Yours always,
Abby
P.S. Like all overachieving students, I’ve decided to be a general studies major. Why restrict my talents to something simple like one subject, when I can just generically kind of know all of them? If I send you my philosophy midterm, will you write it for me?
P.P.S. Mick says hello. She and Haley are obnoxious. I’m talking five-hour phone conversations. They might as well start writing each other love letters. I swear everyone is madly in love this summer except for me.
• • •
Dear Abby,
You may not have been able to hold my hand, but you certainly got me through the flight home. I must have reread your letters a dozen times. The last one had me laughing, but also left me aching for you.
I hope you know I meant it. I’m no expert, but I know love doesn’t free us from hurt. I’m sorry for the pain your parents caused you, but I don’t believe you’re destined to repeat their mistakes. You’re not cursed. You’re full of such goodness that I can’t imagine you hurting anyone you love. I hope you know I never intend to hurt you either.
But I have to be transparent with you. Since the draft Blake’s been more obstinate about marriage. He hasn’t officiallyproposed, but we’ve had serious discussions. I’ve told him I’d like to wait until after law school, which he’d rather I delay, or as I suspect, put off altogether. The Reds are likely going to send him to play Single-A ball in Florida and he wants me to come as soon as I finish at Insley. I haven’t told my parents. I don’t think they’d understand. In fact, I haven’t told anyone else except you.
You’ve probably realized by now, I’m in Fort Collins. I know I could technically call or text, but something about these letters feels like I’m closer to you than when we talk. You’re not obligated to keep writing of course.
I’m playing with the collegiate summer series next month. I’m nervous. Coaches for the national team are supposed to be there. I wish you’d come. You’d make the national team easily and I always play better with you.
Love,
Kate
P.S. General studies is fine, as long as you graduate. And absolutely not. Try Marcus Aurelius for your midterm. I think you’ll like him.
P.P.S. No summer love? I find this hard to believe knowing you…
P.P.P.S. Let them enjoy their phone calls. Love letters aren’t for the faint of heart.
• • •
Kate,
Congratulations on being engaged to be engaged to a Cincinnati Red. He made the front page of theInsley Inquirer,whichis quite a feat. There’s a picture of you too, celebrating with him. I’ve sent a copy.
I think you’re right to follow through with law school, and not because I selfishly would hate for you to go to Florida, but because you’re too damn smart and have worked too hard to throw it away. Even if you are going to be Mrs. Blake Davis, you deserve to have dreams too. You’re going to make an excellent lawyer. Besides, what does Aurelius say? “Your worth is no greater than your ambitions.” You are as great as your ambitions, Kate, and worthy of pursuing all of them. If your parents or Blake can’t understand that, then maybe they’re not fully understanding you.
I know you’ll play great in the summer series without me. Don’t be nervous. Just breathe. Surrender. And try not to be so perfect.
Love,
Abby
P.S. I don’t know if I’d associate love with my summer relations.
• • •
Dear Abby,
I’m counting the days until Insley. I’m excited to see you. I’m also in the worst hitting slump of my career. I think maybe I just wanted this one too badly. Nothing feels right. I’m tense. I’m distracted. I think knowing our last season is ahead, that the game ends here, is getting to me. I thought maybe if I made the national team, I might keep softball in my life a little longer. I remember that there’s always another game, another chance, but time is moving faster than I’d like. Decisions about the future, about Blake, about law school. And what aboutyou? I haven’t even asked where you might end up or what you’ll do after we graduate. I can hardly function on the field without you. How will I do the rest?
I hope you’re well.
Love,
Kate
