Oct, 2014

I remember almost every detail of this day. Lachante was a beautiful person, inside and out. I often introduced her as my soulmate, because that's what she was. She was good for my soul. We were always together.

Anyway, I was woken up to one of my best friends (Lindsey) calling me. I thought it was odd, it was around 9 AM, she was working and I had to be at work at 1:30 that afternoon. I answered the phone and could tell something was wrong. She asked if I heard from our other best friend, Lachante, (La-shawn-tae). I proceeded to tell her no and asked what was wrong. She then said she didn't show up to work and asked if I could go to her girlfriend's (Katie) apartment to check on her. Apparently some detectives went to where Lindsey was working and asked her a couple questions and stated there was a body found behind the Kmart in front of Katie's apartment, that matched our friend's description. So of course, I spring up, throw on some clothes and head over. It's about a ten minute drive from where I was living and traffic wasn't bad that morning. I remember having a pit in my stomach but thinking there was no way it was my best friend.

When I pulled into the apartment complex and park my car in front of Katie's door I see her, standing and talking with two men in suits. She sees me and that's when I knew. It WAS my best friend. I jumped out of the car. The next ten seconds changed my life forever.

"Katie! Katie, where is she?!" She didn't know what I was talking about, I guess they didn't tell her yet. The detectives turn to me "Are you Emily?" I continued at Katie, "Where is Lachante, Katie?!" Katie stated she went home last night. I then turned to the detectives, "Is It her? Is It Lachante?!"

"Yes"

I dropped to my knees. The rest of the day was a blur. I had to call Lindsey and tell her our best friend was dead. We had to call and tell our boyfriends. I had to call and tell my brother, my sister, my parents. Everyone loved her. I called out of work that day. We went to her mom's house and I just hugged her. I didn't know what else to do. I hugged her little brother.

That day my life turned upside down. I received calls from people I hadn't talked to in years, offering their support. Old friends, old teachers, new friends.

When I woke up the next day, late for work, my boss understood. I still didn't. I didn't understand why she was taken. I still don't understand. I still think about her. I still have her things. I wonder what my life would be like with her here. I spent her 21st birthday with her, she was supposed to spend mine with me, and Lindsey's with her.

It NEVER got easier. I just had to learn to live without her.

Thank you