MARCH 7, 2025 CREATIVE Truth or lies: The never forgotten love As a youngster going to the third grade I was very excited. I remember walking down the hall. There was my teacher, Mrs. Divison, standing at the door greeting everyone. After everyone settled in, I couldn’t help but notice the pretty young lady sitting next to me; her hair was silky black and braided with several bows attached to her braids. Her skin was a smooth caramel. Her teeth were so white when she smiled. Her pink lips spoke to me from the very first time I laid my eyes on her. I was captivated by her beauty. I was eager to attend school just to sit next to Citlalli and talk to her. Citlalli made me feel like I had butterflies in my stomach every day. I dreaded the last week of school, considering I didn’t know when I was going to see her again. Citlalli told me that her father was in the Air Force and that they would be moving. Citlalli did not know where. I was so sad, even though I never let on to her. I gave her my mother‘s phone number and asked her to keep in touch with me. A year quickly passed by without seeing her. I often wonder where she was; what she was doing. I graduated I blushed and said, “One event at a time, Mom!” My dad nodded his head agreeing with me, saying, “Let the boy live his life. He’s doing swell. There’s no rush.” Even though dad took up for me, I couldn’t help but to think, yeah, l do need a beautiful wife in my life. At graduation I was so nervous even FELICIA WILBERT Groundcover vendor No. 234 from high school and college and won a full scholarship to attend the Paris School of Architecture. This was a very prestigious opportunity. I studied hard, keeping my mind on my studies. I didn’t date that often. I wanted to make my parents very proud of me. However, I still wondered where Citlalli was and what she would look like as an adult woman. Two years of school passed by too swiftly. I was rushing to the airport to pick up my parents for my graduation tomorrow. The first thing my mother said to me was, “Where is your girlfriend? You know you have to get married and have some beautiful grandchildren.” though I have been planning this for years. I had the same butterflies in my stomach that I used to feel when I talked to Citlalli in third grade. The announcer had called just about everyone’s name and I knew my turn was coming soon. To my amazement (or was I dreaming because I missed her so much) I heard her name being called, Citlalli Waters. I could not see — everyone was standing and cheering. I rushed to the aisle to get a better view ... yes, it was her but how? She’s been here with me all this time?! She accepted her degree and quickly rushed off the stage. I knew my name was next, Jeffery Welsh. I broke through the crowd surrounding her. Citlalli was amazingly beautiful. She still had pretty hair but this time it was curled. She looked like she stepped out of a magazine. We were elated to see each other. We became inseparable. Every year for Valentine’s Day I bought two roses; then as our family expanded, I purchased a rose for each addition. PUZZLE SOLUTIONS GROUNDCOVER NEWS 11
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