hard chest, and smile. “I can’t wait.”
