Letters With Boys

Tally and Kai, Week 10 - November

Morning, boyfriend.

That has a nice ring to it—“boyfriend.” Mem has started using that word for Gray, too, which I find kind of mindboggling. Bridge and I didn’t think she’d have another boyfriend for about a decade. But I’m glad for it, and for him, because she seems happy.

That was really fun on Saturday. Barker really liked you, and now he’s told Osmond about you (that’s my older brother—so, yeah, you weren’t wrong about the weird names), and Osmond wants to meet you, too. He’ll be around for Thanksgiving next week, so maybe we can arrange something.

Did Bridget seem even more distracted than usual to you? I know she’s not the biggest fan of volleyball, but it seemed like something else was bothering her. I tried to talk to her about it after the game, but she was pretty dismissive, as usual.

Have a good Sunday?

XO,

Tally

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Tally,

That word has a very nice ring to it, indeed, as does its counterpart, “girlfriend.”

I’m glad that Memphis is happy, too. I barely recognize Gray anymore these days, and I mean that in the best way possible. He hasn’t gotten into any fights since he tried beating up Ezra on the quad, and he’s barely missed any class, where it used to be normal not to see him for days or even weeks at a time. Memphis must be a good influence on him.

I liked Barker a lot, too. I found it especially funny that he wants to be an accountant. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, obviously—it’s just not something you often see in teenage boys.

I would be happy to meet Osmond this Thanksgiving. We’ll be having the traditional Thanksgiving family dinner next Thursday, of course, but beyond that, I’ll be free.

I wouldn’t worry too much about Bridget. We hung out on Sunday for a bit, and she seemed good.

How’s your week going?

Yours,

Kai

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Kai,

My week’s going fine. Bridge is still acting weird, but she claims it’s just college application stress. Hopefully you're right that it's nothing. Mem is already talking about having Gray meet her parents, which makes me feel like I’ve stepped into the Twilight Zone a bit, but again, I’m happy for her.

What are you up to this weekend? Gray is taking Mem on another big date, apparently, and Bridget mumbled something about having plans on Saturday, too, so the Ride or Dies remain separated. 

Also, speaking of colleges, have you heard back from any yet? I know most of the decisions don’t come out until spring, but a few kids who did early admission have already started hearing back.

I have my fingers crossed for NYU, like Osmond. They have a good pre-law program, and a good volleyball team. You?

XO,

Tally

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Tally,

Would love to hang out with you this weekend. Not sure if I can afford another “big date” like Gray (where does the guy get his money from, anyway? Don’t his parents live in another state?), but you don’t exactly strike me as high-maintenance, anyway. (Thank God for that.)

Any ideas or preferences? Maybe hiking? There’s a really nice trail up near Bear Creek. I could bring Samson, my family’s dog. He’d love that. Do you like dogs?

I haven’t heard back from any schools yet, but honestly, I’m not all that eager to. I know you don’t like to hear about this, and I haven’t made any decisions yet, but I’m really considering this whole Somalia thing. Which would probably mean deferring a year. So I’d have to choose a school that was okay with that, anyway.

I’m sure you’ll get into NYU, especially if they scout you for volleyball. Not that I’ve actually ever seen you play, because you have yet to invite me to a game! When is your next one? I would absolutely love that.

Yours,

Kai

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Kai,

You would seriously defer college for an entire year? Does that mean you would spend an entire year in Somalia? Do you realize that ups your chance of being a victim of crime, or even murder, by, like, 9,000%? Also, doesn’t this mess up your chances to play pro soccer?

Please, please, please don’t do it, Kai.

You’re right that I’m not high-maintenance (you can call me a cheap date, it’s okay, I don’t mind). Hiking in Bear Creek sounds great. How did I not know that you have a dog? I love dogs. I nearly adopted one recently—a cute little Beagle puppy—until Bridge reminded me that I would only have it for a short while, and then my mom and Barker would have to look after it. And Barker doesn’t really like dogs, so that wouldn’t really be fair.

I have a volleyball game today after school, actually. Sorry I haven’t been telling you about them, but I’m afraid that you’ll make me nervous, being there. I guess we can try it, though. Texting you the details now.

Do me a favor and don’t be too distractingly cute.

Also, do me a favor and don’t go to Somalia.

XO,

Tally