The Girl with a Teacher's Heart

Chapter 29: You Are Worth The Risk

March, 2021

Dear Reader,

What a journey it has been since I started my career as an education major back in 2019. I will admit, I am nervous about graduating. Some of my friends like Rebecca and Sasha are graduating with me which I am so excited about. Turns out the three of us are attending the same college which is amazing. As for Rebecca, we don't talk much anymore. Since late last year, we haven't had much communication which does make me a bit heartbroken. Still, I hope to see her on campus and makeup for what we lost. As for my relationship with Patrick, we are still deeply and madly in love with each other. We decided to take one more mini trip before graduating in a month. This time, we chose the Nevada Museum of Art. I know, quite the choice considering we are both nature people. But I didn't want to end up dealing with packing another trunk full of camping gear as much as I wanted to do that. Plus, I haven't gone to an actual museum in quite some time. Why not go before we leave community college?

"Can you believe we are graduating in a month?" I asked Patrick as we walked into the art museum.

"Darling, I don't even want to think about it. We are already old enough." He replied.

"I know, but still. After May, we will be on summer break and will be able to spend more nights together." I said.

"Tickets please?" The lady at the front desk asked.

I gave the woman our tickets since we had registered to come into the exhibit a few weeks prior. Let me tell you, these lines can get long sometimes.

"Here's your map and the different locations of the museum. Enjoy." The lady said.

"Thank you." I replied and took Patrick's hand in mine. "Honey, won't we have more nights to spend together?" I asked. 

"Of course we will. I'd be happy either way because I am with you." Patrick replied. 

We walked to the Victorian Radicals section and into the E.L. Wiegand Collection before having lunch in the cafeteria. Needless to say, looking at artwork was very much peaceful especially after dealing with school work all week.

"Is the Victorian Era your favorite part of history?" Patrick asked as he was looking at the paintings.

"Correct, my love." I replied. There was something about this time period that I truly admired about. This partially has to do with the fact that I love reading novels around this time period, but also the major events that occurred around this era.

Later that day

"Are you still unsure on where you are transferring to?" I asked Patrick as we sat in a cafe near the museum.

"Not really." He replied back.

"The deadline already passed. Might as well wait now, yeah?" I said with a concerned look.

"My parents constantly nag me about college applications, you know that." He looked up at me.

I shrugged. "I know. I just worry about you, love." I said as I grabbed his hand.

He slightly smiled and kissed my hand. Even the slightest of smiles, he still manages to make my heart skip a beat.

"You care a lot about everyone, don't you. It's one of the traits that suits you and what makes you attractive." He said.

I blushed. "Darling, you are going to be fine." I reassured him.

"Will you be okay with doing long distance?" He asked.

I shrugged again and lowered my head. Long distance was something I had done with my previous relationship. Long distance is a challenge and it does have its risks. I will admit, I am worried, but I know he is worth the risk. He is the only exception and the man I love with my whole heart.

"I am willing to do long distance with you. Even if you are miles away from me, I will still be devoted to you." I said with tears in my eyes.

He came over next to me in the booth and wiped my tears away before I even shed them.

"We will get through this together, I promise." Patrick said as he kissed my forehead.

"I am scared." I said as more tears fell.

"Shh, shh, I know. I know you are scared and I am too. Trust me." He said as he wrapped his arms around me. I buried my head into his shoulders and we sat there until we were ready to leave before going home.

"Keep me?" I asked softly as I looked up at him.

"Always." Patrick said as he gave me a deep kiss on my lips.

"I love you so much." I said in between our kisses.

"I love you so much more." He said as he rested his head against mine.

Patrick Walters truly became my partner in education and in love. His heart radiates every time we go out together. As a person, he is someone that cares a lot about everyone including me. His heart is pure and his love for me is unconditional. What he does for his community is unbelievably remarkable and I am so glad to be part of his life. Taking this risk of a potential long distance relationship will be worth the memories we have made so far and I cannot wait for  what the future holds for us.