Never Been Kissed by Daisie Sam

Chapter 11

College life was a whirlwind of new experiences. Amelia, surrounded by like-minded peers and professors who nurtured her passion for writing, thrived in her creative writing classes. The separation from Ethan, however, proved more challenging than anticipated. Late-night phone calls filled with whispered secrets and stolen moments became a lifeline, a bridge across the miles that separated them.

Ethan, immersed in his own world of workshops and deadlines, found his voice maturing under the guidance of experienced writers. He poured his experiences – the joy of their love story, the pang of missing Amelia – into his poems, his words gaining a depth and resonance that surprised even him.

One crisp autumn evening, as Amelia sat hunched over her laptop, struggling with writer’s block, an email notification popped up. It was from Ethan, with a subject line that sent a thrill of excitement through her – “Long Distance Love Sonnet.”

With trembling fingers, she clicked open the email. The words on the screen flowed like a melody, painting a vivid picture of Ethan’s longing, his unwavering faith in their connection despite the miles. The final lines resonated deeply within Amelia:

Though oceans roar and mountains intervene,

Our hearts, like tethered stars, forever keen,

Will navigate the vast and lonely night,

Until the dawn of reunion, bathed in light.

Tears welled up in Amelia’s eyes. Ethan’s sonnet wasn’t just a poem; it was a reminder, a promise etched in beautiful verse. Inspired by his words, Amelia found herself drawn back to her own story. She channeled the ache of missing him, the bittersweet joy of their long-distance love, into her writing.

The semester culminated in a student literary magazine competition. Amelia, hesitant at first, submitted her piece, a tender exploration of love and longing titled “Across the Miles.” Weeks later, she received an email notification informing her that her story had won first place.

Elated, she called Ethan to share the news. His voice, thick with pride, crackled through the phone line. “Congratulations, Ames!” he exclaimed. “I knew you could do it.”

That night, fueled by a renewed sense of purpose, Amelia began crafting a new story. It wouldn’t be just her story or Ethan’s; it would be theirs, a collaborative effort woven from their shared experiences, their love letters, and their late-night conversations. It would be a testament to the enduring power of their connection, a story that transcended physical distance.

Months flew by in a flurry of classes, writing sessions, and late-night calls. Finally, the day arrived – spring break, and with it, the long-awaited reunion. As Amelia stood at the airport, her heart hammered with a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation. Then, she saw him, his familiar smile a beacon in the bustling crowd.

The moment they embraced, the miles and months of separation melting away, they knew their love story wasn’t just surviving; it was flourishing. They spent the break exploring the city, sharing stories, dreams, and stolen kisses under the starlit sky.

As they said their goodbyes, a bittersweet ache settling in their hearts, they made a pact. The distance wouldn’t define them; it would only strengthen their bond. They would continue to write to each other, sharing their journeys, their triumphs, and their struggles. Their long-distance love story, a testament to their unwavering belief in each other, would continue to unfold, one chapter at a time.

Back at their respective colleges, Amelia and Ethan poured their renewed passion into their writing. Amelia’s story, a culmination of their shared experiences, began to take shape, a vibrant tapestry woven from love, longing, and the unwavering belief in their connection. Ethan, inspired by their long-distance journey, penned a collection of poems titled “Across the Miles,” each verse a love letter etched in words.

As graduation approached, the future stretched before them, brimming with possibilities. The miles that once seemed daunting now held a different meaning – a testament to the strength of their love, a reminder that true connection could withstand any distance.

They walked across the stage, diplomas clutched in their hands, their eyes meeting across the crowd. In that silent exchange, they shared a promise – a promise to keep writing their story together, a story that defied labels and expectations, a love story for the ages.