PERFECT » JEFF ATKINS

18 ❀ A LETTER

Dear Emily,

I am writing this now, you're out cold in bed, while I lie awake sleepless. I think the fact that the baby could be here any day has to do with that. I wanted to say that I am extremely proud of you. Ever since I've known you, it seems like you face a bunch of difficult challenges that you always overcome. You've always been so supportive of me, I'm forever going to be thankful for you. I know it's weird of me to write a letter, or just to write in general, and it seems like I'm writing this to breakup with you, but I promise you, it's the exact opposite. I know our relationship has been anything but smooth sailing, but that's how they're so supposed to be. I was ecstatic when you came back to Liberty High, I was at such a low, it felt so good to know that the one person I needed was going to be there for me. You know me so well, I remember when I was too nervous to ask you out on a date, you caught me babbling and did it for me. I know that living without John has been anything but easy for you, I am so proud of how far you came. You stood up to "Meth Seth" and your mother, you look after Justin, I honestly wouldn't want anyone else as the mother of my child. I scored big time with you, Emily Foley. You always encourage me to keep going, and because of you, I feel like I have the strength to make it into the major leagues. I love secretly taking pictures of you, because I know if I tell you to smile, you'll cover your face. You are beautiful and worth so much more than you give yourself credit for. I really hope the baby is more like you, hopefully they'll inherit your spirit, determination, and your uniqueness of course. I know this letter is all over the place, but I just wanted to get all my thoughts down. I'm keeping this hidden in your pillow case, for the occasion when you sleep late. I'll look after the baby and make a stellar breakfast (hopefully)! I'm so glad I have a shining star like you.

I love you.
- Jay 💙