Close, But Yet So Far

Close, But Yet So Far1

*DAD IS IN QUOTES BECAUSE I DO NOT CONSIDER HIM MY FATHER, ALTHOUGH HE IS MY BIOLOGICAL FATHER, HE NEVER BEHAVED LIKE ONE.* 2

We met in seventh grade. Kelly was across the lunch table from me when we looked at each other and said "Hi." It was like "Friendship at First Sight". From that day on, we talked everyday. We met at the lunch table each day at lunch, we sat next to each other, and a bond quickly began to form. I knew Kelly two-three weeks when I gave her an invitation to my twelfth birthday party. We had exchanged phone numbers prior to the invitation being given, and we had talked on the phone every night. Of course, I was only allowed on the phone when my "dad" was working. I took advantage of her friendship when I could.3

At my birthday party, we had a blast! We felt so comfortable with each other. We talked about everything. She was one of three friends my "dad" allowed me to hang out with. She sometimes spent a week to two weeks at my house. We would watch movies, play ball, talk, stay up all night, write each other letters, and do normal things that most best friends do. We were inseparable.4

She saw a lot of what my "dad" did to me, and how he treated me. A lot of the reason she stayed at my house so long was because she wanted to protect me. She never told me she wanted to protect me, but I knew that was the reason. She was always there to talk to when I needed her. I can't think of one time she wasn't there for me when I needed her most.5

When I was thirteen years old, my parents moved from New York to Florida. I was devastated knowing that I had to leave my best friend. Someone who was like a sister to me. I went through a big depression and a time where I went without eating for days. Kelly and her family ended up moving to Texas about six months after I moved to Florida. I now live in Arkansas and I am own my own with my Fiancee. Kelly and I still keep in touch via e-mail, but we are not nearly as close as we used to be. For some reason, I am hanging onto her and all the memories we have had together. I love her, and in a way, she saved my life. I only wish that one day she will be my best friend and sister again, so I can tell her exactly what an impact she has made in my life. I dedicate this story to her!6

Dear Kelly,7

I was just thinking about you. I am in the process of making a story book, and wanted to dedicate a story to you, so I decided to write one about how we met and some of our memories. You were my best friend for so many years. I don't know what made us become so distant. I have tried writing you, sending you cards, e-mailing you, and everything. I know you e-mail back once in a while, but it's not the same as it used to be. Please remember that no matter what, You will always have a special place in my heart. Maybe one day we can become how we used to be all over again.8