Summer Letters

Chapter 7

Jensen,

She hates me again. Except this time I can't entirely blame her. I know what I did this time, but I didn't mean to. It just came out anyway. You would have understood. Anyone at Burmingham would understand. We talk often about hometown friends and family being jealous of our school life.

She invited me to hang out with her and her friends. Partway through our lunch I took a bathroom break. They hadn't realized I was walking back and I caught part of their conversation. Two of them said they really liked me, but the others were just trash talking me. Even my sister. I lost it on her. I began yelling at her in the restaurant. I told her that she was jealous because I get to go to school there and I have a great life away from this town. I walked out on her. Of course, she came home tonight and had her fair share of screaming to do.

I never lose my cool like that, not even with you. I would hate me too after screaming like that. Are we that stuck-up because we go to a boarding school? Is it the school or is it me? Neither of us have exactly had any luck in making friends in our town. Maybe there's just something wrong with me. I can get all the perfect grades I want, but when it comes to communication and friendliness I fail entirely.

Just so you know, your life is not pathetic. Far from it. Maybe the biggest problem is just that our home is hundreds of miles away at Burmingham. Also, if you tell our friends that I lost it like this I will kill you. I'd hate to know the new nicknames they would give me.

- Lena

Lena,

As great as the nicknames would be your secret is safe with me. I have a hard time believing the problem is the school we go to. You tried and that is what matters. You should not have told her off so publicly, but she should not have been talking bad about you either. In this case, you are both equally at fault. You and your sister are opposites, fighting is bound to happen. I know that better than anyone. Hopefully, you made at least one friends out of the experience.

As for me, things have slowly improved. Another one of my brothers visited and I managed to make a friend (hopefully). Don't worry though, she won't take the place you have in my heart. I'm counting on a date to town when school starts again.

- Jensen

Jensen,

I wondered when you would find a way to ask me out again. You've actually made it a month before you asked again. I'd say that's an improvement. Maybe this friend won't find you nearly as annoying as I do. Then you'd at least stand a chance with her.

You are right though, I did make a friend. One of my sister's friends came over to check on me. It seems she saw some of the truth in the argument and doesn't blame either one of us.

I know I can be hard on myself, and I was this time, but it's the only way I've been able to succeed ad get this far. I am my own worst critic, as the saying goes.

Anyway, this summer is starting to improve for both of us. Tell your brother hi for me. I'm sure you've already told him all about me. Tell that friend hi too while you're at it. Have fun explaining that one.

- Lena