Comfortable

I had a rare experience this past weekend. For two days, I got to spend time with the two people who I count as my best friends. As we sat upon a beach in silence, raised our lungs to a dorky radio song, or just giggled together while watching TV, the best feeling in the world washed over us: comfort.

I've had the luck to make many friendships over the course of my life, but with these friends, everything is different. At first glance, we would not be even placed within the same circles.

Exhibit "S" loves Brittany Spears, the color pink, and has her arylic nails desinged according to the latest trend. We all secretly hate her ability to eat all the junk food that she can obtain and still keep a slim figure without a thought of exerise. When we go shopping, I have to walk S L O W or else I get the evil eye and a sarcastic comment. She makes no apologies for her bubbly signature that often is adorned with hearts next to it, or the fact that she would watch "Friends" over the news anyday. She has the biggest heart I've come across, and when she talks about the preschool children that she teaches, she makes even the worst nightmare of a child angelic through optimistic attitude. We have the kind of friendship that doesn't even require talking, but we do it for fun anyway. For hours at a time without ever slowing down or even noticing that anything around us is occuring.

Exhibit "J" is the quiet one of the three of us, but she has the ability to suddenly make witty comments that shock us all. At first glance she appears uncomplicated and even simple, but her fresh-faced look is also contrasted with her sparkly jewlery that she wears on occasion. Just when you think you have her figured out, she will say or do something utterly surprising, and leaving you realizing that there is always more to her than what appears on the surface. She is the unshakable one of the group, and is not afraid to stand up for the things that she believes in, even if it means having the courage to state what others will not. She is tall, and is someone who will always be on the other line to hear you vent about your day or just to share a stupid comment with. Her laugh is infectious, and makes you feel that life isn't as serious as you think. She'll let you talk about the things that do not particularly interest her, and is the encourager of the group. She accepts every part of you, but always reflects the best version of yourself.

Over the years, I've made many great friends, but these two girls are the ones who I know I'll grow old with. Perhaps it is because we've changed and grown together, and they understand all the things that I never bring myself to say outloud. They are the only ones who know when it is appropriate to challenge me, and when I need a tub of ice cream, a sappy movie, and no words of advice; only sympathy. We can experience exciting adventures and travels, or be content sitting with our drinks, watching the world walk by as we comment. We chose different college, carry diverse politcal views, and have never liked the same guy.

But what we have mastered is comfort. We know that no matter where we live or how our lives turn out, the friendship we have built will only continue to grow stronger, because we chose to commit to it through all of the bumps and messes. It might not be understandable or even perfect, but it is ours. And when we are reunited, there is no place that I'd rather be, because through everything, there is happiness.