Ten years. Ten years ago, I first met you, and we became instant pals. Absolutely inseparable -- doing anything and everything that we could together. Conversations seemed endless, and we were always there for the other in times of need. Sleepovers and adventures were on the schedule for at least a few times a week, and we still tried for even more time together. We were partners in every aspect of life and made each other laugh harder than anyone else ever could.

Then things changed. We were no longer at the same school, no longer had the same friends, and no longer had our time together. I should have known then that it wasn't going to work, but I kept the faith. We spoke every once and a while, and caught up for lunch when we could. Then it was time for college. You were going away and I was staying here. As always, I gave it my all to make sure our friendship could endure. But you let it go.

You chose a boy. A boy that would end up to be the ultimate end to our time as best friends. I still wanted what was best for you and tried my best to keep in touch. Plans continuously fell through and texts or calls were rarely answered. Eventually, the messages stopped altogether, and silence was all I knew of you. Months went by and I heard about your life, but never heard it from you. I should have let it go then, but I had always been a great friend to you, and wouldn't allow myself to give up on you.

Then one day I picked up my phone and your name appeared. You came back. He was gone, but you had changed. Maybe it was him, maybe it was time away from our friendship, or maybe it was just the consequences of life. Days passed, and I then found myself sitting across from a friend I seemed to not know anymore. Your interests and lifestyle had changed, and it seemed as though we would never be those same two girls we used to be. We swore we would see each other regularly, but deep down I knew we never would.

More time went by, and I quickly realized that this friendship I had always held so dear meant nothing to you. Calls or texts only came when all your new friends were busy. Time with your oldest friend was put on the back burner and you carried on with your new pals, who tended to be only negative influences. Photos or posts online quickly became moments with your new best friends, and you made sure to tell the world they were now your new best friend(s). As I sit here, and have sat here continuously in the past, I have wondered how on earth you could take our precious friendship for granted. Good times and bad, I was there always. Even if we hadn't spoke in months, you could always count on a response from me when you decided to reach out. You could rely on me for anything at any time you needed it. But here's the thing: I couldn't rely on you.

I don't know at what point you decided it was time we ended our time as best friends. That’s been the hardest part -- not being able to figure out what I said or did to make you do such a thing. But, it's time I make peace. All the moments I got upset wondering why you always took me for granted, or pushed me aside for others who don't have your best interests in mind, are over. I have let go just as you had years ago. I replay all our times together and smile, because I am thankful for those memories. I am thankful we had the time we did and were closer than anything.

Now that time has gone, and it is time to move on. You have your new life and I have mine. Our 10 year friendship has come to a close, and I only wish you the best. Maybe one day you will realize that old friends never give up on each other and notice that I had always been there until you pushed me away. I am not bitter or angry, I have made peace with it. I thank you for all the times we shared and will always refer to you as being one of my best friends growing up. I wish you the best out of life, hope you reach every goal, and even meet someone you love and can share your life together. I hope you get the most out of this life and are happy at all times. And I would hope you will look back on our time together and cherish the memories as I do, and always will.