In a swift move, he twirled me around, his hands snaked my waist from behind, and my back now leaned on his body, as we continued to dance together. His chin was on my shoulder, and he leaned in closer to whisper in my ear, "Love is about giving Emma, and expecting nothing in return. It is about doing everything in your power to make your partner happy, even if that means sacrificing yourself. Your love can be so strong that it can be enough for both. It's selfless and unconditional."
The music stopped, and so did I after hear Mark's words. A warm feeling engulfed my body, his words intrigued me, and I turned around to look at his face.
He was hurting, and I didn't know why?
I had a strong feeling that he was talking about me, I don't know if I was over-thinking, but for a minute I felt, that I meant a lot more to Mark than just a friend.
Was he hurting because he loved me? Was he trying bring me happiness and expected nothing in return? Was he referring to his love as one-sided and enough for the both of us?
I had a million questions in my head but no courage to look him in the eye and ask him. We both stood there, reading each other's expressions in an attempt to find our respective answers.
"Goodbye Emma. I will see you tomorrow morning on the trek." He gave me a soft peck on my cheeks and turned around to leave.
The moment his breath fell on my skin, and his lips touched my cheek, I knew it in my guts that he had strong feelings for me.
The next morning, we all woke up early and re-grouped at the resort's reception ready with our trekking gear.
Mark was already gone, he dropped a text that he will meet us at the trekking base camp, which was a couple of hours drive from here.
It was almost nine am when we started hiking. It was supposed to be a six-hour-long climb up to Joffrey lake. Mark was cheerful this morning, and I honestly was relieved as the building tension between us, was somehow diffused. I didn't want things to get awkward between us; I didn't want to lose his friendship.
"Hey, Emma. Would you prefer some snack?" Mark asked as he chased me from behind. Even though I had my left leg shot, I was faster than all of these lazy asses combined.
Britney and Max were in their newly found marital bliss and hence slower than the rest.
Mark was busy taking care of everyone, and I don't know what the hell Niki and Barry were doing, so I decided to ask them, "I wonder how come you both signed up for this hike? You are barely able to push your slump bodies forward." I spat my angry words at them. I was irked by their lack of enthusiasm and how they were delaying the journey altogether.
"Hey, don’t be mean Emma. At least the cabins up there are cute. We are here for the views." Niki grinned as she gave Barry a wink.
"You all are crazy. I am taking the lead and going ahead. I can't wait to see the picturesque scenery across the trail. Hope you idiots will catch up with me soon." I rolled my eyes and just marched forward without waiting for their reply.
"Wait, Emma! I will come with you." Mark followed me and gave me a warm smile.
"Sure. Let's go."
After hours of climbing, we reached nearly the end of the trail, as our remaining gang was nowhere to be found, even at the farthermost visible corner.
I enjoyed every minute of the day. I never thought a place could be so beautiful; it seemed right out of an artist's canvas. It was already close to dusk as we started reaching the end, we had reservations in the cabins situated next to the lake at the top. As we closed in, I observed that the sides of the trail were decorated with beautiful lilies and tulips that were threaded in heart shaped bunch of bouquets on both sides of the road.
The sky above was now covered by a blanket of golden and silver sparkling lights sheeted together, illuminating the path beneath. The trees on both sides were ornamented by glass jar shaped chandeliers from an overhanging bough. The whole place was embellished beautifully, making it a rare sight.
"Woah. This decor is extraordinary. I didn't know they light up like this in the evenings?" If I was amazed by the natural beauty of this place, the human-made touches of tender decoration added to its elegance.
Mark stepped closer, his face just inches away from me, and he pointed at something in the far corner, as he slowly said, "No, this is not routine Emma. All this has been done, especially for you."
My brows furrowed in confusion, and I tried to look what he was pointing at. To my utter surprise, I saw a huge bouquet of roses forming the letters of my name. I gulped, quite unsure of the events that were unfolding in front of my eyes.
"Do you trust me, Emma?" Mark asked me getting me out of my thoughts. He cupped my face in his hands and made me look into his eyes.
"Mark? What is all this? What are you doing...?"
Before I could complete, he asked me again, this time a bit more loudly, "Do you trust me Emma?"
Honestly, my palms were sweating, and I was shaking in apprehension. I was scared of what's coming next.
I was not ready for this.
Reluctantly, I nodded. He took my hand and made me follow him. Every trembling step I took, made my heart thump. I felt I couldn't feel my limbs anymore; I was constantly looking down as I didn't know what to expect,
