Dear Bell-Bell,

So there's a picture of the two of us in a frame on my desk. It's both of us standing outside the Hamilton theater smiling our faces off because we were SOOOO excited! I love that picture because number one, we both look great (*flips hair*) and number two, it is such a solid reminder of all the happy memories we shared.

Yet as much as I love this picture, it will never be a good enough stand-in for the real you.

The real you is funny, vibrant, and exceptional, and also insecure, emotional, and sometimes lost. But that's the side that makes you alive, not like a two-dimensional side character in one of your favorite books.

I can't wait until you understand the undeniable value of your self-worth, but I know finding yourself and your place is one of the hardest things you can do. You and I are on a similar journey in that way, as I try to navigate this crazy world called college. Your journey is going to be so rewarding, because I've seen the real you, and she is fierce and amazing, and I can't wait for the world to experience her.

Ugh, I miss you so much! I have been here two days and I've literally called you both days and don't plan on stopping.

I miss fussing at you for not eating breakfast (even though you're breakfast was at my lunchtime,) I miss our Marvel movie nights, I miss complaining about mom and dad directly in front of them, I miss our baking adventures where we worked out some serious stress over making brownies, I miss coming home after school and binging super ridiculous kids shows with you that we both unironically loved (I'm looking at you Lab Rats!,) I miss our emotional talks about things that REALLY mattered even though we were 5 years apart (I never expected to have moments like that since we are rather far apart in age), but most of all I just miss being around you and seeing you every day.

I really wish I could be there as you begin your 8th-grade year. I want to be able to offer advice, be a listening ear for problems you just don't want to tell Mom and Dad, and just be able to relax and bake brownies with you when we're both just too stressed out.

I hope there is minimal friend drama for you and since you're taking high school classes in the second semester (because you're so smart even if you don't think you are), I hope they don't stress you out too much.

Please call me if you need advice, to share a funny story, or just to vent about something ridiculous your friend did or how mom and dad won't stop complaining about the food in restaurants. I love you more than I have loved anything or anyone ever, and I will be counting down the days until I can see you again.

Love,

Your Older Sister Who You Love To Call Gabbers Even Though She Prefers Gabi