Ware I Want To Be

January 10, 2018, I received a message from @officially5 saying “👀🙈.” I replied showing love back, and he asked for my number. I was hesitant but gave it to him. Our first time seeing each other since walking the halls at Westover was at the Red Lobster in Tallahassee. He had come into town to go shopping with his mom,, but we all know the real reason... he came to see me, lol A week later, we went on our first date. The first part of the date was dinner at Osaka Japanese Restaurant. I’m pretty sure everybody has been to one and knows exactly how that bill was looking. I felt a little bad since it was our first date, so I offered to pay for the second part of the date, which was tickets to see the Maze Runner. He was shocked that I offered, but he definitely didn’t turn me down! He stood by me every step of the way through pharmacy school — through the stress, the long nights of studying, and the moves from city to city. His unwavering support and encouragement meant everything to me. Looking back, I thank God for January 10, 2018. That was the day I met my best friend, my soulmate, my protector, and my husband.

On January 10, 2018, I saw this beautiful young lady on my Instagram timeline, so I shot my shot. I had always known who Rachel was from way back—we went to high school together—but we never spoke or even looked each other’s way. I graduated before Rachel, went off to college, and experienced life. Eventually, I transferred back to Albany State. By then, Rachel was at FAMU. I started going to Tallahassee with some of my friends, and I kept telling myself that if I ever got the chance to see her, I’d make it count and catch her in person. Before that, I liked a few pictures on her profile—and she liked some back! That’s when I knew it was my time to shoot my shot. So, I sent the heart-eye emojis, and we ended up exchanging numbers. After that, I started going to Tallahassee more than usual just to see this beautiful woman I was so attracted to. What sold me was our first date—I still remember it like it was yesterday. Rachel wore this green glittery shirt with jeans and heels. We ate at Osaka Japanese Restaurant in Tallahassee and then went to the movies. What caught me off guard was when she offered to pay for the movie tickets. She said, “You already paid the bill at the restaurant, I’ll take care of this.” That moment stuck with me because I knew I had something special. Since that day, Rachel has never changed. She’s been consistent, patient, and always loved me for me. She is my peace.