This girl right here has been by my side for the last 10 years or so, give or take. She's honestly more like my sister now, rather than a best friend. We suffered through puberty, dreaded middle school, anticipated high school, then had a love/hate relationship with the idea of leaving (mostly loved). We know each other's secrets, first kisses, current feelings, everything, down to every last detail. With each other, we are basically an open book, whether we like it or not.

And then the time came to go our separate ways for college. I always dreamed about going to college with her, even rooming together. I never thought the day would come where we'd have to say goodbye, at least for now.

We went through it last year, and it was rough. Gone were the days we could randomly decide to hang out or even grab a bite to eat. We had to rely on our phones to communicate with each other. On her first visit to come see me since being away at school, we had a long heart-to-heart and even cried together. College just wasn't what we were expecting just yet.

On a lighter note, we ventured into our dorm to have a dance party and take turns attempting to jump onto my raised bed-- after many (pathetically, on my part) failed attempts.

She returned quite a few times over the course of the year and, naturally, I saw her over our winter/spring breaks. I yearned for summer vacation. We spend some time together over the summer, but not as much as I would have wanted, since I was away for most of it. It was still great just knowing that she was home.

With the end of August fast approaching, we knew it was that time again. That didn't make it any easier. She's only been gone less than a week, and I already miss her like crazy and am counting down the days until I see her again.

We talk daily-- all day, but that doesn't take away the bang of loneliness I feel without her.

She's my best friend, a sister for life at this point. She isn't getting rid of me any time soon.

You're stuck with me girlfriend, for better or for worse!