Paper Hearts | ✓ | [ e d i t i n g ]

Chapter ten - the second list

" It's embarassing to go through any rebellious stage in front of people that you love and respect, and yet i'm glad I did it." 

- Drew Barrymore

dear Rhode Island,

Damn you, I broke, okay?

That was the day my life continued to change.

After the first list, I never expected the writer to come back. A part of me had always wanted them to, another part found it sort of poetic that one short letter had had such a large effect on my very existance.

Honestly, though, I was more than estatic with the second list. I imagine my face contorted with a newly bred sort of happiness that can only be described in two words: God. Awful. It didn't look good on the face at all.

But I ran inside none the less, nearly crashing into an standing Theo and nearly killing a skipping Corra, " Guys! sit down! I have another list!"

Theo sat next to me on the couch, our shoulder's brushing. Corra sat in the armchair across from us, pulling her legs up to her chest, " go on, read it."

" Okay okay."

Maybe it wasn't in my best interest, but I felt the need. Jesus you should know by the first letter not to judge me, right? I am quite an odd person. probably not as prestigous as I sound through writing. Oh, and for references sake, I am a male. So sue me. Don't mind my babbling, i'll get started.

You see, I gave you a list of good deeds to do, keeping in mind other people and your own self respect. But there are other parts to life than just the good. After I had sent the first list, I realized that you need to rebel to truly live. It'll help you discover yourself, I believe.

without further ado, the second list, full of things that are classified as bad, but I classify as life changing.

1. set something on fire. I may be starting a bit wild here, but trust me. There is nothing as satisfying as watching something burn.

2. Ding Dong Ditch. Dammit, I said don't judge me. Trust me, simple little rebelious acts like this get your blood pumping more than arson.

3. Go Skinny Dipping. I've done this once; wasn't particularly my favorite, but it's just one of those things that you have to do once.

4. Press all the buttons on the elevator. Little victories, Rhode Island, it's all about the little victories.

5. Steal a road cone. Because why not?

6. Spray paint. remember to bring bandanas, the paint smells horrid.

7. Shoplift. Do it.

8. set off illegal fireworks. Let's go over this. Don't do this buy a police station, don't do this by your house, try not to set anything on fire unintentionally. If you do, you'll get arrested. Fair warning.

9. Break something important. Whether it be emotional or physical, do it. This is apart of life, and life has oblivion.

10. Go camping without permission. Cuddle with someone. watch the stars. Drink a little. I don't know how old you are but this is enjoyable for anyone.

11. Break the speed limit. Sing while you do it. You're a free mother fucker.

12. Cut someone else's hair

13. Finally, the most rebellious one of them all, Forgive someone who once caused you a terrible pain. This might seem light, but it's the hardest and most rebellious thing of them all. People naturally fear forgiveness. They don't want to release someone of the blame they've tagged them with. But once you forgive, probably not forget, but forgive, you feel refreshed. Someone can't hold the reason for you pain forever.

Rhode Island, I know this list is longer. Maybe my brain was working better, maybe I've done more bad than good in my life. Whatever the reason may be, these things will ultamately change your life, and that's the goal.

Good luck, and farewell.

Corra huffed, " do that guy ever sign his name?"\

" I'm afraid not. doesn't put his address either." I replied, looking at the envelope.

Theo looked over my shoulder at the letter, doing what he does best; observing quietly. I looked up at him, " thoughts?"

" None."

" questions?" Corra chirped.

" are we going to do it?" he asked.

I placed a hand over my heard, faking pain, " I'm hurt, really. After the first list helped me meet you wonderful people, you really think I wouldn't do the second?"

" That's adorable." Theo replied, before saying, " The first list was also a lot of good deeds. This is isn't as light."

" I know." I replied, looking down at it, " But you only live once right?"

" are you Yolo'ing me?" 

" yes, i'm yolo'ing you. Are you with me on the list or not?" I replied.

Theo signed, leaning his head back on the couch, " dammit... yeah, yeah sure."

Corra and I clapped. She laughed, " That's the spirit."

I nudged his shoulder with mine, " thank you."

He huffed, " you owe me."

" mhm, I know." I stood, and looked at them, " in honor of our friendship, and the first list, we will do these things together. Or at least try to."

Corra was happy to agree, Theo just sat on the couch unenthusiastically. 

While he sat there, Corra and I did this weird girl dance thing that people did when they were overly excited and overwhelmed. 

Later, Corra went home and it was just Theo and me. We went up to my room, sat on the floor, and started cutting out magazine clippings.

One week. It had been one week since I had finished the last list, and now I had a whole new journey to embark on. I'd probably rush it, I'd probably enjoy it way to much, but I didn't mind. I remembered how well the first list went and had high hopes for the second one.

Theo cut me out a carisole pony, with I proceeded to glue onto the center of my collage. 

In one wonderful week my friendships had grown and now with another list they would only get better. That made me smile.

He handed me another one, a word this time.

Happiness.