Love at any age is difficult; let me tell you a story about myself, Janell, who, at the young age of 15, a sophomore in high school, discovered the love of my life and how I learned how quickly that love can be shattered. 

My best friend Greta was the first person I met when I moved to town the summer before I was to start 5th grade.  I was scared and afraid that I wouldn’t meet any new people.  Greta lived about two blocks from my house, which seemed to be in the middle of our small town. We met at summer school and became fast and the closest of friends. This was the kind of friendship I felt would last forever.  Staying at each other’s houses, taking trips together, so comfortable that we would tell each other everything. We were inseparable; that was until boys came into the picture.  

Sam, who was just a year older than me, was the captain of the hockey team. Imagine my surprise when he asked me out on a Friday afternoon; He wanted to attend the football game tonight.  We had such a great time, and after that night, we quickly found that we were spending our free time together and talking whenever we could.  We enjoyed spending time together and doing all the fun things to do in high school – football games and other events, movie nights, and hanging out together. 

We spent the first few months getting to know each other.  I, having never been to a hockey game in my life, became the biggest fan.  Looking back, it turns out I do like hockey, and not just because my first serious boyfriend was a hockey player.  We didn’t get to spend much time together between school and sports, but we had a strong relationship, or so I thought. 

My family life was good, and my mom surprised me at Christmas with a gift of a lifetime.  She and I were going to Hawaii.  I could hardly wait for sandy beaches and warmth in a few months.  I was so excited.  Winter seemed to drag on forever while waiting for that trip.  Sam and I continued dating and fell in love.  Spring softball was starting up, which I also couldn’t wait for.  Then, one day, Sam asked me if I would go to prom with him!  I was over the moon – so many good things happening in my life, I was on cloud nine!  Prom!  Hawaii!  Softball! Almost too good to be true.

The time finally came for our Hawaii trip.  I was sad to be gone from my boyfriend and best friend for a week and feeling a little stressed that prom was happening a few weeks after we returned, but I was excited about it all.  Our trip was so memorable and fun. 

When I returned from our trip, I was back at school, and an overwhelming sense of “weirdness” came over me.  My best friend and boyfriend seemed distant, and while everything seemed to pick up where it was left off, there was a feeling deep in my stomach that something wasn’t right.  Of course, prom was coming up quickly, and I was trying to finalize my dress, order flowers, and plan a fun night; Sam seemed so disinterested and like he didn’t care. 

I decided to talk to Sam. We met at the vintage coffee shop and cafe off 4th Street in town. I got my favorite, a brown sugar shaken espresso and a raspberry cheesecake scone. Sam, unusually, got ice water. Why has he been acting so weird, I thought. 

After ordering and sitting down, I ask, “What's going on?”

“I don't know what you are talking about,” he replies.

Does he think I'm oblivious? “I just think you have been acting super off since I returned from my trip.”

“What do you mean?”

Starting to get frustrated and concerned, I say, “What I mean is you have been acting off. You’re never excited to see me ask to hang out, you haven't said a single word about prom, you've been so dry with me. Clearly, something is going on, so just tell me so we can talk about it and get through it together.” 

“Oh my God, Jenell, nothing is going on. You’re so dramatic all the time”. 

So I now know that something is bugging him, but I start thinking that he doesn't mean what he just said to me and that maybe he just wants some time to gather his thoughts, and sooner or later, he will come to me and explain everything. I give him the benefit of the doubt. “Okay, I’m sorry. I just wanted to make sure. Regardless, I want you to know that I'll always be here for you. I love you.” 

I can’t believe I just said that. I have never told him I love him, and I just did, in the vintage coffee and cafe off the corner of 4th street in town. I… Just…Said…That. 

Why does that feel so good to say? I think. Is this what love feels like? How come he hasn't said anything yet? We just stare at each other. Then, his phone lights up. It's a text from Greta. Why the hell is my best friend texting my boyfriend? I didn't even know they had their numbers saved.

“Why the hell did Greta just text you?” I snatched his phone. 

The text reads, “When will you be home babe? I miss you already. I'll be waiting for you… in bed 😏😉”

What in the world. 

“What the heck, Sam!” I’m seeing red now. “Want to explain the text from GRETA!?”

He just stares at me in silence. All of a sudden, everything is a blur. Tears flood my eyes, taking away clear vision, my head starts pounding, and everything is muffled. I can’t believe this. I can’t believe I was just thinking about giving him the benefit of the doubt a few minutes ago. I can’t believe this. 

Later that week… 

The whole thing is a blur, I don’t even know when or how I found out, but a bomb was dropped, and I was heartbroken.  Some friends later informed me that while I was on vacation, my best friend and boyfriend had hooked up.  My world came crashing down.  The two best things in my life had betrayed me. 

Prom is around the corner and as much as I have absolutely zero desire to go and watch my ex-best friend and ex-boyfriend dance together; I knew I had put way too much time, money, and effort into my look. I had to show up regardless, looking better than ever. It would be a bonus if I even had a hot date, thankfully I think I have a trick up my sleeve.

I always thought that Sam's best friend was pretty hot. Talon is tall, tan, muscular, sweet, and popular but not a tool, and has never had a girlfriend, but for the right reasons. His ocean-blue eyes, covered with his sun-kissed hair and tan, smooth skin. Anyone would die to go to prom with him, thankfully when I told him what had went down, he apologized for not telling me. 

How sweet I thought. 

He explained how he was disgusted with Sam and his actions and said he didn't want to be friends with toxic people. Thankfully he agreed to go to prom with me after I assured him I didn't want to use him just for redemption. 

Once prom night came, I wanted to egg or silly string Sam’s car but Talon talked me out of it, probably for the better. It would be an understatement to say that we were by far the best-looking couple there. Everyone was staring at us, surprised that we had shown up together but showed up looking that good. Sam glared at us while Greta frowned at me. I never gave her a chance to explain herself, even though I wanted too badly, it was for the best I just dropped them both and moved on. By the end of the school year, Sam and Greta had broken up. I never found out why because I never believed the different rumors and I definitely didn't ask her myself. I am happy now. Me and Talon hang out quite a bit now but we aren't yet dating and we are both perfectly content with that. 

This isn’t a love story; it is a story about heartbreak that can happen at any age.  At the time, I was devastated, but in the end, I learned to hold my head up, determine what was worth it and what was not, and not let the actions of others destroy me. Perseverance wins!