Letters With Boys

Tally and Kai, Week 11 - November

Hey Tally,

Hope you had a nice time hiking this weekend. Samson really liked you, which was no surprise, as he has excellent taste in people. I could tell you will make an excellent dog mom someday, though I get what you mean about not wanting to stick your family with one. Maybe in a few years.

You seemed a little quiet, though. Everything okay? Is this about the Somalia thing? I’m sorry I brought it up—was just trying to be honest. Like I said, I haven’t made any decisions, including deferring college. It’s all just theoretical at this point.

By the way, it was awesome coming to your game on Friday. I knew you would kick ass, but you kicked even more ass than I was expecting. Why didn’t you tell me you’re the captain of the team? And the clear MVP??

I don’t think the pro soccer thing is going to work out for me, honestly, whether I go to Somalia or not. I haven’t been scoring that well lately, which is mainly on my team for being s**t passers (no offense), but the college recruiters don’t know that, you know? I’ve chatted with a few coaches and recruiters, but it hasn’t gone all that well. Have you been in talks with any of them about volleyball?

Also, what day is good for me to meet Osmond?

Love,

Kai

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Hey Kai,

Happy last day before Thanksgiving!

Sorry if I seemed quiet, but I’m totally fine. Was probably just enjoying the views.

I’ve spoken with scouts and recruiters at a few schools. I really want to go to NYU, since they have such a good pre-law and law school, and I think I’m good enough to get on their v-ball team. So, my fingers are crossed.

I don’t think you should give up so easily on the soccer thing, Kai. You’re really good. It can be discouraging trying to prove yourself, but you have to be resilient. Maybe I can help you make a list of people to reach out to, or a plan of what to do next?

Osmond doesn’t get in ’til Thursday, and I know you’ll be with your parents then. So, maybe Friday? We can grab lunch with him at a burger joint, or something.

I guess I won’t be able to send you any more letters ’til after the break, so, text ya later.

Tally

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Tuesday, Nov. 23rd, 2:30pm

Kai: Got your letter. Friday sounds good for lunch with Osmond. Say 1pm at Under the Bun?

Tally: Sure!

Kai: Great. Can’t wait!

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Tuesday, Nov. 23rd, 7:05pm

Tally: Hey, Kai?

Kai: Hey, you.

Tally: Have you told your parents about me?

Kai: Well… yes and no.

Kai: I mean, they know I’ve been hanging out with some new people.

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Tuesday, Nov. 23rd, 10:10pm

Kai: Are you still up?

Tally: Yeah.

Kai: I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings, Tal. Do you want to talk about it?

Tally: What’s there to talk about? You’re not going to tell them, right? And you don’t want them to meet me?

Kai: Of course, I want them to meet you!

Kai: And of course I will tell them, eventually.

Kai: It has nothing to do with you—why I haven’t told them, I mean.

Kai: My mom just gets nervous, you know, about my focus, and my future. She’ll worry that a girlfriend will distract me from all that. 

Tally: Okay.

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Wednesday, Nov. 24th, 11:00am

Kai: Good morning.

Kai: Sleep okay?

Tally: Fine, thanks.

Kai: I didn’t. I feel terrible about hurting your feelings.

Tally: My feelings are fine.

Kai: Can I see you today? I can come get you, and maybe we can go on a hike? I think it would be better if we talked all this over in person.

Tally: Sorry, but I can’t. Spending the day with the girls.

Kai: Okay. I’ll see you Friday, then.

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Thursday, Nov. 25th, 12:00pm

Kai: Happy Thanksgiving!

Tally: Happy Thanksgiving.

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Thursday, Nov. 25th, 7:30pm

Tally: Hey, so, I think we should cancel for tomorrow.

Kai: Okay. Everything okay?

Tally: Everything is fine. I just decided to spend the break with my family. Same as you.