lovebirds

One time, on the way to an opera, a friend asked if I knew who Allen Gilbert was. Three weeks in to my freshman year of college I had no intentions of having a boyfriend during that first year. Let alone having that boyfriend be the son of chair of the music department, of which I was deeply involved in. I told her no, but decided I would friend him on Facebook because she said he was "so sweet and kind." After that, we did not interact until his birthday in December. While waiting to do some vocal warm-ups for the annual Doane Christmas Festival he came and sat right next to me and asked if I knew one of his close friends. It turns out that I did know this friend.

So after many awkward "group" hang outs. Allen asked me out on a date and on a blizzarding, January evening we ventured to Lincoln for coffee and food. I had the hardest time making eye contact with him because I was so embarrassingly shy. I found out that he really was sweet and kind. And surprisingly forward. He pretty much said, "Look I'd like to exclusively date you. Beginning right now." And I replied, "Yyyyeah. Sure." And then quickly darted my eyes back to my food. 

Our drive home was prolonged by a missed exit on the interstate. So with that extra time he worked up the courage and asked to hold my hand. He asked. That's when I started wigging out. NOPE! He's almost too perfect to be real. This will never work. And once back in my dorm room I told my roommate that I didn't want to date him exclusively. That maybe being friends was the best solution. 

Weeks passed and for some reason I stuck with it. It had so many awkward moments, this relationship. One consisted of Allen coming to my room just as I had gotten out of the shower and was walking down the hall in my robe, towel on my head. BLARG. I'm sure my face was the brightest shade of red that entire conversation. 

Everything changed after our second date. We went to the symphony and to dinner afterwards. And that night, everything seemed easier. The conversation especially. I was still pretty bad about looking him in the eye. But we talked and talked and talked. And I began to feel very strongly for this boy. Within a month, I was totally in love. Sickeningly in love. 

And then he moved to Florida and that was dumb. For a little while, at least. 

We don't go all out for Valentine's Day. I like things simple because I think we are the epitome of simple. I am so thankful for Allen. As often as I can, I thank God for bringing him into my life. And at just the right time. :)

P.S. Happiest of birthdays to my beautiful sister. A post dedicated to her is coming tomorrow or Thursday!