In Memoriam ✓

Chapter Seven: Love Me Like You Do

Reid

I scheduled our one-year anniversary at a special location on the university campus. Our anniversary was during Easter, when everyone was visiting their families, so we had the place to ourselves.

When I knocked on the door to Mallory's dorm, she opened it with a bright smile. "Hi."

"Hey." I greeted my girlfriend. I showed her the gift in my hand, and Mallory squealed. A few days ago, I went to the nearest Sephora and carefully picked out makeup that I knew she wanted. I knew the products my girlfriend liked because I watched her get ready every day.

She wrapped her arms around my neck, reaching up to kiss my cheek. "You're the sweetest boyfriend ever."

I grinned. "You know it. Ready for our date, or do you need more time?"

Mallory gave a thumbs up. She looked stunning, in a sunflower-colored dress and sunglasses on her head. "Any requirements?"

"Just you." I said, kissing her cheek. I looked around Mallory's room, taking in the pale yellow walls and simple, tasteful decoration. I helped her paint the room last week.

Mallory beamed and rushed over to grab her phone. She slipped on her heels, then turned to me expectantly. "So, can I have a hint on the location of our date?"

"It's five minutes away." I answered, gauging her reaction.

Mallory smiled, knowing exactly what I planned. "Sounds perfect."

We walked hand in hand through the corridors, leaving the building to see Collard's gorgeous exterior. Collard University was reputed for its gorgeous parks outside the campus. It was only a five minute walk to our favourite hill, where I'd set up a picnic for us.

The hill was surrounded by a perimeter of glittering blue lake. I got one of the seniors to lend us their boat to get across the water. Mallory looked ethereal against the blue of the water. This scene reminded me achingly of Capricorn Woods, and the Lake back home.

Mallory lifted her sunglasses so they rested on her brunette hair, tilting her head as she smiled at me. Her sunflower-colored sundress made her skin glow. "What are you thinking about?" she asked me quietly, as we listened to the hum of the day fading into silence.

I reached over to take Mallory's hand in mine, lightly skimming the silver ring on her middle finger with my fingertips. I had an exact replica on my index finger. "You, of course. I'm so lucky to have you."

She snorted lightly, laughing at me. "Even after a year, you're still infatuated with me?"

I held a hand to my heart. "Don't tell me you're not infatuated with me anymore?"

Mallory shrugged, taking my hand in hers. "I'm in love with you, Reid. I think that's better than infatuation."

"And I'm in love with you." I said, leaning over to kiss her. She cupped my jaw in her hands as she kissed me back.

She smiled mischievously at me, adjusting her knee-length dress as she stood up from our blanket. "I have an idea."

I followed suit, loving her enthusiasm. "What is it?"

Mallory took my hand and pulled me over to a massive oak tree nearby. She picked up a stick from the ground and carved two letters into the dirt we stood on. An 'M' and an 'R'.

I frowned. "Our initials?"

She rolled her eyes. "I put them together, like us. It's cute."

"But not permanent." I reminded her. "In a year, those letters will be gone. What will that say about our relationship?"