{What Came Next}

So, I left off on my story of {How It All Started} with Mike at the point right after our very first date. I have been itching to write more, mainly because I just love looking back on how my relationship started with Michael.

To me, our first date was perfect. It was full of casual fun with not too much pressure, but left me wanting more, if that makes sense. I wanted more time with him. I wanted to keep dating him. I even texted him that night telling him how much fun I had (and he tells me now that he loved that I texted him right after). So, I was glad that the next day was Sunday so we would get to see each other because of church. At church that day, we were told that there would be an activity of everyone going to the Easter Pageant on Tuesday; so of course, I was excited to have yet another excuse to hang out with Michael. He offered to pick me up and we would drive together to the activity together. Um, yay! I mean, I guess that would be okay.

So Tuesday rolled around, Mike knocked on my door, and I came out trying not to show my excitement. He opened the door for me, like always, and I couldn't help thinking that I was already falling for this guy. It was such an amazing feeling, but scared me a little too. We drove over to the Mesa Temple and met up with our YSA (Young Single Adults) group. Mike even brought a blanket with him, because he knew I got cold easily. We shared the blanket as the program began. I then did what I am pretty sure every single girl EVER has done. I kept my hand available enough to grab, but not too obvious that I wanted him to hold my hand. After the Easter Pageant was over and we were chatting with people, I got asked several times by different girls if Mike and I came together. I blushingly said, “Yes, we did”.  People were starting to notice us together, and it had only been 3 days since our first date!

Mike and I heard then that some people were going to Red Robin, so we decided to tag along. As we all sat down and ordered, the waitress asked if we were all on separate checks. Everyone said “Yes”. As the waitress was about to leave to put the orders in, Mike then stopped her and said, “Actually, she (gesturing to me) is going to be on my check as well.” I instantly felt people look in my direction and I could feel myself blush a little. Jeez! Why does this guy just make me feel so giddy by saying the simplest of things?! Mike then excused himself to the bathroom, and once he was out of earshot, and everyone turned to me. Emily (previously Fowkes, now Snow) said to me, “So are you guys dating?” and I was just like, “I guess kinda!” I didn't really know exactly what to say!

For the next week, we went on plenty of dates and spent a lot of time together. Then, on March 27^th, Mike picked me up for a date that I was looking forward to. He was taking me to Dave & Busters because I had never been there before. On the long drive there, we talked away. I remember how I just felt so comfortable talking to him about anything and he thought it was cool that I could memorize songs and raps so well. Mike and I walked into Dave & Busters and sat down to eat. I think I got a burger and fries and he got pasta. He then got a couple of game cards with an unknown amount to me and told me to just play away. We played so many games that night. Mike even knew my love of stuffed animals since I was a little girl, attempted that claw game, and somehow won me TWO big stuffed animals (a bear and an elephant) on just one play. While walking around with two animals under one arm looking for another game to play, Michael reached for my hand. I instantly got a million butterflies in my stomach. I don’t really know why it took so long for this to happen, but talking about it now, we both didn't want to rush anything and were both waiting for the other to make the first move.

To fast forward a little, he came over for a little after as I told my parents what a fun night I had and they got to meet him. We went outside for Mike to then leave and I just thought about how badly I wanted him to just kiss me already! We talked for a little on my front doorstep, and when it was time for him to leave, we went in for a hug goodbye. Time seemed to stand still for a few seconds. I just held onto him. Then, it happened. As I pulled away, I looked up at him and BAM, he kissed me! I was so so so so happy :) It was just a simple kiss and then he left, but to me, it was perfect.