Alison Marks sat on the top of a brick bridge in a neighborhood, Matt Andrews standing in front of her, careful not to be hit by her slightly swinging feet.

Anyone passing would simply see two fifteen-year-olds talking. But they didn’t know the two. They weren’t just two fifteen-year-olds, they were best friends and extremely close.

The story of the night was a bit complicated. Alison had been through another argument with her parents only this time was worse. Her father and yelled and slapped her mother. At that point, Alison’s rage built up and she quietly packed her backpack and ran to Matt’s house. When she got there, he saw her crying eyes and immediately let her in, without question and brought her upstairs to calm down for a bit. She had set her backpack down and told Matt everything, crying all the while as he hugged her in an attempt to comfort her. An attempt that worked well.

They had walked outside, even though it was late. The stars were out and Matt had suggested Alison needed fresh air. They walked around and she sat on the top of the small bridge in the back of the neighborhood. That spot had been the spot they had run to, for any reason, since they were young. As time went on, it became their spot.

“Are you okay?” Matt asked.

“I’m fine now. Thank you.” Alison said quietly. “The stars are beautiful.” She added, looking up at the dark sky spattered with tiny silver lights.

“They are. But, I know something even more beautiful.” Matt said.

Alison looked at him.

“You.” He whispered in her ear.

“Thank you.” She replied, used to this kind of act from him.

She hugged him tightly and kissed his cheek.

--

A young woman sat on top of the same bridge she had sat on since she was young. A young man stood in front of her, his hands on either side of her on the wall of the bridge.

Anyone who just glimpsed them would see two college students, home for the Christmas holidays. But, there was more to the story than just that. They were best friends, through rough and easy times.

The story of that night is fairly simple. Alison had come to Matt’s house for dinner, as she always had. But, something was different about him that night. He seemed nervous. Alison suggested they go to their place and Matt jumped at the opportunity. She sat on the top of the bridge, as she always had and looked up at the stars.

“It’s beautiful.” She stated.

Soft, pure white flurries of snow began to fall and the first fell on the tip of her nose. She smiled. Matt smiled as well, thinking how beautiful the girl in front of him was.

“Alison, will you go out with me?” Matt asked softly.

Alison looked at him and grinned. “Yes.”

He smiled broadly and hugged her close.

“You’re beautiful.” He said.

Alison blushed and kissed him, quick an delicate, on the lips.

--

Alison sat on top of the same old bridge and Matt had his hands on her waist as he kissed her gently on the lips. She wrapped her arms around his neck, to bring him closer and keep her balance.

Anyone just passing would simply see two college students, kissing. But, it was much more than that. They were two people you couldn’t split up. They were each others halves. They were best friends and lovers.

The story of the night is something sweet, different and life changing. Alison had gone to Matt’s for a Graduation party, celebrating their graduations from the forensic department. They had spent all eight years of their college schooling together, dating. However, tonight was different.

They had walked outside, to their same old spot, their area and Alison had taken her spot on the bridge top and Matt had taken his spot in front of her, placing his hands on her waist and kissing her.

As they broke off, Matt reached in his pocket and pulled out a black velvet box.

“There’s a time in a man’s life when he finds that one woman and he realizes he wants to spend the rest of his life with her. You’re that woman, Alison. I love you. I always have and I always will. I want you by my side always. Will you marry me?” He asked, opening the box to reveal a diamond ring on a gold band.

Alison began to cry tears of joy as she smiled. “Yes.”

Matt slipped the ring on her finger. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her, picking her up off the bridge.

True love lasts a lifetime.