My love,

I used to laugh at high schoolers that claimed to be “in love.” At 16, 17 or even 18 years old, I didn’t think love was possible. It seemed ridiculous and frankly impossible. I thought those people had to be putting on an act or something. My opinion on love was always the same. Love is for adults and can't be faked. It was an unreachable concept, but I secretly wanted to find it more than anything. In hopes to find this, I liked to date a lot and always keep someone around. I always had someone to drag to school dances and have an extra friend to take me to a movie, but never anyone like you.

All I ever wanted was to find the one, my fairytale lover. But all the times I had failed, led me to a place where I started to lose sight of myself and my dignity. For some stupid reason, I thought that this might be the way to find love. I let these boys trample my pride and take advantage of me. And that is exactly what I thought you were. I’m sorry, but the first time you texted me I was less than flattered. For God’s sake, you were my ex’s friend. The only reason for your text that I could think of was that you were another loser that wanted in my pants. Thank God I was I wrong.

I’m sure you remember, but the only time I could come over was after work that one special evening. After parking my car, I anxiously wiped the sweat off my palms onto my khaki uniform pants. I gulped away my nerves and slowly reached for your doorbell plastering a smile onto my face. After coming inside, you really surprised me that night. I was having a great time. Such a great time that I didn’t even open my change of clothes that I intended to immediately put on, to escape my dirty uniform. To my relief, you were so sweet and even thought I looked cute in my stained polo and khakis. For the first time, I felt that something was going right, and I couldn’t get enough.

You continued to make me smile every day for many months. I was falling for you and it was becoming real when we had that romantic date night. We cooked that meal together and snuggled on the couch watching a movie. We created memories that seemed dreamlike. You were truly all I ever imagined in a boyfriend and everything was so surreal. That night, when it was time for me to leave, you walked me out to my car. We embraced for a moment. As your soft lips pressed against mine, my body was transported and I knew you were something different. I wrapped my arms around your neck and rested my head against your chest. Ever so softly I could hear your heartbeat. You were gripping me so tightly I never wanted to let go. I looked into your eyes and smiled, your eyes twinkled with joy. Without thinking, I muttered, “I love you.” And you promptly responded, “I love you too."

This was a big deal for me. I couldn’t believe what slipped out of my mouth. I felt like I was under a spell or something. The crisp evening wind tickled my skin and cursed a chill up my already fragile backside. I stood there just staring at you in front of me. My body danced but my mind paced. I felt that my words were honest but at the same time, I terrified myself. I had only said those three little words to my family, and now I said them to my boyfriend? I had never done something like that before. Was it true? Did I love you? Is this something I’m capable of finding so young? I didn’t know what I was feeling but all I wanted to do was pull you close to me and kiss your lips one more time. I realized that the only explanation for the strange feeling could be that I am in love. What I thought was so unachievable was standing in front of me, embracing me.

So maybe finding love in high school is possible, because three years later and 1,760 miles across the country, I wouldn’t want anyone else by my side. I hope you know how much you mean to me.

I will love you forever,

Your one and only