The locker slam echoed through the hallway, a sound that usually meant nothing more than the end of another boring class. But for me, it was the soundtrack to the moment my life changed forever. I turned the corner, books clutched to my chest, and there he was. Ben. Leaning against the lockers, a mischievous grin on his face, his eyes sparkling with that familiar twinkle.

That was ten years ago. Ten years of stolen glances in class, awkward first dates, late-night talks under the stars, and a love that grew stronger with each passing year. I remember the day he confessed his feelings, his voice trembling slightly as he said, Karina, I think I'm in love with you.

And i,with my heart pounding in my chest, replied, I think I am too.

Now, here we’re, ten years later, planning are wedding. The dress hung in my grandmother closet, a vision of white lace and tulle, waiting for its moment to shine.

The journey hadn't always been smooth. There were fights, misunderstandings, and moments of doubt. But through it all, we held onto each other, our love a beacon guiding us through the storm.

And now, as we go to stand hand-in-hand looking into each other’s eyes, we know that this is it. This will be the beginning of our forever.

August would be here soon, and with it, the day you would say I do to the boy who made you laugh, the boy who held you when you cried, the boy who loved you unconditionally.

It was a love story written in the halls of high school, a love story that would continue to be written for years to come.