Mwah
SAGE
Mwah
Prianka, Cecily
PRIANKA
Hey
CECILY
Hiiiii
PRIANKA
Can u meet w/ Sage & me to discuss poetry month and help us
CECILY
Pri, u totally got this
U can do it & I don’t think u need my help
PRIANKA
Ummmmm
CECILY
For real
CECILY
I have faith in you
PRIANKA
Ok
CECILY
Not doing it to be mean, just have a lot going on and I truly think you’ll be great
PRIANKA
K love you
CECILY
Love you, too
Dear Journal,
We have to do an entry during English today and even though this is really something I’d write in my journal at home I’ll write it here since Mr. Cental says he doesn’t read our journal entries. I believe him. He’s very honest. You can tell by his eyes. Anyway, onto my entry. I am so upset about this Hannah bat mitzvah thing but I am trying to play it cool. I don’t want Victoria to get all worked up and then go crying to her mom and cause some crazy drama. Pri’s right that it’s a fact of life that not every person is invited to every event. It’s just how it is. But even when something is a fact of life it still feels really painful. I want to go to that party, too, and get dressed up and enjoy all the fancy stuff. It just sounds like so much fun. Ugh, I am getting upset now just writing this. I feel like I could cry and I really don’t want to cry in class. I guess I’ll just cut this off. I’m so proud of all I accomplished with IWD and bringing up the broboom thing but then I’m so sad about this bat mitzvah drama. It feels uneven. I really really hope you’re not reading this, Mr. Cental.
Bye. XOXOXO
Cece
Omg, Pri, what if each day of poetry month we had a different poetry-related thing?
YESSSS! Love that, Sage. In love with it. OMG YES YESSSSSSS
Can we think of thirty poetry-related activities, though?
YES, of course we can. First of all, the pick a poem thing, from the bowls. Then we can also have a poetry wall one day where people just scribble up short poems. Maybe a dry erase? Or a chalkboard? One day we’ll have people bring in their favorite poem and hang it up. One day we’ll have an open mic poetry slam thing. Um, how many is that? Okay, so we’ll need more. Maybe a day where we focus on all the national poet laureate (did I spell that right?) people? And then also a day for books in verse? Songs that are poems one day? SO MANY IDEAS. I am on fiiireeeeee, baby. I am so inspired by what Cece did with IWD and making it happen & I want to start things & make things happen, too! POETRY PALS for LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Okay, got it. I love you, Pri. You’re so awesome.
Duh. I know I am. Okay, you are, too.
LOL K.
:) :) :)
VC Crew!!!!
MAE
Hiiii
VICTORIA
Hiii
MAE
So excited for summer volunteer corps
VICTORIA
Me tooo
MAE
Did we all agree to do the same project
MARA
I am still deciding
CECILY
Hi same
MAE
Ok
Am kinda scared bc I only know u guys
And we are going far away
Kids from all over the country
VICTORIA
It’ll be totes fine
CECILY
Def
MAE
K but I kinda want to stay together if pos
VICTORIA
K we’ll do best we can
MARA
Mae u gotta chill
It’s gonna be fine, dude
MAE
Dude
Who r u rn
MARA
LOL IDK
But u r acting looney tuneeeesssss
MAE
I’m fine
K bye
Cecily, Ingrid
CECILY
Ing?
R u home
I could get up from my bed and see but I am too lazy
INGRID
Almost home
Went for a run
U r running & texting @ the same time
INGRID
NO LOL
Cool-down walk
INGRID
You ok?
CECILY
Yes come by my room when u get home
Wanna talk 2 u
INGRID
Sure you’re ok?
CECILY
Yes
3:31 PM
INGRID
Wait why are you texting me when we are standing right next to each other
CECILY
Bc Mom is def eavesdropping
But she’ll prob see these texts
She has that app where she can see all my texts
CECILY
That’s why I delete them all right away
Not that I have so many secrets but YKWIM
We can’t hide from our all-knowing, snooping mama . . .
INGRID
K hold
So what’s going on?
OK, writing is slower than texting but prob safer. Be patient. So all of this stuff feels like no big deal but then when I add it all up it really starts to upset me and stress me out. I think Mom is on this weird concerned-about-me stretch so I am trying to not make her more concerned which is why I didn’t want to talk out loud.
Okay . . . So talk to me. Or I mean write to me. Ha!
Well, first of all, it was just supposed to be Mara and me going to the volunteer summer corps thing but now Victoria is coming, too, and so is Mae, and it feels like too many people going to something together. I like to branch out and meet new people and Mae is already stressing that she doesn’t know anyone and can we do everything together and blah blah blah.
Okay. Got that. Tell me everything at once and then I can address each issue.
Okay. So there’s that. And also I wasn’t invited to Hannah Fletch’s bat mitzvah and I really wanted to be. It’s gonna be super fancy and fun and I am so so upset I wasn’t invited. Pri and Gabs were but Victoria wasn’t and I’m trying to stay chill but still so upset. So that’s another thing. Also I just feel like everyone is always leaning on me and saying how I know everything and can rule the world but it’s too much. I guess those are the main issues but I wanted to talk to you about them.
Okay. Well, first of all, I get the thing with Mae and the trip. But this is always what happens. There’s tons of anxiety before you go and when you get there it’s totally fine. She’ll probably branch out a little and you obviously will and everyone will get settled and it will be fine. I don’t think she’ll hang on you for the entire time.
As for the bat mitzvah, yeah, it sucks. That definitely happened to me a bunch and it was really upsetting. I remember when everyone in the grade got invited to Becca Emanuel’s. Well, I guess not everyone, but it felt like that and I was so bummed. I made Mom and Dad sit up with me until like 1 a.m. one night crying about it. Seriously! Do you remember this? It was a big deal at the time but then everyone got over it, including me. Maybe the kids at school wore the giveaway for one day and that was it. I mean, it’s not fun to not be included, but you’re right, it is something that will happen. Here’s the thing, Cece my love. You’re awesome. You did such a fab job with the International Women’s Day thing. And you’re def the smartest kid in the grade and you’re just amazing. Middle school isn’t the best and you’re still crushing it. Middle school is just this weird in-between little slice of life that’s awkward and messy and frankly kind of dumb. Everyone just wants to get through it, but you’re really making a difference! You’re doing more than just getting through it. And that’s why people loo
k to you so much. You’re such a role model! Of course that’s hard.
And yeah, it sucks about Hannah Fletch, but it’s not like you were ever really friends with her. And isn’t it kind of weird to have that fancy of a party for a thirteen-year-old? I mean, it is weird. And the whole thing that went down with her friend Sami—best to stay away from that group, if you want my honest opinion. So what else can I tell you?
Yeah, I do kind of remember. Ingrid, my wise and amazing older sister, what would I ever do without you? I’m so glad we had this “chat.” I really should come and talk to you more often, LOL. Can we do a sister sleepover like we used to when we were little and camp out in one of our rooms in sleeping bags on the floor and try to stay up late?
Sure, that would be fabulous. Name the time and I’m there.
K, will do.
Also I still need to watch the clip from the IWD thing on the Today show. I know they didn’t interview you and you’re still upset but YOU MADE THE WHOLE THING HAPPEN. And I am so proud. Viewing party tonight?
YES FAB YES
Ingrid, Cecily
INGRID
K, my hand is tired from writing. Going to get a snack. Also do I smell from my run? How have you been this close to me this whole time?
CECILY
You don’t smell. I promise.
INGRID
K, but I still need to shower
CECILY
Yes, good plan. Love you!
INGRID
Love you!
Miss & Love U Guys
VICTORIA
Guys?
I feel like we’ve barely texted recently
Where is everyone
PRIANKA
Hi
Very busy with poetry planning
Gonna be soooo sooo awesome
Cece, u and IWD were my inspiration
I wanted to plan something, too, LOL
VICTORIA
Woo
GABRIELLE
I’m here
Feeling overwhelmed with hw tho
Why is this half of the year so much more work
And all of it is sooooo hard
VICTORIA
CECILY
I’m here
Have been feeling a little blah
PRIANKA
For real, Cece?
CECILY
Ya
PRIANKA
Whyyyyyyyy
CECILY
IDK really
GABRIELLE
Cece, we are here for u
CECILY
Thanks
VICTORIA
Oh no, Cece, my summer buddy
CECILY
Ha
VICTORIA
U r my summer buddy right?
CECILY
Haha ya
PRIANKA
Back to poetry planning
Talk later, peeps
GABRIELLE
Mwahhhhhhh
VICTORIA
Lates, peeeeps
Can I make lates a thing
GABRIELLE
Lol IDK
PRIANKA
Bye 4 real now
Hi, friends!!!!
Hello, it’s meeeee!!!! YOUR BFF SINCE PRESCHOOL, VICTORIA MELFORD, and POSTCARD PAL!!!! I miss you soooooo much. I think I am doing this super awesome volunteer corps thing this summer with one of my new besties here, Cecily. You met her! Remember? So yeah. I’m not sure if I’ll be in Philly at all. Maybe for a weekend when we come to visit my grandma, but I think that’s it. How’s everything there? Fill me in. I really miss you guys.
LOVE YOU FOREVS!
Victoria Melford
Nic and Kim
c/o Landenor Family
54 Clearview Circle
Philadelphia, PA 19107
OUTDOOR EXPLORERS
HELLO!
Outdoor Explorers REUNION IS SO SOON!! We’re planning a fun get-together! Please save the date! Saturday, April 25, at 11 a.m. in Central Park by the boathouse! Bring a picnic lunch and some fun stories to share. See you soon!
Love and hugs,
Your Outdoor Explorers Summer 2020 counselors
Darren, Aviva, George, Marley, Everett, and Vee
Ivy, Gabrielle
IVY
OMGGGG
I am soooooo excited for this
And in NYC aka my fave place in the world
GABRIELLE
I know! U love NYC!
IVY
Yeahhhhhhh
GABRIELLE
So fun
I am so excited
IVY
Is this only for this summer people or last summer, too
GABRIELLE
I think only this summer
IVY
Eli is coming back btw
GABRIELLE
Oh cool
IVY
I am sooooooo excited
GABRIELLE
Me too
Summer feels like so far away, though
IVY
Yeah IKWYM
GABRIELLE
I am having so much trouble in school
GABRIELLE
I am kinda hiding it
I haven’t told my friends or my mom or dad
I just keep thinking I will get through it
IVY
Oh noooo, Gabs
What can I do to help
GABRIELLE
IDK
I should prob talk to my mom
But I hate to worry her
IVY
But she’s ur mom and that’s her job
GABRIELLE
I know but still
GABRIELLE
My teachers are prob gonna call her soon
I just can’t keep up with the work
And my friends are so smart
So I feel so dumb
IVY
Gabs, don’t say that
You’re awesome
And people can help you
GABRIELLE
Ughhhhh
I just don’t understand how it got so hard so fast
Like out of nowhere
IVY
Maybe it’s just a lot all at once?
GABRIELLE
Maybe
But I can’t even understand what we are doing in math
And I feel like there are so many tests
And we have been doing short stories in English and even they’re confusing
And this poetry unit is gonna be impossibleeeeeee
IVY
Sounds super stressful
Sorry you’re going thru this
GABRIELLE
Thx
GABRIELLE
I better study
Ily
IVY
Ily2
Prianka, Gabrielle
PRIANKA
Gabs
R u still up
GABRIELLE
Yeah ughhh
So much hw
PRIANKA
Really? I feel like it wasn’t that much
GABRIELLE
Oh IDK
What’s up
PRIANKA
Do u want to go dress shopping together for Hannah F’s bat mitz
Since it’s our first black tie one my mom said I could get a new dress
Maybe ur mom wants to come, too
GABRIELLE
Oh maybe
This sounds awesome
PRIANKA
I’ll have Mama Basak talk to ur mom
GABRIELLE
K
Sounds great
Back to hw
Xoxo
PRIANKA
Nighty night
From: Gabrielle Katz
To: Evelyn Brickfeld
Subject: Meeting
Hi, Ms. Brickfeld,
I wondered if I could meet with you during lunch today or tomorrow. Please let me know.
Thanks, Gabby
Hi, Pri—
Tell everyone I’m meeting Ms. Brickfeld in guida
nce at lunch. Remember no chatting about HF’s bat mitz. K? I feel like Cece’s feelings are hurt. Love you, Gabs
Gabrielle, Ivy
GABRIELLE
Ivy, r u there
Ik it’s the middle of school day
But sometimes I sneak and check my phone
K guess u r not
Talk later
Need to talk to u
From: Cecily Anderson
To: Summer in Maine Volunteer Corps Staff
Subject: Question
Hello,
My name is Cecily Anderson and I signed up to be part of the Summer in Maine Volunteer Corps. I was so lucky to get a scholarship and I am so grateful. However, some scheduling glitches have come up and I may not be able to attend. I wondered also about your cancellation policy. I hope another student can get the scholarship and enjoy the opportunity. Please get back to me.
Thank you,
Cecily Anderson
I’m not afraid of storms, for I’m learning how to sail my ship.
—Louisa May Alcott
Ing, are you asleep?
No, come in
From: Ingrid Anderson
To: Cecily Anderson
Subject: thoughts
Cece,
I’m emailing you because I’m in study hall and I finished all my work and I have been thinking about our talk last night. I’ll be home late because I have drama club and I wanted to make sure I got back to you.
I totally see what you’re saying. I also see the dilemma. I get that you feel stuck and I get that you feel obligated to follow through with these plans. But in all fairness, you made them on your own and then others joined in. Sometimes I do think you need to go with your gut feeling. If you think you’re not going to enjoy the program, you should skip it. There are other options for the summer.
I know you always feel a loyalty to friends and that’s what makes you so amazing, but sometimes you do have to look out for yourself, too. Also can I just say how happy I am that you’re coming to me with all of these things? I really feel like we’ve gotten closer in the past year and I am so, so happy about that. I’m so proud of you, Cece, and I love you so much.
X Ingrid
Gabs, hope all is okay with guidance and everything. I’m so, so sorry but I think I did talk about HF and the bat mitzvah too much. Victoria kept asking me questions! It’s like she wants to torture herself about it. And then Sage came over to our table talking about it and it all kind of unraveled. I’m really sorry. Text me later to discuss in more detail. Xox Pri