Dear stranger,

Hi, there. You remember me, right? The girl you chased around because she stuck a gum wrapper down your shirt? I'm the girl you threw the football around with. You flirted with me not too long ago. You made me like you a lot, just so you know. And I thought you liked me, too. You know what, I know you liked me, too. You could have told me you liked me. But you didn't. You had me assume it. But what happened? I don't get it. I thought you wanted me to stick around. You did, right? That's exactly what I did. I was there the whole two days we've known each other. And I know that might not sound as long as it really was, but somehow it seemed long to me. I think I know why. Because you left me the very next day. One day you and me were falling for each other. And the next day, it's like we would both explode if we looked at each other. You could have told me you wanted space. But you didn't. Exactly how fast do you expect anyone in this world to do anything, honestly? You were the fastest and most painful heartbreak I've ever had to go through. I mean, I've been hurt before. A lot. But I've never cried myself to sleep more than one time per heartbreak. You could have told me you didn't like me. But you didn't. You could have prevented me from crying so much. But you didn't. You could have told me that you liked someone else. But you didn't. Instead, you made me fall for you. Intentionally. It really hurt me, too.

P.S. She will never love you the way I could have.

Sincerely,

the girl you could have fell in love with, but didn't.

I love you because...

Rozette,

I love you because you're my best friend and you took me into your own home even though you had a choice not to. I love you because I can tell you everything and you know everything about me. I love you because you're my Selena and I'm your Demi. I love that I can be myself with you and that I found who I am just by being around you. I love you because you showed me that you were my only true best friend. That my other best friends couldn't love me as much as you can. We sat in your bed and cried because I was so thankful that God gave me such an amazing best friend and how I didn't deserve it at all. I love you because you make me smile effortlessly. I love you because you can make me laugh without trying. You have showed me what other people could never show me. You showed me love. You showed me Jesus. I love you because you stick up for me and you know me better than I know myself. I love you because you are able to put up with me when nobody else could. I love you because you love me, too.

Lizette,

Wow. There are so many reasons why I love you! Let's start with how we met. It was the first week of high school and you had an Aly and Aj bracelet. Then you told me you loved the Jonas Brothers since 2006. That's when I knew we were going to be good friends. And since that time we became friends, I've grow to love you more and more. We knew all we needed to know about each other, and that wasn't much. But we were still such good friends. Then we started obsessing over famous people and talking obnoxiously in class about who is on our binders. And that's when I loved you to the greatest extent. I knew I couldn't love you anymore. And you showed me that I can. And I do.

Jen Keli,

I love love love love you so much! I love how we became best friends so quickly. I love how we stood next to each other at choir rehearsals and didn't even know it until later on in our friendship. We did so many things together and we only knew each other for like two months. We were certainly inseparable. We helped each other get over our stage fright, we had sleep overs, we even made up Jonas spirit week, which was the best week ever! I remember the best memories we had together. I remember we would sit in your room and listen to old school Jonas until we couldn't think about anything else. Then we saw Jonas in concert and blew kisses and cried and laughed and got so much closer. I love you because you still talked to me even though we practically hated each other. And I love how genius you are. I am so thankful for you. I love you so much.

Taylor,

You smarty pants. You are so good to me even thought we have hit so many unforgivable bumps in the road. I remember laughing with you until we could not breathe. One memory with you that I remember so clearly was the day of the eighth grade field trip and we went to the Adventuredome. I remember there was a clown behind you and you slowly turned your head and turned the brightest red I've ever seen. Me and you literally fell on the floor laughing, in front of everyone at the Adventuredome. I love how you can make me laugh so easily. And how me and you think alike. I love you because we were best friends once and even though we aren't anymore, you still look at me the same way. I love you and your smarts and your confidence and your strength. I wish I can be more like you.

Aurora,

Gosh, Aurora, you have talent! I love your acting skills, and I love how down to earth you are. I love you because you were never stuck up to me and you talked to me even though you were a sophomore and I was a little freshman. I love you because we love Miley Cyrus and Vanessa Hudgens and how you say Miley's song "Super girl" reminds you of me. I love how we sang "Our Song" at the top of our lungs in the cafeteria without caring who watches us. I love how we were only friends for a short amount of time and I was your screen saver. I love how we connected so easily. Thank you so much.

Chad,

I have no idea how to tell you how much I love you, Chad. First off, I love you in more ways than one. I love you because you make me laugh. I love you because we argue about arguing. I love you because you were one of the only boys I ever actually trusted with my heart. I love you because you kept it in good condition. You have such a great singing voice and you are such a good guy. I love you because I'm forced to. I can't not love you. It's almost impossible. You are one of the greatest boys to ever cross my mind. I love you because you're just so darn cute. I also love love love your sense of humor. I love you because you know how to make girls fall for you so hard. I love how there was a time when I could not stop thinking about you or talking about you or missing you. I love you because those times when I couldn't stop thinking about you still happen.

Sean,

Sean, Sean, Sean. How do even start? I love you because you are responsible. I love you because you get worried that I might be mad at you. But how can I? I love you too much to stay mad at you for longer than a minute. I love you for hugging me every single day you see me. I love you because you've taught me so much in life. I love you because you love Jesus so much. I love how I've learned from you. I love you because I can talk to you about anything and you wouldn't look at me any different. I love you because of who you are. I love your personality. I love you because we actually talk to each other. I love you because you never act weird around me and even if you do, I have yet to notice. I love you because you know I love you and you love me, too. I love you because of that time when you cried to me on the phone and that's when I loved you more. I love that you care about me. Well, I care about you, too.

Emmanuel,

Hm. This is a tough one, only because I've known you for a short period of time. Well, my friend, that short period of time was very special. I do love you, Emmanuel. I love you because you love the same things I do. I love you because you never run out of things to say and you break awkward silences. I love that you obsess with me even though you're a boy and a year older than me. I love you because you love God and Jesus. I love you because you make me smile and you allow yourself to. I love that you're the first person I see when I walk through the doors to church every Friday. I love you, I love you, I love you.

Chesley,

Dang, girl, you have given me more than I deserve! I love how you started talking to me first. And I love how you are such an inspiration for my story! You are so good to me, and you don't even know it. I love how you know your boundaries and you're an extremely brilliant girl. I love how in English, I was having the worst day. But you made it better. The both of us sat in the fish bowl and instead of reading, me and you were getting to know each other and you were telling me personal things and I told you about my book and we socialized and ate chips together. I love you because you opened up to me so fast when it seemed like I didn't even know you. I love how you trusted me.

Illeana,

This is an easy one. I love you because me and you were inseparable in physical education. I love you because we rock the tennis court, and the basketball court, and we kill in dodge ball. I love you because we never really fought. I love you because you made me laugh just because of who you are. I love you because we were partners every single day in p.e. I love how we have so many inside jokes and we are able to laugh at them months later. I love you because we ran together and we were always on the same team and you picked me to be your partner even though there were so many better athletes in p.e and you were better off without me. I love you because you chose me.

Samantha,

My little rebel. I love you. I love you because you are always concerned about me. I love you because you're always so loud and funny and so nice to me. I love you because you always helped me up when I was down -- literally. I love you because you are one of the last people I can say that are 'always' something. You are always there for me, even though I couldn't be there for you. I love you because you're a strong girl. I love how I can never be as strong as you but you still helped me try to be. I love you because we were enemies for thirty seconds and you allowed me to be your friend again. I love you because I can never be too nerdy around you. I love you because you're such a good runner. I love you for always sticking with what you want to do and you ignore people when they doubt you. I have never doubted you before, and I know that you will accomplish great things in your life. I promise.

Rachel,

Words cannot explain how much I am jealous of you, Rachel. But I love you more than I envy you. I love you because you're the purest person I know. I love you because you are brave and you have such an inspirational relationship with the Lord. I love you because you sat in front of me in Biology even though I thought you were one of those skinny, pretty, stuck up girls. I love you because you changed my mind about you in less than a minute. I love you because you love Taylor Swift. I love you because you were always there for me. I love you because you're intelligent and you know everything. I love that you're not only book smart, but you're street smart and that's so rare these days. I love you because you wanted to hurt the boy who broke my heart so badly. I love you because you told me I can do it. I love you because you didn't have to stay in p.e because you took a sport in the summer, but you stayed. Just because of me and that's a true friend.

Daniel,

Boy, I love you. So so so much. I love you more than any boy I know. I love you because our past is unforgettable, but you forgave me even though you didn't have to. I love you because you are so adorable! I love you because we used to talk on the phone for hours on end. I love you because your pants are so tight but you never complain. I love you because you're an amazing skater. I love you because you are different. I love how you know what to say exactly when to say it, and you've never disappointed me. I love you because you love Taylor Swift and Jonas and you're not embarrassed. You have showed me what a real friend is, and I am so thankful for that. I love you because we walk together from p.e and talk about nothing important. I love you because I was one of the only people you chose to keep in your life. I love you because your way of talking to people without saying a word. I love you because you're so funny and you make me laugh. I love you because I can if I want to and you accept that.

Faith,

How long has it been? Almost nine years since I've known you, and I have never loved you less than I did before. Faith, you are a handful. No, you are two handfuls. I love you because we've been close friends for the longest time and you have yet to forget about me. I love you because you're the cutest eighth grader in the world and you were the cutest little eight year old back then. I love you because we stayed up all night calling boys and laughing and eating ice cream. I love you because you told all of your guy friends I was hot. I love you because you still talk to me after all we've been through. I love how open you can be sometimes. I love you because you took me ice skating for the first time in years. I love how you ignored all your friends and hung out with me. I love you because you've never let me down. I love you because you allowed me into your life time after time. I love you because you are such a pain and such a brat but I love you anyway and you love me too even though I'm just as a pain and just as bratty as you are.

Danielle O,

There's so many ways I can tell you how much I love you, but that probably wouldn't be enough. You are the symbol of girl power. You know what you want, and you never let anything stop you. And I love you for that. I love that you're the funniest person I know and that you are my favorite actress and you don't think I'm weird for it. I love you because you're unique and you know who you are. I love you because you thought twice about me. You gave me another chance to be your friend, and if you never gave me that second chance, I would have never knew how much I was missing out on. I love you because you know how to handle everything on your own and because you're smart and you're nice and you're the coolest person on this earth. You probably have the most beautiful personalities in the world. And I love you because that's who you are.

Cezkabelle,

Wow, what to say and how do I say it? I love you so much! You are a big ball of sunshine and you are the cutest thing in the world! Your relationship with God is so inspiring! I love you because you sat with me when I was alone at church and you prayed for me and you made such a difference in my life. I love you because you're so hysterical. I love you because you keep me in your life. I love you because your presentation in English made my whole week. I love you because you are different and you don't care what people think of you. I love you because you've inspired me to be myself and not listen to others. I love you because you make being Asian seem easy. I love you because you're so generous to me. I love you because you're my friend, and that's all it takes.

Fabian,

How do I express my love for you? I love you, I do. I love you so much because you keep me happy, no matter what. I love you because you're so funny and you never let me be sad, not even for a second. I love you because I don't know anyone like you. I love you because you know so much about me and that's enough. I love you because your memory is incredible. I love how you remember everything I said, when I said it, and why. Even if I don't know why I said it. I love you because you're so kind to your elders and you always make time for your old friends. I love you because you know what to say to me. I love you because you have yet to give up on me. And you have every reason to forget about me, and I'm still in your life. I love you because you've never walked out or left me hanging. I love you because you are forgiving and you forgive me for hurting you even if it was my intention. I love you because you're the sweetest boy I know.

Danielle F,

This has to be the easiest one. Because I know how to tell you that I love you. I love you because you're who you are and nobody else. I love you because at Alexis's party, we sat crying because of how much we love each other and how much I will miss you if I ever lost you. To this day I hope that never happens. I love you because you forgave me for all of the things I've done to you. I love you because I've screwed up so many times and you still love me. I love you because you're so beautiful in every way possible. I love you because we can talk for hours about boys. I love you because you know who you are and you will never let anyone let that person down, even though I know I have. I love you for always sticking around when I needed someone to talk to. I love you because you invited me to your sleepover when I thought you've forgotten about me. I love you because you know your own boundaries and you still won't let that stop you. I love you because you deserve all the love you receive.

Angela Dela Cruz,

Miss Angela. Gosh, do I love you. You are such a good role model. I love you because you gave Jesus a chance and not only do you allow him in your life, but you now put him first. I love how I've learned that from you. I love you because you have a perfect way of never getting caught for dress code by the deans at school. I love you because you know about guys and you don't trust them unless you are sure they can be trusted. I love you because you are smart about that. I love how you're so strong and so brave when it comes to relationships. I love you because you're sneaky and you're interracial and you know what to do in so many situations. I love you because there was never a fight between us. I love you because you love my best friend and that's all that matters.

Kara,

Ah, Kara. You are so beautiful! I love you because of our night at the movies when we weren't even watching it, and you were texting and we had fun. I love you because we witnessed what older teenagers do when they go to the movies, and that's because we were forced to watch a couple make out. I love that we were so immature about it. I love you because of your ability to love without even trying. I love you because you're smart and you're never scared. I love you because you're so cute and you let me laugh at you because you're so adorable. I love how we can compliment each other and never get tired of it. I love you because you're special. Because you're so loving and so kind and you are the nicest girl in the world.

Matthew,

When I think of you, I cannot help but smile. I love love love you. You are so funny! My favorite memory with you was at Disneyland. Autopia. We had so much fun, especially when you were the one at the wheel. I love you because you knew all of these people in show choir, but you chose to be my friend, the newcomer. I love you because you're my favorite boy in the world. I love you because you are so kind to me. I love you because I have never missed a boy so much in my life! I love you because you can be mature at times and you don't care what people think of you. I love you because you make me smile especially when I really needed it. I love you because you're so talented and talent is all you need.

Steffanie,

Steff. Hm, oh, yes. You're so cool! The most chill, calm, and mellow person I know. Sometimes I forget you're there! But that's never possible, is it? Because whenever you're around, I feel a sense of compassion. You are such a good friend. I love you because you have the best sense of style I have seen on anyone. I love you because you're an obnoxious Jonas Brothers fan and you're proud of it. I love you because you actually care about me. You talk to me even though I've been a self-centered jerk. I love you because your hair is so pretty and it's so natural. I love you because you're yourself and no one else. I love you because we were pen pals in the eighth grade. I love how we passed notes to each other and we didn't even meet face to face properly.

Nicole,

Oh my goodness, Nicole! We've made it this far! I love you because you are so outspoken! I love you because you have such a fearless tint in you. I love you because we became friends so quickly and we don't even know how we met. I love you because you sat next to me in acting class throughout the whole entire year. I love you because you listened to be obsess over a certain someone in the class. I love you because you're so kind and so beautiful and so understanding! I love you because you took my advice on which rides you should ride at Disneyland because you've never been there. I love you because I haven't reminded you that I do and you still talked to me. I love you because you never let me down and you were always there for me if I needed someone to talk to. I love you because you never let me walk to lunch alone. I love you this much!

Alejandra Uribe,

How in the world did we even become friends? I think it's because we had almost every class together. I love oh, so much, girl! I love you because you're such a joy to have and you're so little! I love you because you were the type of girl who would sit in class and talk and get in trouble and yet you're still such a great student. I love you because you're so serious sometimes and you're never sad. At least, I never see you sad. I admire your happiness and I wish I was so positive about things. I love you because you're so calm. I love you because you're obsessed with Jonas and you stick up for them when someone makes fun of them. I love you because you wear the cutest clothes. I love you because you've never made me mad at you. I love you because you're one of the only handful of people I still count on.

Alejandra Urbina,

You are my own personal box of happiness, Ale! You know exactly what to say and you make me laugh so hard! I love you because you're so different and you speak your mind, even if it makes you look silly. I love you because you made me feel better and you always ask me what's wrong even if I'm just fine. I love you because you say the funniest things and you don't care what the people who sit near you think about you. I love you because you've inspired me to become friends with all of these girls, especially considering I used to think all they wanted to do was cause drama. I love you because you proved me wrong just by being your Twilight-loving self. I love you, that's for sure.

Danny,

This will make me miss you so much, but I have to do it. I love you, Danny. I love you like my brother. I love you because we talked every single day about everything. I love you because you let me write all over your binder and you never get annoyed with me. I love you because you're so patient and understanding. I love you because you're the typical immature guy and I still love you to death! I love you because you can be yourself around people. I love you because you can be such a jerk but you apologize and I actually believe you every time because you mean it with all of your heart. I love you because I can be serious about things with you and you listen to me. I love you because you're one of the only people who decided willingly they aren't going to stop talking to me because we go to different schools.

Lex,

I love you too, Lex. You are my personal mystery. I'll tell ya, I've been trying to figure you out since day one and since, I have yet to do so. I love you because you keep me guessing and I'm never bored around you. I love you because you're so talented and you love to act and I never knew that. I love you because you stayed up all night on the phone with me while I was singing Jonas songs. I love you because you agreed with me that Joe Jonas has a big butt. I love you because you never leave without anything to say and you're so funny. I love you because the whole school knows who you are and you don't let what they say get to you. I love you because you're so wise and you know exactly how to have fun. I love you because you are an outstanding friend and I just love you so much.

Sabrina,

Gosh, I miss you more that you'll ever know, Sabrina! I love you so much, and you're such an amazing friend. I am so blessed that you decided to keep me around. I love you because we had so many adventures in show choir and you're so nice to me. I love you because I can talk to you about things you don't really care about and you're still interested to listen to me. I love you because you were always there for me and you never left me. I love you because I so desperately misss you and I cry because I'm not in show choir anymore because now I'm in high school. I love you because you have never left my side in choir. I love you because you're an amazing singer and you're so brave. I love you because you hung out with me in show choir and you never left me for anyone else. I love you because you were always my friend and you have so many dreams and I know you will accomplish so much and I love that you have so much faith.

Paulo,

Oh, goodness. Paulo. You little smarty. I love you so dearly. I love you because you brought the nerdy Asian guy from the movies to life and you made so many people love you! I love you because you give me competition in English and you don't even try to beat me at everything. I love you because you got so close to me unintentionally. I love you because you nearly made me pass out from laughing so much. I love you for saying yes when I asked you to the dance and you didn't get upset when I ended up not wanting to go after all. I love you because you are so hysterical it isn't even funny. I love you because you're so serious about your grades but nothing else. I love you because you walked me and my best friend home, the long way. I love you because you are so cute and so nice and so carefree. I love you because you got to leave class early. I love you because you were such a joy to sit next to in class and I will miss you so much if you left.

　

Each and one of you have given me so much strength and I love you all for teaching me so many great lessons in life. I love you all because you are all the best friends a girl could ever have. I love you because you all have changed my life in so many different ways. You deserve these lame love notes because you are so good to me even though I don't deserve it as much as you all do.

Love, Brittany.

Heartbreak # 2

So this brings us to middle school. Seventh grade, to be exact. The beginning of the new school year and I knew that I was so much more mature than I was before. I had forgotten all about the second grade and moved on.

I'll be honest. I never really actually had feelings for you before our little mishap. I thought you were just another guy who thought I was cute and wanted to go out with me because you wanted your friends to know you were capable of getting a girlfriend. But those qualities made me feel special. I liked that you talked about me to your friends and how you weren't going to give up until you had me. And as long as we're on honest terms, I'll admit that back then, I didn't know how special I could be to someone. I liked the attention you gave me. A lot.

The first time we met was at the frightdome. You liked me. And I sensed that.

It was Friday the thirteenth, a few weeks after the fightdome. I remember that. It was the day of our seventh grade field trip to the Renaissance fair when you asked me to be your girlfriend. I said "sure." I didn't say "yes," or "absolutely," or "okay," only because I didn't mean any of those things. I said sure because I knew that I was only giving you a chance.

That day, we had fun. We has so much fun at the fair, and I remember you bought me a crown and a snow cone. And we spent forever looking at each other. Admiring each other. Liking each other more and more.

Then came my friend's party. This is where it all went down. Nothing bad, as far as health goes. But that was when I fell for you. The night I fell and fell hard for you. And it wasn't even before you asked me out. I fell for you when we first kissed. And to be honest, I didn't feel a thing. The only thing I felt was cold. Because it was October and you kissed me at the door. I remember that much.

But I knew that a kiss didn't mean anything. It was nothing. Our relationship beside that was more important. It was then I knew that we would work. I even remember counting each day we were dating. Every morning I'd wake up and view my calendar to see what day we were on.

Then, well. I should have saw this coming. But I was too lost in your eyes to find the way out of the problem that would soon come to my attention.

I can't remember why, or you telling me why, but you came to school one day and suddenly lost all feelings for me. And this sucked. Because I was finally falling for you and you just all of a sudden stopped.

I went straight up to my room when I heard this and dialed my friend's phone number. We talked and talked about you. I knew that she understood. Because she listened to me cry for you. I cried because I was finally getting used to you and you wanted to end it. I cried because your friends never liked me. I cried because I fell for you harder than I ever thought I'd fall for anyone. I cried because I realized in the end that the joke was on me.

At school the next morning, I couldn't look at you. I couldn't face embarassment. So I asked my friends to do it for me. I asked them to tell you it was over. And I was watching from behind the people in the cafeteria when they told you it was over. And do you remeber your reaction? Because I do.

You fell to your knees and yelled out, "YES!" and walked away. And I held my tears back because I didn't want to cry in front of anymore people. Not in front of you, anyway.

Heartbreak # 1

I remember I had a huge crush on you. And I was happy that you were happy I liked you, too. I knew that we felt the exact same way for each other. Or so I thought.

Everything was perfect. A few days went by, but it wasn’t official. You weren’t my boyfriend, and I wasn’t your girlfriend. We were both way too young for that stuff. But we both knew we liked each other.

Everyone in our second grade class knew we liked each other.

But then one day, when I thought you were going to tell me something cute, like a joke, or a story, you surprised the hell out of me. I was so surprised, I thought I was going to throw up. I remember the exact words you said to me on the floor in our classroom.

You said, "I’m sorry, I don’t like you anymore."

And it’s because of those words I can’t think back on my memories as an eight year old and smile.

But that’s not what really hurt me. What really hurt me were the words that followed those words. The reason you didn’t like me anymore.

I asked you one simple question. One word. And that was one word I regret even mentioning. I asked, "why?" And that word caused me to cry for the first time in elementary school. In front of everyone. In front of our whole second grade class.

You told me the reason you didn’t like me anymore was because of another girl. A fourth grader, which I guess, looking back on it now, would have been an accomplishment for a second grade boy.

But wait. It gets better.

You met her at a park. You said she called you cute. And BAM. Everything that happened before meant nothing anymore. Chasing you around the playground. Calling each other cute. Being made fun of because we were the first in our class to have hormones. Everything. POOF. Gone.

Well, you know what? I’m glad that your mind could be changed so easily. That quality comes in handy, except for, God forbid, someone admits they still like you. And I hope that you and the girl you met once lived happily ever after. Because I know I didn’t.