They met on several occasions. Attitude and spite were involved in most of their interactions. Ethan couldn’t stand how she acted as if she was better than everyone (he didn’t know at the time she was just shy) and she didn’t like how over the top he was (which to be fair, he was, but mostly to get a rise out of her). For several months they ran into each other and they had very little to say in passing. It was a random Tuesday night in May. Ethan was bored and broke when he got a phone call. It was some friends inviting him to the movies. Melody also receive this call. She was tired and in no mood to see a silly movie. It wasn’t until after their friends offer to pay their way that they both reluctantly conceded. Ethan made a snarky comment directed her way as soon as she walked through the doors attempting to get a reaction from her, and it worked. Melody and Ethan sat unenthusiastically on their phones waiting for the group to head to the movies. Ethan looked over and saw this pretty girl being neglected while the boys goofed off. He figured “why not” and wandered toward her. He was smooth like butter and she was quick witted and knew how to come back with a good jab to his jokes. It was one of the best opening conversations either of them had in years. They were finally interacting, and to both their surprise, it was going exceptionally well. They started talking and before they knew it, they couldn’t stop. They talked perpetually for the rest of the night. When they arrived at the theater and settled into their seats, their conversation continued and lingered even through the movie. It was an hour and a half film and they did not watch a bit of it. To this day, they cannot recall a single fact in the film. They flirted, joked, laughed and probably upset everyone around them (including the friends who paid for them to be there), but they didn’t care. It was worth it. After the movie, Melody lost her phone in the theater. Ethan managed to find it becoming the hero of the night and getting her number all in one sly swoop. They hugged and said goodbye. Melody texted him to make sure he got home safely. They began texting… and texting… and more texting. Sometimes they texted for hours on end. They couldn’t get enough of eachother. But to Ethan’s astonishment, regardless of how well their conversations were going, every time he asked Melody for a date she politely turned him down. It’s a good thing Ethan is not one to take no for an answer. Melody said it herself: “You’re not use to not getting what you want, huh?” Which, at the time, he was not. So, naturally, he poked and prodded until she caved. She agreed to give him one day - just a walk in the park (that was definitely not a date, by the way). They arrived at the park both nervous, but as soon as they began to walk, conversation flowed naturally. They talked for what felt like days, but was only a few hours. They saw each other for the first time. Not the people they originally perceive each other to be, but who each of them really were. Ethan knew right then and there this woman was going to be his wife. Melody didn’t fall quite as fast, but she does recall thinking to herself, “Oh, no. I think I like this guy!” They went their separate ways after their walk, leaving each other with simply a hug and a smile. Less than twenty four hours later they hung out again, then again the day after that, and the day after that. Ethan and Melody have been inseparable ever since. They are best friends who genuinely enjoy each other’s company. They understand and respect each other, they cherish and value each other, they are silly and goofy together, and they never take themselves too seriously. They inspire each other to be the best versions of themselves that they can be and love growing together. Lo and behold, the walk that was “not a date” turned into happily ever after.