It's such a nice day today. The sun is shining for the first time in awhile and there's not a cloud in sight. I always really liked the cold, but nothing compares to the nice warmth of the sun and the even nicer warmth of Annabel's hand in mine.

We've been on this walk for awhile and normally I'd have a complaint about how much my feet hurt or how hot it is outside, but when I'm with Annabel, nothing else seems to matter. She holds all my focus with that beaming smile of hers.

"It's such a nice day outside!" she expressed as we walked

"Definitely, it's a nice change from all the cold weather and snow on campus." I agreed. The town near campus was close enough that it wasn't too tiring of a walk, but it was also far enough that it felt like a nice escape.

The sidewalks were lined with other couples all holding hands. It felt good to finally be able to consider myself amongst their ranks. After my last relationship went sour I hated everyone who was happy and in a relationship. It's weird to think of how majorly things can change in a few months.

"All this nature makes me wish I could have the biggest garden in the whole world!" Annabel exclaimed smiling again.

She sure was positive and bubbly today. The nice weather and being around nature seems to bring that positive attitude and energy out in her and I can't blame her. Taking in the fresh air and stopping to smell the flowers could even make someone as negative as Zach crack a smile.

"One day we'll get you the biggest garden on any college campus in the US." I said

She stopped us walking and looked directly into my eyes. Her bright green eyes met mine as her lips parted, "You promise?"

How could I say no to a face like that.

"Of course! We'll both take care of the garden and it will grow and grow until there is no way that anyone on campus can ignore its beauty!" I replied.

"I'll be waiting for that day." she said as she let go of my hand and skipped on ahead.

She definitely is more energetic than usual, but I love it.

We continued to walk until we finally came across a nice bench similar to the one in the garden back on campus. As we rested our legs I spotted an ice cream vendor just across the street.

"Can we please get some ice cream? It sounds delicious right now." Annabel and I must have spotted the cart at the same time.

"Sure, my treat." I said smiling as I took her tightly by the hand and lifted her off the bench.

There were so many flavors in that little cart that I could hardly believe it. Being so indecisive has its downfalls some times but I don't think Annabel minded waiting as I finally decided on just plain old vanilla. We headed back across the street to the bench and sat down as we licked at our scoops of ice cream.

"Would you like to try some of mine?" Annabel asked holding out her ice cream just in reach of my tongue.

I quickly took a small lick. "Strawberry?" I guessed licking my lips clean of the flavor.

"It's my favorite! Sometimes it's hard to find. I'm just glad they actually had it." She said smiling in between licks of her ice cream.

"Do you love everything that is red?" I said. She was always wearing something red whether it was her rose earrings or the rose on her sweater. It's a small, almost meaningless thing, but I realized I never asked what her favorite color was.

"Red is my favorite color, silly! I told you that already." She said giving me a light, playful shove with her free hand.

"Oh right, of course. Annabel the red queen!" I said jokingly pushing her back.

"Off with their heads!" She playfully shouted back.

We drew quite a bit of attention from the other couples with our laughing, but neither of us seemed to care. I am perfectly content with people staring at us, it's not a crime to enjoy a beautiful day with a beautiful girl.

After we had calmed down a bit and our ice cream was finished, we spent a little longer on the bench watching the sunset over the city.

If Annabel really does love red so much this must truly be a sight for her. The sun colored all the buildings and trees with a nice coat of reddish orange as it began to set for the day. It was beautiful to see the change from day to night. Just like the sky, I too have changed.

Looking back on things, I realized I'm definitely not the same Mason I used to be. The old Mason was a slacker, a good for nothing who's outlook on life were about as optimistic and promising as his future. The old Mason couldn't hardly talk to girls let alone eat ice cream with them or hold their hand without losing his cool. The new Mason could do all those things and more.

The old Mason is gone and in his place stands a new, better me. I have drive now in life. I have something to strive for, something to get me out of bed everyday for, something that gives my life meaning. I know that I may be wrapped up too much in this young love, but I don't care.

I love my life and I owe it all to the girl on the bench next to me holding my hand as we watch the sunset.