The Thing called Love

Laura walked slowly through the darkness. It was a warm night in February and it was her 16th birthday. Next to her was Almanzo. After they had shared their first kiss and danced the whole evening, they were now strolling together through the night. It was Almanzo's idea to take a little walk.

When they arrived at the tree that was surrounded by benches, they both sat down for a little while. Laura was happy, really happy. Finally, her most important dream had come true. Almanzo had kissed her, and he was now looking at her in a way he had never done before. They weren't just friends anymore, they were in love with each other. Laura's heart was full of joy, but deep inside her she also felt a bit uncomfortable.

In the past Laura had never had a problem to start a conversation with Almanzo. They had met in town almost every day, and they had always talked to each other. Telling him stories had been easy. Listening to his stories had been interesting. Laughing together had brightened her days. But today was different. Something changed. Almanzo was awfully quiet and Laura also didn't know what to say.

Suddenly she felt his hand grabbing hers. When she turned her head to look at him, she noticed that he was already looking at her. Even in the darkness she could see his sparkling blue eyes. Almanzo smiled at Laura and caressed her cheek. Gently he pulled her closer and kissed her again. This time they kissed each other with much more passion and the butterflies in Laura's stomach started fluttering again.

After they had parted, they both still didn't know what to say.

"The sky is really beautiful tonight," Almanzo tried to break the silence.

"Yes," Laura answered.

"But it's also a bit cold. I think we should better go inside again," he said.

"Yes," she replied quickly.

Laura and Almanzo stood up and together they walked slowly towards the restaurant. He was still holding her hand.

"Beth, would you like to go for a buggy ride with me tomorrow?" he asked her suddenly.

"I'd love to," Laura answered eagerly, "but at first we have to ask my Pa for permission."

When the couple arrived at the porch of the restaurant, Charles stepped out of the door. It seemed that he was already looking for Laura. His face lit up the moment he noticed his daughter.

"It's getting late, Half-Pint. We wanna go home," Charles said.

Laura looked at Almanzo. She could see that he was nervous, and she could understand him.

"Mr. Ingalls," Almanzo started. "Laura and I would like to go for a buggy ride tomorrow, if it's alright with you."

Charles' smile faded away immediately. "Remember, you have chores to do," he said to Laura, hoping she would stay at home tomorrow. Seeing his daughter in Almanzo Wilder's arms was strange to him, and he had no idea how to get used to this new situation.

"She can do them in the morning, Charles." Caroline stepped out of the door and smiled.

"Just for an hour or two in the afternoon," Almanzo added to resolve Charles' doubts.

"Alright," Charles gave in. "If the weather is as fine as today, you two can go."

"Thanks, Pa," Laura said with a big smile on her face.

"Thank you, Mr. Ingalls," Almanzo answered politely.

While the Ingalls started their way to the wagon, Laura used the moment to say good bye to her beloved Almanzo. He pulled her close into his arms and placed a soft kiss on her forehead.

"Goodnight, Beth," he said lovingly.

"Goodnight, Manly," she replied before she turned around and followed her family.

When Laura went to bed this night, she couldn't sleep. She was too excited about the changes in her life. Sometimes it all felt like a dream. Not long ago she had run to school every morning, her braids flying around, and all she could expect from Almanzo was a little talk after school. Now she was a teacher and Almanzo was in love with her. Laura relived the whole evening in her mind over and over again. She was so happy, but she had to admit to herself that she was also scared. She had never thought much about the difference in their ages, but now she was wondering if she was Almanzo's first love. The thought of other women frightened her.

Being in love was new to Laura and somehow it seemed to be complicated. She was really looking forward to see Almanzo the next day, but she was also afraid she might say or do something wrong. They hadn't talked much since they were in love with each other, but Laura didn't want to be quiet again. She didn't want to disappoint or bore him.

Laura sighed deeply and tossed and turned in her bed for a long time before she finally fell asleep.

At the same time a sleepless Almanzo was lying in his bed and staring at the ceiling. He had a smile on his face and all he could do was thinking about Laura. Sometimes he couldn't believe what had happened to him. He knew that had been hooked on Laura since that day she had called him "Manly", but after Mr. Ingalls had punched him back then, he had pushed the thought, that there could ever be more than just friendship between him and her, far away. Laura had been a nice little friend to him. Nothing more than a friend. But last week, when he had touched her hand and met her eyes, something had changed. Suddenly there was a new feeling. A feeling he had never felt before. Love. He loved Laura.

Almanzo was glad that Laura had accepted his excuse. Dancing with her was wonderful. Kissing her was the sweetest thing he had ever done, but deep inside him, he felt also insecure. He was almost 26 years old now, but he had never been in love before. Almanzo was inexperienced with women, and he had no idea how to act or what to expect. He was afraid it could be over between Laura and him before it even began.

Almanzo tried to stop worrying, but he was awake half the night before he drifted off to sleep.