The Sophomore (College Years 2)

I saw you

And now we’re together, we’re so much in love, you always know

I see you

I see you

The crowd in front of the stage is swaying back and forth, singing along. I start playing with them, not saying the words but they always scream them back to me, loud and clear.

I see you

I see you

I finish the song, overwhelmed with emotion, which is my usual state lately. I feel like a giant baby, which is not normal. But I’m embracing it, because fuck, I’m feeling everything, and it’s so damn good. I didn’t know my life could be like this, and it’s all thanks to my girl.

My Ellie.

She changed me in so many ways. I was running away from my feelings because they scared me. Ellie made me see that. A relationship doesn’t destroy you. If you’re in the right one, with someone you love and who supports you, it lifts you up.

It makes you a better person.

That’s what Ellie has done for me.

I start to wrap up the song and I glance her way, waving my hand toward her, beckoning her onstage. Her eyes go wide and she shakes her head, but I keep waving at her, mouthing to her come here.

She walks on stage, slowly approaching me, looking so incredibly nervous. But she’s got nothing to fear. The crowd starts screaming. Some of them say her name, which startles her. Of course, they know who she is. We’re a package deal.

The moment she’s close, I launch into a repeat of the chorus, wanting to say the words directly to her. Wanting everyone to see how much this girl means to me.

How much I love her.

“And now we’re together, we’re so much in love, and you always know. I see you,” I tell her, not even si

nging anymore. I stop playing the guitar, too caught up in the shine of unshed tears in her eyes. “I see you. I love you, baby.”

Swear to God, a collective sigh rises from the crowd.

Just as I end the song for good.

And kiss her.