I grew up with fairytales. I loved the stereotypical romances and child-like splendor. I remembered reading Peter Pan and marveling at Wendy's secret kiss. I was too young to realized the symbolism. I just assumed he was writing about a dimple.

I soon realized what he meant by "secret kiss", but it wasn't until I was a Junior in high school and chose to reread the story. Until then, every tie I saw anyone with dimples, I thought back to Peter Pan jealous because I didn't have a "hidden kiss."

But he did. It would make an appearance when he grinned or when he gave me his crooked smile; where the life side of his mouth would life up and his eyes would soften. I was a goner every time he gave me that look.

The Look and his Hidden Kiss always showed up whenever I talked. I could be talking about the color of the sky and he'd be looking at me like I painted it. I was not use to the positive attention. Most of my old relationships were immature, shallow, and didn't last. It was strange having someone actually want to know who I was.

I can not only be myself with him, but my best self. I can dress how I want to dress, do my makeup how I want to do it, and talk with my hands because that's who I am. I am super girly, I love makeup, and I practically act out what I'm saying with my hands. He doesn't care. In fact, he prefers me that way because that's who I am. Even when I accidentally smack him while talking.

He loves the gap in my teeth, he thinks it's beautiful. Never once has he agreed with me when I say I want braces.

There have been times where I'm at my worst and I feel like I'm suffocating under the weight of my own mistakes, the weight of life itself, or me just being moody. He takes it in strides and always, with the help of the Hidden Kiss, makes me laugh. Suddenly, things aren't so dire and the world is bright and all is well.

I remember the first time I knew that he was my best friend and I was completely in love with him. It was a car ride on an empty highway and he was singing along to an oldies song really loudly. Between songs, he asked if I liked Star Wars to which I replied that I loved it. He got really excited, turned down the music, and we started analyzing the entire Star Wars universe.

Halfway through our discussion, he stopped, gave me the look and it was like dominoes falling into place. Someone somewhere was paying it forward, the stars aligned, God answered my prayers.

Because we leaned in and suddenly, the kiss was no longer hidden.

So, Dear Best Friend, you are the Neverland to my Peter Pan and I will love you forever.