I was kind of an addict at first, spending most of my free time on the web. I had my share of Internet boyfriends, But I am not here today to tell you about them, I'm here to tell you about my best friend Chris. I met Chris in a MTV chat room on AOL back in 1997.

I've been talking to him ever since. A thought came to me back then that I was attracted to him. But I forgot about it, thinking, he is a good online friend, and he lives in Michigan, (I live in California) the only time I'd ever get to meet him is if I invited him to my wedding, if and when I ever got married.

I don't remember exactly what we were talking about that day we met, but I do know we "clicked". "He has such a sweet spirit", I thought. Throughout these past few years we've kept in contact with each other through e-mail and instant messages. Mostly we talked about everyday "nothings", nothings that mattered a lot to me. Like what was going on in our lives. We've seen each other go through a lot. Especially relationships. I guess over the years I started having feelings for him. Deep down inside somewhere, I was developing these strong feelings for him, that I wasn't aware of until recently.

Whenever I talked about him to my friends, mother, anybody, my whole face brightened up. It was obvious to them that I liked him. I just didn't know it yet. A few months ago I broke up with my last boyfriend. Chris had been single for some time also. So I started liking him even more. One day in January, Chris left me a message saying he had something important to tell me. I got back from class (I'm a college student), and he told me he was moving to California! At first I was shocked. Then I immediately got excited thinking, oh I'm going to have so much fun with him when he gets here! He decided that he wanted to move to my area, so I will get to see him often when he gets here! That's right, he's not here yet. He'll be moving here in a few months though. Although I have not met him in person yet, we are planning to see each other soon. I'm planning on flying to Michigan to see him, before he moves here.

Also this past January was the time when I first heard his voice on the telephone. It's strange, after 3 years of knowing each other in the online environment, we finally talked on the phone! I was so nervous! Hearing his voice for the first time was awkward at first, then I got used to his voice the more times I heard it, and fell madly in love with his voice and him.

Chris has been hurt a lot in his past relationships. I seriously don't know how girls could treat him like they do. He is the sweetest creature that I've ever met! He is the kind of person that can always cheer you up when you're down. The kind of person online that always gives you <hugs> to brighten your day. Since he's announced that he was coming to CA, I've dropped hints to him that I liked him. Of course he said he could already tell. The scariest thing was I wasn't scared to tell him how much I feel about him. Although I was really, really scared to know his reaction to my deep feelings for him. I'm a dense person. I'd never imagine in the world that he'd have the same feelings for me too! I was joking with him once, saying, "Maybe you shouldn't come to CA" then he said, "Why not?", then I said, "Because I'd fall for you", then he said, "Well, what makes you think that I wouldn't fall for you too?" I was so surprised when he said this. It was when I first realized that I had a chance with him.

Chris later told me that he had liked me too for a very long time, but didn't do or say anything because of "geographical reasons". I was shocked when he said this, because I felt the same way. This past month we have been acting as if we are "going out" with each other. However he is waiting to ask me out in person first. As soon as he gets some extra money , I'm going to see him for the weekend.

( a few weeks later)

Well in about an hour I'm heading home from school. I'm going to fly to Michigan to see Chris tomorrow! I'm so nervous, but it'll be worth it! Details to follow.

"Karri"

>> Continued in Part Two