As I screamed my head off sophomore year of high school at a football game, face paint on thick, everyone around me thought I was crazy. Until I locked eyes with a girl, a couple friends down, doing the same exact thing. That football season we went crazy, every game we looked forward to screaming with each other, chanting with each other, laughing with each other, and the occasional pizza and gossip after. But when we hugged each other, as the buzzer screams the final score of that season, we went our separate ways, our friend groups too different at the time to stay close. The rest of my sophomore year was filled with the waves and smiles in the halls and the occasional run in at a party.
Junior year of high school, football season rolled around again, but this time we strolled into the game together, with the numbers of our boys on our face, our hands clasped together tight, as the game began. Our friendship grew strong, with dinners, coffee dates, and tears as our boys won and loss. I wish I knew back then what a crucial part you would play in my life. I wish I told you how valued you are. Because short after that season our hearts were broken, and we were back at square one. I wish I told you how smart you are, and how important your thoughts are and that I think you are the smartest person I know.
Winter was cold, but our laugher warmed up my car as we drove through the snow. Our friend groups, once so separated, became one because we were the glue. I wish I told you how beautiful that was, and how proud I am of you for being so consistent in seeing the good in everyone. As my heart was caught, it brought me to an ice rink on Tuesday nights, with you by my side, helping me help someone else. I spent less time singing in my car with you, less time making dinners together and less movie nights. I wish I told you how strong you are, and that I am sorry for my stubborn head strong self being too blinded to see what I was doing. I am sorry for bringing our friendship to the point of us crying over the phone because we had not talked in weeks. I wish I told you how thankful I was for not giving up on me and for being the most honest person in my life, besides my mother.
The air got sweeter, the sun shined longer and our coffees iced. My heart ached, yet again, and you were there to pick up the pieces. I wish I told you how special you are, especially in the moment of my dramatic melt down. In the moment where you know what exactly to say. In that moment where you calm my heart and clear my head.
Our smiles grew larger as summer treated us with long drives and sandy hair. Our final year together rolls around the corner now, making every moment sweeter. Silly memories brings tears to our eyes, hugging each other, refusing to let the idea of us living in separate states enter our brains. So cheers to us, to our next chapter of friendship, to our sisterhood, no matter how rocky it may be at times.
Best friend, here is everything you needed to know.
