To My Friend

Dear Beth,

While doing the dishes today I was reminded of when Laura called me when Beth was killed. All she said was "I have some bad news. Beth was killed by a drunk driver last night." I thought she meant you. It was the first time in my life that I felt like I couldn't breathe. Beth, my Beth, was dead. Your memory flooded me with the force of a tsunami and I had to steady myself against the wall. I suddenly remembered having gym with you my freshman year; how you didn't like me, praised the person who accidentally hurt me in gym... and then how one day we were forced to be partners and how we became friends. We walked with me to my locker and opened it for me when, as a freshman, I didn't have the hang of it yet. I felt even worse than the day in gym when you got really sick and I had to go to choir without you. I was scared for you, we all were, but you came into choir, late, but you were there. I was so relieved.

I wanted to cry, but the lack of air wouldn't let me. Somehow I manged out a "What? Beth... Campbell?" I couldn't believe it; I wouldn't. Just when the sky was about to fall down on me Laura said three words that held most of it up. "No, Beth Faulkner." Before the feeling of sorrow for Beth could hit all I felt was relief. I felt so light that at any moment I would be able to fly away on the slightest breeze. You were alive. ALIVE!!!! I was going to see you again; your life had not been ended way too soon. I love you Beth.

Then of course the sadness for Beth set in, but this letter is more about you.

I praised God for your safety. Just the belief of you being dead was enough to kill me...imagine if it was true.

I value you so much. I may not like everything you do, or even the way you treat me sometimes, but I still love you and always will. I'm so proud of you and everything you're doing. There's nothing you can say or do that will make me abandon you. I'll always consider you a friend.

Love,
Jenny