Two Friends Miles Away

Dearest Jamie,
Right now I am looking out at the radiant sunset of Antigua. The only thing missing is you. The colors of the sky are toying with my imagination, the clouds showing memories and faces of my previous life in Michigan. My heart almost broke when I found out I was moving. I am terribly sorry that I did not say good-bye. The thought in itself was painful enough. I cry every night, tears soaking my pillow. My emotions are the total opposite of my name. Bliss means happiness, but now I feel like a Mara. Mara means bitter.
This morning I went for a stroll and just sat and observed my surroundings. It seemed like every living thing had a companion to run around. Two Squirrels were chasing each other, a mother bird bustling about fixing her nest, an elderly couple on their usual morning stroll, and of course, two girls racing on the beach. I can still hear their laughter, reminding me of our many random outbursts.
After I finish high school, I’m moving back to Michigan, if my parents let me. I am deeply grateful that Dad has become president of Boats Inc. But unfortunately the main office lays here in the Caribbean Islands and not in my beloved home of Burr Oak, MI. I send all my love and my whole heart,
Your best friend,
Bliss

Bliss,
Oh my word. You are such a drama queen. Half the words in your latest letter I had to look up in the dictionary. I have to admit I was hoping I would hear from you again. I found it extremely insulting that I had to find out that my best friend has moved to the Caribbean Islands, through Charlie (you know Charlie, the greasy haired freak in 9th grade). Even he knew about it before me. Well, first, I went into shock. I mean literally I did not move for, like, 5 minutes. Then it turned into denial. I think I kind of scared poor Charlie. I was shouting at him, telling him that that was a mean joke to pull on some one. Then Mrs. Umbrage walked by and gave us both tallies and asked what the fuss was about. I explained to her that Charlie had just told me my best friend moved just to get a good laugh. She then let Charlie run to class and told me that you did move. I collapsed right there in the middle of the hall, sobbing uncontrollably. Then what-do-you-know, the bell rang and everyone in Burr Oak High School saw me as an utter mess. Mrs. Umbrage then helped me up and I faintly walked to her office. She called my mom and before I knew it I was at home, curled up in a ball still sobbing my heart out. After about a week, my sorrow melted into anger. I blamed you for everything. How could you leave me? Don’t all of our mall trips, movie all nighters, sleepovers, birthdays, mean anything to you? Whatever. Forget about me and have fun in Antigua!
Jamie

Dear Jamie,
Your words stung and still sting. They came flying at me as a swarm of ticked off wasps. How could I possibly forget you??? Burr Oak is all I remember. My life and heart is still there. I was forced to move. If I could change these unfortunate events and make them work to our advantage, I would. But what has been done, is done, and it is impossible to change this major mess.
I have met someone. She is a very nice girl. She is no Jamie though. Her name is Shannon. I am so skeptical to her. And I feel horrible about it. I compare her too much to you. I just can not get our amazing friendship out of my head. You are the best friend anyone could have. We matched perfectly. I hope you forgive me. I will always love you. Forever and Ever.
Bliss


Bliss,
Of course I forgive you. Even with you hundreds of miles away, I can not stay mad at you. I have good news. My parents have seen my pain and they bought me a ticket to Antigua. Everything is settled. I will be there in a week. Love you!
Jamie