Dear J,

I remember meeting you in Home Ec. when we were in eighth grade. Our friendship developed immediately, and we just never stopped talking.

We were always causing trouble in class until Mrs. Jenkins eventually had to separate us just so she could get through the class.

When we started hanging out during early morning session and lunch, we became even more notorious for our adolescent antics.

You were always there to make me laugh even when I really didn't want to.

You never gave up on me even when I gave up on myself.

When T broke up with me after Christmas break, I didn't know how to handle it. T was my first relationship, and I thought we would end up getting married one day.

I am so glad we didn't get married.

You helped me through it all even when I was unbelievably difficult to be around.

When I get hurt, I don't grieve. Instead, I rebel, and this usually results in me losing friends.

I'm so glad I didn't lose you. You knew I was hurting and that I just needed some time.

Getting over T was exceptionally difficult, especially since we had class together. Seeing my first love being happy without me stung worse than getting attacked by wasps.

I thought I would never get over T. That is until I started falling for you.

I don't remember how it happened. You went from being my best friend to my best friend I had the world's biggest crush on.

It started off small, but then it hit me like a truck.

Suddenly, Home Ec. became the only class I looked forward to. I started getting extra excited about early morning sessions and lunch.

I couldn't get you out of my head no matter how hard I tried to focus on other things.

Whenever I wasn't around you, all I could think about was how much I wished you were right there with me.

Whenever I was around you, I was a mess and a half.

I would get so frustrated with myself. When I thought of you as just a friend, conversation flowed like a calm river, but once I developed feelings for you, my stomach would fold over on itself like ocean waves during a storm.

I never told you any of this because I knew I would lose you. Eventually, I got over you, and our friendship went back to the way it was. I think it was for the best.

I wish we still talked to each other, but I know you're out there doing amazing things. I hope life brings you nothing but sunshine and happiness like it brought me when I had you in my life.

Love,

Sarah

P.S. Did you ever catch on when I wrote you that five-page "note" telling you how "thankful I was for our friendship?"