As graduation day grew even closer, I realized that there would be some people that I may not see again for quite a while and that honestly freaked me out. I have gone to the same school from first grade to 12th, experiencing life with essentially the same people that I met when I first arrived. Leaving everyone seemed odd, even if I no longer spoke to them that much. I had to start over and find my new group, the people that I fit in with in college, while stilling maintaining my past friendships (those in hopes of keeping for life). For a little while, I worried that I would not end up staying in touch with everyone that I wanted to, but I quickly realized that doing so cannot be one-sided and has to be mutual.
Thanksgiving and winter break have been incredible because I have been able to visit my school and reunite with so many friends (even if we have not seen each other for just a few months). Our separations truly do seem so much longer, yet the great thing about those special people is that when you are back together, it is almost as though no time has passed. Winter break, specifically, has been filled with encounters, both purposefully and accidental.
It was oddly rewarding when I finally got the chance to spend a few days with my best friends. We saw movies, caught up on each others' lives, and went to the beach, of course. Although, I have made so many amazing friends at school, I miss my friends from home dearly and it is refreshing to see them. It is even more wonderful to stay as close as we are and be able to talk like nothing has changed.
I recently saw one friend who is studying abroad, which makes it even harder to chat, and when we saw each other, we ran into one another's arms as if in a cheesy chick flick. It was so funny; however it was also nice to finally give her a hug after only texting and video chatting for months. At first, it seemed a little uncomfortable due to the time lost; nonetheless, our interaction was still wonderful. I could be myself around them and not fear any judgement because I know that however insane or wacky I act, they understand me.
I have this rapport with my friends at school now, yet it definitely feels different. I have not felt like I needed to change or tone down my natural behavior, but our relationships do not quite compare to the close proximity of my high school friendships. I sometimes still ponder about what the state of those relationships in the future, yet there is no real point in dwelling on it. If we want them to continue, then we will not neglect or forget our friendships.
