I looked over at my friend.

This was someone that I knew in the deepest portions of my soul, would have my back through thick and thin.

It was more than that, however.

This friend had seen me at some of my most emotionally taxing and vulnerable places.

It was as I sat in his living room, the stinging hot tears of exasperation and exhaustion pouring down my face from slowly dismantling my identity, that he gave me his presence and a listening ear.

This was someone who knew exactly when to give advice and wisdom, and when to just listen. Someone whom, given the choice to be dry, would choose to stand in the pouring rain beside me.

That type of loyalty and devotion was something that I had desired my entire life.

To be seen and accepted for who I ACTUALLY was.

This was no "fair-weather" friend.

Since I was in middle-school, I had always desired to have a "clique." But it was as I matured and saw the realities of life that I began to see that a having that group or clique didn't matter.

What really mattered was choosing the 1 to 2 people that would see me for who I was, and who I could return the sentiment.

It was as I was sitting beside this friend, sharing the silence, that this realization hit me.

I had finally found this person.