Ansel and Monique are my childhood ride or dies. In elementary, Monique was spunky, wild, and free-spirited with an afro so big she flaunted it like a crown. Her mind was her most powerful weapon, and it was locked and loaded whenever she wanted something, or someone. One day, during recess, she dropped down on one knee, held out a RingPop, and proclaimed her love for me in front of the whole yard. It was endearing, but I nonchalantly said, "Maybe if you were a boy." We still laugh about that day. Oh, and don't get me started on Ansel.