Their own pace

Well, actually that is part of the reason we invited you guys out here today. Sophia and I are moving in together before the end of the week. We plan on getting married after next year and we want to spend as much time as we can before we do. Considering that we are in different schools and we are both quite active after school, we don't get to see each other too much during the week, this way we still get to see each other every day. We organized this dinner party together to announce us moving in."

The entire party turned silent. They let the words they had just heard sink in. One bomb after another got dropped this evening. Luckily, they were bombs of good news, but still it was a huge piece of news that needed some processing. Without any actual words being used, the group split up into two groups in a natural course after the initial words of congratulations. With the boys heading outside with their drinks and the girls staying in the living room huddled together on the large sofa, they discussed these new changes of events among each other.

After regrouping Jenny was the first to ask Sophia a question, "Boy, that is some news Sophia. It must be so exciting. Where are you guys going to live?" Sophia didn't need long to reply and instantly said, "Our house has already been prepared by our parents and we get the key the day after tomorrow. It is a cute three bedroom apartment near the University Georgie plans on going and the college I plan to attend. It's a little further for us both to school right now, but we fell in love with it from the moment we saw it and this way we don't have to get used to a new place when we graduate along with getting used to a new school environment."

Over on the other side of the glass doors, Harry was still quite shocked by their revelation, "Wow man, I still can't believe you are moving in together tomorrow. That is so soon. I know you guys have been together the longest, but you are still in high school. It seems like everyone and everything is getting serious real fast. When did everyone decide to think about what to do after graduation before we even start our senior year?" The guys couldn't help but laugh at the words he had blurted out. "Are you trying to tell us you haven't thought about it at all? You surely have some things figured out right?" "Of course I have thought about what University I want to go to and what I want to study, but that is about it. If I look at Julia and me, I can say that we are doing fine and we are in a good place right now, but I don't think we are ready for things like moving in or marriage yet. We are committed and I know that this is the girl I will marry, but I am afraid that once moving in and marriage comes along, kids aren't too far off. And I am certain that I am not ready for that yet! I want to finish my studies and gain some experience at work first and Julia has plans for herself as well."

"Yeah, I was a bit nervous at first as well, but we had seen this house a long time ago during one of our dates and we were convinced that was going to be the house we would live together in as our first house. So, when Sophia's father told us that the house had come on the market, it felt like a sign man. We went for a look that very day and when the realtor, who is a friend of Sophia's dad, asked us if we still liked it, he told us that our parents had bought the place for us already as an early betrothal gift. Considering that our marriage is only a year away, it only made sense that we tried to see each other more than once or twice a week. With our schedules being the way they are, this was the only way and it seemed like a natural step for us." "Yeah, I guess. I just started feeling a bit of pressure with all of these announcements left and right. I am happy Julia feels the same way about these things. We plan on moving in together during our second or third year of Uni and get married after living together for a year or so. Let's hope she doesn't change her mind after seeing how fast you guys are moving." The three guys chuckled at the clear worry in his eyes.

Nick raised his glass and said, "Hey, I am happy for you guys. Everyone moves at their own pace. If you think about it, in certain terms we all have moved a lot faster than regular people in our relationships. Who outside this world gets engaged in their teens. All I can say now is that I will be waiting for your housewarming invitation." Harry and Jason raised their glasses as well and George clinked his glass against theirs as he thanked them for their well wishes. "Who knows Georgie, we might have a double wedding!" Nick jokingly said as he put his arm around George's shoulder. "Liz might kill you before it comes to that." Jason said, with a chuckle. "Never mind Liz, if you propose that, Sophia herself might beat her to it." Harry chimed. George's face turned pale as he imagined Sophia's actions if he would even propose the idea of a double wedding. Even as a joke. " Yeah, Sophia is a kind woman, but when it comes to certain things, it is best to stay out of her way. For our wedding my only job is to show up on time. Other than that, I lay low and wait for that war to be over." Another laughter erupted as they imagined the cute looking Sophia in her battle gear, like their very own bridezilla!