It was a torrid Saturday afternoon. I had just finished practice at midpac and was packing up to leave. As I was leaving the field, that's when I saw him. He was sitting on the benches with his friends, under the big banyan tree. It was love at first sight. As soon as I saw him, I knew he had to be mine.

There were other ones like him that were there but he was different. He was tall, at least taller than his other friends. I went over to introduce myself, and then I took him my place. He was quiet, and didn't really say much. I decided to name him Jimmy, after my pet fish.  Jimmy soon became one of my most trustworthy friends. He was always there for me and rarely ever let me down. He gave me life. We went everywhere together. On hikes, movies, long walks on the beach he was always there right by my side.

Like any relationship, Jimmy and I had our differences.  Though we never fought much, the bumps and scratches on his stainless steel body can show what we have been through.  I remember the first time I dropped him. It was during a soccer game and I had left him on the edge of the bench. As soon as I let go, I knew I messed up. I tried to catch him but it was too late.  The fall seemed to happen in slow motion, and all I could do was watch. The fall left two bumps, like little dimples on his side.  Over the years, the bumps and scratches have increased. Although he is not as clean as to when I first got him, I know that appearances aren't everything.

A little after our two year anniversary, the worst possible thing happened. It was the first day of school, Jimmy and I were taking on my junior year together. The excitement of other students filled the gym. Kahu did a prayer, the president, principles, and deans all said their little speeches, and then to conclude- the alma mater.  As soon as we were dismissed, crowds of students ran to the closest exit to get out of the hot, sticky gym. I didn't even have time to gather my things before I was shoved to the side. Backpack, check. Binder, check. Jimmy...?  No where to be found. My heart started to race. I searched the whole gym and still, nothing. I left before I could be the kid who is late on the first day.

I went nine whole days without Jimmy.  When I got thirsty, I had to leave class and go to a water fountain.  I couldn't just go out and buy a new hydroflask because none of them would compare to Jimmy. None of them would have shared the same memories that we had. Just as I thought he was gone for good, I found him. I was going to the girls locker room to change for cross country practice. Mrs. Aki's office door is always creeped open a little bit. I was walking by her office and that's when I saw him. It felt as if it was just like the first time I saw him.  I told Mrs. Ali that I had lost him on the first day and she said that someone had taken the wrong hydroflask. I was so happy, I almost cried. I picked him up from off the table. He fit in my hand so perfectly and from that day on, I vowed to never let him go again.

It has been almost three years since I first met Jimmy. Three years of happiness, three years of excitement, three years of craziness and so much more.  We have had our ups and downs but we never gave up on each other.  I think that is what is really important. If you care immensely about something, you should never give up on it. You never know what will come out of it. For me, it was a special bond that will last a lifetime and I am so lucky to have him by my side for the rest of my life.