we're getting married

On Michelle’s first day at her new school in eighth grade, fate quietly wove the threads of a love story that would span decades. As she nervously stepped into the classroom, Alfredo, the class clown with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, spotted her. With his usual charm, he casually asked Michelle for the answers to an assignment. Expecting an easy yes, he was taken aback when she politely declined. That moment—her refusal to go along with the crowd—sparked something in him. Alfredo often says that was the exact second he knew he was hooked.   What started as Alfredo’s daily attempts to get under Michelle’s skin was really his way of seeking her attention. He’d throw playful remarks her way, each time hoping to catch a smile or spark a reaction. To Michelle, it was clear that behind the jokes and pranks, there was something more. And slowly, as the days passed, their teasing turned into something much deeper—a friendship so natural and effortless, it felt as though it had always existed.   After much persistence, Alfredo finally earned her trust—and her phone number. Their conversations soon became endless, stretching late into the night, filled with laughter, shared dreams, and the little quirks that made them, them. Each chat brought them closer, revealing more of their hearts until, almost without realizing it, they had fallen for each other.   As the years passed, their love grew stronger, weathering every storm that came their way. From high school hallways to a college campus, from Michelle’s grueling medical school days to Alfredo’s own career pursuits, through life’s twists and turns, they supported each other, side by side. Through every triumph and setback, they created a life together, one built on laughter, resilience, and an unshakable bond.   Now, twenty-two years later, Alfredo and Michelle look back at their incredible journey, marveling at how that one seemingly insignificant classroom interaction blossomed into a lifelong love. They’ve shared adventures, built traditions, and stood by each other through life’s ups and downs. And who would have ever thought that a simple no on that first day could lead to a forever kind of love. Now, on to the next chapter.

Michelle and her father share a special bond, even down to the day they were born, celebrating their birthdays together every year. This year, however, was monumental—a big milestone for her father—and Michelle was determined to make it unforgettable. She wracked her brain for the perfect gift but kept coming up short. What she didn’t know was that Alfredo was quietly orchestrating a surprise that they would never forget.   On the morning of her birthday, Alfredo grinned and announced a surprise—something straight from Michelle’s bucket list. They were going skydiving. Michelle’s excitement soared. She couldn’t believe Alfredo had come to her rescue with such a thrilling plan. It was the perfect adventure, and she couldn’t wait to share it with her family, especially on such a special day.   At the skydiving facility, Michelle, her parents, sister, and Alfredo suited up and were paired with instructors. As they prepared for the jump, Michelle was told she had to go last, under the guise of weight distribution with her tandem instructor. Little did she know, this was part of a carefully crafted plan.   As they loaded the plane for their climb into the sky, Alfredo grew increasingly nervous. He wasn’t afraid of heights, but the enormity of what was about to happen had his heart racing. Michelle, noticing his unease and his sweaty forehead, gently reassured him that he didn’t have to jump if he was too scared. Alfredo, determined not to let her see the reason for these added jitters, entered the plane. After ascending to the drop zone, they all exited the plane one by one, leaving Michelle alone in the clouds.     When the time came, Michelle leaped from the plane, feeling the rush of adrenaline. The freefall was exhilarating, the wind rushing past as the earth below spread out in a breathtaking panorama. She was determined to savor every second and relish the moment, soaking in the thrill she had long anticipated. As her parachute opened, she drifted through the air. Then, her instructor pointed toward something below. "Do you see that?" he asked. Scanning the landscape, Michelle pointed out landmarks and buildings, oblivious to the surprise waiting for her. The instructor guided her gaze lower until finally, she saw it—a large sign, unfurling below with a message: "WILL YOU MARRY ME?"   Still, the words didn’t register, and she was unaware the message was for her. Laughing, she said, “Oh my gosh, someone’s being proposed to!” Her instructor chuckled and replied, “Well, you’re the only one left in the sky.” It dawned on her then— “Is that for me?” she asked, her heart racing as the realization settled in. The instructor's playful response— “It’s definitely not for me”—sealed the moment.     As Michelle drifted down, her mind spun with the reality that she was about to land into one of the most special moments of her life. And there, waiting on one knee on solid ground, was Alfredo. His voice steady and full of love-- "I jumped out of a plane for you," he said, eyes locked with hers. "Will you jump into marriage with me?" Yes!” she exclaimed, and in that perfect moment, a new chapter of their love story began, one written in the sky and sealed with a promise of forever.