ex. I take a deep breath. Benefitof the doubt, I tell myself. Benefit of the doubt. I shoot back a quick message saying I'll meet him in the stadium at eight in the morning. I'm sure there is a perfectly rational reason. I click to the next message.
From: [email protected]
Subject: Good News
The grant committee reconvened early. No decision yet, but I'll find out sooner rather than later whether I get it.
Peace and love,
Nola
Crossing my fingers and toes, I send a silent plea that the grant committee gives Nola her research grant. Just the thought of hanging out for a couple of weeks-instead of the couple of days we've spent together since I left LA.-makes me forget all the craziness of the day.
If Nola comes to visit, then all will be right with the world.
Or half right anyway. If she and Cesca both come it will be perfect.
From: [email protected]
Subject: Paris Is Calling
Hey hot stuff. Just a quick e-mail to update my sched. I've got to be in Paris, like, yesterday. I'm on a plane tomorrow and have to report to work at six the next day-that's six in the *moroing*! Ugh. I'm busypacking. Don't know when I'll be able to e-mail, but I'll get in touch as soon as I can. Want anything from the city of lights?
XOXO Cesca
Cesca is even less of a morning person than I am, but I know that she'll do anything to spend the summer traipsing around after fashion designers in her personal holy city. One day her designs will grace the covers of every major fashion magazine.
From: [email protected]
Subject: We've Got Mail
Phoebola,
Sorry we haven't called, International rates from Bangkok are phenomenally expensive. But e-mail is not. They have a business center in the hotel lobby, so here I am. We arrived safely and will stay in Bangkok for two more days before setting out on the guided tour of the rest of the country. We're actually going to be in Phuket for their international marathon. We'll get you a souvenir t-shirt.
Is everything going alright at home? You and Stella haven't strangled each other, have you? How were your first days of boot camp? Make any new friends?
I know that controlling your powers is an unfamiliar challenge, but you are the strongest, most dedicated, strong-willed young woman I've ever known.You have your fathers drive to succeed, and that more than anything else will see you through this trial. I have absolute faith in you.
Damian and I are on our way to a traditional Thai dance performance, a style called
Have fun and don't murder your stepsister.
Love,
Mom
That's pretty cool that they'll get to see an international marathon. I wish I could go. Before we moved to Serfopoula, I never had a burning desire to be anywhere but Southern California. Now I wish I could go everywhere. It's like if being in Greece changed my perspective on the world so much-for the better-then I can only imagine how different I would be if I saw even more of it.
I send Mom a quick reply-mainly because I think she'll brave the cost of a phone call if I don't. My mind is such a mess right now I know she'd pick up on it and the last thing I need is her turning into therapist Mom from thousands of miles away.
I don't want to open the next e-mail, but know I should.
From: [email protected]
Subject: Boot Camp Update
Greetings Campers
PROPER CAMP ATTIRE: Please wear closed-toe shoes and long pants every day. NO SHORTS or SANDALS!!! This is for your own protection.
Tomorrows boot camp will be something SPECIAL! Meet in frontof the maintenance shed at the north end of the quad at 10 A.M.! Latecomers will be left behind and this is a day you will not want to miss!
–Adara-
I roll my eyes. Besides her overuse of exclamation points and her tendency to yell, the idea that we're doing 'something special' in camp tomorrow is not exciting. It's terrifying.
Next is an administrative message from Ms. T, the Level 13 coordinator.
To: Level 13 Students
From: [email protected]
Subject: Upcoming School Year
Attention all returning Level 13 students:
Summer is not too early to begin planning your academic future. You will meet in individual sessions with your assigned adviser at the end of August, but I encourage you to review the course catalog and make a list of those you would like to schedule. Because many Level 13 classes have restricted enrollment, you should also list second and third choices for every period. Any advance preparation will make your advising session go far smoother.
