I met Sabine

in middle school.

When we were

in the seventh grade we attempted to establish a school newspaper. It

never came to pass but we started dating, what passed for dating in seventh

grade anyway. We talked on the phone once or twice and met each other

at a school dance. We didn't dance that night, as she spent the evening

in the girl's restroom (through no fault of my own, I assure you) and

our relationship ended.

We stayed friends

and soon we were in high school. We had several classes together and saw

each other quite often because of our extracurricular activities. She

was a member of the drama club, as was I, and eventually we both joined

the school newspaper, though she was far more dedicated than I was. We

didn't hang out together outside of school but we were amicable. I joked

around with her more than anybody else did, respecting and enjoying her

dark sense of humor.

Toward the

end of my sophomore year I was invited to prom by a senior. The post-prom

party was at Sabine's house because my date was friends with Sabine's

older sister. I ditched my date by the end of the night and ended up kissing

Sabine. Despite our romantic tryst, we didn't begin dating again. Our

friendship remained the same.

I moved in

November of my senior year and didn't see her again until I went back

for graduation and prom. After that trip