Hey Rachel,
Each year on your Birthday, I always post a collage of pictures captioned with a long BS message. Of course, I am going to post some BS later on Instagram and Facebook, but this year I plan on doing something different; I am going to write a letter to you on here, so my readers and you will both learn the truth as to how I really feel about you, Rachel. Happy birthday Rachel!
So Rachel, today is the day that you turned 22 and I am 19. I can't believe you and I have known each other for 19 years. I remember hearing stories about your reactions to the first time you saw me, after I came home from the hospital. You asked, "What's that marker on her face?" Rachel the red "marker" on my left cheek is called a birthmark. I get that you were only three, but the my left cheek did not look like a cherry scented marker. No wonder why I bit your butt on Hanukkah, you judged me for my appearance and the revenge indeed tasted sweet!
Throughout our early childhood, we survived some bumpy roads together, like you throwing up on me a few times, me biting you on other holidays, and some fun times like us performing in plays together. However, I feel as though that once I started middle school, the same time that you began high school, which was the first time you and I were ever attending the same school simultaneously, you and I began to grow closer. It was comforting knowing that my big sister was always a building over, so the transition from public to private school felt less scary for me.
When I started high school, we both gained the greatest opportunity to see each other even more, as I was cast in your last play and musical at MBS. It was fun to be able to spend that time with you during rehearsals and performances and you were always there to give me advice. I feel lucky to be able to follow in your footsteps on and off the stage. You were my favorite senior then and you are my favorite senior now.
It was weird to watch you graduate from MBS, after attending the same school as each other for four years. MBS felt empty and different without me running into you during the school day. Three years later, I graduated from high school too. Life as we knew it was changing... eh not really, because surprise surprise I decided to enroll into Muhlenberg College, just like you! In fact, this was my graduation present to you; the opportunity to have my joyful presence during your senior year of college. No need to thank me because you are more than welcome dear.
We both know that you did not want me, but Rachel I wanted you, I needed you, I want to be you, I am you. No actually, I honestly did not come here for you at all, despite the fact that it has been helpful to have my big sister on the same campus as me, during my first year of college. I decided to go to Muhlenberg because I felt that it was a good fit for me and the fact that they have awesome food! Although, you find me annoying, especially when I hug you and kiss your right or left cheek, but you and I both know that way deep down inside, maybe towards your large intestine, you love the way I greet you.
I am grateful for the occasional frozen yogurt, mall, and Target outings. Without you, I would suffer from cabin...I mean campus fever.
I admire your ambition and your determination, to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. In a way you and I have chosen similar careers, in the sense that it is hard to be successful as a writer and an actress. Your determination has inspired me to never give up even through what seems to be endless rejection.
Rachel, I hope you have a great day. Enjoy it, because you're getting older now. I hope you have a great day and you better hide from me, because if I see you I am going to jump on your back and give you the biggest hug and wettest kiss ever! I love you and have a fabulous birthday!!
Love,
Your little sister,
Arielle Shayna Moss
