College Life: Freshman Year

9

Normani's POV

I'm surprised to see a paper heart slide under my door. I haven't seen one of these since high school when my friends and I would write letters and give them to each other between classes. They were always scented and written on pink paper. This one is definitely scented. Honeysuckle. Lauren's perfume. A letter from Lauren? This is way too good to be true.

February 14, 2007

Dear Normani,

Happy Valentine's Day, babe! I was inspired to write you a letter while listening to one of our songs, the Flamingos' "I Only Have Eyes For You." I hope it's as significant for you as it is for me. I remember we were sitting on your bed when this song came on. Even though we had only known each other for 24 hours, I was already feeling a strong connection with you. I could tell you were nervous and I know you could sense how nervous I was too. You commented on how the song was from the '50s and that so many people have probably dedicated it to the only girl that they had eyes for. We both hoped that these couples were happy and still together and that is when you got the courage to put your head on my shoulder. Your Miss Dior Cherie perfume was driving me wild. I felt as if I had to have more of you, but I didn't want to ruin my chances with you by pushing your limits. You whispered in my ear, "I only have eyes for you. You're so beautiful, Lauren." I swear I felt my whole body start to tingle. I had always wanted someone to say that to me, I just didn't expect the first girl to say it to be someone as beautiful as you are. And then you kissed me, Normani, and I felt so complete. All it took was that one kiss to know that my life would never be the same.

I know we've only been together for four months, but I already know I want to marry you someday, Normani. I truly love you more than life itself. I would do anything for you. I'm sorry about what happened to us over winter break, but I guess it all happened for a reason. It brought us closer together as a couple and I feel as if I love you more than ever now. I'm going to tell my mom about us when I go home for spring break. I know I'll be in trouble for the rest of my life for lying to her about our relationship, but I don't care. I just know that nobody is going to break us up again.

I never believed in soulmates until I met you, Normani. We've gotten so close and in such short time, it's impossible not to think that we were truly meant to be together. Regardless of what happens in our lives, I will be there for you as your girlfriend and later as your wife. Sometimes I think about what our wedding day will be like. You're going to look so beautiful in a white dress, even though neither of us should be allowed to wear white because we are far from pure. I can't wait to give you my name. Normani Kordei Hamilton-Jauregui. I'll never get used to how beautiful that sounds. I know it's a bit too soon, but sometimes when I look at you, I can see our future children. I can see our future little girl and her bouncy  curls and bright brown eyes. I hope she looks just like you. You're going to be so beautiful when you're pregnant with her. I know you're going to have that glow. I promise to be the best parent I can to our children and I promise to take really good care of you while you're pregnant with our little Hamilton-Jauregui babies. I can't wait, Normani. I'm so excited for everything that's ahead of us and I'm even more excited that I'm going to spend a lifetime by your side.

Your devoted girlfriend,

Lauren

I wipe the tears from my eyes and re-read the letter to make sure what I had read was really there. My girlfriend feels exactly the way I feel.

"Mani, why are you crying?" Choie asks.

"No reason," I'm trying my hardest not to get too emotional in front of Choie and Laurenzo.

"Did my sister fuck up again?" Laurenzo asks as he grabs the letter from my hand. He has officially stopped hating me, but now he treats me the same way he treats Lauren, which is more annoying than hatred.