Love 101

Chapter 1

Childhood Crush

Daniel Munnings watched as Reuben continued to giggle at Faith's theatrics. It was torture watching the junior find his way into her heart. Daniel was beyond frustrated because he had no idea when his love for his best friend's sister turned into something more. Faith was two years younger and stayed committed to her studies and relationship with God. Getting her to look at him more than a brother would be impossible in Daniel's eyes. Daniel was annoyed with Reuben who was playing the friendship card perfectly to get closer with Faith. Matthew watched his best friend staring at his sister intensely. He recognized something was there but waited for Daniel to confess that he was feeling more for his sister.

"Why so serious?" Matthew teased approaching him. "I am serious because you are keeping me waiting," Daniel laughed hoping to get Faith off his mind. "Let's shoot some hoops," Matthew suggested as they walked away from the backyard scene. "Do you trust this Reuben fella?" Daniel asked cautiously hoping not to raise any suspicion. "I don't know enough about him. Seems harmless. He is in several classes with Faith and they occasionally study together," Matthew admitted.

Daniel was still not convinced. He dribbled the ball and threw in a few two-pointers. "Why? Are you jealous?" Matthew stated hoping to get him to admit his feelings. "Of course not. You know Faith is a sister to me. We are going off to college in a few months and I just want to ensure he has no hidden motives. Matthew looked at Daniel in awe not buying a word he was saying. "Okay," Matthew said not trying to push the issue. Faith approached them watching the game.

"Where's your boyfriend?" Matthew asked. "What?!" Faith said baffled. "We are only friends," she confessed. "He left a few minutes ago," she stated. Daniel playfully pulled her ponytail. "Good. We don't need you going boy crazy when we go off to college," he warned. "Daniel," she scolded him. She hated when he would pull her hair or hit her playfully. "You have been doing this since I was eight. When are you going to grow up?" she folded her arms crossly. Daniel and Matthew both laughed knowing that Faith was at the center of their experiments and pranks over the years. "You know we just love you to pieces," Matthew laughed. Daniel shoved her playfully. Faith rolled her eyes and headed into the house. Daniel gasped looking at her walk away. Being away from her would be torture. Faith's soft brown eyes and warm smile always drew him in. He concluded he would have to bury these feelings for now. Telling Faith now would only complicate things. Matthew threw in a three-pointer. "Earth to Daniel. If you continue to be preoccupied and daydream, I am going to beat you at this game," he warned. "You wish," Daniel grinned stealing the ball from his friend.

Present day- 10 years later

"Are you ready to make this commitment?" Daniel asked. "Of course I am," Matthew beamed as he put on his tuxedo. Daniel was happy that Matthew had found love and thought Jasmine was perfect for him. "Well, you are off the market and your bachelor days are over. Are you ready for the family too?" Daniel teased watching his friend check himself out in the mirror. "Completely and totally. Jasmine has made my life better. I am looking forward to settling down with the woman I love," Matthew said enthusiastically. "It's good to see you happy and in love. It looks good on you," Daniel announced. "And, what about you and Faith? This wedding is the best time to reveal your feelings. You have kept it in far too long. She was dating John Patterson for a while but he moved away because of his career and Faith did not want to move away. I think you would be great for my sister," Matthew pointed out.

"Thanks, my friend but Faith may be in a different place," Daniel said making excuses. "Daniel, you will never know if you don't try. You have to let her know. You have been crushing on my baby sister for far too long. You are an adult now. It's time to make this childhood crush a reality," Matthew suggested putting his tux away.

"Thank you, Dr. Phil. I only recently told you how I felt about your sister after all these years. Please, don't torture me with this," Daniel scolded. It will be even harder to share my feelings with her after all this time," Daniel sighed knowing that deep within in he did not want to be rejected.

"You can't keep this in any longer. You are doing yourself and Faith an injustice," Matthew explained.

"I will try and pray for the best," Daniel said hoping to change the subject. Matthew looked on at his friend and sincerely wanted him to make a move for the love he yearned for before it was too late.

The Wedding Reception

Jasmine smiled as she hugged her sister-in-law. Faith was a gem and Jasmine anticipated the day she could witness her new sister walk down the aisle too. "I am officially your sister," Jasmine smiled. "Of course," Faith giggled. "You looked amazing today," Jasmine said admiring Faith's bridesmaid dress. "Thank you, my stunning sister," Faith hugged her once again. "You looked good next to Daniel," Jasmine winked.

"I guess," Faith smiled looking his way. She walked with him down the aisle and was happy to be matched with someone she knew. It had been such a long time since they were all together. Everyone was extremely busy with their lives. The wedding brought back many warm, refreshing, and precious memories from her childhood.

"Daniel is handsome," Jasmine said. "He is okay," Faith said trying not to admit that he looked exceptionally fine today. She had always looked at him as a brother. It felt strange checking him out. Daniel stood standing with a few of Matthew's friends with the cutest smile. His handsome features, muscular build, and dimples she never really noticed stood out more than ever. It felt weird seeing him differently. Suddenly, their eyes met, and she nervously smiled and turned away quickly. What was that? Faith questioned herself. She felt attracted to him and she played it off. She could not imagine something being there because this was new for her.

"Can I steal my beautiful bride away for a moment?" Matthew requested approaching them with extreme excitement and anticipation. "By all means," Faith teased, watching them walk together on the dance floor. It was so good seeing her brother in love. She longed to have that connection with someone one day. Faith knew God had the right person for her. As she watched her brother and Jasmine dance, she felt a soft tap on her shoulder. Piercing green eyes commanded her attention. "Can I have this dance?" Daniel requested offering his hand.