Ebony and Ivory

I remember the first time I laid eyes on Dominic. He was ducking his hulking 6'9 frame through the doorway of my sophomore English class. Waltzing through the desks he said hi to a few students before talking pleasantly with the teacher. He was wearing white basketball sweatpants and a huge white smile. He was friendly but nothing about him seemed forced. As a teenage girl fresh off the plane from Orange County, it was a new concept - both the genuine demeanor and the baggy sweats. 

Months later I officially met Dominic. We were running against each other for Junior Class Secretary. He was so tall and animated, it was hard not to be completely captivated. When we shook hands, I remember marveling at how on the opposite side of his dark hands were peachy soft palms. Our first interaction seemed natural, full of laughter and ease. We just clicked. We both ended up splitting the vote, giving the title win to the 'dark horse' candidate. It was the best thing I've ever lost.

The night Dominic became my best friend was the worst night of my young life. At a lavish Sweet 16 birthday party a feud with an old friend had left me drenched in Diet Coke, tears streaming down my face. Instead of letting me go home, he grabbed some cocktail napkins and dragged me out to the dance floor. We danced until I had dried. Since then we've shared many more dances, and many more tear-soaked cocktail napkins.

I remember sobbing into Dominic's chest as we said goodbye after Junior Prom. I had to go back to California. He held me close as the truck drove up. I had him in my arms, my best friend in the whole world, and I had to let him go. It broke my heart. 

Our relationship now consists mostly of late-night phone conversations, Skype dates, and infrequent weekend trips. Despite the distance and time difference, we have remained the closest of friends. There is not a detail of the other's life we have missed over the past four years. 

I credit the resiliency of our friendship entirely to Dominic. He is patient and wise, encouraging and honest. What I adore most about Dominic is his unwavering loyalty. I know that no matter what situation I stumble into, whether I run up to him with soda on my dress or a broken heart, he is always on my side. He teaches me everyday what it means to be a true friend.  

Our friendship has showed me that even in the midst of what seem like life's greatest failures, the greatest gifts can be found. Dominic is my silver lining.