How did you know | Teen Ink

How did you know

September 8, 2009
By liltrinhle SILVER, Raleigh, North Carolina
liltrinhle SILVER, Raleigh, North Carolina
8 articles 6 photos 37 comments

As soon as I took a seat on that Ferris-wheel, somehow you jumped right on, knowing that I needed some company that night. At first I frowned and said I wanted to be alone and I don’t ride with strangers. But then you laughed at me and took a seat anyway. We ended up talking and I was glad we rode together. How did you know that was just what I needed? When we got off the Ferris-wheel you asked if I wanted some cotton candy and I said, "Sure." We ended up eating two big ones. How did you know? How did you know that I love cotton candy?



When you got the nerve to ask me out on a date for the first time, instead of picking the traditional classic ‘dinner and a movie’, you took me on a walk around the lake and we both got to feed the ducks. That was the first time you held my hand. When your fingers touched mine, my heart beat a thousand times faster. I felt a rush running up and down my spine and chills all over my body. My hands were shaky, I think you noticed that because you smiled—that smile that you give when you know something, a secret. It took me about thirty seconds to realize I had that big stupid grin spread across my face. I remember your hands under mine and bread in the center of my palms, you whispered in my ear, “It’s alright, they won’t bite.” I giggled because I thought it tickled when the baby duck ate out of my hand. You simply shook your head and smiled at me. That smile that I have to keep on telling myself to breathe every time I see it.



I remember when I didn’t make the cast list for the play I auditioned for, you were there for me. You held me close as I cried, and you told me that everything was going to be okay, and I would get another chance soon. Then you took me out to get some ice cream. You made me get vanilla instead of chocolate because you thought I needed to try something new. After about twenty minutes of convincing, I finally gave in. I smiled and without a doubt, admitted that I loved it. You smiled, kissed my forehead, and said “I knew you would.” How did you know that? How did you always know what to do to make me smile?



That one time when I had to cancel our date two hours in advance. Something important came up and I had to babysit. I was ready for you to be mad at me—But no: You were so understanding, and it was almost unreal to me. You showed up at my doorstep with some Mac ‘n Cheese and two Disney classics, Peter Pan and The Aristocats. You wanted to help me babysit, and we watched the movies together with the kids. You didn’t mind at all. Why were you so understanding?



That Saturday, we were going home from the art museum you had taken me to. You stopped in the middle of nowhere, took my hand, and told me to follow you. We stopped at this huge apple tree, and as I reached for the apple within my reach, you stopped my hand. You climbed as high as you could and got me the apple from way up there. You told me apples that apples were within reach weren’t always good. You said apples were at the top were hard to get but it were worth it, and that they were always the best, and that I deserved the best. You were right about the apple tasting better. It was the best apple I’ve ever had. And in that apple, I realized I tasted love, and that I was in love with you. I was teary, and you laughed at me for being such a girl. Then you pulled me to your chest, lifted my chin, and kissed me.



Our first fight was over something silly. I don’t even remember what it was about. But what I do remember is that it was mostly my fault. I remember hanging up on you, slamming the door in your face, and yelling over the phone. How were you always so calm and never yelled at me? I remember crying. And when I got home, I opened the door, and the words 'I'm Sorry' were written out with candles on the floor. You came up from behind me with two boxes of cotton candy. How did you always manage to win my heart?


It was track season again, and you had to get in shape. I remember begging you to come and wake me up to go on a morning run with you. You told me that I wouldn’t be able to handle a three-mile run, but I begged and begged and did my best to convince you. Then the next morning you were at my house at 4:30 AM. I was so excited, but I complained that I had no make up on. You kissed my eyelids, messed my hair up a little, and told me I looked beautiful anyway. I was so excited, I told you that this three-mile run is no pressure and that was sure I could keep up with your all-star, long-distance running legs. But then to my disappointment, after one mile I was so out of breath. You laughed, and we found a bench. I sat and waited for you to finish the rest of your run. After that, I refused to go running with you, but sometimes you convinced me to walk with you the first mile, and that I was always willing to do.



But you’re not here anymore. I heard somewhere that sometimes when something too painful happens, we force ourselves to forget and trick ourselves into believing it never happened. I guess whoever said that was right, because I don’t even remember what happened. The only thing I can recall was riding in the ambulance holding your hand and… and everything else was a blur. I’m sorry that sometimes I could be a real pain and that I hurt you¬—I didn’t mean to. You were the best thing that ever happened to me. Every day I spent with you was my new favorite day. You taught me love. You believed in me when no one else did. You had faith in me when I didn’t even have faith in myself. I can still hear your soft whisper ringing in my ear, “Don’t be afraid to dream, and live. You have a big heart that will take you further than the Himalayas.” How did you know that? We have so many memories, and I promise I’ll never forget them. You are a part of me now. I love you, always and forever. Rest in peace my angel.


The author's comments:
This is a new style I'm trying out. I usually write with lots of conversations and names, but I decided to do something new and focus more on details and imagery. I hope you guys like it! Please rate and comment and tell me what you think!!

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This article has 405 comments.


on May. 13 2022 at 2:29 pm
TessaDreamAuthor_3000 PLATINUM, Tomball, Texas
37 articles 2 photos 147 comments

Favorite Quote:
"The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain." - Dolly Parton
" Balance your life with spiritual experiences that remind and prepare you for continued, daily ministering to others." - M. Russell Ballard
"Love is expressed in a smile, a wave, a kind comment, a compliment." - Thomas S. Monson

Wow. Right in the heart. That hurt...

cmariej GOLD said...
on Apr. 18 2021 at 3:01 pm
cmariej GOLD, Buckeystown, Maryland
13 articles 7 photos 19 comments

Favorite Quote:
"Even darkness must pass, anew day will come and and when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer."
J.R.R Tolkien

That is beautiful

on Oct. 8 2018 at 3:33 pm
Dani_Higareda PLATINUM, Hanahan, South Carolina
20 articles 0 photos 109 comments

Favorite Quote:
“People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day.”
- Winnie the Pooh

Your story made me cry. It's so powerful and mesmerizing. I love everything about it!

DJAlyss GOLD said...
on Oct. 8 2018 at 2:02 pm
DJAlyss GOLD, El,paso, Texas
12 articles 1 photo 25 comments

Favorite Quote:
Practice doesn't make perfect,
Practice makes Permanent

dang, right in the heart

on Oct. 8 2018 at 10:22 am
Hermione-Granger BRONZE, Bethel Park, Pennsylvania
4 articles 0 photos 198 comments
Oh my gosh I love this so much!!!!

on Oct. 20 2016 at 12:25 pm
HeartOfTheMoon SILVER, Sudbury, Ontario
9 articles 0 photos 4 comments
Years later and it's still one of my favourite!

on Sep. 18 2016 at 4:09 pm
BookloverForever, Mena , Arkansas
0 articles 0 photos 7 comments
How did he die?

on Sep. 18 2016 at 4:08 pm
BookloverForever, Mena , Arkansas
0 articles 0 photos 7 comments
That was so sad, but beautiful. Beautiful writing, a talented story.

on Apr. 1 2016 at 6:08 pm
Aaliyah02 SILVER, Pflugervile, Texas
6 articles 0 photos 33 comments

Favorite Quote:
" If you can dream it, you can do it"

OM Wow I can't believe I just read that! What happened to him? I have to know!

on Aug. 24 2013 at 6:15 pm
love.writing BRONZE, St. Clair Shores, Michigan
4 articles 0 photos 37 comments
Oh my god!  That's awful how he died!  Don't take that the wrong way because I loved it but it was so sad.  One of my favorite pieces!!! :)

on May. 8 2013 at 1:32 pm
yourlove-mywings SILVER, Yuma, Arizona
7 articles 0 photos 36 comments

Favorite Quote:
"Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.” Luke 17:3-4

Oh my goodness!!! that was so amazing!!! now i'm totally gonna day dream up some guy like that!!! I absolutely loved it... i wanted to cry at the end, but i didn't!!! i love it!!! write more!!!!!!!!!! please??!!

Mrs.Malik said...
on Oct. 23 2012 at 8:41 pm
 You made me cry :'( lol! it was like the best romance story ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

elites5 SILVER said...
on Oct. 19 2012 at 1:48 am
elites5 SILVER, Langley, Other
9 articles 0 photos 23 comments
This is so good and super sad. I hope it's not a true story. :( Can u check out some of my work? :)

on Oct. 13 2012 at 12:12 pm
PatientSoul BRONZE, A Place, California
4 articles 0 photos 12 comments

Favorite Quote:
"We accept the love we think we deserve."

One of the best writings I've seen in a while. I almost teared up at the end. Keep writing, you have a gift.

on Sep. 27 2012 at 3:42 pm
KittyKaat SILVER, Wellesley, Massachusetts
6 articles 1 photo 5 comments

Favorite Quote:
"Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless." -Mother Teresa

This is amazing, and so sincere. good job!

on Sep. 27 2012 at 10:31 am
Horus-Lupercal PLATINUM, Bartlesville, Oklahoma
26 articles 0 photos 16 comments

Favorite Quote:
I reject your reality, and substitute my own. (Adam Savage)

I love this. The depth and simplicity of it moved me. Please keep writing

on Jul. 23 2012 at 6:48 am
Purplejag2012, Pullman, Washington
0 articles 0 photos 1 comment
This is such a good, sad, and a happy story. It made me cry and happy all at once. I love it. Keep up the great work ;)

on Jul. 19 2012 at 12:05 pm
kindlegirl GOLD, Iberia, Missouri
10 articles 0 photos 23 comments

Favorite Quote:
signing off as usual kindlegirl

 I never heard of such a good story that made me cry. Keep writing because this is a sad, sad story that is so good. I wish I could find love like this. Only if it were possible, I would be that girl.

on Jun. 27 2012 at 6:17 pm
lovelywriter97, Sanford, Florida
0 articles 0 photos 4 comments
im crying so bad right now i love it

on Jun. 9 2012 at 7:29 pm
TMarie42 SILVER, Orland, California
7 articles 0 photos 26 comments

Favorite Quote:
Pulvis et umbra sumus.

That was so beautiful, I wanted to cry. Great work.