The Search

When I was a kid, Mom would always tell the story of how she met Dad as my bedtime story, but I never grew tired of listening to it over and over. I had always been fascinated by it as it slowly made me realize what true love is.

Mom once told me that the moment a person knew the concept of true love, that person would surely search for it by any means no matter what it takes...and she was right.

As soon as I turned sixteen, I started to look for some ways on how I could find my truelove whom I labeled as "The One". I didn't know what to do at first until Mom taught me the way she used to find her truelove who happened to be my dad.

She told me that as soon as she turned sixteen, she started looking for her truelove by asking for a sign that would distinguish him over a crowd of people on her choice of place during Valentine's Day...and I followed in her footsteps.

She was so lucky that she no longer had to undergo trial and error as she met my dad, her first and only love, on her first try. Unlike me, I'd been searching for him for three Valentine's Day already including today.

"And where do you think you're going, Everly?" Mom questioned with her hands on her waist.

I gave her a sheepish smile. "Uh...somewhere," I replied, which came out as more of a question.

"Oh..." She nods as she looks at me from head to toe. "You'll look for your him...again," she concluded, raising an eyebrow.

Mom was right...and it was all because of her.

I giggled as I approached her. "I think he'll show up this time, Mom. I can feel it!" I exclaimed, grinning.

I could feel that today was going to be my lucky day...and the search would soon be finally over.

"Oh sure..." She rolled her eyes at me. "And what sign have you asked for?" she asked as she crossed her arms over her chest.

I bite my lower lip for a moment. "If it will rain today, he will show up to offer me a transparent umbrella," I answered, fixing the wrinkles on the hem of my lilac halter dress.

"But if it won't rain...what will happen then?" Mom asked, furrowing her brows.

"I asked for a sign, Mom...not two," I replied instantly.

"Where will you look for him?"

"At the local park."

"Skiving off?" she asked as she raised an eyebrow.

I give her a nervous glance and bite my lower lip. "Uh...will you be mad at me if I'd say yes?" I finally asked.

"Okay," she briefly replied.

"Does it mean-"

She turned back, cutting me off...and without a word, she headed to the kitchen.

"Bye, Mom! Love you!" I hollered.

"If you found him, invite him to dinner!" she shouted which made me laugh.

I just really hoped he would show up today.

I shook my head before heading outside. My best friend for over fifteen years, Trae, was already outside, leaning on his car's hood.

I smiled at him as I walked toward him. "Good morning!" I greeted, punching his shoulder lightly.

"I came here to tell you that..." He straightened his stance. "I can't drive you to school and join you in the fair. I got a date," he stated, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Oh..." I gaped at him. "So...who's the lucky girl?" I asked, crossing my arms over my chest.

He smirked at me. "You'll see," he replied with a playful wink.