I wish I could say that I fell in love with Nathaniel at first glance. But, it didn’t quite happen that way. Instead, I’m sitting in German class freshman year of college. Wide-eyed, chubby-cheeked, giggling with Aubrey (close friend now bridesmaid), making immediate rapport with Frau Peterson, our adorable elderly German professor. In walks a classic Pepperdine Freshman guy: orange polo, Sperry’s, clean haircut way too short on the sides. I don’t pay him any attention throughout the semester, until he starts to inch closer and closer to us every class. Now I’m wary- just another suitor coming to beg Aubrey for her phone number (happened all the time). Finally, my suspicions were confirmed! This guy had the audacity to ask for Aubrey’s phone number in the cafeteria, under the guise of “studying.” PIG! It didn’t help that I saw him everywhere: parking his motorcycle, lurking in the library, walking down the street, etc. I couldn’t shake this guy. My disdain for the weird kid from German class grew so strong, Aubrey would make fun of me and say “one day you’re going to marry that guy!” (SERIOUSLY). The semester ends, we bid farewell to Frau Peterson, and I don’t spend one more second thinking about Nathaniel Gandy.

German 101 was hands down one of the hardest classes of my academic career. A few weeks in, I recognized I was in way over my head and began trying to figure out a way to save my GPA. I decided to move seats in the class so that I would be closer to the two giggly, easy-going, teacher-pets named Aubrey and Jenny (lol). After a week or so of trying to build rapport in the class itself and being shut down every time (maybe they were intimidated by my flawlessly clean haircut?), the perfect opportunity presented itself in the cafeteria: Aubrey was waiting in the same line as me for lunch! I knew I needed to get her number so that I could study with her and Jenny but couldn’t bring myself to ask for it- I knew I would be pegged as the middle school boy who simply didn’t have the gusto to ask a girl out on a date like the grown freshman I was. With the shot-clock winding down (the sandwich line getting shorter and shorter), I decided that my pathetic grade demanded that I sacrifice my reputation. Little did I know what level of loathing and detestation I would inspire in Jenny. Needless to say, they didn’t study with me. As the German final is approaching, I am not only completely lost but also completely desperate. Once I figured out Ginnie’s actual name, I found her on Facebook and decided to send her a message. Immediately after sending it, I realize that she's actually a few rows ahead of me in our Humanities lecture. I’m hit with a wave of relief! If she doesn’t see the message I can follow up immediately after class and ask her then. Moments after I have concocted this plan I see Ginnie look down at her phone, AUDIBLY SIGH, and put her phone back in her backpack. I got a C in German that semester.

Fast forward to Fall in Germany. The leaves have changed to beautiful hues of orange, red, and yellow. The Heidelberg castle looms over the city, majestic, romantic, and inviting. We leave our cozy home to walk the cobblestone streets, hike through the mountains overlooking the Neckar river, and sip lattes with professors as we talk all things history, art, English, and politics. The weird German kid is no longer quite so...disdaining. In fact, he’s charming. And respectful. And hilarious. And kind. And his new haircut makes him SMOKING HOT. Unfortunately, he has a girlfriend back home. And the cold German girl is actually inviting, kind, open, and warm. Chatting with her is effortless and the highlight of Nathaniel's every day. Now instead of scheming to get time with Ginnie, he was scheming to have it never end. We can’t stop talking. And walking. And going to the gym. And making dinner. And laughing. Ginnie just can't help but fall in love with this nerdy, video-gaming, 4am-to-bed, tenderhearted guy. And Nathaniel can't resist the magnetic pull dragging him to Ginnie, despite his best efforts and heavy conscience. It all culminates in a pivotal Educational Field Trip to Barcelona. We find ourselves side by side gazing at Gaudi architecture, giggling through sips of Sangria and bites of Tapas, and organizing the most picturesque group outing to the Barcelona beach, full of spike ball, EDM, and laughter. As our group flies home, we find the last row on the plane and try to piece together what’s happening. There’s no easy answer. When we land, Nathaniel takes an overnight bus to Prague to explain everything to his girlfriend (who was studying abroad as well). Unbeknownst to Ginnie, they are breaking up. When he comes back, we have our very own Disney moment; Nathaniel appears out of nowhere, sleep-deprived yet smiling, and kisses Ginnie smack dab in the middle of the Heidelberg train station. And we'll live happily ever after :)