Posted By Sarai on July 11, 2009
Dear friend,
I feel no regret for anything I have done or said. No more pain. No more unnecessary jealousy. No feelings of betrayal. Fading memories is all that if left.
Tears fall freely now. More than I ever allowed in the past. The taste of the salty wetness on my lips and the feel of dried tears on my cheeks serve as reminder that you were real. I didn’t just dream up what you meant to me. Our friendship was real at one point.
I’ve been fine since our first and only ‘argument’ (if you can call it that) over a year and a half ago. I managed fine - I had considered it a goodbye. Hurt and sadness were my friends for a while, but I didn’t allow myself to care.
The past year has been different - I’ve allowed myself to grow, forget and most importantly heal. Leaving no doubt in my mind about how I truly feel now. Without the pain and feeling of betrayal it’s clear to see everything for how it really is.
I tried being tough. For a while, I acted as if whatever happened to you meant nothing to me. That you didn’t exist in my life anymore. That if you didn’t want to be my friend - neither would I.
I wanted to keep the memories of our earlier friendship and forget the bad times once it ended.
Walls were my protection. I build them to keep you away. To prevent any more disappointment or unwelcome hurt. It worked for a while; the walls became stronger once I realized our friendship would never be again. As the weeks go by, I have noticed each slowly crumbling. I’m not sure if I should be glad to finally feel in regards to you, or if I should be worried. If I should do all I could to prevent them from breaking down or just let them be.
You were my best friend even though it wasn’t mutual. I was okay with that; I figured it was only a matter of time until you considered me a closer friend - until you realized I was always there. The day, the time, or situation didn’t matter; if I was doing anything, I dropped it for you. When you called, I was always there. I figured it was only a matter of time for our friendship to mean more to you.
I always thought we would become even closer friends. I knew I would be there for you always and hoped one day you would maybe be feel the same. I was happy with just the thought, even if it wouldn’t have happened; I at least had the hope - now it’s impossible.
I blamed myself at first for us drifting apart how we did. I was dumb to tell you I wanted more - especially how I did it and almost three years too late. At first, I told myself that if I would’ve kept it to myself then, maybe you would still be there. I had placed the blame on myself but now I know that no one is at fault for anything, but lack of communication. I wish I could say I regret telling you but I don’t. I should’ve told you differently, but that’s beside the point.
I didn’t realize it then but I now know I needed the time apart. I relied on you more than I ever cared to admit. I looked up to you. I needed to get you down from the pedestal I had placed you on. I needed to see you as an equal instead of someone superior.
How we have become strangers hurts me more than I ever wanted to admit to anyone - even to myself. I had put on a happy face. I smiled, laughed and told myself I’d be good, that I’ll be better without you. What I didn’t know was that the fact that I didn’t need you meant nothing when it came to what I felt.
Walking past you was easier when I was mad. Ignoring you came automatically when I was disappointed. Not acknowledging what you once were in my life was necessary when I was hurting.
It used to be hard to look in your direction without feeling my heartache; without reminding myself that we were friends. Now it’s just hard because it’s awkward. I can’t kiss you on the cheek, give you a hug or simply touch your arm without thinking twice - like I can with any stranger. How can I if we barely acknowledge one another when others are around?
How can you pass me by? There was a time when no more than one day passed without speaking to the other. How can we ignore each other when at one point we saw each other almost every day? How is it awkward now if we’re around certain people? There was a time it was all so easy.
How could you call and need me on an almost daily basis for over two years and now —
How are conversations nonexistent? Before we spent hours alone talking, regardless of the time, with no complaint from either parent. Our friendship was accepted and even encouraged. It was comfortable.
I accept everything that has happened. This is life after all.
I guess I just miss having you as my friend.
I still love and miss you more than I should. More than anyone should miss someone who isn’t there.
Category: Relationships |
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Tags: Forgiveness, Friends, healing, letters, love, Relationships