Me and Cruz’s story didn’t start like a movie… it started way back in 6th grade, when everything felt simple and confusing all at once. The very first moment I saw him, something in me just knew. It sounds crazy, but I remember thinking, “I’m going to marry that boy someday.” Cruz, of course, had no idea he was the love of my life yet. He was busy being… well, Cruz. Cute, charming, and a little too good at playing with people’s feelings. He had girls’ attention left and right, and meanwhile I was over here falling for him every time he walked by. And he knew I liked him. Oh, he definitely knew. In middle school, even though he was with other girls, he’d still wink at me across the hallway or “accidentally” bump into me for absolutely no reason. And as much as I tried to act annoyed, it always gave me butterflies. It was that kind of little moment that made being a middle schooler feel huge and dramatic in the best way. Eventually, though, I tried to let go of the idea that he’d never actually want me. I told myself he didn’t like me back. I tried to move on. But the universe clearly had other plans. Because the summer before my sophomore year of high school, everything suddenly fell into place. I was hanging out at my house with a friend — she had a boyfriend at the time — and out of nowhere she said, “You need a boyfriend. What about Cruz? You’ve always liked him.” I remember saying, “No, he hates me.” And I meant it — at least, I thought I did. But she insisted. She pushed my phone toward me and basically forced me to text him. And so I did. That one text changed everything. We started talking… really talking… and for the first time, it felt easy. It felt right. Before long, we went on our first date to Cheddar’s and then went go-karting, and by the end of that night, something between us had shifted forever. Since that day, we’ve been inseparable — growing together, learning each other, and building something real. From middle school hallway glances to planning a wedding… it’s crazy how life works. But I guess sometimes, when you just know, you’re right. And I knew in 6th grade.