The Steadiest I met her at a tournament far from home. Before that weekend, I didn't know her as anything other than in the context of my captain's brother's friend, but after an evening talking to her around a campfire on a beach, I knew we would soon create our own context.

A month later, after many letters back and forth - electronic and otherwise - we found ourselves in each other's presence once again. A thousand kilometers apart, we met somewhere in-between, and together we shared an amazing and memorable weekend.

We started the day next to each other, waking to the sound of birds chirping outside our tent. After lunch, we explored the majestic mountain scenery by horseback, until our bodies were too sore to venture any further. We stopped for a quick picnic and then we were sitting close to each other in the hot springs, laughing and holding each other at the envy of all the other guests. They must have thought we were lovers from years ago; and yet it was only our first date. Back at our campsite that evening, she made me dinner and I serenaded her with my guitar, and finally the day ended the same way it had began, next to each other in our tent.

We held each other a lot throughout those short days and when we both knew it would be our last, it was hard to let go. I remember looking into her eyes, so entranced and certain, and asking her if she would go steady with me, even despite of how far apart we were.

She looked at me and asked, "If I go steady with you, will you go steady with me?"

My heart skipped. And I said:

"The steadiest."  ¶ 4:06 PM