For Ever

twelve

dear ever,

don't forget this date: June 28, 2020. hi boyfriend.

"How's your parents?" you asked as I got into the car you rented. You were picking me up from my parents house. You convinced me to talk to them, Ever. It still hurts but I'm learning to accept the situation. What can I do? It already happened. I don't how but you do have a great affect on me. Maybe I just like you too much.

"They're good. They still think you're my boyfriend and they want to meet you. My dad couldn't stop mentioning you. Your name's kind of annoying now," I joked and then blasted the air-conditioning on full speed. We were going on a date. Ever since our drinking session we talked about what we are and we settled for dating exclusively. It was cute that you initiated it, Ever. For some reason, you knew that label is important to me.

"So, are you meeting her?" You asked again and I nodded. I looked out the window to see we were going north.

"I'll meet her next week, dad's bringing her over for dinner. My parents are getting separated though, dad's already packing his belongings," I explained nonchalantly, trying to sound like it didn't bother me.

"Where is he staying?"

"He bought a condominium with three bedrooms. One for him, the other bedrooms are for my sister and I. My mom gets the house since she owns the lot and my dad doesn't really want a house anyway."

I took my phone and connected it to the bluetooth of your car. I played a random playlist and began air drumming to the song. You laughed at my childish antics and mouthed the words to the song.

"So where are we going?" I ask as the song ended.

"Somewhere you haven't been," you say and I scoffed. Ever, from what I know it's your first time in my hometown. You even used google maps to get to places, so how can you say that?

"This is my hometown since I was in tenth grade. I've been everywhere," I gloated as I crossed my arms. There's no inch in this town that I haven't explored, I'm confident.

"Mhmmm," you hummed while smirking. "I can prove you wrong Tani."

"Go ahead. Try me," I challenged which made you laugh. You stepped on the accelerator and we began making our way to the destination.

We stopped at the edge of a hill, somewhere I've never been. I hate it when you prove me wrong.

"We're gonna hike up but judging from your reaction, you haven't been here," you said smiling in victory. I rolled my eyes and stuck my tongue out. I opened the car door and you did the same, then you locked the car. My eyes looked up and saw that the top of the hill wasn't that far ahead.

"So, what's my reward?" you asked as you intertwined your hand with mine, which made me grin. Smooth, Ever.

"We didn't talk about any rewards. Isn't bragging rights enough?" I said and you groaned like a kid.

"How about this, let's race to the top. If I win, I get to ask you a question. If you win, you get to ask me a question," you stated and I nodded.

"Easy peasy, I was in track before you know? Your fat ass is going to lose," I bragged. You kissed my forehead and whispered, "Catch me, slowpoke."

You began running forward and I did the same.

"You cheater," I yelled behind you. You were fast, Ever. Maybe because you were taller than me, you had longer legs. But that's not gonna stop me from winning, I'm very competitive. You began slowing down and that made me smile. I'm gonna win this. I ran as fast I could, pouring every last bit if my energy. I successfully ran pass you and when I did, I raised my middle finger at you.

"Catch, me slowpoke!" I mocked while running faster so that you wouldn't catch up.

I finally reached the top and then hugged the nearest tree possible. I am absolutely winded. I was looking at the view, the sunset's pretty. I licked my lips as thirst began to creep in my throat.

"Ever! Come faster I need water," I shouted hoping you can hear me.

"I'm coming," you shouted back. The voice was faint but it was clear enough to know that you were near. It took you a couple more minutes before I could hear your footsteps.

"Finally, you're he-," I was taken aback when I saw you carrying a bottle of water on your left hand a bouquet of tulips on the other.

"I know you won but would it be fine if I can ask you a question?" you asked.

"You already asked, dummy," I teased.

"Tanisha, will you be my girlfriend?" you asked again, ignoring my side comment. Tears was forming from my eyes and I nodded.

"Yes."