Katie and I were best friends. People say we were like sisters, but we were closer than that. I had a sister, and Katie and I were closer than I’d ever been with her. We’d met at school; having the same last name, we were always next to each other when doing anything alphabetically and quickly developed a strong friendship. We worked on school assignments, and, when were older, worked at a donut shop together. I called her ‘KK’, and we were inseparable. I spent nights and weekends at her house, and she’d come to mine, too, but rarely slept over. My family liked her a lot, and she even went to a Sound of Music sing-a-long show with all of us. I felt very lucky to have a friend like her. I’d been an outcast for so long, having a real friendship was something I recognized as a true blessing.
After a few years, Katie left to go to New York. To this day, I have no idea what called her out there. But, when she came back, she had a girl with her – Rita. Rita was straight from the Bronx. She had a tough attitude and was gorgeous as could be, with a dazzling smile. Katie thought she was a delight; I was not so convinced. To say I was intimidated by her was an understatement. Especially when I realized Rita had, essentially and for all intents and purposes, replaced me as Katie’s best friend. I quickly became irrelevant in Katie’s life, and I felt the loss like a dagger to my heart. Katie had always been more outgoing and popular than I was. She was my best friend, but she had tons of others – I did not. I’m not sure if Katie ever even considered the ramifications of her actions. Not that staying friends with me was an obligation of any kind, or that she wasn’t allowed to make new friends. But, with how close were, one wonders if the thought of losing our friendship ever came to mind, and why she was ready to give it up so casually…
At first, I blamed Rita. She was a bad influence, I thought. She was someone who couldn’t find friends of her own where she was, so she latched onto an outsider and followed her home. She seemed controlling and domineering. It may have just been my perception of her as a friendship-pirate, but she definitely gave off bad-girl vibes.
We stayed in touch over the years, but the friendship is a shell of what it had once been. We’re now both mothers and wives, and I’d love to rekindle that relationship, but everything is different now. We’re both totally changed from our 16/17 year-old selves. Sometimes, I wish I could turn back the clock and somehow stop Katie from going to New York all those years ago. But, it’s in the past. These days, I have a close-knit group of a few really great friends. I’m very grateful for them and try to make sure they know how much I appreciate having them in my life. I don’t really think about Katie that often anymore, but when I do, there’s still a sad sort of feeling in my chest. She’s still a great person, and I wish nothing but the best for her life and future happiness.
Today’s word prompts come from:
FOWC with Fandango — Delight
Your Daily Word Prompt— Pirate
Ragtag Daily Prompt— Assignment
Word of the Day Challenge— Dazzling
Pensitivity’s Three Things Challenge #477 – Past, Few, Chest
That’s painful, yet an enjoyable read. Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks for reading! 🙂
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I feel this!! I’ve experienced the emotions of being “replaced”. That said, my bestie from yesteryears felt “replaced” by new people in my FB photos. But, she was not replaced. Life just took us in different directions. Great post!!
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I’ve definitely realized the same over the years. Sometimes, people just have different experiences and perspectives on life and grow in different directions. It can be sad, but, looking back, I’m grateful for the years of friendship we got to share at a time when I really needed it. Thanks for reading!
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Well, if you are minded to get in touch with her, covid seems the perfect reason.
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I was thinking of doing that very thing, which inspired this post. Thanks for the advice, and thanks for reading! 🙂
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Can I also say that, based purely on what you just wrote, I couldn’t really detect any “wrongdoing” on her part? I think it is a funny one – my bessie mate at college, we lost touch and I managed to track him down again, we must have been 40. We kept it up for a few years but we’d both moved on from being 20-year-olds. I don’t think I particularly changed, but I reckon he’d say the same.
But… none of my business, I’m sorry for butting in.
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You’re 100% right. ‘Katie’ was definitely not in the wrong. Of course, at the time, I *felt wronged. But, looking back I can understand the situation as just life unfolding in the way it does. People grow and change, and that doesn’t make them mean or bad or wrong for growing away from their friends. No worries about “butting in”; I posted the story, not only as a kind of catharsis, but also to stimulate some conversation on the subject. I find everyone’s opinions very interesting and thought-provoking. Thanks for joining in!
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I only hope it was useful 🙂
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This is an emotional little story about the pain of lost friends. Well written, good work my friend.
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Thanks, Mason. I do wish things had gone differently back then, but who’s to say I wouldn’t have met the wonderful people I have in my life now? I believe things happen for a reason sometimes. I hope she’s doing well and living a very happy life. 🙂 Thanks for reading!!
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We are definately drawn through life by fate. We have no control and can only go with the flow. Who knows what would happen if she stayed. You’re doing okay that’s all that matters.
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