Our story starts when most first loves do, in middle school. Mitchell was a year older than me and was so mature and handsome. Set up through my best friend, Jessie, and Alex Bradshaw; we began texting daily. Our first date was seeing the movie American Sniper in the movie theaters with his parents. I was (and still am) head over heels for this boy so I made sure to lean over the movie theater armrest so that he would put his arm around me. I knew that rib pain would be worth it in the end. Mitchell always thought of me as Dylan’s little sister, that was even my name on his phone before we started dating. He swears that we never talked because when we were young, I told him I would rather have a bucket on my kickball team than him. I would argue this, but multiple family members have confirmed it. Our dates were lots of sports games and trips to the movies (when we both had our licenses). As the years passed, I was so grateful to be dating my best friend. Growing together and in our relationship made everything new, but nothing we couldn’t handle together. Mitchell is the calm to my storm and has always been a constant in my life. He makes me laugh and feel at home. When they say time flies by, they mean it as Mitchell and I celebrate 10 years of dating in October. We still have dates at the movies, but between our schedules, just finding time to be at home watching TV in each other’s presence is perfect. I am so excited to be with this guy forever.