It’s opening night, Matt!!!!!! This is your star turn, and don’t you forget it. I am very, veeeery proud of you. You walked into this high school two months ago and you said, “South High, here I AM!!!” I admire that. Most Freshmen would never have even tried for a lead role, but you did. You did, Matt. ’Cuz you’re special. You’re not like the other guys in theater, and you’re not like the other guys in this school. Come to think of it, Matt, you’re not like anyone else in our town. Are you an alien, Young Man? J to the k.
I still dream of playin’ Sandy, but I gotta be honest, Patty Simcox has kinda grown on me. Or I on her. I sorta understand Patty. The girl on the outside lookin’ in.
Ahhhhhhhhhhhh, there is soooooooooo much to say.
I know we pinky swore not to write each other notes after that night at Camel Lot, but I couldn’t help it, Matt. I just couldn’t. Do you have a safe? I do. If you don’t have a safe, get one, and then you can put all my notes in it and I will of course put all your notes to me in my safe. I thought of that last night, and I was like, “Tara, you idiot. You and Matt can write notes, you jerk, you just have to make sure they can never get into anyone else’s hands.” This dumb town, as we know, can be a very tricky place.
I wonder what the Winter Play is gonna be. I actually look forward to doin’ a straight play because I feel like sinkin’ my teeth into some serious drama. Know what I mean? Hey, maybe we will finally get that chance to play opposite each other. It’s almost certain if you-know-who doesn’t try and steal my part. I know, I know . . . we aren’t talkin’ about her until she makes her DECISION on whether or not to be your girlfriend, but I think we both know her “True Colors” (one of the songs I put on your mix-tape.)
You know how I told you I was gonna go out for Halloween? Well, I’ve changed my mind. Minds do change, even in this town. Nope. I’m just gonna stay at my house and hand out candy. I’m a Senior, for god’s sake. I think my trick-or-treatin’ days are in my rearview mirror. So, if you and your friends decide on my neighborhood, you know you can always knock on my door. We give out real-size candy bars. We’re not rich at all, but Halloween means a lot to my mom.
Wow. I just realized that there are so many lasts in my life right now. Last opening night of a Fall Musical at South High. Last Halloween here. But with lasts also come firsts. And I’d say this is a first. This. Us. Me and You. Matt and Tara. The couple that could be. We could be a Supercouple, Matt. I know we could. I know I’m gettin’ way ahead of myself. I’m with an all-star athlete, Christopher Caparelli, and you are in waiting for . . . well, you know who. UGHHHHHH . . . WHY IS LIFE SO VERY COMPLICATED???
Have you stopped thinkin’ about our night at Camel Lot, Matt? I haven’t. The look on your face when I pulled up into the back parking lot of Brophy Elementary School and told you, “This is it. This is Camel Lot.” You were so cute. I know you thought Camel Lot was gonna be this far-off place, but it’s not. Sometimes the best things in life are right in front of us. But you gotta agree that it’s the best spot in town to stargaze. How do you know about all those constellations, Matt? I had glow-in-the-dark star stickers on my ceilin’, too, but you know as much as an astronaut.
So, the mix-tape I made you is a musical stroll down the memory lane that will forever be our first night together in Camel Lot. (I was surprised you didn’t ask me why I call it Camel Lot. I’ll tell you one day. If you ask.)
The first song is “Crazy for You” by Madonna. Followed by “Eternal Flame” by the Bangles. You know what? I’m not gonna tell you the rest. I purposely didn’t write the songs on the tape ’cuz I wanted it to be a surprise for you, and here I go revealin’. I’m gonna stop myself. Take a listen after openin’ night. Do you have a Walkman? Put it in there, lie on your bed, and remember.
That kiss was life-changin’ for me, Matt. And you do have very big lips. Like a girl. J to the . . .
What’s to become of us? I know we haven’t talked a lot since that night, but we’ve both had a lot on our plates. I think we can do this. You know what I mean? We can just consider it another thing that I help you out with . . . teachin’ you stuff about how to make a girl feel good. It’s not like we’re in love with each other and NO ONE WILL EVER FIND OUT!
We’re just friends. Really good friends who get each other. It’s almost like the universe, the constellations, forced us together.
Okay, Danny Zuko . . . until we meet again (which better be soon) . . .
xoxo,
Tara
P.S. Put this note in a safe.
P.P.S. Buy a safe.
Stef!
I was just walkin’ down F Hall and I saw Stacey Simon wearing your hearts-and-stars pock-a-book!
I feel light-headed. Before I leap to conclusions, Q explain? Did you drop it and couldn’t find it and she found it and was wearing it until she could find you and give it back?
Or is there more to this
