CHAPTER 18: Dear Karen, Dear Juan

You are cordially invited to attend the wedding of SANDRA JANE HOWELL and RAYMOND PAUL O'HALLORAN on SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church. Reception to follow at Stoneybrook Community Center.

Dear Karen,

Hi! How have you been? I've been doing all right. Guess what? My mama just got out of rehab a few weeks ago, and is hoping to have me back with her soon. In the meantime, she still has to go to her NA meetings and we still have to have supervised visits, but the judge says at this rate, she should be done with them by the end of the summer. The last time I saw her, I showed her the Gypsy video, and she loved it, especially the Newsboys' scene. She told me how proud she was of me, and wishes she could've been there.

Oh, by the way, I haven't been able to stop thinking about the night we kissed. I hope this means you want to be my girlfriend. If you do, that'd be great.

Love,

Juan

Dear Juan,

First of all, I'd love to be your girlfriend, even though we live so far apart. I hope Mr. Keith lets you visit Stoneybrook as much as possible. And I'm also glad to hear your mom's doing okay. We'll keep our fingers crossed for you.

Oh, guess what! Sandy--you know, she played Mazeppa--is getting married! Isn't that awesome? Hope to see you at the wedding!

Remember that baby-sitting club that I told you Kristy had? Well, she says I can take over as president when she goes to college in the fall. God, I can't wait! Wish me luck, okay?

Well, it's getting late, so I'd better get ready for bed. I'll be thinking of you.

Love always,

Karen

P.S. You're a great kisser!

THE END