The Fall...

Tis' better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all. This statement in all of its truthfulness never states what may be the best option of all: Tis' better to have loved and kept, than never have lost at all. I, however, am not going to focus on the latter statement. At least not yet anyway... Let us journey back to where we left off: It was a dark and stormy night... Oh, sorry, wrong story! Let my try that again: It was a joyous prom filled night.... (Much better) Ok ok, enough with the silliness. I had been dating a girl for some time. We were not of the same faith; which, at the time, I had little problem with. She was a nice girl, but something was missing in my life, and she was a sort of patch, if you will. She had asked me to attend her senior prom. A night filled with dirty dancing (I didn't take part...), punch, and the aroma of teenage essence. I had been graduated for almost a year, and I was a college student. I agreed, got my suit, the corsage, dinner, etc. and we embarked on our night. I was content with this relationship. We didn't fight, we had fun, and it was healthy. Yet, as I mentioned before, something was amiss. I didn't foresee anything would come along in our evening to change my course in life. We arrived fashionably late, and went to take pictures when it happened.

There she stood. In her pink dress. Talking, smiling, a glow of happiness around her. She was on a small grassy hill. On a pedestal. As if the universe was displaying her just for me. "Wow" I thought to myself, "she is beautiful... I should say hi." I kindly told my date I needed to say hi to someone, and she consented. I walked over, watching her every action, reminiscing to the days when I was by her side. As I came close, we made eye contact (those deep piercing eyes...). "Hey Aimee!!" I said with a joyous tone. I attempted to give her a hug that turned out to be an unsuccessful and extremely awkward one. She had the cutest I-have-no-idea-who-the-heck-you-are look on her face. I was taken back; does she not remember me at all? I thought what we had was special. I decided to try to redeem my embarrassment by trying to stimulate some memories. I pointed to myself and with a shocked and saddened voice I said: "David?" As if to say "HELLO!??!! Do you not remember the most amazing man you have ever met!??" (Ok not really, but I was a little surprised she didn't remember me). "OH!!" she exclaimed then she proceeded to wrap her arms around me. I didn't quite know it yet, but I was at home. The void was filled for just a moment. "How have you been?" I cordially asked. She proceeded to tell me a brief summary of her life, how she was keeping busy, and she made it a point that the boy she was with was just a friend. I noticed her attempt to let me know that she was single. It made me smile. The encounter was brief, yet time seemed to slow down for us, letting us enjoy each other’s company for a moment more. I realized I was still with my girlfriend, and should be courteous to her. I wanted to ask Aimee for her number, but alas, there was too much going on for us to be able to exchange numbers. I reluctantly walked away, and the night went on. I didn't see her the rest of the night, even though I secretly was looking for her. I searched in hopes I could get her number and see her sweet face. I feared I would never see her again.

A week or two later, I began having doubts about my relationship with my girlfriend. Nothing serious, just didn't believe that I found the connection I longed for. That's when it happened again. I attended church like I did weekly. Sat down with my parents, placed my head on the pew in front of me, and listened to the speaker. Ryan Judd was giving his farewell talk (oh I know they don’t call it that anymore, but SSHHHH!). I felt an urge to look around the room. I slyly turned around pretending to crack my back when I saw her again. "You have GOT to be kidding me,” I thought to myself. I realized I had regained my opportunity to ask for her number. I kept looking back, jokingly making a face or two to cover up the fact that I couldn't stop looking at her. I think she noticed... The talks finished, and I immediately jumped up to talk to her. I had to search for her for a bit, but I wouldn't let her slip between my fingers. I found her; she was wearing a black dress and talking with some people. I carefully walked up, fully conscious of my every movement, trying so desperately to look cool and confident. "Hey!" her sweet voice exclaimed. We talked for a while. She told me how her and Ryan go back to childhood. She melted me, and I clung to every word that poured out of her mouth. I somehow managed to muster up the strength to say, "Maybe we can go get dinner or something, hang out for old time's sake." "That would be great!" She said sweetly. Now, I realize I still had a girlfriend. I had no intention on cheating on her; I really did want to catch up with Aimee. And I felt like something drew me to her.

Aimee and I kept talking, and I realized I had feelings for her. "But I have a girlfriend..." I thought to myself. I began to daydream about my girlfriend and I's future one night. I couldn't see us getting married. I physically couldn't imagine it. As if it was blocked in my mind. Not being of the same faith can make things difficult, especially when you have different goals in life. That’s when I had a life changing moment. She popped into my head. I saw Aimee and I in front of the temple after getting married. "Woa!" I thought to myself, "Calm down David. You barely know this girl! I mean true we have known each other for years..." It dawned on me. I needed to get married in the temple. THAT'S what I want. I decided if that’s how I feel, then I should go on a mission. The path of my life became set at that moment. All because of her. My feelings for her became very deep, very fast. I decided that my dinner with Aimee should become a date. I called it off with my girlfriend and nervously walked into the unknown...

To be continued…