To the Sisters

In addition to The Brothers (a post I wrote a while back), let us not forget The Sisters, who all took their individual roles in my life as well.

If it hadn't been for these girls, I don't know where I'd be.

I present to you The Sisters.

..........

Despite all those moments where our worlds come crumbling down, we are masters at picking ourselves back up and rebuilding a kingdom out of rubble. Thanks to you guys, I've been able to reconstruct my castle every time it's fallen to pieces. We make a good team.

..........

Priscila Maria Maltes and I met on my 9th birthday: March 6th, 2009. We didn't go to the same school and we didn't have the same friends but we were to play each other's part in the musical El Milagro de Fatima. It was double casted because of the musical's emotional rigor and we spent 6 months rehearsing every single day together. Back in those days, all it took to become best friends with someone was to ask. And so I did. And so we were. 6 years later, we're practically twins and have never fallen out of touch, even though I live across the ocean from her for nine months of the year. Pri and I were always the perfect dynamic duo. I was shy while she was outgoing. I dressed simply while she liked breaking out the neon colors. She's the party animal and I'm the antisocial bookworm. She'd tell the jokes and I'd laugh. I'd tell the stories and she'd listen to every word in awe. We've gone on countless road trips, belting Maroon 5 at the top of our lungs. We've seen each other at our best and at our worst. We've pulled all nighters. We've laughed at each other 'till we pissed ourselves... Literally. We were the prime examples at dance camp. We were the prime examples in our division at our Theatre Academy. I always figured she was the beauty--thick black Dominican hair and gorgeous sun-kissed skin--while I was the brains, and not much else. Although it's taken me this long to realize that we both got a bit of both ;) Pri, te extraño muchisimo y no puedo esperar a verte en casi casi unas semanas <3 Aguantate un ratito mas, mujer, que ya casi llego ;)

..........

Emma, or Lil' Kerr, as some of us tend to call her, has been the little sister I always wanted but never had. Sure, I'm not even a full two years older than her, but I'd like to think I've got my couple extra years of wisdom tucked under my belt ;) I remember the first time I met her was freshman year at the International Student Dinner. Papa Kerr brought her along and the first thing I said was what pretty eyes she had (and it's true, they're stunning). Emma and I have had our numerous ups and downs and to tell the truth, it's remarkable how much she reminds me of myself. Sometimes a bit too much. We're both too stubborn for our own good and at age thirteen, we both thought the world was crashing down on us when in reality, it wasn't. Despite our arguments and stand offs and periods of time we spent not talking to each other, she's been one of the people who's cared and supported me the most. She'll make me laugh or smile or cry just by being herself. And that is more than I could ever ask for. I know that no matter what she says, she loves me unconditionally. And as much as she looks up to me, I want her to know that I look up to her, too. I mean, quite literally I have to now cuz we're no longer the same height -_- But I feel some foreign protective instinct whenever I'm around her, and I guess that's part of what having a little sister is all about. You know they can kick ass on their own, but for your own sanity, you're right behind them in case they fall, and I'm sure they're grateful for that, too :)

..........

To be honest, I was always a little bit afraid of Max, our blue-haired mermaid friend. In the beginning, she was a mystery to me. And around that time, she wasn't even a mermaid yet haha :) All I knew was that she was exceptionally talented at making art, extraordinarily witty, and sassier than any other human I had ever met. She could shut you down without batting an eye. She could throw a fucking javelin at your face if she really wanted to. Basically, everyone admired her but I felt like I wasn't even worthy of being in her presence, which resulted in me not getting to know her very well my freshman year. Unfortunately, for most of my sophomore year, she disappeared to Oklahoma, where all of us wish we were so we could just hang around her. Our year took a 180 spin when she came back for our spring term. It was the single most amazing thing to happen that year. Luckily, I was able to get a lot closer with her in that short amount of time, resulting in her being the one to help me dye my hair and letting me ramble to her about the good, the bad, and the ugly. It's funny cuz she'd wear so many dark colors that the second she wore floral print, everyone went crazy XD She's the girl who wore a watch tied by rubber bands and then a ribbon; she was originally the only girl in our Robotics club; she's the one everyone would go to so they could beg for hennas; she's never been afraid to speak her mind. But most of all, she's been our hopelessly loyal Maximiliana Bogan, someone absolutely none of us could live without.

..........

Zoe was one of my very first friends at the Abbey. I met her during her freshman year while I was touring the school. When I finally came back in September, she was the one to remember me--barely--but she remembered me more than my own tour guide, which is saying something. I think it goes without saying that she is one of the most eccentric, bold, and tenacious people I have ever met. From her questionable antics to her voice of pure gold to her amazing poetic performances to the times we've just sat and talked about everything and anything, she's been one hell of a friend. I miss the times we used to jam together, and the time she improvised a song for me to make me feel better, and even that time she got me to date... you know... my boyfriend. Crazy as she is, I wouldn't have her any other way. She cares so much about the things she holds dear and that is something not many people value these days. Here's to one more year of excitement and exuberance :)

..........

Olivia has been one of the most entertaining people I've ever met. I always saw her as the super cool older sister that was edgy yet 100% goofy at the same time :) Abbey Drama got us together and my first memories of her were the horrendously cliche chemistry jokes she told between rehearsals XD If I could change anything about my last year, I wish I could have spent more time with her. She was so funny yet all the while incredibly brilliant, and so her conversations were never boring. Later in the year when she decided she wanted to cut her hair, I was all for it. And she looked absolutely stunning, just like I knew she would ;) I loved how she gave Pags such a hard time during stage crew. I loved her smiley face boots. I loved her unnecessary comments in the comp lab.  I loved observing her art. I loved cracking up with her at elementary school humor. I loved how she'd bring her dog on walks at school. I loved how she'd wear armadillo slippers to practice. I loved how she'd take no shit from anyone, whether that was a student or a teacher. I loved watching her perform. She truly is one of the best actresses I know. I can't thank her enough for all the time and effort she spent doing my hair and makeup (along with many others') for innumerable performances and school dances. I can't thank her enough for the times we'd have dinner together since most of the dining hall was empty. Whatever she decides to do in life, I sincerely hope she has a crashing amount of success, because she deserves it. 

..........

I've had the true honor and privilege of not only performing with but befriending the one and only Sophia Diodati aka Better than Beyonce aka Queen Soph aka God. So to all you atheists out there, um, get yourself checked cuz I'm friends with God and she's motherflipping fantastic. I don't even know where to begin with her. It's because of her that I believe in the phrase "Tiny but powerful". First off, she was probably the best Head Girl the Abbey's ever had. She's the greatest pianist I've ever had the pleasure to meet. She's got some deadly vocals, killer dance moves, and insane acting skills. I was so lucky to have her play my mother in Harvey last fall. Acting alongside her was an experience I cannot put into words. I was fortunate enough to act alongside her again in Ghost the Musical and honestly if it weren't for her constant encouragement, I don't think I ever would have reached my high note at the end. Though we didn't hang out much outside of practice or EHX rehearsals, Sophia taught me so much about endurance and friendship and strength and what it means to be kind. She had one heck of a sassy mouth but one of the warmest hearts I've ever come across. She's been my personal ray of sunshine, to put it that way. I can't explain how much I'm gonna miss getting to see her everyday this next year. She is a true born star and I'm sure she'll shine brighter than any other one in our galaxy <3

..........

Maeve Rebecca Harten. God, what would I do without that girl... Firstly, all of my super awkward/uncomfortable questions and exclamations are reserved for her. Because they're suited for her ears and her ears only. I met Maeve at my first EON concert, surprise surprise... I like to believe the second we met, there was just some strange connection that made me feel like we were related and that I could tell her absolutely anything. For a long time, she was my designated driver, Panera/Custom date, midnight crisis contact, and shameless advice giver. I don't even know where to begin when it comes to thanking her for all that she's done for me (I'll try and reserve most of that for a Thanksgiving post haha). She's tickled me till I near pissed myself, she's held me while I cried my heart out, she's been my pillow and jam buddy and food service many a time XD She is so talented and dedicated in everything that she does, it's almost painful. Despite her going away to inevitable c-o-l-l-e-g-e *insert super sad face here* I will always remember the random Sundays she came to hang out in my room, the many adventures we went on (some including hair dye, some not), the spontaneous appearances she'd make in the dining hall that just made my day, the beautiful book of poetry she gave me for Christmas, her super warm hugs, cuddles in Fonts's basement/the Wing/the stairwell, but most importantly her undying kindness and generosity towards her friends and others. It was such an honor to have been present at your graduation. I couldn't have asked for a better gift to say goodbye. Nonetheless, come on keep your shit together maya I cannot wait for her to come back to us so we can continue being the strange goofs we were before :D

..........

Last but not least is Claire. Three words come to mind when I think of her: inspiration, gratitude and pride. I will never forget that night we walked together through the fog. It was because of her I started this blog. It was because of her I met the extraordinary friends I have today. It was because of her that I got up off my ass and actually stood up for myself when I wouldn't have otherwise. It was because of her I fell in love with dance again. It was because of her that I learned to love Taylor Swift, live life in the moment and put my faith in the stars. She gave me kindness unlike any other and loved me for me from the start. She never gave me a terms and conditions list regarding her friendship. She's my favorite person to all out belt in the car with. She's the first person I called when I freaked about A. She's the first person who tried--and failed--to get me to drink coffee XD We've each ranted to the other in the middle of the night. Both of us have held the other when they cried and held our stomachs in stitches when we laughed. A good chunk of my sanity this past year came from her. She'll always be our #1 fangirl, groupie, and companion. I love the fact that she actually talks as much as I do so I don't feel as bad when I ramble to her hahaha <3 I love how even on the hottest, muggiest days, she'll still smell amazing (I seriously don't know how you do it.) I love that we'll match unintentionally. I love what a great team we make when Easter Egg Hunting. I love stargazing with her. I love making waffles in the morning at her house. I love binge watching Narnia with her. I love walking around for hours with her. I love how I can be 100% myself around her. There are so many things I will miss when she's gone. And even so, I am so immensely proud of her. For her successes, struggles, and failures. She's tough as nails even when she doesn't think she is. I am so incredibly lucky to have her as my sister.

..........

Lucky is an understatement. To have all these girls by my side is truly some sort of divine miracle I could never begin to explain. I guess what I'm trying to say is thank you. All of you. For your generosity, hospitality, wisdom, and strength. People like you are hard to come by.

..........

So I tried my very best not to get emotional while writing any of this but I was somewhat unsuccessful... Whether that's to do with the contents of this post or the time I'm posting it at, I'm not sure. Either way, I hope this gives you all an idea of how much these people mean to me. Thank you thank you thank you.

Hasta la próxima!

Much love xoxo

Maya

(P.S: I hope this post didn't end up sounding like complete bullshit or something cuz frankly I'm too tired to edit anything right now.)