Honestly, up until my senior year in high school, I was a loner. I’m a fairly awkward person and it’s never been real easy for me to make friends. In addition to being painfully awkward, I’m also extremely shy --which for me, most of the time, comes across as being stuck up. It’s safe to say I have found the comfort in being “on the outside looking in,” until you were placed in my path.

I remember walking in the halls of high school, seeing pictures of best friends together, envying the inside jokes girls carried with each other and thinking “I wish I had a best friend to do stuff like that with… I wish I had a best friend-period.” Prayer after prayer, I asked God for someone just like you to come into my life and show me what it was like to have someone to grow up with and never get tired of each other’s friendship and presence. My experiences with other girls weren't that great, and I know it wasn't for you either. I wanted a friend that I could trust and tell every secret, passion, and dream to, and never have to worry about the “girls can be mean" line. Oh, if we had a dollar for every Regina George we've met in life, we probably wouldn’t be in college right now. It’s always nice learning how people are, especially the ones you thought were your friends. We both know about those too - however, cream rises to the top and you, Miss Cream, are my best friend.

You came into my life first by making side jokes and complimenting each other back and forth on our outfits daily. My love for acting and your love for dancing brought us together and as I think back on it, I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Once we realized we were literally almost the same person, just in two different towns, it clicked and there you were. "Where have you been all my life?" I'd ask jokingly. " I'd ask jokingly. You'd ask the same question. Funny how things work out like that..

Little did I know after meeting you, God was sending my answered prayer. From that time on, we shared not only secrets and inside jokes, but memories and life experiences as well. From Europe to Mississippi to South Carolina to Nashville ( and so much more) our friendship has taken us many places. All the way from broken hearts to Lil Wayne and convertible rides in Atlanta, we went through and overcame it all- with each other. And didn't forget to take pictures along the way!

I want to thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for being my person and never letting me down. For always answering my late night face-time calls and being the most sincere best friend I could ever have the privilege of knowing. For proving me wrong on “don’t trust anyone.” For cheering me up when I need it and crying with me when I don’t. For reminding me the importance in looking pretty and professional everyday and encouraging me to defuse my hair and do my makeup regardless of how I feel, haha. And also, for telling random strangers "She's my best friend and you can't have her." Don't worry, that's mutual- I do the same. You are the very person I prayed for and I can thank God knowing that He sent me my one true best friend and sister in life.

The truth is you are more important to me than you will ever know, and without you, I'd still be the girl wishing to have you around. I am always here for you, no matter the circumstance, whether it's a broken heart or a broken eye shadow palette. We will fix both with donuts, ice cream, and Say Yes To The Dress. So, to you- my future maid of honor, my junk food junkie, my makeup loving, clothes stealing, sappy movie watching, hilarious, world traveler, best friend- You are my answered prayer. And when you forget it, I'll be face-timing you right away to quickly remind you. I love you, Lexie Gamble.