Normality

[windlion]

Tonight was. . . interesting.

I've never had a large number of friends, but I've never felt like I was missing out on anything.  The few close friends I have are always good, no matter how much time passes between us meeting.   Though I generally have many more acquaintances, I can be slow to accept new ones into the fold as real friends.  There's good reason for that, really; if you are my friend, I will do damn near anything for you.  Most times,  you don't have to ask, and you will never owe me anything for it.

When I moved to this town eight years ago, I made a friend.  She and I were sometimes in different classes, drifting apart for years, but each time we met again it was as if there had been no intervening time.  We were in almost all the same classes throughout highschool, and it was a departure when we left for different colleges.  I've seen her in person maybe a handful of times since graduation last year.   Still, we talk on line every once in awhile.  And for the past few years, I've been trying my best to help her along while she has dealt with a ridiculous amount of bullshit from her parents.  They've cut her off financially, they've taken away her car, they've refused to fund her college education.

Today she decided she wanted out.  I've offered her my floor before, but tonight she finally took me up on it.  It turned out she didn't need a place to stay, since her boyfriend has that covered, but we went and picked her up and took her to meet him.  I'm worried for her, but I'm proud she decided that she'd taken enough, because no one should have to deal with so much stress and daily petty cruelties from their own parents.

The real surprise was that my parents were, with some reservations, entirely willing to take her in for the evening and do whatever was necessary for her.  My father couldn't imagine what circumstances it would take for him to be angry enough to turn me out, so the situation was unfathomable to him. 

So, in conclusion, I'm very, very, lucky.  My family is sane and well-adjusted, completely and perfectly normal middle class.  My parents and I don't always see eye to eye, but in general- I'm a spoiled little brat.  This is just one of those reminders I need to be extremely thankful for it.

So everyone wish my friend good luck on her way; not that she needs it, because she can make it, I know she can, but a little help is always appreciated.

Comments

[kaitou1412.livejournal.com]

I had a night like that for one of my friends where I was, even more oddly, not there. I was at a six week workshop, but my parents were nice enough to let her stay anyway.

I hope your friend's situation will turn out as well as my friend's did. She's very lucky she has a friend like you.

[windlion.livejournal.com]

Ouch- that sounds painfully complicated. >_< It's sad that this isn't an isolated case, but I'm glad to hear everything worked out for your friend- and thank you. You're a remarkably good person yourself, Ann-san. ^^
I just wish there was more I could do, really.

good luck

[twigcollins.livejournal.com]

Good luck to her - everyone can always use as much of it as they can get. It was great of you to help her out too, nothing makes trouble more bearable than to have someone at your back.

What a terrible situation. If nothing else, I'm glad she can distance herself from it.

[flidgetjerome.livejournal.com]

I already talked to you about this over IM, but I'm posting here to leave love around in case you do manage to get hold of Fran.

Fish-chan! Love!

[velithya]

O.o wow, that sounds drastic. All the best for her. *sends love + good luck*