Letter to Thad

Julia has written to Thad every week since he went to Basic Training because he said he liked getting mail. Though he’s never told her, Thad kept every letter Julia sent him.

Thad,

Here’s the care package I promised. Leon and I made chocolate chip cookies and those oatmeal raisin cookies you like (I don’t know why anyone would want to eat oatmeal raisin when there is chocolate. CHOCOLATE!). And we made them in the kitchen of our new apartment! I’m so happy to be out of the dorms. Our apartment is on the fourth floor with no elevator! Leon says we’ll have buns of steel by next week. Fingers crossed.

OMG! I found “ball cooling” underwear, so, of course, I bought a pair for you. And look, I got them in pink (LOL). It’s the least I could do after three years of hearing about your sweaty balls. It might be good for our friendship if we had some secrets. Unless you want me to start telling you about my monthly cycle? Don’t think I won’t do it (haha).

So, I started applying to law schools. My mother is less than thrilled (all the more reason to apply). Of course, my dad thinks I’ll be on the Supreme Court by the time I’m thirty. He’s such a goof! I’m nervous. I did well on my LSAT but what if I don’t get in anywhere? Then what? What will I do with my life? I don’t have a back-up plan. I should have a back-up plan. Why didn’t I make a back-up plan? This is why I need you around; when I start to freak out you always know what to say to talk me down. Leon tries, but it’s not the same.

I saw your dad when I was home for my dad’s birthday last weekend. I think he misses you, and he’s so proud of you, Thad. He kept talking about everything you do. I know he doesn’t write much, but he talks about you every chance he gets. I also ran into Sarah. Are you two on again? I can’t keep track. The way she was talking, you are.

Do you really think you’ll be home for Christmas? I’m not getting my hopes up until I actually see you. I miss your face. If I had known the Army would keep you from me for so long, I would have tried to talk you out of it. I may have even tried to tie you up until you changed your mind (Stop with whatever dirty joke you’re thinking of. You’re incorrigible!). Maybe one day we’ll live in the same town again. At this point, I’d settle for the same country.

Remember to share the cookies with Xander. He knows I was sending a package, so you have to share. Is he doing okay? In his last letter he sounded a bit… I don’t know… Like the things you all are seeing are getting to him. I worry about him. I worry about you! Please be careful!!! I insist the two of you return unharmed.

Write soon.

Luv you,

Jules