J & A

As I transitioned into city life, I started meeting friends, some within my new congregation and surroundings. This means I’d get invites to gatherings and events they’d have. My invites to either watch or play football were frequent and fun, becoming something to look forward to most weekends. On one particular weekend while commuting to the field, I realized I was being personally interviewed by a friend (Alex) about my relationship status. Though I found it strange, I emphasized the point that “Mi nuh want nobody!”. Days after, I received a follow request on Instagram from someone who also had Alex as a friend. I accepted and followed back. I looked on his photos and thought, “ok seems handsome and sensible.” More days passed and it was now World Cup season and of course I posted my favorite team's flag, Argentina. Shortly after, I got a message from him with a Brazilian flag… the audacity 🤷🏽‍♀️. Our conversation started around football where we found common interests. He then asked to meet at an upcoming football match that we’d play together. While playing, I found it strange again that every time he got the ball, he’d pass it to me. Then after every football game, there he was, until unfortunately shortly after I left the country for a few months. We kept in touch and even had online movie nights. Days felt like weeks and I couldn’t wait to get back. When I finally returned, we met up publicly and he asked if I could be his girlfriend. Of course I said yes (with terms and conditions)🫣. From that day on, he also became my best friend.

My story is not one of a fairytale beginning. Because of various experiences, I always thought I wouldn’t be able to truly let someone in and be completely vulnerable. Little did I know that one interaction would change my life forever. About four years ago, I made it a point of duty to reach out and try to expand my friend circle. This would involve me leaving the cool hills of Mavis Bank to play football in town on the weekends. One Saturday, Alex seemed very excited that he found a sister who could potentially break down my walls based on his interactions with her. But being that Alex came to me about this matter before, I didn't pay much attention to it. Just out of curiosity, I looked at her profile, and boy was I captivated by her smile. I remember playing it cool and pretending I didn’t care, but in reality, I was truly impressed. Some time had passed, and I was trying to find a way to introduce myself to Allison without coming off as being basic or average. It was World Cup time, and I had recently sent her a friend request which she accepted. I watched her story and saw that she had posted an Argentina flag. Now being a Brazilian fan, I replied to her story defending Brazil, and that interaction would become one of the foundations and building blocks of our relationship in later days. We started communicating frequently and growing closer together, but this bond would soon be tested as Allison would head overseas for a good amount of time. During that period, we grew closer over the phone, strengthening our connection and building a friendship that would not easily be swayed. At this point, I felt like I knew Allison for years. Our conversations were open and honest, and I could truly be myself without fear of being judged. I told myself that as soon as she came back to Jamaica, I would ask her to be my girlfriend. During the times after, we faced different situations and tests that would either break us or bring us closer together. I am proud to say we worked together and navigated those trials, and now I can't wait to marry Allison.

What began as a simple get-together turned into the most unforgettable night of Allison and Jheidi’s lives. Behind the scenes, there was a little bit of chaos. With the ring arriving just one day before, Allison’s best friend and Jheidi were holding their breath. Thankfully, everything came together just in time. That evening, friends and family gathered quietly at a sister’s home, decorating and preparing for the big moment while Jheidi tried (unsuccessfully!) to calm his nerves. Allison, completely unaware, arrived expecting to join a casual celebration and was asked to bring pizza out to the backyard—almost dropping it along the way! Instead, she walked into a moment she would never forget. There stood Jheidi, dressed in her favorite color—purple—with a “Will You Marry Me?” sign waiting behind him. Overcome with emotion, Allison burst into tears, needing a little help from loved ones to make her way to him. As Jheidi began to speak, his own emotions took over, making the moment even more heartfelt and real. Surrounded by the people they love, Allison said yes—and the night continued with laughter, games, and celebration. A perfect beginning to forever. 💜