We met way back in elementary school, I remember you rode my bus. You still do, as a matter of fact. I used to see you at recess, brandishing twigs and muttering spells. You thought you were a witch, but I had yet to discover the world of Harry Potter, and I just left you to your antics. I didn't understand your obsession at the time, although I do now. Why try to curse people if nothing ever happens?
In middle school, in that awkward transition phase, we grew closer, and started to speak a bit more. I read about Hogwarts, and secretly I shared your dream. However, I considered myself too old to be waving a 'wand'. I supposed I'd missed out on my Hogwarts letter anyway. You introduced me to Chameleon Circuit on your iPod during one of those torturous bus rides, and although I wasn't yet a Whovian and I didn't understand some of the songs, I enjoyed their originality, and I admired your will to be different. I remember we both played Neopets, where we had fun *slapping each other with fish*. Our friendship was strengthened, and you opened my eyes to the wonders of RENT and Sweeney Todd. I'd never liked musicals, but you changed my mind.
You sometimes would talk about Alex Day and Charlie McDonnell, which I'd watched a few times under your recommendation. I knew who they were, but I still didn't understand. Why did you think they were so great? I preferred the song about Duct Tape.....
A few times, you asked me to proofread your writing. You wanted to be a novelist, you said. I read your stories, jotted in notebooks in pristine, unmistakable handwriting. I related to them and I wondered, did you know about my life? Where did you get those fictional ideas, so close to my reality? You also used to draw, clothing design if I remember correctly. I was jealous that your people were always so lovely.
One day, you showed me a poster promoting the Chartjackers. Charlie and Alex again, plus two more. I took interest in the project when you told me it was for charity, and that's when I joined Youtube, to witness this soon-to-be-miracle for myself. I started watching vlogs, by Charlie and Alex and many many others, and eventually, in August of 2010, I discovered the Vlogbrothers.
I took the time to watch every single video, spending hours in front of the computer. I was infatuated by Nerdfighteria, and soon learned that you were a Nerdfighter as well. We shared books and movies and talked about nerdtastic things, and my entire attitude about life changed. I picked myself up from my heartbreak and pain, and I joined the wonderful community I love, thanks to your subtle direction.
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