• I just stood there, listening to the dial tone. After awhile I place the phone back on the hook, and walked away from the booth. Shoving my hands into my pockets, I walk across the street to my apartment building. Fumbling with my keys, I open the door to my dark apartment. I shut the door behind me and go to my room. Laying down on my bed, I stare at the ceiling. I can't help remembering everything we meant to each other.


    (Middle school, seventh grade year, September twenty third)

    I was just with my friends, chilling at the lunch table in middle school. All we talked about was getting out of here and making our dreams come true, what a joke. We all knew that we'd never make it out of here.

    "Almost got it that time!" My friend, Steven said. We were trying to throw quarters down this girl shirt at the other table. "hand me another one Jake."

    I dig in pocket and take a out dime and say, "Sorry dude, all I have is a dime." He took it anyways.

    That when I heard her laugh, I turn my head, and see a gorgeous girl with short brown hair. I just stare at her, and she looks this way. Our eyes meet and her's are a beautiful shade of light brown. I look away quickly, just in time to see Steven get a dime down Brenda's shirt. Everyone laughs and he gave me a high five. I turn my head back to the girl, but she's already talking to her friends again.

    The bell to end lunch rings and I get up to throw away my trash. At the trashcan I bump into someone, their trash goes everywhere.

    "Uh, sorry." I mutter helping them pick it up.

    "No problem." the person says.

    That's when our hands accidently touch, reaching for a hot pocket shell. We both look up and it's the girl from earlier. She's close, and I can't find the words to say hi. Instead she smiles, retracting her hand away slowly.

    Both of us stand back up and she says, "Hi."

    "Um, hi." I respond. "My name is, um, Jake. Are you new here?"

    "Yeah, but we've had classes together." She laughs, "My name is Helen. I was actually going to ask you something. Is that okay?'

    "Shoot."

    Helen smiles again, and asks, "I was wondering, if you would like to become my partner for Reading? Only because everyone else has a partner, and I know it's optional, but i'm really bad at Reading. Also you don't seem to know anyone in there and neither do I, and it would lighten the load." I nod, and she says excitedly, "Great, here's my number. I've got to go, but see you later?"

    I nod again and reply, "Y-yeah, definitely."


    (Freshmen year in high school)

    Me Helen were in my room, and I was showing her my music. Her hair is shoulder length now with pink tips. I watch her face carefully, her face is currently emotionless as she listens. After a couple of minuets, she takes off the headphones.

    "What do you think?" I asked.

    She smiles, brightly and says, "Jake! You're really talented! I mean, I love this. Do you think I can buy your C.D.?"

    I hug her and say, "Go ahead take one, as a gift."


    (Few months later)

    "Helen, will you go out with me?" I asked, while underneath the bleachers.

    "Jeez, you're so slow! Been waiting since middle school!" Helen laughs, loudly drawing me in for a kiss.


    (Junior Year)

    I was going to do it tonight on the day we first met, September 23. I wiped my hands on my jeans, as I waited for her to answer the door. Helen came out, in a beautiful blue jean dress, and I couldn't help but smile. She had cute her hair buck to the short bob, but now it is blonde. I take her hand and pulled her into a kiss. As our lips meet, she giggles, and pulls back away.
    "Nope, your not getting any till marriage!" Helen exclaimed, She was waiting for marriage to have sex. For her I could wait forever, and I didn't mind.

    "Let's go." I said, going over to my truck to open the door for her. "I have something big planned."

    We spend the evening, going to the movie and then out to eat. Eventually I take her the park, and we were walking. She talks about the first time she heard my music, freshmen year homecoming game, our first school dance, my screw ups, and our first date.

    Eventually she asked, "Hey didn't we come here on our first date?"
    I nod and said, "Because there is a reason for that."

    "What?"

    "This." I answer taking out a box, "I've been saving up a long time for this, but ever since I first met you I, I found your smile hypnotizing. Your laugh too, and your words... I guess everything about you is amazing." I get down on one knee, "What I'm trying to say is, Helen Olive Williams, will you marry me?"

    For a moment all she does is look down on me. I get nervous and then she nods, tears in her eyes. "Of course, I'll marry you! Even if you move far away from here."


    (End of Junior year, my graduation ceremony)

    "Congratulations, Jake!" Steven said, "Great idea graduating early to go to LA"

    Helen pushed me to move to LA to get my music career on track. I had already been scouted and asked to come, but I didn't want to drop out of school or transfer schools. So me and Steven our moving this weekend, Steven had dropped out.

    I found Helen in the crowd and wrapped my arms around her, and whisper, "I love you."

    "Love you too, congratulations." Helen replies kissing me. "Don't forget, we still have dinner with our parents tonight."

    We had kept our engagement a secret, from our parents, but tonight we are telling both of our parents. I didn't really care if they approved or not, I knew I loved her. I smile as we walk hand in hand to my truck, pulling her closer, never wanting to let go of her hand.


    (three days later, my flight to LA)

    "Helen, When I come back in two years, lets get married." I said hugging her. "Don't forget me, and don't forget your dream and ours. We can do it you know, if it's us, we can do it all."
    Helen pulls away and says, "I know, don't forget to call me. Also, don't forget I'm graduating next year so you have to come back for that. You also have to come back for Christmas, thanks giving, our anniversy, and my birthday. Also your birthday, and don't forget to stay healthy and safe. I love you, don't forget that."


    (Present day, one year later, half an hour earlier)

    "Jake, I just cant. It's too hard. Please understand, You'll always be my first love." Helen says over the phone. "Good bye, Jake." She hung up after that.

    I just stood there, listening to the dial tone. After awhile I place the phone back on the hook, and walked away from the phone booth.