In the bustling cafeteria of high school, fate played its first hand. She was a bright star, graduating early and determined to chase her dreams. He, with his tousled hair and easy smile, was just another face in the crowd for her.

She sat with her friends, tossing soggy grapes across the room in an act of rebellion. That’s when he approached—sitting down at her table, his curiosity piqued by the sight of her grape-throwing antics.

“What are you doing?” he laughed. She rolled her eyes, a bit annoyed but amused that someone took notice. “I hate soggy grapes,” she replied, tossing another one across the cafeteria. “I’ll eat them” he offered, grinning as she handed him the discarded fruit.

That unexpected moment sparked a connection that neither of them anticipated.

Every day after lunch, as the bell rang and students flooded out of the cafeteria, he would be there, waiting for her with that familiar grin. “Ready for class?” he’d ask, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

At first, she tried to brush him off. “Really, it’s fine. I can make it on my own,” she insisted, waving him away as she grabbed her backpack and attempted to hurry off. But he only chuckled, effortlessly falling into step beside her.

She rolled her eyes, a smile tugging at her lips.

Despite her protests, she found herself looking forward to those moments. He’d walk alongside her, making jokes that made her sides hurt. Even when she pretended to be annoyed, his presence became a comforting routine she couldn’t deny.

As they approached the door to her next class, she paused. “You really don’t have to walk me every day, you know.”

He leaned casually against the wall, a teasing glint in his eyes. “And miss out on all the fun?”

Her heart fluttered at his words, and she couldn’t help but shake her head, trying to hide the warmth rising in her cheeks. “Okay, fine. But just for today!”

“Deal,” he said, a triumphant grin spreading across his face. And as they walked on, she began to realize that maybe, just maybe, she didn’t mind his company as much as she let on.

They began to talk more, especially in their creative writing class.

He sat in the desk behind her so it was easy to start a conversation. She wasn't always happy about this but one day, as if he knew what would get her to talk to him, "Hey, I'm getting a dog, what kind do you think I should get?" Oh and she loves dogs - so with her interest peaked, she replied, “You should get a white German Shepherd.” The dog she has always wanted for herself. To her surprise, he actually takes her advice.

A few weeks later, on his way out the school parking lot, he finds her walking home. He pulls his truck beside her. He rolls his window down and with that familiar charm, asks “Wanna go on an adventure?” She pretends not to hear him. She keeps walking, annoyed that she can’t seem to escape him, even after school. He continues to follow her along the road, she stops, “You mean kidnap me?” He smirks, “Oh come on, I’ll buy you some ice cream.” She pretends to think it over. “Hmmm, nah, I don’t really like ice cream.” She continues walking down the road. But, she began to think to herself — an ice cream cone doesn’t sound too bad right about now... “Please? I have something I want to show you,” he says. With the promise of an ice cream cone and her curiosity peaked, “Fine, but it better be good.”

As promised, he took her to get ice cream, and they stop by his place. He gets out the truck, “Wait here.” Moments later he steps out with a fluffy pup. His new puppy, “Ponyboy”—the very white German Shepherd she had always wanted. She was surprised he actually took her suggestion to heart. He brings him to the truck and hands the pup to her. Ponyboy instantly goes in for face kisses. She laughs, “Alright, this was definitely good.”

Throughout high school, her friends would tease her, playfully predicting that she would marry him one day. She always laughed it off, rejecting the thought, convinced that her dreams would lead her elsewhere...

After graduation, she was eager to leave high school and everyone behind. Her dreams of moving to LA and becoming an actress filled her mind. She deleted all her old contacts and was ready for a fresh start.

A few months into summer, she received a text from an unknown number. “Gabbbbbyyyyyy!”

Who could it be? She took a chance and replied. “Who is this?”

And of course, It was him and he was eager to reconnect.

She, on the other hand, was reluctant, solely focused on her ambitions. She didn’t want anything getting in the way of her dreams. He sends another text, “I’m going to be in town this weekend. Let’s hang out. I want to see you.” She hesitated, unsure of how to bridge the gap between annoyance and attraction. Yet, persistence can wear down even the toughest walls.

After a bit of convincing, she agreed to meet.

He made the trip back to their hometown from college and picked her up in his truck. They drove around the town reminiscing.

Despite her initial protests, she found herself laughing and enjoying her time with him. Maybe a little bit too much.

And it was that evening, that changed everything.

They sat in his truck while the soft lyrics of "Give Into Me" by Leighton Meester filled the air. He turned to her with a playful smile. “Can I see your hand?” he asked, curious about how it measured against his. As she placed her hand in his, he wrapped his fingers around hers, holding it gently. She was surprised — she didn’t let go.

With the lyrics softly playing in the background—

"I'm gonna wear you down,

I'm gonna make you see,

I'm gonna get to you,

You're gonna give into me.

I'm gonna start a fire,

You're gonna feel the heat,

I'm gonna burn for you,

You're gonna melt for me."

She turned to him, her heart racing. The air felt electric, and she could hardly find the words. "You know," she began, her voice barely above a whisper, "I've never had my first kiss."

He glanced at her, surprise flickering across his face, but then a warm smile spread. "Really? Not even once?"

She shook her head, feeling a mix of vulnerability and excitement. "Nope."

He chuckled softly, his eyes sparkling.

"I’ll be your first kiss." The sincerity in his voice sent butterflies swirling in her stomach.

Her heart raced as she searched his gaze, trying to gauge if he meant it. He leaned a little closer, the warmth of his presence enveloping her, and she could hardly breathe. "I'm not going to be very good at it,” she says.

She felt her cheeks heat up, and quickly looked away. “I don’t think so. I’m not going to kiss you.”

He raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk dancing on his lips. “Oh, come on. Why not?”

“Because,” she stammered, glancing back at him, “what if I mess it up? What if it’s awkward?”

He leaned in closer, his voice low and charming. “Trust me.”

In that moment, she felt a wave of courage wash over her. Maybe she could trust him. Maybe it wouldn’t be so scary after all.

Everything around them faded away. The world outside the truck disappeared, and it felt like it was just the two of them, suspended in a perfect moment, full of promise and possibility.

The song continued to play,

"Come on, come on-

Into my arms-

Come on, come on-

Give into me.”

—He leaned in closer and she met him there—Her first kiss, sweet and electric, forever etched in her memory. It was a moment that marked the beginning of everything.

Their first date at the drive-in movie theater cemented their bond. Underneath the stars, as they shared popcorn and laughter, something clicked. His humor, charm, and genuine kindness unraveled her defenses, and she began to see him in a new light. Days turned into weeks, and soon, hanging out became their favorite pastime— Each moment together felt effortless, as if they had known each other forever.

He became her confidant, her partner, and the keeper of her heart. As their love blossomed, she discovered the magic of his patience. He was there through the ups and downs, the success and the failures, loss and heartbreak, sharing new experiences, and weaving their lives together.

Through laughter and late-night talks, adventures and quiet moments, he showed her the beauty of love—the kind that makes the mundane feel extraordinary. With him, she could be herself, and that feeling was intoxicating.

Now, as they prepare to marry, their love has only deepened. They have built a life together, sharing their days with three beloved German Shepherds: Waya, Yona, and Ponyboy, who are their world. Growing up together has forged an unbreakable bond between them, and they are excited for the next chapter of their love story.

As they stand on the brink of forever, she realizes that the “annoying” boy from the cafeteria was just a facade hiding a soul meant for hers. Their love story, filled with unexpected turns, has brought them to this point—a promise of a lifetime of shared adventures, laughter, and a deep love.

And so, with a heart full of love and a smile that mirrors his, Gabriella and Brendan look forward to every moment yet to come.

RIP Ponyboy 11/24/24