I'm 17 now and I met the love of my life, James, when I was 16. I was on ICQ 
and he messaged me, telling me that he had seen my name on a message board 
on the net. He didn't agree with my opinions that I had posted on that 
message board so we argued about it. For the first few weeks I was annoyed 
with him. I called him a smart ass and he called me bitchy, we didn't get 
along at all!

But over the next few months, our anger subsided as we began to learn 
more and more about each other. We found out that we had a lot in common, and 
I enjoyed talking to him more than anyone else. One night when I was talking 
to James, he asked for my phone number. I gave it to him and he called 
within the next 5 minutes. I loved his voice, and he loved mine too. After 
that it was never ending compliments. I would tell James everything that was 
going on in my life. He always had great advice, since he had younger 
sisters and he always had to listen to their problems. I felt that he could 
understand, he was 3 years older than me and he would always listen and help 
me through tough times.

We would always give compliments out to each other, but mostly as 
friendly gestures. One night before I was about to get off James said "I 
love you Amber" and I knew that second it was for real. After that we grew 
much closer, our thoughts and feelings for each other grew deeper and 
deeper. I knew I wanted to meet James so bad, but I was scared because I was 
still cautious about meeting people over the net. When James went off to 
college, he called me more and more, which just made me miss him even more.

Finally, I was ready to meet him. My mom, aunt and I were going to a 
city near where he went to college for the weekend, and I told him that I 
would be at a certain hotel for the night. He told me that he didn't think 
he would be able to make it, because his friend's car was in horrible shape. 
We went to a restaurant/bar to eat a late supper and I was a bit upset 
because I figured this would be the only time I would ever get to see him 
for a while. But as we were about to leave, I noticed a guy in a white 
fullback hat sitting at the bar. It was the exact same one that James wears, 
and he had the same coat too. I was so happy, but I knew it was too late.

As we were heading to the car, my mom wanted to stop at a store right beside 
the restaurant. We walked into the store, and I veered off to the right. 
I waited until my mom and aunt were out of sight, and I ducked out of the 
store and ran back into the restaurant. I walked towards James, but he 
didn't see me. His friend did, and he smiled. I walked up behind James and 
wrapped my arms around his waist. He held my hands and asked, "Amber?" I 
held him tightly and let him turn around. He was so happy to see me and 
kissed me. It was so beautiful, he was so beautiful. I only stayed for 10 
minutes then I had to go. He softly kissed me goodbye and promised to call 
me tomorrow.

James and I have become even closer now. We talk every night, and he is 
coming back up to see me next month. I am holding out everything until I 
graduate next summer, so I can be his forever. I could never imagine being so 
happy, and I don't ever want to lose him.

"Amber"