Mike was persistent with me, for reasons I could not figure out. Up to this day, I don't know what he saw in me. He was my exact opposite, and for that reason I feared that any serious relationship would mess up whatever friendship we had. Two out of three times, I refused to move on to that step. I had anxieties over it. But Mike never did worry. He knew it was going to work - and I don't know what made him so sure of that. The third time (which proved to be the right time), he made a lot of effort. We had Simbang Gabi (pre-Christmas dawn masses) that time, and he drove to my house every day at 4am just to hear mass with me. I began to see Mike in a different light, and after Christmas, on the 27th, I gave it a try. Mike was ecstatic. I was not ready for his reaction. We were in his old Mitsubishi Colt, and he couldn't stop kissing my hand and saying "Thank You." I wanted to say, "For what?", I was really overwhelmed by his affection. Even in saying "Yes", I still had concerns about it working, but as sure as Mike was with his convictions, he assured me in a few days I made the right decision. It was the best 7 years I had, being with him. We learned to get used to each other's sensibilities, but somehow, the relationship thrived. Mike was my first boyfriend, and never set out to disappoint me. So even before we married, I was already so happy. He helped me discover things about myself. Mike's like that - he tends to bring out the best in anyone. So, this underweight, lost teenager gained weight, learned how to dress better, and learned how to stand up for herself, thanks to Mike. Being with him was always fun. Mike was the best companion I ever had during those years.