It was my first day riding the school bus to my new school; I was in third grade. I had just moved in with my aunt, who now had custody of me, and I was scared and upset because bus rides at my old school were the worst. I used to be bullied because of the tattered clothes I wore and because I reeked of cigarette smoke. But on this new bus I smell like Dove soap and everything I was wearing was brand new.

I sat near the front of the bus already understanding the hierarchy of the bus: the sixth graders sat in the very back and the younger kids in the front. One stop later you sat down next to me. You didn’t even hesitate. You smiled at me and said “I’m Casey!” I still remember your goofy little smile. You were so outgoing and sweet - I wanted so much to be like you.

“Have you heard of Naruto?” Was the first ever question you asked me. Of course I hadn’t, cable TV was still something new to me. You began to give this detailed description of what this show called Naruto was. Honestly, looking back, how on earth did you get your mother to agree to let you watch that show? It was a bit violent for eight-year-old children. You insisted I come spend the night with you soon, so I could watch it with you.

And ever since then you've been introducing me to new things. From new foods, to new music, to new experiences.

There were times when we grew apart, times when we ran with different crowds. But we’ve always found our way back to each other. I don’t know why you took such an interest in me back in third grade, but I’m beyond happy that you did. You don’t know how nice it was to have such a sweet friend. Until you no one would play with me on the playground. Until you I had never been to a sleepover. Until you, I had never had a true friend.

At fourteen, I rode my first roller coaster with you. I’ve always been afraid of them, and instead of teasing me until I got on a big one you told me we’d start with the kiddie ones. And from there we worked our way up. You slow down for other people: you take them by the hand and walk step by step with them until they aren’t afraid anymore, until they feel better, until they smile again. You are one of the sweetest, kindest, friendliest people I have ever met.

You make sure everyone is included, even when there were times that you weren’t. In high school I took the opposite sides of some arguments that you were in, and I was a terrible friend for it. You taught me to talk things out with people (if they can be talked to), instead of taking sides, calling names, and building walls. You taught me to stop texting, and start calling. You taught me that ninety percent of the time, arguments are a result of miscommunication.

I adore you. You’re so smart and creative. I just wish to be half the person you are.

I can't wait to be by your side for the rest of my life, no matter how far apart we are - you'll always be my best friend. You'll always be the person I send Game of Thrones memes to, you'll always be one of the first people I tell anything to, you'll always be the girl I watch Say Yes to the Dress with and judge all the dresses with. In conclusion, you’re my best friend and I love you.