Jam Sandwich -KP
It feels peculiar to write affectionately about Jacob and Sam considering our friendship largely consists of a satirical and idiotic sense of humour. But when I look back on the year that was, I am overcome with a huge sense of gratefulness for all they have provided beyond the laughs, and it would be erroneous not to reflect on it.
Our friendship is seemingly incomprehensible to those who speculate from afar, with many questions and doubts being raised overtime. So much so, that it could’ve torn the three of us apart. It’s disheartening that friendships between people of the opposite gender can be so frowned upon when they are (in our case at least) well and truly harmless. We don’t owe anyone any justification, but if this piece does it, then so be it.
Whether we’re shooting hoops at Subway Park for hours, getting severely sunburnt as we patiently wait for Sam to actually get a shot in. Or wasting our money at Timezone because Jacob is so competitive, we’re not allowed to leave until he wins a game. Their ability to turn mundane moments into memories is astronomical. But I’m not just appreciative of the countless times they’ve made me laugh to the point of tears. More importantly, they’ve been able to turn my tears into laughter in times of need.
In Dolly Alderton’s memoir, Everything I know About Love, I related enormously to her words: “When you’re looking for love and it seems like you might not ever find it, remember you probably have access to an abundance of it already, just not the romantic kind. Nearly everything I know about love, I've learnt from my long-term friendships.”
Sam, whilst your banter can be brutalising at times, all is forgiven when you follow through with excessive affection in such unique ways – like when you checked in on me every single day for the first month I’d moved out of home, when no one else did. You’re the best kind of friend to have moved overseas because you cherish your friendships too deeply to ever let them slip away. Despite not accepting the fashion advice I give you, your fearlessness to stay true to yourself and stray from the mainstream crowd is admirable. Never change.
Jacob, you’ve gotten me through so many tedious days by sending me an array of voice memos that bear no significance to anything in this world whatsoever, yet they never fail to get a giggle out me, even if it’s the last thing I feel like doing. Gags aside, it’s extremely rare for me to meet people that I feel comfortable opening up to, but the trust with you was there from day one. I know I can talk to you about absolutely anything without feeling judged and I’ll be forever thankful for that.
It may be a while before the three of us can share a cheeky bottle of rosé for breakfast again, but I have no doubt that the bond between us will remain, no matter the distance (or people) separating us. I look forward to the next time we can all meet in person, talking all things pottery over a BLAT in Newport or Bangers and Mash in Hyde Park (double bangers please). But for now, sending nothing but L&H to you both.
Kiara
