You don’t have to tell me, but do you know yet what you’re doing next year? I know everyone gets sick of that question. And if you’re not planning on college, ignore all of this and tell me what you’re doing instead.
From: [email protected]
Date: February 14, 2018
Subject: Re: Happy Valentine’s Day!
I’m sick of the question but I don’t mind it, if that makes sense? College pressure is the Irvine way! And yeah, I applied early to my #1 for the athletic program and got accepted, so I’ll be moving later this summer. For a second I considered changing my mind and staying close to home but then committed. I’m excited and nervous.
A few of my friends are going to IVC and then will transfer to a UC junior year. It makes sense economically and it’s such a great option . . . but I’ve always wanted that freshman dorm chaos. That fun disorientation and fish-out-of-water newness and all that. I’m close to my family too, it’s just me and my mom and my younger brother [consulted my Details & Privacy Rule Book on this level of detail sharing; determined it was acceptable], but Mom wants me to go have an adventure.
From: [email protected]
Date: February 14, 2018
Subject: Re: Happy Valentine’s Day!
Your mom sounds cool.
I think my mom had a psychotic break when they dropped me off at college. I’m the youngest of [number redacted; please consult your D&P Rule Book] and so when they drove off, rumor has it my mom lost her shit at a [regional restaurant redacted; please consult the D&P Rule Book] and threw a cinnamon roll at my father.
From: [email protected]
Date: February 14, 2018
Subject: Re: Happy Valentine’s Day!
Per the official D&P Rule Book, family size is allowed; regional restaurant names are not.
From: [email protected]
Date: February 14, 2018
Subject: Re: Happy Valentine’s Day!
In that case, I’m the youngest of four.
From: [email protected]
Date: February 14, 2018
Subject: Re: Happy Valentine’s Day!
Okay four kids in college, though? I’d throw a cinnamon roll at the man responsible, too.
Anyway, go study for your test. And good luck.
See you back here next year.
xo
T.
From: [email protected]
Date: February 14, 2018
Subject: Re: Happy Valentine’s Day!
See you next year.
And good luck with whatever you decide. I know you’ll be fine.
C.
Chapter Six
2019
From: [email protected]
Date: February 13, 2019
Subject: Happy Valentine’s Day
WINNER WINNER CHICKEN DINNER
Happy Valentine’s Day, T.
C.
From: [email protected]
Date: February 14, 2019
Subject: Re: Happy Valentine’s Day Okay （1） are you eighty? And （2） did you just reveal to me that you are in the eastern time zone, my dude? If not, you sent it early and I think that means I’m the official winner and I’m calling it, as I am the keeper of the rulebook.
From: [email protected] To: [email protected]
Date: February 14, 2019
Subject: Re: Happy Valentine’s Day I am not in the eastern time zone, however, the Time Stamp Rule Book accepts my victory. You are the keeper only of the Detail & Privacy Rule Book.
I am the king of 2019. The end.
From: [email protected]
Date: February 14, 2019
Subject: Re: Happy Valentine’s Day Ok I’m going to let you have this one because it seems like you really need it.
From: [email protected]
Date: February 14, 2019
Subject: Re: Happy Valentine’s Day I do. Today was a shit day.
But whatever. I’m curious to know if you moved and how you’re doing.
From: [email protected]
Date: February 14, 2019
Subject: Re: Happy Valentine’s Day I did move. Pretty far, tbh. I’m doing . . . okay. I was really homesick at first, but I’ve made some good friends. I also have my [sport redacted] teammates . . . I think you’re an athlete, too, so you know there’s a built-in social circle there, which has been good.
I think the hardest thing for me is figuring out what I want to do. Everyone coming into college with us knows exactly what they want to do with their lives. Like, my roommate is obsessed with guinea pigs and volunteers at practically every animal shelter in this city. She will absolutely end up working with animals in some capacity and has always known that. I like a lot of things, but I don’t LOVE any one thing. It feels scary, you know? To worry I might commit to something because I have to but not because I love it.