Melody Man,
Secret time: This one is big… so here we go.
I like soccer better than football. It’s just more exciting. They actually move around the field…
Please don’t tell anyone.
Ginny
Melody Man,
I came by the school today. Did you know? I’m assuming you did since you didn’t come to Danger’s office like you usually do. Hopefully he passed on the cookies and the dog treats for Dolly. Danger let me borrow his guitar, so I’ve been practicing a lot these past few days. And guess what, I almost have three whole chords. I’ll be a rockstar in no time…
My letters from the past few days are gone so either you are taking them—if Ms. Jan is to be believed—or someone out there is getting quite the one-sided entertainment.
I miss you. I keep wondering what socks you’re wearin’ every day, what color tootsie pop was in your lunch, or what song is playing on repeat in your head…
Ya know when we talked about hurdles and distractions in these notes, I never could have imagined I was praying for you and myself. It's kind of funny if you think about it… Especially if ya leave out the whole—I didn’t tell you who I was when I was supposed to—bit. Anyways, the hurdle feels so much larger now because I don’t see myself jumping over it.
So, I’m gonna wait. I’ll be patient and wait this whole thing out and keep praying. Praying you’ll forgive me and that you’ll see me not as your friends’ little sister, or the girl you don’t know how to feel about, but as a woman… in love with you.
Because I am.
Secret time: I wanted to be your date to the Homecoming Dance. I know that sounds childish, but man would this former clogger love to dance the night away with Sugartree’s most renowned drum major. (No, I will not be wearing the frou-frou dress).
Ginny
Melody Man,
Secret: I’ve been collecting novelty socks. It’s like I can’t stop. They’re organized by color, season, and pattern. It’s a great system. I’m sure you’d love messin’ it up a little.
Ginny
Melody Man,
Tonight is Homecoming. So, it’s been a week. One week since we’ve talked andI’m going crazyI’m trying to stay patient. But Ryan, can’t we talk? Please. I know you’re getting these letters… At least I think you are… And I have half a mind to march myself to your apartment to give you a piece of my mind. (And snuggle Dolly, because, yeah, I miss her too.)
So I’ll ask you—praying you’re the one reading these words and not your tattooed motorcycle friend—in the words of the great, George Strait,
Do you love me? Do you want to be my friend?
Check yes or no.
Virginia
20
FOREVER AND EVER, AMEN
RANDY TRAVIS
Ginny looked at herself in the mirror one more time. A final check before Chloe, her official date to the Homecoming Bicentennial Dance, arrived. She’d never heard back from Ryan, though after her last check at For the Record, her final note was gone just like the others. She’d tried not to let herself feel any further heartbreak over his lack of response. Praying she’d get the chance to apologize in person and to tell Ryan, face-to-face, how long she’d loved him.
She had chosen a rose-colored, a-line dress. One that tapered at her hips into delicate, ruffled tiers and had similarly tiered, but sheer sleeves. Her hair, loose and curled, fell past her shoulders. She saw her smile reflect back at her when she heard Chloe’s knock at the door, thankful for the friend who’d checked in with her every day that week.
“Hey, girl,” Chloe said, coming in and handing a corsage over to Ginny that matched both their dresses.
Ginny laughed and sashayed to the refrigerator where she’d stored Chloe’s. “I have one for you too.”
