Brandi graduated from high school in May 2005.

Love Stings

By Brandi, 19
"By Girls, For Girls" National Advisory Committee member

The last time you heard from me ('Love Surprise'), Geren and I were starting to spend time together. But by January (2005) we began a whirlwind romance.

I managed to fall in love in something like 18 days! He called me "Honeybee," because most of the time I'm a sweet, innocent girl, but sometimes my words sting. During this time, I was always thinking about him or talking to him. I couldn't imagine my life without him.

Cupid's Crash

On Valentine's Day, my heart broke when Geren said, "We aren't going to be together when you leave for school in the fall." At that moment, my heart stopped. My leaving for school in the fall was a heated discussion in January—I had been accepted to several schools and decided on a college close to home. Seeing Geren every weekend wouldn't be a problem so I was shocked by his announcement.

At first, I was content with settling for less than what I wanted and deserved. I asked Geren questions and tried to understand, but never got any direct answers. The phone calls stopped, the sparkle in his eyes disappeared, our conversations no longer existed, and my trust in him was shattered. By March, my tolerance level for unhappiness reached its highest capacity.

March Madness

I'll never forget March 1. I tried to tell him I wouldn't accept his decision—but I never found the words to tell him to his face. I called him that night. Somehow, I managed not to cry. In a 20-minute phone conversation, I lost a love, prom date, and friend. Geren didn't speak to me for 21 days.

Geren and I attended a student leadership retreat at the end of March. I was determined not to become angry or bitter. On the last day of the retreat, Geren finally stopped acting like I wasn't there. My heart smiled when he gave me a hug that lasted for about 10 minutes. We promised each other that our communication and friendship would improve…but it never did. When you love someone, you realize that you can't be "just friends."

Prom Moment of Courage

During the senior tribute, I was presented with a red rose. Right before I left the building, I went up to Geren and gave my rose to his date, Cameron. The smile on Cameron's face when she looked at Geren in amazement after my act of courage was priceless.

Graduation marked the end of pining over Geren. Now, I live 65 miles away from home. A few weeks ago, I heard that Geren and Cameron are still going strong. My heart still aches but I won't allow this heartache to crush my spirit. Someday I'll get my fairy tale but for right now, I'm just a "Honeybee."