BEST FRIEND BLUES The easiest thing would be to write a corny country song about it. My little ditty would be called "We Lived Together For So Long, I Can't Live Apart" or "We Shared a Bathroom, a Toaster, an Experience" or my favorite, "I Don't Understand How to Pay the Phone Bill Without You." It's true. My wonderful friend, Alicia, and I are no longer roommates. Four years ago a university computer put our names and Social Security numbers together after we filled out the comprehensive, four-question survey about our likes and dislikes. Since this questionnaire was the sole basis for assigning roommates, when filling it out, I lied, lied, lied. At the time, I figured I was just lucky to get matched up with Alicia. I have since realized that it was divine providence. We were perfect for each other. If I made her a little more catty, a little more gossipy (a little more fun), she made me more conscientious and honest and true to my own heart. She brought me out of my shell--like when we were backpacking through Europe. In Paris--my first night out of the U.S.A.--I wanted to lie in my bed and whimper. Alicia made me put on a skirt and walk until we found a jazz club. She pushed me through the door, ordered me a drink and pulled me onto the dance floor. Of course, it was the most fun. And we didn't have to be in Paris to have fun with each other. Throughout college, I have had the "movie-ized" experience. I lived in co-ed dorms, briefly experienced frat parties, met a serious boyfriend, moved into apartments, a house, had more parties, rarely studied, bonded, learned about myself, dumped a serious boyfriend, had philosophical discussions.... During all of these college mini-adventures, including the amazing two-month backpacking trip throughout Europe, Alicia was there. We made everything a little more exciting for each other. She took me on rafting trips with her fellow whitewater guides. I gave her un-requested fashion tips and taught her to yell at the television. She made me dance to "Margaritaville." I made her dance to techno. Alicia and I even had one class together: Beginning Weight Training. We would take turns attending, signing the other in and working only half the muscles. Though we didn't share any other classes, we would quiz each other for finals, proofread papers and tabulate units and quarters left until we could leave Davis. But now we have left. I moved away from Davis and away from Alicia. I feel blessed for having shared the college experience with her. And I'm a little afraid to go forward without her being right there to hold my hand. Our rooming together had to be more than just a coincidence, but after four years of higher education, the only thing I know for sure is that there's no way to explain it. I can only describe it, whether in a tear-jerky essay like this one or a country ballad. Its title would be, "We Now Buy Separate Toilet Paper, But We Will Be Friends Forever." -- Erica Howe '99