I remember leaving for college.
I stood in my driveway with Emma's arms wrapped around my neck and thought, "Never." I would never find another friend like her, and I would never be the same because of it.
It was August and despite the early hour, the hot Virginia morning already fell, muggy on our bare shoulders. Thick brown ringlets and freckles merged as our embrace tightened.
My dad put the final box of my stuff into the back of our black Suburban. "I'll visit you every weekend," she sobbed into my ear. I let go of her and got in the car. I remember feeling like I'd never have another friend like Emma again.
I didn't realize at the time that I would meet amazing new friends in college, and that the circle I ran with in high school would only get closer as the years passed.
Emma didn't visit every weekend. How could she? She was still in high school with sports and homework and plans of her own. But she came when it was important.
I remember coming home to Roanoke and always meeting up with Emma immediately. Sometimes I'd just drive from Farmville straight to her house. We'd eat sushi for lunch or egg sandwiches and lattes for breakfast and go running and paint our nails and nap and read and eat again. We'd spend hours and cans of hairspray doing our makeup and curling our hair, going out on adventures and just laughing, laughing so much. I remember one winter break, roasting marshmallows by the fire in her mom's house. We woke up much later, warm and full and confused and curled up on the floor together like kittens.
I remember driving to Richmond to get my left ear pierced and being so, so scared. I remember Emma pushing me along and then holding my sweaty hand when I was too scared to do anything by myself.
I remember planning house parties that were themed and had corresponding invitations. We'd plan a menu and invite our friends and wear dresses and really high heels.
I remember her decision to transfer from Roanoke College to William and Mary, and how far away Williamsburg really is. I remember weekend visits to see her and how much fun we have together, no matter where we are.
I remember a lot of things from our long, eventful friendship.
That sounds so awesome. <3 Have fun!!!
ReplyDeleteaw, love this post. I feel the same way about my best friend. Sounds like you both are lucky to have each other! (:
ReplyDeleteAhhh very sweet...
ReplyDeleteThat is so sweet. I've never had one best friend (until Noah) and sometimes I feel like I've missed out on a few things because of that. I always think it's so sweet to have someone to talk to and share everything with!
ReplyDeletefriends.are.the.best.
ReplyDeleteOh, eating cake directly out of the pan. Why don't I do that anymore?? Plates are for grown ups and are lameeeeee.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post about your friend and how wonderful to have a friend like that! I hope you enjoy your weekend!
ReplyDeleteLiesl :)