A Drifting Friend

What's your question?
I have a friend I've known since second grade. Sometime in 5th or 6th grade I had a crush on them and told them. Ever since then it's been hard to be friends and have it not be awkward especially when our friends tease us. To make matters worse they are being homeschooled because of Covid, and we can only talk through online messaging. Every conversation is back and forth small talk like we are strangers. What should I do?

Mr. Bobcat:
Dear Drifting, 
We’ve all been in the situation before: a friend becomes more than a friend, and then less of a friend, and in the immortal words of Tony Rydinger, “It’s just… awkward.” It’s a tough spot to be in, I tell you what. The best advice I can give you is to go back to square one. Back to basics, kiddo. You don’t have to try to repair that old relationship; instead, treat them like any other friend. Try to remember why you’ve been friends since second grade. If they’re staying home all the time, they’re probably bored out of their minds! You could send them a weird survey or a fun story you heard - just something to get the conversation ball rolling. Be friendly and natural. But finally, and most importantly, every relationship will go through a little lag once in a while. Just trust in the process of friendship and don’t stress. Everything will almost definitely come around to the way it was before.
Good luck!