Jeannie had just graduated from high school. Her closest friend was Laura.
Jeannie: So, Laura ...everyone acts like high school is such a huge milestone, so what do you plan to do next?
Laura: I don't really know ...and you're right, everyone acts like this is so big, but who doesn't graduate from high school?
Jeannie: You have to literally drop out ...or get thrown out, not to graduate.
Laura: And all the graduation speeches talk about going out into the world, making a difference, and living your dream.
Jeannie: Yeah, how many actually live their dream?
Laura: What is your dream, Jeannie?
Jeannie: You of all people had to ask me that, didn't you?
Laura: What do you mean?
Jeannie: I don't think I should say.
Laura: Come on, we are supposed to be closest friends. If you can't share your dreams with your closest friend, then who can you share anything with?
Jeannie: Okay, you first.
Laura: That's not fair ...didn't I ask first?
Jeannie: I know, but ...
Laura: But, what?
Jeannie: But, it's too personal.
Laura: Too personal for your closest friend? How much more personal can it get ...than your best friend? Unless you have a new closest friend.
Jeannie: You know me better than that.
Laura: Yes, that's why this conversation has taken such a strange twist.
Jeannie: Okay, this is really awkward, but I'll tell you.
Laura: I'm waiting.
Jeannie: No, I can't.
Laura: I don't know why not ...it's not like you dream about being a double agent for another country, or something. I know you better than that. It can't be a bad dream.
Jeannie: No, it's a wonderful dream.
Laura: But, too wonderful to tell your closest friend?
Jeannie: No, I already told you it is too awkward ...it's just too awkward.
Laura: It couldn't be more awkward than this conversation already is. Just forget it ...I'll just tell you my dream first.
Jeannie: No, I said I'd tell you, and I'll tell you.
Laura: You don't want to hear my dream?
Jeannie: You told me to go first, and I will ...but, if you'd rather go first, go ahead.
Laura: No, you go ahead first ...'cause I have the feeling that if I don't let you tell me now, I'll never hear about your dream.
Jeannie: Okay, I warned you this would be awkward ...but, here it is. My dream is to marry your brother, Tom.
Laura: You're kidding, right?
Jeannie: No, I know he signed up to go into the army. He gave a beautiful graduation speech about how it was his dream to serve his country. What a speech! And the response he got was unbelievable ...everyone standing, and applauding. I would never tell him my dream. Though sharing it would likely not get in the way of his dream. If I told him my dream, he'd probably even more want to leave the country.
Laura: No, he has always liked you.
Jeannie: As your friend, maybe.
Laura: No, he said he liked you several years ago, before you and I even became such close friends.
Jeannie: Why didn't you tell me that before?
Laura: You tell me ...do you think my brother is shy, or outgoing?
Jeannie: Your brother, Tom, is undoubtedly shy ...and that is part of what I like about him.
Laura: Well, he also doesn't have much self-esteem ...and he felt you didn't like him, and made me promise not to tell you he likes you.
Jeannie: Why did he feel I didn't like him ...that's so, I mean, I don't feel I ever acted like I didn't like him.
Laura: No, of course you didn't ...but, I didn't mean that he felt that you didn't like him, I meant to say he never felt that you liked him.
Jeannie: Well, I guess I can see a slight difference there, but it kind of feels like close to the same thing.
Laura: Let me explain it to you this way ...Tom felt that you like everybody, and you are so outgoing. Being so shy, he just felt he didn't stand a chance. He felt you wouldn't notice him, let alone think he is that special.
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