Four years ago, I moved in to an apartment with my friends Laura and Raquel. Laura and I had a very good reason for choosing this apartment: We thought the leasing agent was hot.

Laura quickly became friends with the neighbors. I kept hearing about how much fun these people were, especially a few boys from Baldwin City, Kan., who lived across the hall. She told me how they were always offering her food and that they had strung a hammock across the fireplace in their living room. I wasn’t so sure about these boys. They seemed nice enough, but I was more interested in keeping to myself. I was never a social butterfly,  and the idea of meeting new people, especially guys, freaked me out.

The boys’ apartment was also constantly filled. A group of six or seven guys could usually be found hanging out in that apartment. I could never figure out who exactly lived there and what their names were, so I started calling all of them the Baldwin boys.

Then one day, Laura told me about a party the boys were going to at a lake. I was prepared for a night in. After I was promised a paddleboat ride, I gave in and followed Laura across that hall. It was one of the best decisions I ever made.

These boys were entertaining. Friday nights were spent partying with the boys of apartment 310. They played great music, always had a drinking game going and could make me laugh harder than anyone ever could. One party even turned into a dance party. Furniture was moved and we spent hours dancing and body surfing in our small apartment. They were crazy and immature, two things that made me feel like I finally had a place to belong.

During the days, you could always find a Baldwin boy to watch hours of TV, play a game of basketball or take a trip to the store with. I had never felt so comfortable with a group of guys before. It was refreshing.

But the best thing about following Laura across that hall was the chance to watch my best friend fall in love. Having a front row seat to the love story of Laura and Ben has been amazing. From the start, I just knew it was a perfect match. You could always find them cuddling on the couch, teasing each other about silly things or dancing together on Friday nights. Their love was inspiring. Plus, they were both a blast to be around.

Four years after I took that short walk across the hall, I stood at the altar watching Laura and Ben exchange vows. There is nothing better than seeing someone you love so incredibly happy. On the other side of the altar, those boys I had been so reluctant to befriend stood, supporting our friends.

I feel very blessed to have Laura in my life, and I was honored to be a part of her wedding day. And though it took me a while to warm up to the boys across the hall, I can’t imagine life without them.

One Response to “Baldwin boys”

1. DeMo Says:
   November 10th, 2009 at 9:58 am

   That’s so fun! It’s nice to be able to have a reward for stepping out of your comfort zone! I had something similar in college with 3 guy friends right next door to me and my roomies.

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