I chatted online with a old friend tonight. It's amazing to me that once you really connect with someone you can go years without talking and fall right back in step with each other. Kiki (name changed to protect the innocent) knew me in a former life. She is probably one of the few who knew me prior to a really dark period in my life and was by my side during those seven long years.

We never intended to lose touch, life just gets in the way sometimes and the next thing you know it's been years. Even with the limitations of instant messaging and trying to cover years worth of changes (she still thought I lived in the 'ville) it seemed like had not missed a beat.

Oddly, just few days ago I was telling Twinkie a story of one of my Kiki adventures. When I was in my mid 20s a high school boyfriend reentered my life and wrecked havoc. This guy was so wrong for me but at the time I tried to convince myself that it was destiny. I convinced myself that I could leave the city and live on a farm or ride shot gun on his trucking runs.

He was getting divorced and I was getting divorced and we were both really needy and messed up. Anyway I finally convinced him to meet my fiend Kiki.

I still remember us standing there with her looking at me with a “have you lost your mind" look on her face. Not only was this man about 3 inches shorter than me but he must have weighed 80 pounds, soaking wet. The best part of the meeting came when he said something stupid and I gave him a little nudge/elbow in the side. I guess I did not realize how delicate he was because the next thing you know, he goes rolling down the side of the yard. Kiki could not hold it in any longer and she laughed until she couldn't breathe. Later I tried desperately to convince her that "I was in love" but she could see right through the charade.

Your real friends can see right through your bull-shit and love you still.