Gabe and Lizzie met at College of the Albemarle in Elizabeth City, where Lizzie attended after graduating high school and Gabe was enrolled in an early college program. What started out as a group of strangers became a group of friends as Gabe, Lizzie, and several of their classmates were drawn together during their physics and calculus classes.  After their time in Elizabeth City came to an end, Gabe and Lizzie decided to continue their education at North Carolina State University where they grew closer every day that they spent together. They and their friends remained tight knit, even through the unknowns of a global pandemic which kept them physically apart.  In the fall of 2020, Gabe, Lizzie, and their friends were reunited in Raleigh for the fall semester. On a group trip to the Outer Banks for October break, Gabe and Lizzie walked along the beach together and, not wanting the conversation to ever end, talked into the early hours of the morning. It was then that they realized how special their friendship truly was, and that, in good times and bad, it was each other they reached for.  As winter passed and January 2021 began, Gabe and Lizzie officially became a couple. What began in a classroom in Elizabeth City became a beautiful and loving relationship. The two continued to build a life together, including a happy home, wonderful memories, and lots of laughter. Together they enjoy playing video games and Dungeons and Dragons, throwing crazy costume parties, rock climbing, reading and discussing books, and loving on their three guinea pigs. They are so proud of the story they have written so far and are excited for all the joy to come.