Love Found Me

It’s often said when you’re not looking, you’ll find your person. When you least expect it, you’ll run into them, or maybe they’ll run into you. That you meet your soulmate before you turn 21. And recently, I’ve learned about the Greek mythology version of love; how we were born with two heads, four arms, four legs, and Zeus split us in two, destined to find our other half for the rest of our lives. Being in a relationship is something that I have longed for since I could create dialogue. As I experienced loss, pain, sadness, hopelessness, I became even more fixated with finding love. I always “found it,” but this time, it found me in the shape of an old high school acquaintance, Joey.

I was at work ringing out customers, and he walked in through the door. I was surprised I hadn’t seen him in about 3 years, and the last time we had a genuine conversation was in high school. I asked him why he didn’t have his mask on, but I didn’t project typical Ivelisse style, so he didn’t hear me. The universe definitely intervened because he was meant to go to the next register. There he was in front of me; white t-shirt, black sweatpants, and there I was, blue fleece, name tag, mask on with a stupid grin on my face. I said, “Hi Joey!” he looked at my name tag, looked up at me, and said, “Oh shit, grapefruit.” Grapefruit was a nickname we gave each other in high school. I don’t know why and I don’t remember. As an adult, I hear grapefruit, and my mind goes to the dirtiest places. However, I don’t think it had that connotation back then. Well, I hope not. I looked at him puzzled and said, “Grapefruit” he said, “You don’t remember?” I said, “No.” and laughed. He briefly asked if I was seeing anyone, and I replied with “No,” and his response stood with me for the rest of the day. “Don’t tell me that.” I said, “What do you mean?” He didn’t really say much afterward. I finished his transaction, and he left just as quickly as he came in.

My curiosity got the better of me. So as soon as I went on break without even thinking, I added Joey on FB and sent him a message with my number and Snapchat. He immediately texted me, which I really liked. To me, it meant our interaction sparked something in him too. I spent the rest of my workday texting him between tasks and customers. It felt like no time had passed, but it obviously did because he had memories that I couldn’t recollect. The next day we continued texting, and he picked up from work. I took my mask off; he said, “Wow, you look the same.” I gave him the biggest hug. Got in his car, listened to music, talked as we made our way to my apartment.

We smoked, talked some more, and headed into my apartment. Joey complimented my room. That meant a lot to me; my room directly reflects who I am; it always has been. We talked even more and started watching a movie, we kissed, which led to more. It was so different from my previous partner. He was so selfless took care of me and my needs. I felt so comfortable. When the act ended, he cuddled with me. He wanted to spend time with me. I wasn’t used to that. He offered to do a sleepover without asking, and I started crying. I couldn’t believe that all the little things I wanted were given to me; I couldn’t bear it. I haven’t had a man sleep beside me in 2 years. The person I wanted to be with didn’t want to be with me, so I asked him to leave. He did promise to take to work that following morning. We talked; I felt uneasy because I was in a car with him, but I was not in the car with him. He dropped me off, and I stopped talking to him. I needed to figure things out.

I won’t go into details; you’ll just have to read, Imagine, to see how everything unfolded with my situation-ship. After that, Joey called, and again it was like time never stopped. We progressed at a swift pace. We definitely loved one another. We loved spending time together, but we knew that it couldn’t go much further. Not because we didn’t want to but because we needed to do our own healing. Joey, in such a short period, changed my life. I feel like I say that a lot, but everyone who is, was, or will be a part of my life, has, can, and will change it. I truly believe with my whole heart that I have found my person. I have a much deeper appreciation for myself, for life, and for love. And although I miss him terribly, I believe we will cross paths again. When we do, it will be like time never passed. I can’t wait to share my adventures with him. I’m incredibly excited to hear about his adventures his discoveries in self-love. I stopped believing in soulmates. Just when I’ve given up hope, I found mine all wrapped up in a crazy, cute, funny, stylish, nostalgia-filled, and wonderfully perfect Joey.