This past Sunday, Fair Hollow had a visitor: Isabel Cohen! Some of you might remember Isabel because she used to go to school here. Last summer, she applied and was accepted into another boarding school. She wasn't happy here and figured that she needed a fresh start. (Human Note: Actually, I decided to send her to my 6-year-old cousin for her birthday!). Anyway, Fair Hollow held their annual post-Valentine's piano recital Sunday, and Isabel - once a piano student herself - decided to surprise everyone with a visit. We were all delighted to see her, especially me since I was still out traveling when she left. She's always felt like the little sister I never had.
After the piano recital, I invited Isabel up to my room. Juliette was off somewhere with some of the other girls, so it was just us. We hugged, excited at the prospect of catching up, but silly Isabel couldn't keep her eyes open. She admitted that she hadn't gotten much sleep the night before, so I let her take a brief nap on my bed.
While Isabel was sleeping, I figured I'd take advantage of the spare time and do some homework. After booting up my laptop, I started work on my Reading Response questions. We are reading The Bell Jar in English class, and the teacher assigned us ever so many discussion questions to answer!
When Isabel woke up, I set aside my English assignment and sat up next to her on my bed. We talked about her new school, and she told me about how much she loves her teacher, Miss Maeve. I told her about visiting Inky in New York (Isabel has always admired Inky!) and going on a cruise to Alaska. I told her about how Juliette finally came to the States and how glad I was to see her.
Of course, we tried not to talk about how much we missed each other. Although she is very happy at her new school, Isabel did miss me, Anya, and - most of all - her very best friend, Susanna. Of course, I know how that is. I left many good friends and family members back in Paris! I miss them every day, as much as I love my life here. It's very normal - in fact, it's expected - to miss people, and I reminded Isabel of that. It just means that we have to visit each other more!
Later, Isabel and I decided to dress up and have dinner together in a fancy restaurant, before saying our goodbyes. Although it was a short visit, I really enjoyed seeing her. I hope we can visit again. I know I'd LOVE to visit the American Girl store with her someday.
Have you ever left a friend behind or had a friend leave you? Do you ever visit each other?
Sophie
