It was a typical start to a school year where everything was new, and in those type of situations I choose to be quiet and observe my surroundings. In walks a beautiful girl, Vanessa, and my eyes were immediately drawn to her. She seemed like my opposite at first: loud, outgoing, personable. When our teacher, Mrs. Weekly, assigned seating I was happy to discover that Vanessa’s seat was right in front of mine. As some of you know, I cannot whisper (that will be important shortly.) I am frequently described as quiet and reserved, but I only stay that way when I am uncomfortable. I do, however, get quite loud and boisterous when I’m comfortable. I wasn’t comfortable in the classroom, but that didn’t stop me from whispering (see, I told you it would be important) comments to myself as my teacher said and did ridiculous things. These comments, meant just for me, were heard by the pretty girl in front of me. I guess they were quite funny because she took a liking to me and thus began our wonderful journey as friends and the eventual discovery that I found my soulmate.

My life changed forever on the twelfth of July in the year of our Lord 2020. I had plans with her maids of honor to help me set up a surprise picnic. I left the house and told her I was going to go play basketball, as I often do, but instead of basketball attire and shoes I had a nice change of clothes in my gym bag. I told her we’d go to a nice dinner afterwards so she’d be dressed up and ready. They met me out at the park and we set up a table cloth and I brought a bottle of wine and wine glasses. I then went and got her favorite food from Rolando’s to-go. I then told her my car had battery issues and she needed to come pick me up. When she got there, I pulled her to the table and got down on one knee and said “you’ve been my best friend for 8 years, will you make it forever?” She said of course and then we enjoyed a wonderful picnic. Afterwards, we had a wonderful party set up for us and had a wonderful night.