A love story and a flashback

He was the guy I couldn't have. He was good. I wasn't. That's what I convinced myself. We started dating during my senior year of high school. I was already planning to go away to college. I couldn't wait to get away. I wanted a new beginning. I wanted freedom: from rules, from stereotypes, and from reputation. I tried to let go but I wanted him, too. We dated off and on during that first year of college.

Then, we fell for each other. I fell for him. He had been praying I would. I finally I gave up the lie that I wasn't good enough and realized that he loved me for who I was. I received freedom: freedom to let go of my negative self image, freedom to be me, and freedom to love.

We wanted our future together. We could not wait for a new beginning. But, we had to wait. We were engaged for 1 1/2 years.

We were in love. The time went by slowly. The future was full of promise.

We were young, both 21, when we got married.

Here we are on our honeymoon.