We went roller skating at the piers in Dumbo! I was a big roller skater at the time. Nina, not so much. I didn't know then what I do now, that Nina HATES being off the ground, but they pretended for me. Nina was struggling to stay up, dripping beads of sweat, so naturally being the gentleman I am, I tried to lend a hand. That was a horrible idea. I did nothing but help Nina twist their ankle. Bless their heart, Nina tried to play it off, but I could see how badly I screwed up. I tried to make it better with Japanese BBQ all the while pretty sure that would be our last date. But four years and a couple of ankle braces later, here we are!

When I met Hak, I met someone confident in what they believed in, though uncomfortable with where they were in life looking to be more, to be fair so was I. I don't think he knew. I thought he was cute, had a sense of humor different than my own, and was chivalrous. His choice of activities was refreshing and fun. I didn't have to pull teeth for conversation, as he was never at a loss for words. Oh, and those gorgeous eyes! How they lit up when he smiled nervously. I was anxious that I'd be off-putting, being fresh into the dating scene, and also super sweaty. I'll never forget our first kiss though, and how he noticed I did my nails just for our date as he leaned in. It was actually going well! Until the cosmos that is... let's just say I can hold my beer better than my liqour. I don't know how I got a second date after that fiasco, but date #2 led to year #4 soon to be 5, and I laugh when I think of that night. And yes, he was late to our first date.

After far too long, I finally got to meet some of Nina's family. If I didn't know any better, I'd have thought they were hiding me. I was dressed in my Sunday best with my brightest smile. It seemed like I got a solid grade from the friends and siblings, but then Weta, the grand matriarch appeared. I shook her hand firmly but kindly. "I'm Hak! Nice to meet you...", I choked out fearfully. She let go, looked me up and down, and without a word, turned to Nina and started speaking Spanish while gesturing to me. TO THIS DAY, I still don't know what was said and Nina won't tell me. I've since started Spanish lessons. Nina insists I'm being stubborn and paranoid, but I believe that I'll win Weta's love someday.

Every year my Godparents, Caroline and Paul, throw a beautiful Christmas party. This was the first year Nina was meant to come with me which was good, because I could finally prove to Christopher that they were real. Nina got a stunning green dress, that made me look like a homeless man by comparison. They were nervous but head to toe, they were a showstopper even if they could barely walk in those shoes. We get to the party and I make a very loud entrance as I'm known to do. But the place is empty. The party was canceled and I had more than enough time to have checked my email and realized, but I didn't. So now here we are standing dressed to the nines in Caroline and Paul's home while they're in evening sweats just trying to watch TV. Of course, I'm laughing, but Nina is absolutely mortified. There were probably better ways to leave a lasting first impression.

Usually, surprises don't get past me. Today though... he planned it too well. We had the day off and Hak had decided we could spend the day dressing up and going on a date since he scheduled our bus to Atlantic City for the day after by "accident". As he does on occasion, he got me a new dress and shoes to match. He caught me even more by surprise when he pulled out a box, inside was a heart necklace to go with my new clothes. I almost fainted! I was pleasantly surprised after the initial shock of course and thought nothing more afterward. As we went on a walk towards the piers, we stopped at the carousel and took it for a spin. We sat and spoke about how lovely it was that someone had already set up a proposal by the water with candles and a sign. I thought nothing else of it. As we walked to where the roller rink was, we talked about our first date and the time that had passed. We got closer to the edge of the pier and stood to enjoy the view, though Hak continued to look around. We were surprised to see Nike filming a commercial! It was cool, and I wanted to be nosy, but Hak seemed to be on the lookout for something and moving us forward. I didn't think anything of it. On the other side of the pier were more cameras and poor Hak was so flustered. I paid him no mind really, the day was beautiful and I was having a great time. Moving on from the piers we came across some tall, maze-like hedges. It felt quiet and intimate. We took a turn and walked into a small open area with mirror sculptures that led to a smaller open center. As I looked around amazed, I heard Hak behind me. When I turned, my heart went straight to my throat. He was down on one knee and pulled a ring box from his pocket! His speech moved me, and with all the hope and joy in my heart as a young, hopeless romantic, I said yes. I think we were both in the clouds for the rest of the day.

I sat across from you on this random day, months after thinking "I miss him". Months after feeling a want for your presence. You asked me "Are you okay?" Your hand over mine. I looked up into your eyes. So bright and beautiful and full of love at the time, I was silent. I thought "I love you." I was young and dumb and should have just said it. We haven't been there in some time, but I'll never forget when I first felt "in love" with you.