Colton,
Missy Jean was the name of my mama’s sorority sister when she went to Tennessee State. I never met her, but supposedly they were super close before Mama dropped out of college to travel “the world” in her boyfriend’s RV before winding up pregnant with me. So, Missy Jean isn’t exactly oozing with history or importance. But it’s a name.
-Missy Jean
Missy Jean,
It doesn’t matter if your name is steeped in history or not. If anyone can make a name for herself, it’s you.
And I mean that, Missy. I’ve never thought there was anything out there that you couldn’t do. I guess that’s why I saw you as such a threat growing up. Yeah, I know, I’m petty. But I’d be lying if I didn’t say I’ve been a little jealous of you over the years.
-Colton
I flip the page and feel a touch of anxiety, remembering how I’d ended the night tucking that vulnerable message under her pillow, only to toss and turn in my sleep, wondering what she was thinking. Fortunately, she’d put me out of my misery early the next morning, sliding the coloring book underneath my pillow when I went for a morning swim with Tyrone and Bill.
I continue reading our notes, recalling how our back-and-forth messages dropped their formalities and became something more personal. It was like this coloring book had become abridge, connecting our physical world outside its pages with the feelings too fragile to be spoken aloud.
Jealous? You’re pulling my leg, Colton Downing.
No, I’m completely serious. I even said it with our glow-in-the-dark star in my hand. I’m legally bound to tell you the truth now. So yes, I was jealous. You always seem to succeed at everything. You say the right things. You do the right things. And you make it look easy.
For so long, I thought that was just the product of a life of ease, but now I’m starting to see that it’s the complete opposite. You succeed at everything, not because your path is easy, but because you keep pressing forward even when your path is steep.
Well, since I’m holding our star in my hand, I guess I’m legally bound to tell you the truth now. Do you remember in high school when I’d been asked to attend the Denver Women’s Coalition Benefit as Miss Teen Colorado State? Maybe you don’t, but I do.
I had to give a speech that night, and I was so nervous. It was the same night as Paige’s school play. The Sound of Music, I think it was. I asked everyone not to come to the benefit but to support Paige instead. It was just a silly little speech, after all. But going alone, without anyone familiar nearby, made my nerves so much worse. But then I’d gotten on stage, and I saw you—I saw you clear as day in the crowd, handsome in your tux and all.
But when I went to find you after, you were gone. You never admitted to being there that night, but I knew you were. You were there for me when no one else was.
That moment is actually one of the main reasons I wanted to start a nonprofit. I want kids to know what it’s like when someone shows up for them.
Okay, my younger self would murder me with a dull knife if she knew I was admitting all this to you. But I guess it’s safe to say that you’ve made an impression on me, Colton, and I’m grateful for you.
You looked beautiful that night, you know. So confident and poised. It’s hard to look away when you’re on stage, or just anywhere.
I have no doubt Something to Glow About will be a success. And if you really are serious about me playing a part in your decision to start your nonprofit, then I’m honored.
But since I’m part of your nonprofit’s origin story, I expect to have a picture of my likeness hung on the wall right behind the front desk for all to see my dashing smile and perfectly coiffed hair.
Don’t push your luck, Downing.
(P.S. I like how your hair looks now. And the beard.)
What about the beard?
It’s rugged.
Wait, like, handsome rugged?
Just rugged, okay?
Missy Jean, you like my beard, don’t you? I saw you eyeing it today.
Do you think tomorrow’s Mayday Challenge will be more physical or mental? I’m feeling like a physical challenge would be good. Maybe something to do with swimming? It’s wild that this is the last Mayday Challenge before the finals. Isn’t that crazy?
Nice try, but you can’t distract me from your fascination with my beard. Don’t fret, I’ll let you stroke it tomorrow. It’s nice and soft.
I am not stroking your beard for the public to see. I have my limits. Speaking of tomorrow, we should probably headto bed. We’re going to need all our wits about us if we want to win Mayday Challenge Four.
