You Don't Know..What you Don't Know

Chapter Thirty: Spring

Randy,

What's up, Beautiful?

I miss you like crazy. Every night I lie awake thinking about that smile of yours and the way it lights up your whole face. I fall asleep wondering what you're doing. I'm about ready to lose my mind.

Okay... enough whining.

Here's the plan for when I get out.

I found a place to live on your side of town with a guy who used to stay at the Home. He even got me a job. It isn't glamorous, but I'm not afraid of hard work. I'll be building mobile homes.

I've got my GED test in a few days. Wish me luck.

After that, all I need is a car. I'll save up for one as fast as I can.

I'm trying, Tia.

I'm trying to build something worth offering you.

Maybe it's all happening a little too fast, but you're all I want. You make me want to be a better man.

I've got to run. Farm duty calls.

Love you,

Randy

Yeah...

That was definitely a little much.

How was I supposed to be a grown-up with him?

I wasn't ready.

I still wanted to be young.

Randy was talking about apartments, jobs, and cars while I was still worrying about basketball practice, Friday nights, and whether Mom would let me stay out past ten.

I carefully folded the letter and tucked it inside my "Randy" box before sliding it beneath my bed.

Out of sight.

Not out of mind.

It was Friday afternoon, and I still hadn't decided what to do that night.

The boys wanted to head to the Block.

I wanted to disappear into sweatpants, junk food, and absolutely nothing.

Between Randy being locked up and Torri choosing someone else, I didn't exactly have much of a love life to celebrate.

My phone buzzed again.

Jake: Princess... Prrriiinnncess... Please come with us.

A second later...

Gary: Please. It's not fun without you.

Then another.

Gary: We'll walk with you the WHOLE time.

I rolled my eyes, smiling despite myself.

Persistent idiots.

Finally, I gave in.

Me: Fine, boys. How are we getting there?

Jake: We'll find a ride and pick you up at seven.

Another message appeared almost instantly.

Jake & Gary: WE LOVE YOU, PRINCESS!

I couldn't help laughing.

Those two had become the brightest part of my life lately.

After dinner, I asked Mom for a little spending money. I told her we were going to the Block to play cards and that Brandi's older sister would be there.