To the Core

We sat and spoke the same way we did 15 years ago, except the table and chairs were different. Instead of sitting in our high school’s athletic wear and cheer uniforms on the outdoor benches in the quad, we sat on wooden chairs at a mahogany table wearing—dare I say it—adult(ish) clothes. Where did time disappear and when did we grow up? We spoke openly about our lives and how utterly crazy they’ve been in the last few months. However, even after the hubbub of shrieky hugs and kisses, it seems like no time has passed since our lives in the quad.

Today I met my best friends for lunch. We’ve been together for the absolute best—and worst—times of our lives. Births, deaths, weddings, funerals, successes, failures, happiness, and sadness. Though our lives have veered from East to West—metaphorically and literally—we’ve worked hard at keeping close and I owe a large part of who I am to such an awesome group of girls. They remind me of the person I was, and the person I want to become. And, for this, I’m forever indebted.

I hope to one day be half as good of a friend as they are to me. I love them to the core of their beings and back through their soft skin. I am blessed to be so loved.

Me, Brianna, Jennie, Bianca, and Melanie