“Turns out life on the outside wasn’t quite as good as I remembered.”
I chuckle at his realization. It’s the same one I had after my freshman year. “Video games and TV and going to the mall didn’t cut it anymore?”
He shakes his head. “Weird, right? Plus, I found myself waking up at six A.M., waiting for the damn bugle, and being strangely disappointed by the silence.”
“It does have a pretty sound.”
He nods. “I used to be able to sleep twelve hours a day, no problem. Now my body forces me out of bed after eight, but I had nothing to do at home. I’d end up jogging around my neighborhood for hours just to kill time.”
“And to think you used to hate running.”
“I know! Wallingford has ruined lazy Logan,” he says, shaking his head, trying to look disgusted with himself, but the glint in his eye reveals pride, not loathing.
I smile, happy to see him embrace his motivated, eager, and industrious side again. Based on what he’s told me, I know this is the real Logan despite years of him suppressing it. It’s a shame he let his dad affect him like he did.
“I also might have missed a few of the people,” he continues.
“Alex?” I ask.
He rolls his eyes. “No, definitely not. Maybe a certain lieutenant commander, though. And her roommate. And Noah. And some of the teachers. It’s funny how you don’t appreciate what you have until it’s gone.”
“I appreciated what I had,” I say with a frown. He should never think I took him for granted.
“That’s not what I meant. Don’t get me wrong—I appreciated you. I was thinking more about the classes here and how they’re small and the teachers take an interest in each of the students. It used to seem intrusive, but…”
“Now you realize they really want us to succeed?”
He nods. “Yeah. It’s like we’re all in this together.”
“All for one, one for all.”
“Exactly. I’ve always had that with Gordy and Nate, but not everyone in my school, including the adults. It’s kind of … nice.”
“Did you just call Wallingford nice?”
He makes an exaggerated gagging gesture. “I can’t believe it myself. Apparently, structure and order and rules are actually good for me.”
I want to engulf him in a hug, but I can’t. “You have no idea how happy you’ve made me tonight. I … I still can’t believe it. If I could, I’d hug you.”
He smiles and passes me a note. “Luckily, I came prepared.” He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small piece of folded paper. It’s a virtual kiss. I accept it from him and smile. “So I take it you want to try the girlfriend-boyfriend thing?” he says.
He can’t be serious. I was ready to call him my boyfriend after our first kiss. “Was there any doubt?”
He shrugs. “I don’t know. Maybe you finally gave Jernigan the time of day with me out of the picture.”
I wrinkle my nose and say, “No.”
“Or maybe your dad has forbidden you from dating me.”
“No.”
“Or maybe you figure there’s no sense with graduation looming.” He’s wearing a casual expression, but it doesn’t hide the seriousness underneath. I understand this concern. What’s the point of five months together only to end up thousands of miles apart?
To enjoy life. That’s the reason. And it’s a very good reason.
“We can’t predict what’s ahead,” I say. “Let’s enjoy the now and deal with the future when it comes.”
“You sound wise beyond your years.”
“Or like a teenager with a bad case of the jumblies,” I say, checking my watch. We still have thirty minutes until we have to be back on campus. “Come on.” I grab his hand and lead him across the quad, down the path to the parking lot, and through the gates. We don’t stop running until we’re standing on the grassy patch in front of the Wallingford sign just off campus. Tiny snowflakes land on our hair and clothes. I engulf him in a hug and press my lips against his. He squeezes me tight.
After a moment, I say, “I see us running this path many, many times.”
“You know, I’m realizing I just might be willing to run to the ends of the Earth for you.”
Smiling against his lips, I reply, “The Earth is round; there is no end.”
“It’s figurative. I’d run forever for you.”
My smile grows even larger. “That’s sweet.”
“Yeah, every now and again my romantic side likes to make an appearance.”
I take a step back and stare deep into his eyes. “I know I’m not romantic or great with words, but I feel very fortunate to have met you. You’ve taught me how to relax. You’ve given me the strength to fight for what I want. You’ve…”
“Removed the stick from your ass?”
I playfully smack his arm, but I don’t disagree, even though it wasn’t a stick, more like a small twig.
“I love you, Lieutenant Commander Durant,” he says. “Sticks and all.”
I’ve never been in love before, but there’s no doubt in my mind about what I’m feeling right now. He makes me happy by simply standing next to me. He brings out a playful side of me I didn’t know existed. And he supports me in all my dreams, even when it may mean never seeing each other again.
It reminds me of my mom and dad when I was young. Sure, they argued occasionally, but they were always there for each other. No matter what. I know Logan will always be here for me, and I hope he feels the same now. After everything we’ve gone through, he has to realize I’d do anything for him.
“I love you, too.”
It’s short and sweet and to the point. No need to be flowery when simple will do. I love him. He loves me. And despite Wallingford’s aversion to love and the couples before us who have failed, there’s no doubt in my mind we’ll make it work.
After all, failure is never an option.