The Architect of Life

Today two of my dear friends got engaged. Zoe and Hudson and then they told us their story. They have been through so much. Honestly it would have tore a lot of couples apart. Not them though. They fought for eachother. Thwir love is pure and true. Hudson I see my good friend sitting a lone, and go talk with him. Hey how's it going? It's ok. Times like this though I'm lonely. I want what you and Zoe have. Yeah, I get that. It hasn't been easy but it's been worth it. How have you guys gotten through the hard times? Well, we talk a lot. Even when we are embarrassed or emotionally overwhelmed, we talk. There is no subject off limits. We are in essance eachothers safe space. We allow for the uncomfortable and hurtful things to be said. We know that our intention is never to harm the other one. Just honesty is very important. There was this one time we could have had a huge misunderstanding, if I hadn't been honest with Zo. When we first started going out. There was a party she told me to go without her. We actually fought about it. I went and hung out and this thirsty girl kept trying to sit on my lap and kiss me. Well I went to leave Zoe's work called she got sick. When I got to my car I noticed lipstick on my neck. I went back into the house to wash it really quick. As soon as I got in the house she caught me off gaurd. She kissed me, and I kissed her back it was just a reaction. When I realized what was happening I pushed her off. It was only a few seconds that I kissed her back, but the guilt and anger lasted much longer. I went and washed the girl off my neck and lips. On the way to pick Zoe up. I realized there was no way I could not tell her. I also realized kissing her was far more amazing then kissing any other girl. Zoe was less experienced with kissing. These girls have had years to practice. Zoe a few months. Even in the un-practiced movements she's far more amazing. We would not have made it without communication and honesty. The times we struggled in our relationship is when we kept things from eachother. Weather it was to protect the other or being afraid to tell our truth. She is my life, my heart. Leaving no room for misunderstandings is key. Thanks man. No problem. I leave and he's sitting alone again. June I see Oli and walk over to him, he's a great guy and I know he kinda liked my sister-in-law to be. Hey Oli how are you? I'm good. Well you look a little sad, what's up? Oh, I want what they have but I haven't met anyone who fits the bill. Well listen I know I'm not technically an adult, but I pay attention. I am a people watcher. Also I'm more mature the people my age. I have a hard time relating to them. That's why I tolerate people like Janet because they're there. I can't contain my sad look. Anyway I place a hand on his shoulder. You do want what they have but they didn't get it by dating a bunch of people. Nor hooking up with a different people. They got it by cultivating a friendship first and then a relationship. I've been around my entire life, I laugh at myself and turn red. I know I must sound stupid obviously my entire life. I have watched them. They found a deep love for eachother as friends first and if that wasn't there they wouldn't have what they do. I'm sure you just see me as a kid like everyone else. Oli aka Oliver No June I don't you are very mature for your age and have lots of wisdom. Even at your age. You are very observant of people. I think it's great that you want to wait to find true love, not everyone can. June So what you're telling me is you have no will power? Look I'm not nieve as you may think. The thing is kids my age. As young as I am in this time period are already having s*x. They have had more than one partner. A lot actually at my school started when they were fifteen and some fourteen. My point is my generation has more access to knowledge of s*x and have s*x earlier. I know a lot of adults think it's too early. Personally I'm not ready and I'm not going to just get it over with. For me it's the ultimate way to connect two souls and I won't give that to just anyone. You I'm sure are no virgin. I could be! What makes you so sure? I scoff ,um look at you. He laughs. I turn pink. You think I'm good looking? You'd have to be dead to not see you're hot. Anyway you don't strike me as a f*ck boy and I hope I'm not wrong about you. I just think if you pull the physical back from your relationships. You can get to know someone on a deeper level. Maybe you'll find your forever, and maybe you have to wait for her. What do you mean? Maybe she's younger and you haven't met her yet. You will when the time is right. I'm just saying everyone has all these preconceived ideas, and that's what almost kept those two apart. Weather it's looks, age, distance whatever it is. Look they estemate Mary to have been about 14 when she married and yeah if you believe the bibe that means Joseph didn't touch her right away. They have a bunch more kids after the birth of Jesus. Look at Romeo and Juliette the story although false had to come from somewhere teens as society calls us now. Where in love and at an age to be married. There are a ton of examples of girls married younger than me and to guys older than you. They are together around the world, even today its not that crazy. Preconceived ideas can limit your growth and progress. Some people ten years isn't a big deal. If your someone was ten years younger she wouldn't be ready yet. Now reverse the rolls pretend your ten years younger and she's older but you know she's your forever would you want her sleeping around until you were old enough? If not theres your answer. Oli Wow ok that's a lot to unpack. I guess I wouldn't really like it. I would understand her other relationships. I think a part of me would be hurt she was with a lot of people. For the record I am not a f*ck boy I have only been with two people. I was in long term relationships with them. I don't believe in just sleeping with whoever. I know it surprises you doesn't it? Yeah it does. Also I think you're an amazing person. However, maybe underestimate how your parents would feel about you with an older man. She laughs at me. Dad she calls he walks over. Dad Oli and I have a bit of a disagreement can you settle it? Sure sweetie what is it? Well Oli thinks you would be upset if I dated an older man. He looks straight at me and says if you're interested I'm not opposed to it. It's just that you would have to be just friends. No physical relationship till she's eighteen. You're a good man Oli. So, no I wouldn't mind if you ended up with my daughter. My mouth is hanging open I can't get the words out. He continues. I only ever want my children to find the best match they can for them. Someone who will bring the best out in them. Someone to love them and support them whole heartedly. S-sir I wasn't asking for me. I was just, well I didn't think you'd be ok with it. I guess I understand though. He laughs at me and says we will see Mr.Red, we shall see. He says you've found yourself a true friend in my daughter. She's wise beyond her years. He kisses her head and walks away. What was that and why did he call me Mr.Red? I don't know dad is a riddle. At the graduation dinner he threw his hands up and said forever uggg and left it at that. Oh never mind I just figured it out. Hahaha I was slow on the uptake with that one. What did he mean then? Well with that he was talking about Zoe and Hudson getting together and telling everyone. What are you doing this week? Well not much as Zoe has Hudson and they are newly engaged. My other siblings all have their friends from up here. They have them to hang with. It's just me by myself. Well I know I'm an old guy, but you wanna hang out with me and my family? It's not like we don't know eachother. Also I heard that you drive now. Yes that sounds like an adventure. Oh Zoe told me you have an architecture firm? Yes, I have my own firm. Well if it's not too much trouble I would love to go and take a look around. It's what I want my major to be. I will graduate early. It woud be great to be able to see first hand. Well I would love to but it's in the city and it would be an overnight trip. By the time we get done at the office, and if you want to visit job sights that will take longer. The drive is more than 2hrs. Well I'm sure my dad would say it's ok. Yeah, ok we can talk to him. When do you graduate? This is my last year and I will have two years of duel enrollment. Do you know where you're going to college at? NC state is where I want to go, but I'm applying other places too. That's great if you do maybe you can intern with my company. That would be so great. What made you want to go into this line of work? Zoe actually. How so? Well I don't know how much you know about her but her life has been hard. Anyway she has this dream, and it came from a combination of the life she's lived and her compassion. She gives to people even if there's nothing left for her at then end. She feeds the homeless and she helps anyone she feels compelled to. So she had ths idea that she could get investors. She wants help build low income housing, modeled after the high rise living in Hong Kong. Help them finish school get good jobs and give back repeat the cycle. It would be for homeless who don't want to be on the streets anymore. Single mothers and fathers and young families who need a hand up. Anyway I started to draw it and found I liked designing not just the building but bringing her idea to life on paper. I want to build peoples dreams. I know it might be romanticizing it but that's how I feel. Well I guess I kinda feel the same there's nothing like being able to take someone's dream and turn it into reality. So true.