The Bestest Friends

What's a best friend? The person who you sit next to in every class? The one who brings you a cookie every day?

If those are the requirements, Thena and I fail miserably. We only share one class [we do sit next to each other, though] and I don't think either one of us has the spare time to bake a batch of cookies. When paired with my other best friends, too, we all fail.

So a best friend doesn't meet materialistic requirements. A best friend is something else entirely.

A best friend is the one that knows every single one of your faults, gets irritated by your idiosyncrasies, and loves you anyway. The one whose text message excites you more than anyone else's. The person who doesn't have to ask you if you're feeling okay, because they already know the answer.

A best friend does lie, and will use you, but because you've done the same to them before, it's automatic forgiveness--and you both learn not to lie or use them that way again. A best friend knows everything that makes you mad and sometimes likes to frustrate you, just for fun--but it's never done with malice. A best friend knows when to stay and when to walk away, when it's the right time and the wrong time to talk--and you both understand that these times of separation are necessary.

A best friend is the one who jumps on your side even when you're completely and totally wrong. The one who talks behind your back and only says good things. The person who covers up your secrets and your lies, your hidden fears and envy.

A best friend will envy you at times, and you will envy them. They'll feel irrational anger toward you, and you toward them. But you forgive each other. A best friend will, at least once, shun you or avoid you, but you'll welcome them back with open arms, because you shunned them once, too.

A best friend is the one who remembers your awkward phases, and teaches you to laugh at them. The one who can recall all of your mistakes and help you learn from them. The person who shields you from embarrassment, because they know it hurts you deeply.

Best friends don't have to make each other cookies or buy elaborate gifts--they're satisfied with anything, because it's from their best friend. They don't have to tell each other everything, because it all gets figured out anyway--words aren't always necessary. And best friends don't have to be perfect for each other, because it's the imperfections that are endearing.

A best friend will always protect you from harm and from the evils of the world, even if it means putting themselves in the line of fire. A best friend will tell you straight up when you look like crap, but they'll also tell you when you look your best. A best friend forgets the superficial things and focuses on character--the parts of you that really make up who you are.

And you love them. No matter how much you hurt each other, you always love them. Not because they're perfect. Not because you have to. No, you love them because you want to. You want their company. You want them around. You want to see them grow up, and become the person you've always hoped they would be.

So you live, and you love--and together, the pair of you are undeniably invincible.