10. The first time I learned about Edward's illness was when he asked if I would be his date for a Christmas fundraiser. We had dated a few more times, but still hadn't got much further than hugs and holding hands. It was clear we were both interested in seeing more of each other, in all kinds of ways. However, despite his tendency to grab opportunities with both hands, he was very much in control, and apparently determined to take things one step at a time. I was already smitten, although I wouldn't have admitted it at the time.
I was pretty excited that he had asked me, so I agreed to go to the event, and belatedly asked him what it was raising money for. He told me about a rare genetic disorder that attacks muscles. He said that it lays dormant, strikes suddenly and kills rapidly, with most sufferers dying in their teens. I'd never heard of it, but it sounded like a good cause. I asked if there was a minimum donation, if we needed to buy a place at a table. He told me we wouldn't be there as donors, as he was a special guest of the charity.
I didn't understand at all. He had to spell it out. He told me that he had this disorder. He was one of the few that had survived childhood. The only reason he knew he had it was because he'd had a sister who died, so he had been tested. I didn't process it at all. He was standing there in front of me, looking healthy and gorgeous. I just nodded, and said okay, and I was sorry about his sister, and started talking about where to rent a tux.