EV's Version: Elan and I met during orientation for business school. He was in my section and we had all just sat down in one of the classrooms at Ross. He was in the row ahead of me and had a really interesting look. Then I saw his name tent and, like a good american I started trying to size him up...Who is he? What kind of name is Nahari? Sounds middle eastern but he's so pale and blonde. So I decided to ask him his name and where he was from, to which he responded "South Africa." And I just felt utterly confused. I didn't really know anyone from Africa (or the Middle East for that matter) but I thought...Ooooh, I guess South Africans are cute! Shortly after, we were then given instructions to go to another session in the basement. I strategically paced myself with him so I could keep chatting. Once we got to the basement he asked me: "Do you know what room we are supposed to go to?" So I said, "I think it's Room 208" to which he responded, "Well, do you think or do you know." And so I thought..."apparently they're Asshole's too!" And walked off... Elan's Response: For better or worse...she remembered me.

It was Saturday and we were set to celebrate our 4th year anniversary. I was getting dolled up, so running late...and Elan had mentioned wanting to take a walk in Central Park prior to our dinner reservation. So after a lot of "Yallas" and "Let's go, beba" we ran out only to notice after one subway station that we had forgotten my phone. Good thing we went back! Sorry bebo. We finally made our way to the park and started on a beautiful walk. I was non stop talking, telling him a story about who knows what until I told him, "Bebo I'm wearing heels and I'm going to need a break very soon!" He agreed and pointed to a nearby bench. On the first bench we crossed we saw a red cardinal (Pause: I later learned that red cardinals are supposed to symbolize that a deceased male relative is present and looking over you - perhaps Grandpa Harry or Papa Negro?). Not knowing that, and also not wanting to scare it away, we decided to take the next bench which was facing us, in the middle of a small forest with a massive boulder behind it. We sat and I, super relieved to give my feet a rest, kept telling him my story, which I was intent on finishing. After a few minutes Elan began to interrupt me, to which I responded: "You're not listening to me!" He then got on one knee and asked me if I would marry him or be his wife? Truth is I don't know because I was too overwhelmed at the sight of seeing him on one knee. I stopped listening and started crying and asking him over and over if he was sure (this is for real!). He finally said, "Beba, I am and you still haven't answered my question." I then gave him a big hug and whispered in his ear, "Yes...but are you sure?" He sat back on the bench and hugged me some more. We then realized that the bench we sat on had a plaque that said: "Harvey and Fiona Forever. Lucky Ducks." We read it and I hugged him and said, Yes, I do, I do, I do! That day we also pledged those names to our dogs...we're still waiting to see when that happens! LOL!