How are you supposed to feel before a first date? Excited? Nervous? Maybe even optimistic? Sure, but do you ever really think about it being your LAST first date? Well, Celene certainly didn't, even after it was over. You see, she had found this boy doing what she called "Online Shopping", which really just meant that she was perusing one of the countless dating apps available today. She started talking to this guy who she found in the "bargain bin", and despite the first date already being set up this guy kept insisting that he wanted to meet her sooner. So what did she do? She caved. She wanted to meet this guy who seemed so excited to meet her in person. So, their now impromptu first day was held at Gas Works Park, just outside of downtown Seattle, which was a nice public place to make sure he wasn't some crazy axe murderer (which he admitted to being not long after their initial introduction). As far as first dates go, this one was average. Jameson was nervous, and Celene could tell. He spent most of the beginning telling this story about how he broke his shoulder snowboarding, with small breaks to remark on each dog (or floof, as he referred to them) that walked into their field of view. Eventually, after what seemed like hours, his story ended and a somewhat normal conversation could take place. Eventually the date came to an end, and despite a bit of kanoodling at the end, Celene was left unconvinced. In fact, if the second date (originally meant to be their first) hadn't already been planned and the tickets bought, that might have been the end of things. But he wasn't awful company and they already had tickets, so they met up for a showing of 'The Princess Bride' in one of the city's parks and had their second date. This one was different. What had started as just another 'Online Shopping' story became the thought of, "Huh...this could be something."

This something was definitely something. It was something that was filled with conversation and thought, smiles and laughter, an ever growing desire to spend more and more time together, and above all else....understanding. And in this understanding came moments of clarity about whether or not this was real. They were best friends, addicted to spending time together. It didn't matter what they were doing. Whether it be an art exhibit, aquarium, restaurants, or just sitting at home, binge watching Game of Thrones (She has still not forgiven him for not warning her about 'The Red Wedding'). All of this time together, these moments of creating memories, built the foundation of trust and friendship that would eventually lead to those moments of clarity that were mentioned earlier. Like when Celene explained what she wanted to do with her life and all of her degrees. Where previous responses had been disappointing and unsupportive, Jameson supported her goals by responding with, "Great! Do it! Let's make it happen!". Or when they were in the airport, getting ready to board a plane for their first real vacation together. Jameson's travel anxiety was wreaking havoc on him and he legitimately thought he wouldn't be able to get on the plane; wasting all of their limited money used for the flight, rental car, and hotel. He nervously brought up his concern to Celene, and all she said was, "Then let's go home. I don't care if we go anywhere, I just want to be with you." After talking it over, they eventually got on the plane, and had an amazing time. That travel anxiety hasn't been seen since. It was in these moments, and others like them, they both realized that this something had definitely become something. It was love. A deep, pure love built on the foundation of trust, understanding, and friendship. Now here they are, getting ready to tie the knot. And isn't that something.