To: My Best Friends

I don't remember exactly when I started asking them...all I know is that I was curious. Wouldn't any other seven year old be?
At an age like that, you're always learning new things, like words and what they mean...you understand more.
I didn't know the exact word until I went home and asked. They looked the same, it seemed impossible to me. I found the answer one day after asking Mom. The word was 'twins'.
So, I asked and kept asking. Every day that I saw them, the same question. I didn't realize they must've gotten the same question all the time, so it was a slight bit surprising when they started to get annoyed.
But, I was persistent. Now that I look back on it, I'm not sure why I kept asking. Maybe it was because I thought they could have changed in a day...Maybe it became a habit. Whatever the reason, the question was always the same, until one day it was too much. It was okay though. I didn't mind.
I wasn't looking for friends--I was content in my own little world, entranced by everyone who seemed to be enjoying themselves. I didn't mind being alone for a while. I liked watching them run and laugh and play. That was until I realized everyone had what I didn't. Of course I had my family, they loved me. Then there were the kids down the street, but they were more like family anyway. Even though they were friends...they were boys. And in the 3rd grade, I wasn't "allowed" to play with them anymore. Who said? They did, of course. So back at school I went along, watching everyone play and sometimes, only sometimes, I would play, too.
I was a shy, little girl, very small for my age. But, once again, I didn't mind. I didn't see anything wrong. I was a child; careless and happy. I didn't realize what I was missing out on until the feeling of it came.
Eventually, there was that emptiness. Of course there were the boys and girls I would play with at recess, but they weren't always nice and I hardly ever felt welcome. It never felt right. So, lots of times, I sat on the curb by the swings surrounded by rocks and cried.
But one of the days was different.
I was crying again, thinking that no one was paying attention, when a girl sat by me. I didn't know why she did, but it happened and when who I saw who it was, I didn't believe it. The twin--honestly, I wasn't sure what one--was there, and she befriended me. It made me happy and that curb where I used to sit and cry is now one of the most cherished places I have because of her. That was where I knew that I wouldn't be alone anymore. That was when a little girl, like me, decided to sit down and simply say 'hi'.

We had so much fun throughout the next two years and I thought it would never end. It wasn't ever a problem for me to go over to their house and play. We had so much fun! Ironically, my mom ended up having twins and it was exciting for me. It wasn't long before the house became too crowded...Mom and Dad told us we were moving one day. I was still young, but I was still old enough to know what that meant. New house, new place
. . . new school.
I dreaded the though at first. But now, as I look back, it helped me realize something. My friends are a blessing, a privilege, even. Without them, I wouldn't be who I am today, and without them, I don't know how I'd make it through the little problems each day throws into my life. I love them like family--one of the best things that has ever happened to me. I moved two times more after that, and to this day, I still see them. We'll always be friends.

:)

Love you Katie and Cami! Glad I had the chance to meet you.