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Like I said before, we were not expecting for US to happen. It was fast and super intense!
I like to believe that we met exactly when we were suppose to. If not at that moment, we may have never met. I believe we were meant to be together. Maybe that's why when we met we felt like we had known each other forever.
The funny thing is we didn't ever go out to do stuff when we hung out. No dinner, no movies, no walks. We just found a place to be, and talked, and talked, and talked some more.
In the entire three weeks we spent together we went on two official dates. One was a day trip to Santa Barbara. We walked around the town, ate lunch, went to his Aunt Laurie's house so I could meet her, and spent time at the beach.
The other date was for my 21st birthday. We went to beautiful Griffith Park Observatory. That was the first time we really talked about him leaving for the Navy. I still remember him saying "I don't think we should break up just because I'm leaving." I remember thinking "So, I we really are officially a couple now. It made me happy.
The end came quicker than I wanted. Goodbye parties. Packing bags. Our time together was over.
He left for the MEPS station shortly after my birthday. I don't even remember saying goodbye.
I do remember being at work, and getting a call from him. He asked if I would drive down to the hotel where he and all others were staying before they left for Boot Camp. I wrote down the directions, and after work drove down near LAX. I clearly remember being overwhelmed with how many young men there were at that hotel. So many leaving to join the Military. I walked around the Hotel, but didn't see him. I started out the front doors, when I felt him grab my arm. Boy, it was good to see him!
We went out dinner at a submarine theme restaurant called
THE DIVE it was fitting since he was leaving for the Navy. After dinner, we drove back to the hotel. It was time to say our goodbyes. We told one another that we would write, and he said he'd call when he could.
I was heartbroken. How could this be happening? I just met the most awesome guy, and now he's leaving.
The next day I was back at work feeling a little blue.
Lucky for me, while I was thinking about how he must be flying somewhere over the country on his way to Chicago, I got another phone call. He said he was held up, and was not going to leave until the next morning. He asked me to come visit him again. He didn't have to ask me twice.
I was thrilled we had yet another chance to see each other.
This time we went to the outside back of the hotel and just talked for a few hours.
I knew when it was time to leave that I wouldn't be getting another phone call the next day.
This was it.
Our final goodbye.
He walked me to the parking garage where my car was, then I drove him back to the hotel. I didn't get out. He gave me a kiss, and said he'd be in touch.
Then I drove away. I looked into the rear view mirror and can still remember seeing him standing there.
I was a hot mess. I got onto the freeway with tears streaming down my face. It was heartbreaking.
To be continued....
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| Here we are at Griffith Park Observatory almost exactly 13 years later |
