I took one more moment as the last echo subsided and then I smiled realizing after I answered I would hear yet another one, ” I’m looking forward to it Al”. after a few seconds I realized what I had just said, and although I meant it with my whole heart, I was not sure how you would take it. There was a moment of silence that tugged at my heart and I found myself gripping the phone tight, imagining it was you, and knowing I could never let go again. And just before the first tear fell, your words flew in and carried them away, ” I’m looking forward to it too Dane”. then that was it, that was when I knew I was never going back. This was all o ever needed in life, all I ever needed was you Alice, knowing you would be there, knowing you would let me hold you, that’s what my arms are for Alice, they weren’t for playing tennis, or for anything else, God gave them to me so that I could spend the rest of my life holding you.

I was so nervous as I got dressed, I was so nervous and excited to see you. The feeling is so different when it comes to you. It’s the feeling of going on your first date, but you’re not just a stranger Alice, I knew from the very beginning you were my soul mate. At that point, it’s not just nervousness anymore, it’s familiarity too.

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Dana had spent a good hour getting dressed, and Shane and Carmen sat outside in the living room patiently waiting, ” What do you think is gonna happen?”

Shane merely shrugged, ” knowing them, nothing yet, but they know, they know they still love each other”.

Just as Carmen was going to speak, Dana walked out of the room and then there was a knock on the door, Carmen turned towards Shane and whispered in her ear, ” they really are soul mates”.

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I stood still watching Shane open the door, I couldn’t move. Once I saw you, everything moved slowly for me, it was as though time knew I was trying to memorize this moment. You’re beautiful Alice. I will never be able to remember what clothes you wore that night, or what shoes you were wearing, all I know is that, it was all you Alice. You’re hair was flowing, and your eyes glimmered, and without realizing it, you were merely inches away from me now. That always happens when I look into your eyes Alice, no matter the distance between us, as long as I am looking into your eyes, I feel so close to you.

I felt my heart jump, and it send chills to my brain, and then my mouth opened and before I could stop myself it was said, ” you’re so beautiful Alice”. then I felt my face burn and I looked away, embarrassed, but really I was scared, I could never hurt you Alice, and I wasn’t sure if my words were hurting you. But then I felt it, a soft hand caressing my cheek, I closed my eyes, taking in your warmth, and I sighed at how good it felt. I felt your hand lift my cheek softly, motioning me to look at you, you drowned me in your eyes Alice, I was yours.

” Thanks Dane, you look good too”, why did I ever leave you Alice? Luckily before my heart go to my brain your lips moved, ” are you ready to go?”

You never have to ask, I would go anywhere with you. I would drop whatever I was doing at that moment, and follow you. You never knew this Al, but that’s why I fell in love with you. Because even though I knew I followed you and you lead the way, you made me feel like we walked through everything side by side, hand in hand. Please hold my hand Alice, I promise, this time I won’t let go.

In New York I used to think about those days before I met you, and I remembered how empty it felt. Everyone in the world felt like strangers to me, and then I met you Alice. And from that moment on, you were my everything, and then there were no strangers, just family, love, and you Al. you will always be my family Alice, and hopefully one day, I’ll start one with you, but right now, all I want to do, is remind you, you are everything Al, my breath, my blood, my air, and my love, and once again, there are no strangers, just family, love, and Alice.

(i know this chapter wasnt much, but it’s pretty much just a filler before the next one, and i’m pretty sure, the next chapter is what all of you have been waiting for, thanks for reading)