I knew she was going to have to mature and grow up quicker for her son. In my mind, that meant that we couldn’t relate to each other, because she was going to be a mom, and I was just a teen in high school.
On top of that, we already had our differences. She was a very social, popular girl in school; I wasn’t as popular. Our personalities were very different; I was more reserved and quiet, while she was a lover of talking and making people laugh. She was going to be a mom, and I wasn’t.
Through this difficult time for both of us, I was able to get help from many, many friends who advised me on letting go of my anger and disappointment, loving her, and being her close friend again.
I couldn’t afford to make room for my anger and hurt anymore if it meant that I would lose my close relationship with her again. I knew she needed me to understand her, and all the embarrassment and shame she felt.
Though this situation was difficult, it ultimately brought us closer together. Because she lives so close to my school, I visit her more often. We have great talks over boba tea, and our friendship overall has turned into something I never I thought I’d have with her again: intimacy.
Since her son was born, we spend more time with each other. Her son is now 1 year old, and I’m happy to say he has been a great miracle for her family and mine. He has brought so much joy into our lives, and I’m glad my friend has a living, breathing being she can call hers for the rest of her life.
The three of us have walking lessons and little dance parties, and plenty of smiling and laughter. And I’m happy to say that my friend will be graduating this spring, and attending the University of San Francisco in the fall.