The Chapters of Our Forever

"It all started in the most unexpected of places: the halls of South Carroll High School. Back then, they were just two teenagers navigating the world of lockers, late bells, and an excessive amount of gym classes (guess which one).

I was a columnist for the school newspaper, scribbling away thoughts and opinions, never suspecting that somewhere out there, someone was actually reading them.

Enter fate—in the form of a best friend with insider information. She told Zack, “I know the girl who writes that column. I can introduce you!” And just like that, our story began.

What followed was a series of totally professional, definitely necessary interviews for the school paper… or at least, that’s what I told myself. The truth? There weren’t always articles to write—but there was always a reason to see him again. With every excuse and every question asked under the glow of fluorescent lights, a quiet something began to grow.

Then, on March 17, in true rom-com timing, he asked me out. A simple question that turned into the greatest answer of our lives. Fast-forward seven and a half years, Zack proposed! Just one day shy of the anniversary of that very first date.

Now, here we are—still writing our story, side by side. Only this time, it’s not just in a high school newspaper, but in the chapters of our forever."

-Rachel and Zack