It seems like just yesterday we met when you transferred to my middle school. But back then, I had no idea how much you would mean to me in years to come. We met through mutual friends who we both thought would be a part of our lives forever. I never would have imagined that you would have been the person who would stay after all these years, and I don't think you thought the same from me. But after six years, 2,192 days and two leap years, I think it is safe to know that you are probably never going to leave my life.
Even though I know you are not leaving anytime soon, life is testing our friendship. I am still upset that I had to graduate without you, then leave for college without you. It broke my heart when I found out that you were moving to Florida during my freshman year of college. I hated going home Thanksgiving and Winter break knowing that you would not be there, and I hated knowing that you were graduating high school down in Florida, and I couldn't be there for you.
We've been through thick and thin, you've seen me at my worst, and I've seen you at yours. We went through every awkward and embarrassing stage together throughout middle and high school, and through all our changes, we've always been on the same page with each other. I know more of your extended family than you even knew, go to your family events, know the family drama, and am basically a daughter to your parents at this point, and you are the same with my family. They ask how you are because they know you mean the world to me, and they were used to you dropping by the house unexpectedly.
I honestly don't know what I would do without you. Knowing that you are going to college in the state that separated you from me in the first place hurts because I can't be selfish with your time. I know that this means we won't talk as much, and we can only see each other during the summer now, but it will let me appreciate the time we do spend together even more. All of the long nights together playing video games and watching Netflix, our car rides with throwback playlists, our adventures to find your old house or go to the park, to our cute spontaneous dates, I cherish every moment. I am forever grateful that you are in my life, and have confidence that life will never tear us apart. And even if it does, I know that no matter how long we are separated, it feels like we never left each other when we finally do reunite.
So thank you for being my person, thank you for never leaving me, thank you for all the little thoughtful gifts that is now a regular thing we do. Thank you for showing me new music, movies, and video games, thank you for always being more than half an hour late to everything we plan, because that is who you are and I find it endearing and genuine.
Good luck in college, and please don't stress yourself out. Be confident, walk like you know what you are doing, show them how smart and independent you can be, conquer the world and show them the beauty I see in you every day.
