How the heart bends, and summer she sends a sky that refuses to die.

The title's for Becky - from her bubble-blowing, faerie-rescuing song. I miss her, by the way. I mean, I guess that's expected... for a girl to miss her best friend after a tumultuous ten weeks without her. But... she makes things bearable. She makes it so the moment's all that matters. We were supposed to have a kick ass summer. We half-expected it to top last summer - and believe me, that's tough to beat. Things didn't exactly work out like that, though. At any rate, I miss her terribly. I love you, B. I'm so proud of you.

As much as Becky's been occupying my mind recently, it's been hijacked by someone else entirely. This girl means so much to me. Her ability to love and forgive so unconditionally never ceases to amaze me. She and I have been through hell for being together - and I still think it's worth it. This summer has been a testament to people's intolerance. I never thought this would happen. I would never have guessed that at fifteen, the person I loved like none other would be virtually ripped out of my life with no warning or explanation. I can't say if there was a reason for this - whether or not it was to be this way is beyond me. For a while I tried to forget because it hurt less that way, but she haunted my dreams. And now as the opportunity to see her again draws nearer, I am simultaneously elated and terrified. (I feel no need to elaborate on these emotions - they are as they are.) I love you, Sharon.

And Brinda... where are you? Are you okay? Do you remember how much we care about you? I miss you, babe. I haven't even heard about you in at least a month. I wish I could have helped you. I hate that it turned out like it did. I'm so sorry.

To the people I've been fortunate enough to call friends these past weeks: thank you does not even begin to cover it.

You've been incredible, Lizzy. The birthday from hell was pretty awful, but made less awful by your hugs and cupcakes. I'm so thankful I'm not one to hold grudges, because you're an amazing person and you've made these crazy times that much more tolerable.

I'm not entirely sure where to start (or end, for that matter) with you, Dan. You're kind of like an unwavering source of sanity in this nuthouse I call life. Your willingness to listen and offer what wisdom - however cynical - you have is very much appreciated. You drive me up a wall every once in a while, but it's well worth it - and only fair. We need to get out of here, okay?

And to someone who has probably never looked at this thing: I meant it when I said you made my summer what it was. It must've started months ago, but that night on the way back from Philadelphia is where everything started to make sense. You've been so wonderfully supportive and I wish I could help you the same way. I'm truly going to miss you, but I'm also very happy for you to be where you are.

This didn't start out with any real plan. And I certainly didn't mean for it to sound like an Oscars acceptance speech, but so be it. Basically, I just want to give thanks where it's due and reassure you all that you remain in my heart.

For now and always,
April Grayce