You picked me up and instead of lunch, we shared dessert. Banana split. I had the vanilla part while you took everything else. We talked about everything else but what we were supposed to talk about. You had a habit of evading things, as did I. We both still have that habit now.
We drove on over to a park where one of your cousins and a few of his friends were playing football and, later, ultimate frisbee. We walked around, ate some food from nearby street vendors, and just kept on talking. At one point, we were sitting on the grass, watching them (your cousin and his friends) and I got tired of waiting. I moved myself to sit in front of you and said, “So, are you ever gonna tell me?”
Naturally, you laughed at my frankness. (I think I used to be more frank back then. I remember telling you straight out that I liked you and that we didn’t have to do anything about it. I just wanted you to know. I should work on being more frank again.) I don’t think you were very used to girls who just flat out said things and asked for what they wanted, at least when it came to relationships. Anyway.
For the most part, I remember you looked down and picked at the grass as you talked. Eventually, you got around to saying what you wanted to say. You told me that basically, I was the greatest thing that ever happened to you. (I remember elation here.) You told me that you love me. (I remember utter surprise here.)
It was a good day for us. Sometimes I miss the thrill of new relationships, new love, because of course, the rush dies down after a while. After the rush, you really start seeing who the other person is, what they’re really like, and you’re still there. You still stick around and genuinely enjoy their company. I think that’s what love is. I don’t think the thrill of a new relationship with someone else could ever replace the thrill I get from just seeing you, kissing you, holding your hand.
