Just a Little Love Story

A text. That's how all this started.

One text.

One word.

Hi.

Never would I have thought that we would be together. That he would be the one to listen to every single rant I've ever texted.

It wasn't that easy. With the walls of our culture, religion, and friends keeping us apart, but we did it. Even if it meant hiding and lying.

We did it. We had our first kiss under the stars at his football match when he was so upset because he couldn't play. Where we ate nachos and chips to our hearts content.

Where he looked into my eyes and held me close.

It was nothing at first. Harmless flirting and little touches, unknown to other's eyes. It wasn't until one of us had a spur of courage.

One text.

Seven words.

Do you want to be my boyfriend?

I was putting a 4-year friendship into danger of turning into nothing.

I was allowing myself to face humiliation and guilt for who?

Him?

The same guy who gave me his sweater when I was cold and stood in the harsh rain but didn't say anything.

The same guy who shoved a guy into the lockers for messing with me.

The same guy who I had to get out of trouble more times than I can count.

The same guy who holds me close an understands me when no one else could.

Yes, him.

Days and days went by with no answer.

Finally, my friends took me to the movie theaters when I kept blowing them off.

What I didn't expect was to be given a ticket to a different movie where he showed up.

I didn't expect him to hold my hand and whisper,"Yes," in my ear as he ate my popcorn. I didn't expect for him to hesitatingly put an arm around my shoulders and let me lay my head on his shoulders.

But we did. We snuck around at movie theaters, talking more than watching. He switched schools just so we could be closer.

I remember all the little gifts and presents I would hide under my bed or in the back of my closet.

I remember all the times I would sneak into the garage just to talk to him without anyone suspecting anything.

My favorite memory of all when we held hands as we were officially graduates. As we kissed under the loud cheering and confetti in the air.

I remember saying goodbye as he went off to do what his heart desired.

To stay awake at night, hoping we was okay.

Safe from all the violence and murder that would surround him day-in and day-out.

I remember the call at 1 in the morning telling me to come to the hospital.

I remember the sigh of relief I took as he stood there with a crutch and waiting for me with open arms.