It has been
11 years since you and I met. I still remember seeing you in the hallways of
our middle school. You walked around like you were above it all and just too
cool for school. It intrigued me. It was more than just curiosity that led me
to you. I’ve always felt a weird magnetic pull towards you. We’ve gone through
break ups, drama, fights, career changes, puberty, etc. and yet we manage to
always find our way back to each other. Granted, a lot of that had to do with
the fact that for the first 6 or 7 years you really wanted to get in my pants,
but that’s not the point.
During the past year our friendship
has evolved more than it did during the first 10 combined. Chalk it up to us living together for about 6
months, or sharing highly confidential information with each other, or just
plain dumb luck. Regardless of the reason, I am so glad we did. I’ve told you
many times that it’s hard for me to know where I stand with you because you’re
not exactly the most expressive of people, but I’ve learned to pick up on your
cues. For example, when you give me speeches about how my life is a mess, I
know it’s because you honestly care for my well being. Along with bonding with
each other, this past year we also bonded with each other’s families and that
is something I treasure.
It’s not easy for me to allow people
into my inner circle. For as loud and out there as I am, I rarely trust anyone
enough to really let them in. However, you’ve been the exception to that rule
since day 1. You make me feel safe, and it’s not just the soldier thing, it’s
an Ernesto thing. I slept soundly (most nights), knowing that if by some chance
my nightmares became a reality; you were there to protect me. You have taught
me so much, including how to parallel park, and for that I am thankful. I’m
even willing to share partial custody of Sophie, who has since then become your
foster-kitty. I still have all of the pictures of you playing with her and the
underwear I bought you, which even I’ll admit is a little weird but whatever
(they’re awesome). It brings a smile to my face whenever I look at them because
they remind me of all the fun we had together. They also make me incredibly sad
because we won’t have fun like that again. You’ve moved on with your life and
I’m incredibly proud of the choices you’ve made.
I’ll admit, you moving to Colorado
left me feeling a bit abandoned and I don’t think any amount of daily phone
calls will change that. I don’t seem to handle being left behind too well. I
know you did it for you. I know you did it for your career. I know it was the
best choice. That doesn’t mean that it doesn’t suck either way. We often joke
about how I will handle your deployment but the truth is I have no clue how I’m
going to get through it. You have become a very vital part of my life and for
better or worse, you leaving just plain hurts. I know one thing for sure, from
the moment your plane ascends to when the wheels finally touch ground again,
I’ll be praying for your safe return.
We are not the same kids we were when we met. You have
matured into a strong man whom I am proud to call my friend. We still have a
long way to go but there’s no one else I’d rather fight my battles with. By the
way, I did not curse once in your letter so I get extra points for that.
Love you
(even when I hate you),
Natalia (I
still hate that you call me that)
No comments:
Post a Comment