We DoWe Do

It all began in the halls of A. Philip Randolph HS, where my daily routine included glimpses of Jorge. Every time our paths crossed, I couldn't help but shout his last name, “Navas!” It was a silly habit, perhaps even annoying, but it was my way of lightening the atmosphere and making those everyday moments special. While we were just buddies back then, a curious spark flickered between us, though it never quite ignited. Both of us were athletes running track, though we never had the chance to see each other compete. Still, the spirit of our school—the cougar spirit—silently threaded our lives together, building an invisible connection that lingered beyond those high school years. Fast forward to 2021, when fate smiled upon us once again, bringing us together through one IG post. Jorge stumbled upon my post about running and, with a light-hearted comment, rekindled that familiar sense of competition and camaraderie. What started as a few exchanged messages quickly blossomed into something more, and we began running together. However, our shared fitness journey took a back seat to another pursuit—finding the best food spots around town. It turned out that our shared love for good food became our secret love language. Exploring new restaurants, tasting different cuisines, and enjoying each other’s company soon became a cherished ritual, deepening our bond. As time went on, our friendship naturally evolved into a beautiful, exclusive relationship. It felt like our love story was quickly unfolding, but every moment felt right. Combining our families and friends came easy, our lives intertwined seamlessly and we created a strong foundation built on trust to withstand trials and tribulations. Jorge and I both knew that our relationship was the peace we had each been seeking—a comforting balance of friendship and romance that fulfilled our hearts. This new chapter of our lives has been nothing short of incredible, filled with wonderful surprises, laughter, and a profound sense of belonging. Together, we have built a love that feels both adventurous and stable, a partnership that has brightened our lives in ways we never anticipated. As we look forward to our future together, I can’t help but feel grateful for the journey that led us here, from high school buddies to soulmates. It’s a story that reminds us how love can blossom from the most unexpected places, turning a simple “Navas!” into a lifetime of happiness.