Dedication: Claire, my best friend in the world.
My brother was very tough guy. He always looked down on me because I was a girl, and I was 4 years younger. My whole childhood I wanted to just be accepted by him. I dreamed about him defending my against bullies, and protecting me. The only way I could be accepted by him was to be tough too. So since I was probably about 7 years old, I acted like nothing was ever wrong. He just kind of ignored me after that instead of making fun of me. I had to be tough. As the years went by, friends came and went. Never in my life did I feel like I could tell someone about my struggles. Not friends, not siblings, and not even my parents.
One of my best friends was Claire. Claire was 2 1/2 years older than me. She was the friend of my brother, and older sister. We started to become friends. Very soon, I could tell her everything. Despite what I told her, she never left me. She never acted differently around me, and never told anyone. She was totally trustworthy, unlike a lot of people. She quickly became my best friend. As I grow up, I hope to be just like her. She is compassionate, helpful, honest, loyal, pure, resourceful, respectful, responsible, and beautiful. She is very loving of everyone, and likes to make me laugh when I feel like crying. The reason I wanted to write this is to show that THAT is a friend. Not those people you gossip with. Not those people you invite to dinner. Not those people you go to the movies with. A friend is a person that cares for your well being, physically, and emotionally. Someone who would give their life for you. Someone who would protect you no matter the cost. Claire is that friend, and one day, I hope to be that friend too. I want to be just like her.