Letters With Boys

Bridget and Kai, Week 15 - January

Hey, Kai—

Me again. We really like to switch it up on this poor, unsuspecting pen pal project, don’t we?

Technically, you need to keep addressing your envelopes to Tally, since our teacher got pretty mad at her when she requested another change, and ultimately said no.

Anyway, I hope you had a good break. I hope you understood why I had to turn you down when you asked to hang—I had to focus on rebuilding my friendship with Tally, which, at the time, was in shambles.

Not that it’s all that much better now; there’s definitely some residual damage. But I think we’ll get past it.

The girls are throwing me a birthday party (at my house, of course) the weekend after next. I would like you to come, no matter how you feel about Tally and no matter how she feels about you, because you’re my friend. So there.

But also, if you felt like apologizing to her, that might be cool. It also would be cool if she felt like apologizing to you, which I will tell her.

Just saying.

Love,

Bridget

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Bridge,

No sweat on the not hanging out over the break. I get it. I still feel bad for telling Tally the truth about your having come out to me before her. I mean, I’m glad I did, as she needed to know, but I should have at least consulted you first and maybe we could have told her together, or in a better way, or whatever.

Look, I am sorry about how some things went down between me and Tally, but if I could do it over again, I still wouldn’t have spilled your secret. And anyway, I can’t forget the things she said to me in the heat of the moment, and I’m not sure I ever could. I know she’s got a lot of dark s**t going on—I know you all do—but if she still can’t see that I never meant to hurt her, and I didn’t deserve to be treated the way she treated me when she found out… well, I don’t really know what to say.

Of course, I’ll come to your party, though. You’re still my friend, no matter what’s going on with Tally.

For what it’s worth, I’m rooting for you two to stay friends.

Love,

Kai

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Hey Kai,

Want to hear a crazy, new development?

Memphis found an ad in the school paper (which, by the way, I didn’t even know anyone read the school paper) today for a band that’s looking for a drummer.

Guess who the band’s lead singer is?

That’s right—Taylor Swanson.

Mem, being Mem, was all worried about me and said she wouldn’t do it if I didn’t want her to and all that. I told her I’d think about it, but honestly, I’m not sure there’s anything to think about. The answer is clear, isn’t it? She should go for it.

And then I should come to band practice and win Taylor back.

Thoughts?

Love,

Bridge

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Bridge,

Wow. What are the chances of that? Did you even know she was a singer? Any idea if she’s any good?

I realize it’s not exactly the point, but Mem probably doesn’t want to join a shitty band, you know?

Also, aren’t we a bit close to graduation to be joining new bands? Aren’t most of those kids going off to college soon? Maybe I’m being overly pessimistic on account of my own life being a little miserable now.

I really miss Tally. 

I also miss you. Can we hang out soon? 

As far as my advice on the band thing goes—just be careful. Sure, I think it’s fine for Mem to do the audition, and even for you to spectate practice. Just maybe ask the girl for her permission first, before just showing up unannounced.

Does that help?

Love,

Kai

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Kai,

I miss you, too, bud. Let’s hang this weekend. Mem’s doing that audition and then hanging with Gray, and Tally’s doing that thing where she says she’s hanging out with family (unlikely), so I’m as free as a bird. Maybe something that involves alcohol?

I did know that Taylor was a singer. She actually sang for me. Maybe that sounds lame and dorky, but it was actually really special and romantic. And she’s really good—kind of a raspy, sexy voice, like Janis Joplin or Joan Jett (who, coincidentally, is Mem’s middle namesake).

I guess you’re right about getting permission first. Surprises are romantic, but maybe surprises when thrown onto people who maybe hate you are less romantic. Plus, you know, Mem actually has to get into the band first.

See you this weekend!

Bridge