The rest of my first weekend in Seattle was uneventful, merely skyping with my Dad who unfortunately got held back at base in Washington D.C. and wouldn’t be back home with us, until all the loose ends were tied up at HQ, then he would be moved to his office as a recruitment officer, here in Seattle. But D.C. isn’t Afghanistan, he’s safely inside the confines of the country – unfortunately the same cannot be said for Tim.

Monday morning came around swiftly and before I knew it I was sitting in first period, completely fading out the dull drone of my Chemistry teacher. Instead I focused most of my attention on amber leaves skimming the surface of the quad in the blustery fall wind. It reminded me of Callie’s hair rustling in the wind. It was strange that I couldn’t get her out of my head, in fact it was borderline creepy, because I was convinced that she was straight and we’d only had a few hours of conversation, that should not entail 2 days of non-stop thinking about this girl. I seriously had to snap out of this shit. Fast.

My caffeine deprived brain only dimly registered someone occupying the seat next to me but I didn’t look up, it wasn’t like I was going to know who they were, being the new girl and all. Apparently I was wrong. Before I could comprehend what was happening, warm lips were whispering against the flesh of my ear and a new, but familiar silky smooth voice was filtering through every inch of my tired brain and bringing about some sort of avid mental awakening.

My head snapped around to find a beaming Callie Torres very close to my face, causing my breath to hitch in the back of my throat, my heart thump unceremoniously and my pale dimpled cheeks to flush bright red.

”H-H- Hey”. I managed to stammer out. I swear when it came to socially awkward, in high school I would have won first place. At least when I was around Callie.

”Hey. You don’t mind if I sit here, right? I mean, we’re friends and, to be honest I don’t really like anyone else in this class.” She was rambling. I found it cute.

No one can pinpoint the moment their life changes, whether for better or worse. The truth is, change doesn’t just occur all at once, it happens through a collection of minute moments that we don’t pay any attention to. Sometimes we make significant life changing things happen without even realizing. In something as simple as connecting with a new person, who turns out to be your soul-mate.

In retrospect, meeting her changed my life in ways I wouldn’t have been able to comprehend, thinking about it always reminds me of that John Lennon song, you know the one where he says, ””Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” I wouldn’t be the person I am today if she hadn’t influenced me in the ways she has, supported me so whole-heartedly that thinking about it makes my heart thump out of it’s pre-determined rhythm whilst I write this.

It was a Friday, the night I met her I mean. I should tell you the ’her’ I keep referring to is the woman I am lucky enough to call my wife. Of course if you want specifics I also happen to be a woman. Think of it what you will it doesn’t really matter to me. If you ask me who I am, I never answer ’lesbian’. I am ambitious, driven, protective, independent and focused, but I refuse to be defined by my sexuality. Labels are stupid. Anyways, Calliope – that’s her name, meaning ”beautiful voiced” (very accurate)- is who I have the privilege to call mine. The journey we have ventured on, from late adolescence to present day, shaped me and every day she makes me a better person. If I had to describe to you what a soul-mate is, I guess that about sums it up.

She’s beautiful. No, she’s breathtaking. Breathtakingly stunning. Calliope Torres is the epitome of womanhood. She oozes confidence and breathes sexiness. Her personality matches her appearance, and she can enrapture a room in her casual conversations. Her ability to take the most mundane subject matter, and add her unique charm, intrigues even the most unsociable of people to talk with her. Her voice is sultry and inviting, her skin glows and her eyes reveal the depths of her flawless soul. Calliope Torres is one of a kind. And she’s mine. Not in that controlling, over-bearing way. Just that her heart belongs to me as mine belongs to her.