My Best Friend's Wedding

When we met in the 7th grade, I kinda thought you were a weirdo.  The problem was you were too nice to me.  I was new.  A new town, a new school.  And you accepted me like it was nothing.  You seemed unaware that there were cliques and protocols and rules.  You can't just be nice to people.  It was all wrong. 

But you ran with the crowd I became friends with and we became friends too.  You overlooked and forgave my mean girls stage.  Our parents divorced around the same time.  We got closer.  Until you were my best friend.  I've never looked back. 

We used to lie side by side in my double bed and talk about everything.  Boys and kissing and growing up and college and parents and everything in between.  I talked about my dream wedding.  You talked about your dream bachelorette party.  Because even though we were the same, we were so different.  I always wanted the husband and the kids and the dog.  You wanted adventure and excitement and to not feel tied down. 

Until Steve.  And then against every instinct you ever had and against everything you thought you wanted you ended up across the country with a house and a cat and a dog.  I talked you through every step.  Cheered you on and called you on the bullshit. 

So when you announced you thought you would get married, I wasn't surprised.  I thought of the 16-year-old you and laughed with you about it.  We talked dresses and flowers and photographers and venues and how you really just wanted to elope. 

You asked me if I would mind.  I was honest.  A part of me would be upset I wasn't there, couldn't do all the Maid of Honor things we'd planned, but I just wanted you to be happy.

For weeks, every time the phone rang, I expected the call that you were engaged or married.  And then it came.

"What'cha doing?"

"Nothing.  Watching TV."

"Anything new?"

"No.  Not really.  You?"

"I GOT MARRIED."

I felt the tears come unexpectedly and unbidden.  Sher, I am so, so happy for you.  You are the sister I never had.  I want your happiness more than I want anything. 

What I didn't expect was the bittersweetness.  The constant memories of those two 16-year-old girls lying side by side in my double bed.  Your bachelorette party was going to be so awesome.  And I was going to make one helluva toast.  I would've even helped you hold up your dress so you could pee. 

But it's fitting that you did it this way.  The adventure and the spontaneity and the excitement you've always wanted to be a part of your life.  You found a way to have everything you've always wanted and then some. 

I can't believe you're a married lady.  I can't believe my best friend is married.  I can't believe we're not still two 16-year-old girls lying side by side.  I love you.  I'm so proud of you.  Thank you for including me in every step along the way.  And thank you for making the final step all on your own.  Just like I knew you could.  And just like I knew you would. 

And just for the record, here's how I would've ended my toast:

Here's to new beginnings and old friends.
Here's to happiness.
Here's to doing things your own way.
Here's to following your heart.
Here's to a lifetime filled with adventure.
Here's to Sheridan and Steve.

I love you.  Congratulations, lady.