FAGE 8:Soul Mates
Title: Penpals
Written for: ifyouweremine
Written By: abbymickey24
Rating: T
Summary/Prompt used: Friendship begins with simple talks. It blooms into a long and deep conversation. Next thing you know, you begin to care so much.
If you would like to see all the stories that are a part of this exchange visit the facebook group:Fanficaholics Anon: Where Obsession Never Sleeps, or add the C2 to get all the stories direct to your inbox.
community/FAGE-8-Soul-Mates/93625/
Thank you to my amazing beta and friend, gem_del_mar. Without her pushing and helping, I don't know if I would have finished this on time.
Enjoy...
-P-
September 14, 2012
Bella Swan listens intently as Mr. Masen tells the class about their 9th grade English project. Most of the students are grumbling as they draw the name of their pen pal for the next nine months, but not Bella. She's excited and happily draws the name Jasper Whitlock. All day she is eager to get home and as soon as she's through the door she heads straight for her laptop.
To: JWhitlock
From: BSwan
Subject: Hi
So...hi. I guess I'm your penpal this year. My English teacher, Mr. Masen, said that I had to email you first, so here I am. This month's theme is getting to know each other. We're supposed to tell about ourselves: what we look like, where we live, our families, our schools, our friends, and our favorites, so here goes...
My name is Bella, I just turned 15 yesterday actually, and I'm in the 9th grade at Forks High School. I'm short, standing just around five feet. I have long brown hair that I usually always wear in a ponytail and brown eyes.
I live in Forks, Washington. It's a really small town about four hours northwest of Seattle and nothing ever happens except for rain. It always rains or snows. Very rarely, do we have a sunny day. We have no stop lights, and no fast food except a Subway. The next biggest town is about forty-five minutes away.
My family consists of just me and my dad, Charlie. He grew up here and has been the police chief for the last seven years. My mom left before I turned a year and I haven't seen or heard from her since then.
I like my school. It's not big at all, but that's what I like about it; you can't get lost. Our team mascot is the Spartans and our colors are navy blue and gold. I like my teachers, and have known them my whole life.
I don't have any friends as I have a hard time talking to people. Plus, the people at my school aren't my idea of what friends should be like.
Now, for my favorites. Mr. Masen gave us a list, and said to tell why each thing is our favorite.
Candy-Caramel Apple suckers. They're these green apple suckers that have a caramel coating on the outside. You used to could only find them at Halloween, but now they're everywhere. Well, not here. I have to wait until I go to Port Angeles or Seattle to get them.
Color-Blue because it's the color of the sky when we have a sunny day.
My favorite book and movie are the same, To Kill a Mockingbird. I don't know why I like them, I just do. I've read the book probably five times and I've seen the movie about six, since I own it.
School subject is English. I even love this pen pal project that our teachers are making us do. I love to read and write, so it fits me perfectly because reading is my favorite hobby.
My favorite animal is a turtle. I like that their home is with them all the time and that they can live for so long.
Food and drink is tacos and Dr. Pepper. Unfortunately, there is no good place to get tacos around here, so I have to make them myself. I like the sweetness of Dr. Pepper and we always have some in the fridge, since it's also my dad's favorite.
My favorite article of clothing I have is an old Forks Police hoodie of my dad's. It's so comfortable and keeps me warm, but because it was my dad's it also makes me feel safe.
My favorite TV show is The Big Bang Theory and my favorite character is Sheldon. I think he's so funny.
Band or musician is Maroon 5 because I love Adam Levine. I would love to see them in concert.
I don't have a favorite sport, since I'm clumsy. I trip over and walk into everything I possibly can. I've had a few broken bones and a lot of stitches, and even a concussion. Most of which was caused from P.E.
My favorite holiday is Halloween. I think because I like the thought of being someone else for a little while. Plus, free candy.
And lastly, my favorite quote...I live in my own little world, but it's okay they know me here. It kind of fits with who I am.
All right, I think that's it. I'm excited to hear from you. I will talk to you next month.
Bella
To: BSwan
From: JWhitlock
Subject:(re) Hi
Hi.
Telling you about myself is easy, so here I go…
My name is Jasper and I'm 14 for a few more months. My birthday is a week before Christmas on the 21st. I'm tall for my age and my mom thinks I'll be over six foot by the time I stop growing. I have dirty blond hair, and green eyes.
I live in Saint Jo, Texas and it's pretty small too. Not much happens here either unless you count cows getting out of their fences. I think we have a stoplight, but no fast food. We're about two hours north of Dallas and Fort Worth, so we only go there when we have to. But our property is right on the Oklahoma line, so we sometimes go over there to town as well.
My family is myself, my grandpa-Nathan, my dad-Samuel, my mom-Maria, and my little sister-Rosalie. She's only seven, but really sweet. We all live together on a ranch called Riverbend where we raise horses and cattle for sale.
My high school is actually the middle school too. It's 7th-12th grade and only has like 300 kids in the whole thing. Our mascot is the Panthers and our colors are burgundy and grey.
I have a best friend named Peter, and a few other good friends named Mike, Tyler, and Alec. We hang out riding horses or playing video games.
Now for my favorites…
I love all candy, but my favorite is Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. I could eat them everyday.
My favorite color is green but I don't know why. I just like it.
My favorite book is any of the Harry Potter books, but don't tell anyone. I just think being a wizard would be cool.
The movie is The Fast and The Furious because it has awesome cars and Michelle Rodriquez.
My favorite subject is History because I like learning about the past. I do like this assignment though and my English teacher, Mr. Cullen.
Favorite animal is a horse because I'm around them everyday, and my favorite hobby is horseback riding. It's a lot of fun to gallop across a field.
My favorite food and drink is barbecue and sweet tea because I'm a southern boy. I think it's mandatory for those to be our favorites.
My article of clothing is my cowboy boots. See above for why.
Our TV show is the same, but my favorite character is Penny because she's pretty.
My favorite musician is Johnny Cash. I wish I could have gotten to see him in concert, but he died when I was two. However, my grandpa wakes us up on Saturday with his record. And we spend the morning listening to him while we eat breakfast.
My favorite sport is all of them, but if I have to chose one it would be baseball. I can play most positions except pitcher, but I prefer shortstop as it tends to be the most exciting.
Our holiday is the same too, but it's because I can scare my sister without getting in trouble. The free candy is nice though.
For my quote it's something my dad and grandpa say all the time...Success is the shadow of hard work. They believe you earn what you have and I like the thought of it.
Okay, that's it for me. It was nice to meet you, Bella, and Happy Belated Birthday. I will email next month with our October theme. Have a nice weekend.
Jasper
-P-
October 19, 2012
To: BSwan
From: JWhitlock
Subject: Happy Halloween
Happy Halloween! I know it's early, but we won't email again before the day. I also know I'm supposed to tell you the theme for this month, but I wanted to ask you something first. I asked Mr. Cullen if it was okay to and he said as long as it went along with the theme, I could.
That worked since I wanted to know what you are going to be and what you are doing on that night?
I'm going to be a zombie and I'm going to a party at my friend Peter's house. His parents are letting us create a haunted house in their barn, so we're going to have that for people to walk through and then we're going to have some food, music, and hay rides after. It should be fun.
Now, for the theme...we're supposed to tell each other what we're afraid of. Mr. Cullen said we had to provide a funny fear and a more serious one and then tell why we're afraid of them.
For my funny fear, it's vampires. I know they aren't real, but I have a recurring nightmare where I'm out on my horse alone in the middle of the night and I run into a vampire named Maria. She pulls me off my horse and just before she bites me I always wake up. Granted, I only have it when I'm in trouble with my mom and her name is Maria, so maybe I'm just afraid of her.
My serious one is I'm afraid of disappointing my grandpa and my dad. I know they expect me to take over running the ranch when I'm older, but I'm not sure if that's what I want. I'm afraid that if I decide that I want to do something else they'll hate me. My great grandpa started the ranch, so it's been run by my family for years and years. If I don't take over I don't know who will, and while I like working on it now, I don't know if I will when I get older.
Okay, I don't know what else to say so I'm going to go. I look forward to your reply.
Jasper
To: JWhitlock
From: BSwan
Subject: (re): Happy Halloween
Happy Halloween to you too! And it's okay if it's early. :)
I'm going to be a police officer. Dad ordered me a uniform and it came in last week. He also got me my own baton, handcuffs, and badge. He won't let me have a gun, but that's a good thing since I'd probably shoot myself with it. I'm not doing anything other than handing out candy. Dad has to work to make sure no one acts stupid, so I always stay home. I carved a couple of pumpkins already and I'll attach a picture of them so you can see. Mr. Masen said no pictures, but I think he just meant of us. If I'm wrong I'll take responsibility, but I'm really proud of them. For one, they turned out really good if I do say so myself, but I also didn't cut myself so that's always a plus.
Your party sounds fun. I've never been to a haunted house before, but I've always wanted to go. Maybe next year I can talk dad into letting me do one here or at least take me to Seattle where I know there are some.
As for my fears...the funny one is werewolves. Like you I know they aren't real, but late at night you can sometimes hear the wolves howling. I've seen wolves in books and on tv, but hearing them all in a chorus of noise I can't help but imagine these huge hulking animals hunting people to change or kill. I've freaked myself out more times than I can count during a full moon.
My serious fear is something happening to my dad. He's all I have and the thought of him not being here scares me so much. Forks is a really safe town, with only the occasional teenager getting out of hand or speeder, but I worry that some drifter will come through or he'll be coming home one night from work and something will happen and then he's just gone. I don't know what I'd do without him.
Before I go, I want to remark on your serious fear. While you dad and grandpa might be disappointed, I don't think they could ever hate you.
All right, I will talk to you next month. Have fun on Halloween and be safe.
Bella
-P-
November 23, 2012
To: JWhitlock
From: BSwan
Subject: Thanksgiving
Happy Gobble Gobble Day! :) In a week anyway. LOL
I hope your Halloween and party was fun. Mine was good, we had a lot of trick or treaters, but I didn't run out of candy. And, dad said no one got too out of hand; just a few eggers that he caught. I laughed when I heard who because they're two guys at school who always cause issues and never seem to get in trouble. They had to clean up the mess they made and have to do some community service on the weekends until the first of the year.
Anyway, on to this month's theme. Because it's Thanksgiving we have to tell what we're thankful for.
For me, it's dad. He was nineteen when I was born and twenty when my mom left. He was fresh out of the police academy and had no clue what to do with a baby. He could have given me up for adoption, but he chose not to. He chose to keep me and show me what being a parent meant and that he would love me unconditionally. He's an amazing dad, selfless and caring. He makes sure that I have everything I could possibly want or need. He's never made me feel like I was a burden to him growing up, even though things weren't always easy.
Okay, it's not a lot this time, but I knew they wouldn't all be as long as the first one. I'll see you next month.
Bella
To: BSwan
From: JWhitlock
Subject: (re) Thanksgiving
Happy Turkey Day! (in a few days)
The party was awesome. We scared all of the girls that came and had a few crying. My best friend fell off the wagon into a big pile of cow crap, while he was trying to flirt. It was the best night ever.
I'm glad your night was good and your dad was able to catch the troublemakers. Don't tell my friends I said that, since it would probably lose me some cool points. I mean, I'm up for making trouble sometimes, but not when it causes other people stress, like having to clean up dried egg would.
Now, what am I thankful for? That's easy, it's my family.
I know that no matter what I may do they will always be there and love me. They've shown me that family is the most important thing and each one has taught me things that I could never learn anywhere or from anyone else. I'm grateful for each day I have them in my life.
All right, I think that's it. I'll see you next time.
Jasper
-P-
December 21, 2012
To: BSwan
From: JWhitlock
Subject: Christmas
Merry Christmas?, Happy Hanukkah?, Happy Kwanzaa?, Happy Holidays? Not really sure how you celebrate, so I figured I'd cover everything.
This month's theme is pretty straight forward. We're supposed to tell each other what gift we've received is our favorite and what traditions we do to get ready for the holiday.
For my gift, it was my horse, Midas. I got him when I was 5. He's a palomino, blond with a blond mane and tail, and big. We have two barns full of horses, but he was the first one that was strictly my own and while I have more than him that are just mine now, he'll always be my favorite. We're so used to each other that most of the time I don't even have to do anything. He can just seem to sense my mood and know what I need to either brighten my day or help me relax.
Our traditions are very stereotypical. A week before Christmas, we all go out on a Sunday afternoon and cut down our Christmas tree and then spend that night decorating it while we drink hot chocolate and eat cookies, a fire going in the fireplace.
Christmas Eve is the Whitlock family Christmas party, that almost the whole town shows up at. Mom has it catered and we spend the night laughing and talking with friends. There is sleigh rides, even though there is usually no snow to be found, hot chocolate, cookies, candy, and popcorn.
Christmas Day is family only all day. We open presents and then have a big breakfast before dinner that night with mom's special snowball cookies for dessert. If you don't know what they are, they're these round balls of cookies filled with pecans and then once cooked they're rolled in powdered sugar. Christmas day is the only time she makes them and we look forward to them every year.
Okay, I guess that's it for this month. I'll talk to you next year.
Jasper
P.S. I've attached a picture of Midas.
To: JWhitlock
From: BSwan
Subject: (re) Christmas
First, Happy Birthday! And second, Merry Christmas.
Your gift is pretty cool. I don't know anyone who's ever been given a horse before, even though most little girls want a pony at some point. And by most I mean not me.
I love your traditions too, and those cookies your mom makes sound amazing. I might have to find a recipe and try my hand at making them sometime.
As for my gift, it was my first bike when I was eight. I remember it was all I wanted that year and it had to be perfect, hot pink with streamers, a bell, and a basket. I remember being so excited when I found it in front of the Christmas tree. There was snow on the ground and more falling, but dad took me out as soon as I was dressed and taught me to ride it that day. Of course, I've outgrown it now, but it's still sitting in our little shed out back because I can't bare to give it away.
Our traditions are a little smaller. We have a fake tree, I usually decorate by myself sometime after Thanksgiving. Christmas Eve, I make sugar cookies for the guys that work with dad. And then Christmas Day we open presents before going over to his best friend's house for dinner.
That's it. I know it's simple compared to yours, but there is no one but us.
Alright, I guess I'll go now. Happy Birthday again and I'll talk you next year. :)
Bella
P.S. Midas is beautiful and looks so sweet.
-P-
January 4, 2013
To: BSwan
From: JWhitlock
Subject: Happy New Year
Happy New Year and thank you for the Birthday wishes last month. It was awesome turning 15 finally, even though I failed my learner's test once before I finally passed. I should have listened to mom and studied more. Oh well, I have them now and she actually lets me drive when we go into town.
I hope your Christmas was good, but I do have to say something. From your comment about your traditions being simpler than mine, the way it came off is that you seemed to almost be apologizing for it. If that wasn't how you meant it, then ignore the next sentence. However if it was, then please don't ever apologize for something like that. They're your traditions and it makes you who you are and even though we've only shared a handful of emails, I like who you are.
And thank you about Midas. He a good horse, but sweet...I don't know if I'd go that far. He can be, don't get me wrong, but as he gets older he's getting more temperamental. He still has no problem anticipating my needs, but when he doesn't want to do something...yeah, it's like telling my little sister she can't do something. He stomps his foot and shakes his head and gives me this look that clearly says I don't think so buddy. It's pretty funny unless I need him to cooperate with me.
Okay, now onto January's theme. This month is all about New Year's resolutions. If we make any and if so what they are.
Mine is to not be a pain in the butt to mom when she gets me up in the morning and to get a girlfriend. On the first one, I grumble and groan and she has to keep coming back in to see if I'm out of bed yet. I know it drives her crazy, and keeps her from doing the things she needs to get done in the morning. On the second one, all my friends have girlfriends now and I feel a little left out, plus their ribbing sucks.
Alright, see you next month.
Jasper
To: JWhitlock
From: BSwan
Subject: (re) Happy New Year
Happy New Year and you're welcome. I laughed at you failing, but only because I did the same-failed the first time. Dad didn't understand at all, since he's a cop and has had a driving book for me since I turned 13. I just got nervous though and second guessed myself. Although, he doesn't let me ever drive. Granted, the only car we have is his police cruiser so I don't think I'm allowed.
I didn't mean for my words to come off like that, but looking back at what and how I wrote it, I can see how someone would see it that way. Thank you for pointing it out. I promise I won't apologize for the traditions dad and I have because I do love them. And I like who you are too. :)
New Year's Resolutions...I usually don't make any, but this year was different. I don't know if it's because I'm getting older and know eventually I won't be in this small town where everyone knows me or because I'm starting to realize that my closest friend lives in Texas (if you consider us friends, that is), but I want to try to be more outgoing. I see the girls at school making plans for sleepovers or trips to the mall and you've talked about hanging out with your friends and I kinda feel like I'm missing out. I haven't actually talked to anyone at school yet, though. I don't really know how to. That's sad isn't it?
Bella
-P-
February 14, 2013
To: JWhitlock
From: BSwan
Subject: Love
Happy Valentine's Day, even though I think it's the most pointless holiday ever. It's not because I don't have a boyfriend either. I mean why do people need a day to tell someone they love them. Shouldn't they being doing that every day?
Whatever though, it's the theme for this month. We have to tell what we think love means to us.
To me it's finding someone you don't want to live your life without. You see on TV people saying find someone you can't live without, but really that makes no sense. You lived without them before you met them, so obviously you can live without them. But finding someone you don't want to live without is different.
It's being there for someone at their best and their worst. It's doing things for others without wanting anything in return and being kind to someone you care about.
That's my definition anyway. On a side note though, I don't believe in love at first sight or second or even third sight. It takes time getting to know and opening your heart to someone.
Okay, I'm glad that is over. I'll talk to you next month.
Bella
P.S. How are the resolutions coming? Mine, not so well.
To: BSwan
From: JWhitlock
Subject:(re) Love
Happy Valentine's Day and yeah, I don't love this theme either and think it's a pointless holiday as well. And I agree on the love at first sight thing too.
But like you said, it's the theme so here is my definition…
Love-It's bringing flowers home to your wife and daughter just because you thought they were pretty and would make them smile. It's dancing with your wife when you think the kids are in bed. It's getting up and making breakfast at five in the morning, so your husband can eat before he goes to work. It's making snowball cookies on Christmas. It's helping your little sister with homework because you know your parents are tired and it's your sister giving you a hand drawn snowflake for your birthday because she thought you'd like it.
Yeah, I realize that all that applies to my family, but what is a better definition for love than family or friends.
Alright, that's it. I will talk to you later.
Jasper
P.S. The resolutions are sorta there. On the mom one, I'm doing better but not every morning works out (usually Mondays), but the girlfriend thing, it not going well at all. I realized after I made it and started back to school that there is a serious lack of girls I'd want to call my girlfriend there. The single ones and most of the ones with boyfriends (including my friends' girlfriends) are focused only of getting out of the small town, clothes, and makeup. It's annoying.
P.S.S. I consider us friends. :)
-P-
March 8, 2013
To: BSwan
From: JWhitlock
Subject: Lucky Charms
Ahh March you are upon us once again. Where the only good thing that is happening is Spring Break in two weeks. LOL Granted, the only plans I have are working with dad and grandpa so it won't be much of a break.
Oh, and emailing you, that is always good too.
Since there isn't much going on, I'm going to get right to the theme. It's all about the lucky charms this time, and no not the cereal. We're supposed to tell if we have any and why they're lucky to us.
I do have one, it's a pocket knife my dad gave me when I turned thirteen. It started out as my great grandpa's and has been passed down to each son when they became a teenager. It's lucky because it has been used to help each of us either save a life or from being hurt badly.
With my great-grandpa and grandpa it was to save their own hide, with my dad it was to save another person, and myself it was to save a foal.
I don't know if you want to hear the stories, but I'll put them in anyway.
My great-grandpa's story was he was riding on the farm when his horse was spooked by a snake. It reared up and he was thrown for the most part. I say that because he didn't completely hit the ground, thanks to his foot getting caught in one of his stirrups before the horse took off dragging him. He was able to cut himself free before he was hurt too bad.
My grandpa was working in a silo and got his shirt caught in something, I don't even think he remembers what now. He couldn't get free or get the shirt off quicker, by normal means, than it was pulling him in and so he used the knife to cut himself free.
With my dad, it was a car accident. A teenager had hit a deer and then a swerved into a tree. Dad came up on the wreck and went to help. Her car was on fire and her seat belt was stuck. He used the knife to cut her free and they made it away just in time.
And for me it was a dry river bed, a flash flood, and a foal tangled up in some rope. It would have drowned before I could get it out if I hadn't been able to cut it free.
Okay, that's it. I hope you have a good month and I'll see you next time.
Jasper
P.S. Don't forget to wear green on St. Patrick's Day. We don't want you getting pinched.
To: JWhitlock
From: BSwan
Subject: (re) Lucky Charms
You are so lucky. We don't get Spring Break until next month, and no big plans here either. Just hanging out and watching mindless tv.
Yes, emailing you is always good. :)
I didn't assume it was about the cereal, although I do love me some Lucky Charms. Also, a little secret I eat it weird. I eat all the brown cereal first and then I eat each of the marshmallows. And by each of the marshmallows, I mean I eat all the hearts first and then the horseshoes, etc. Weird, right?
Your lucky charm is pretty cool and I'm glad you put in the stories. I like stories where there is a happy ending.
As for me it's the Saint Michael (patron saint of police officers) medallion that I wear. It was dad's, he got it when he graduated from the academy, and he gave it to me when I was old enough to understand what he did and what could happen. We aren't catholic or religious really, but it helps to think that someone is watching over him.
There is even a prayer that holds a special place for law enforcement…(I did have to look it up, but here it is)..."Holy Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil…"
Alright, I'm going to go. I have to go start dinner, homemade buffalo chicken pizza tonight, YUM. I will see you next month.
Have a good spring break, but don't work too hard.
Bella
P.S. I won't forget and you don't forget either. We don't want you getting pinched either. :)
-P-
April 1, 2013
To: JWhitlock
From: BSwan
Subject: April Fool's Day
So, I was going to tell you that I couldn't write you anymore and that I was moving to Texas as an April Fool's Day prank, but then I thought that was stupid, so no pranks from me.
I did get my dad this morning though, granted I am now grounded for a week. Although, it doesn't really do anything, since my resolution is out the window, so it kind of backfires on him. I'm leaning toward the fact that he was barely awake and hadn't had his coffee yet for why he believed me because it is me. And even though, I'm not really in trouble I don't think I'll be telling him I'm pregnant and dropping out of school again, simply because he looked like he was going to have a heart attack.
That was my morning, any pranks on your end?
As for the theme it's….drum roll...pranks. Such a surprise, I know. This one is pretty fun though because we're supposed to tell what our ultimate prank would be and on who, especially if there was no possibility of getting into trouble for it.
Mine would be against two girls at school. They're the type of girls that are always primping in the mirror, use the word like before everything they say, smack gum until you want to smack them, and think they're all that and a bag of chips. I've known them since kindergarten and we were friends at one point, but once they realized I was a 'loser' (their words not mine) and was more interest in books than boys and makeup I wasn't up to their standards anymore.
It's fine and I don't really let some of the things they say bother me, simply because I know I'm better off. I've heard them talk about each other behind the others back more than once-who needs that kind of friendship. But every now and then something gets through and hits a nerve which is why I'd prank them.
For the prank, I'd sneak into their house and put nair in their conditioner and blue stain in their body wash, so they come out looking like bald smurfs. It would be hilarious to see all that vanity going down the drain.
The thought of it just makes me smile.
Alright, I will send this off and will talk to you next month.
Bella
To: BSwan
From: JWhitlock
Subject:(re) April Fools Day
It wasn't stupid, but I wouldn't have believed it, so it wouldn't have worked.
I'm laughing, laughing I tell you, at your prank on your dad. What in the world possessed you to tell your COP father that you were pregnant at 15? I wouldn't even try that on my mama (that I got a girl pregnant, not that I was pregnant), she'd whoop my butt before I could even say April Fool's Day and then whoop it again for trying to prank her in the first place.
Oh man, I just imagined the look on your dad's face, and started laughing again.
Okay, I'm calm now so I can continue. No pranks on my end. My mama doesn't like them, thinks they're stupid and has no tolerance for stuff like that. She doesn't even like being scared, so I know better.
If I could pull the ultimate prank though, it would be on my principal. He's not a bad guy, strict but fair and nice, however the guy never smiles...EVER! I'm not even sure he knows how. I mean he's been my principal for almost 3 years now, I've known him for way longer though, he even comes to our Christmas party, and I've never seen it happen. Granted, he never yells either. It's almost like he's a robot.
So it would be something that might break him out of whatever bubble he's in, whether it's yelling or smiling, I'd really take either one.
First I'd take a ton of those red plastic cups and fill them up with water, and put them all over the hallway to the point that trying to pick up one would cause the others to be knocked over or jostled. Then once he made it past that I'd have his office filled with ball pit balls, where when he opened his door they would avalanche out into the hallway. While he was dealing with all that, I'd fill his car with packing peanuts or ping pong balls, I'm not picky.
I know it seems like I might not like him, but I do.
I like your prank on those girls. I know a few girls like that and they'd deserve it. Granted, the fact they called you a loser, makes me dislike them even more.
Okay, that is it for me too. I will talk to you next month.
Jasper
-P-
May 24, 2013
To: JWhitlock
From: BSwan
Subject: Summer Plans and Goodbye
Well, it looks like we made it through our first year of high school. It's weird to think it's almost summer again, this year seemed to just fly by, but I'm excited to not have to get up early every morning for a few months.
Our theme for this email is the subject line and I don't love it, simply because it means our emails are coming to an end. I knew it was coming, but I'm not happy and will be putting the goodbye part off as long as I can.
Summer plans...oh it's going to be such an exciting break. I'm going to so many cool places and doing a ton of awesome things...LOL...who am I kidding, I'm not doing anything except sleeping in and maybe a trip to the lake with dad for a little fishing to break up the monotony of my boring life. I'll also visit the library and the diner at some point, but other than that, there is nothing. Dad still thinks I'm too young to get a job, but did tell me I could volunteer. Unfortunately, the only place around here that I could volunteer at is the hospital and blood and I don't mix at all. Plus, I've spent enough time in the hospital, thanks to my clumsiness, that I make a point not to visit there unless I have to.
So, I couldn't put it off as long as I thought. I really need to try to get my resolution back on track, so if I ever have a penpal again, I won't seem like such a loser.
It is what it is I guess, so I'll move on to the goodbye. I've loved getting to know you this year, Jasper. Thank you for being such an awesome person, and for taking this as seriously as I did. It was fun and interesting and I'm going to miss seeing your email waiting for me or rushing home to send one to you. I hope if I ever have another pen pal, they will be as cool as you are.
I want to write until next time...but there won't be one and that makes me want to cry. I'm sorry I'm being a girl and getting a little sappy.
Have a great summer. Cliche I know, but I couldn't think of anything else.
Bella
To: BSwan
From: JWhitlock
Subject:(re) Summer Plans and Goodbye
This email sucks...just sayin'.
The year did go by too fast and I'm not in love with the theme either, but like you said we knew it was coming and while I wish I could drag this out longer, I can't mainly because my mama is leaning against the counter staring at me.
You're probably wondering why. Well, that leads into my summer plans. I found out yesterday that having math with my best friend was not the best thing, since it means I will be attending summer school. Yes, I failed miserably and now not only do I have to make it up, but I'm grounded until I pass. The only reason I'm allowed to email you is because it's for school. Once I hit send, I'm losing my computer. I, also, have to do my dad's morning chores each day-so no sleeping in for me-and I can't hang out with friends or ride my horses. And whatever else mama deems necessary for me to do to make up for the F I received. It sucks, but it is my fault so I will deal with it.
After June, things will be better. I have the 4th of July parade, BBQ, and Fireworks the town puts on, and swimming to look forward to.
I'm going to put this as nicely as possible...YOU ARE NOT A LOSER! I didn't like hearing that others thought of you like that, but I hate hearing you think that of yourself. What I've learned about you this year tells me that if we lived in the same town, you'd be one of my best friends. I'd happily help you break out of your shell and make it so you'd never have to make a resolution like you did again.
I'm going to miss our emails too and while I want to keep this going longer, my mama is twirling her finger in the air and telling me to wrap it up.
So, goodbye Bella and, with the equally cliched sentiment, have a fun summer.
Jasper
-P-
July 4, 2013
To: BSwan
From: SouthernBoy97
Subject: Hi
Hey, Bella, I don't know if you'll see this or not. I don't know if you only had the email for the penpal project like I did or if it's your actual one. Hopefully, you'll see this though.
I know our last email was supposed to be our last, but I find I miss you too much. I miss getting the little peeks in your life and hearing the things that others who've known you your whole life probably don't know. I've spent the last month wondering what you were doing.
I've thought about emailing you before now, but I wasn't sure if you wanted to hear from me, plus I just got my computer back last week-passed Math with an A, thank you very much. However, I was watching the fireworks tonight and couldn't stop thinking about you. I wondered if you were watching some in person or if you had to settle for them on TV.
But before that I couldn't help but wonder if you'd been fishing yet or if you'd been sleeping in. I wondered how your dad was and if you'd gone to the library.
You were only supposed to be a school project, but in the months we emailed you became a friend. So, I decided that I would email you and propose emailing each other again. It doesn't have to be all the time, just when something comes up that we want to tell or ask each other.
You can say no, and we can go back to it just being what it was, but I'd like to hear from you.
Until next time...hopefully…
Jasper
-P-
August 10, 2013
To: SouthernBoy97
From: BookwormB97
Subject: Hi and Sorry
Hey Jasper,
I'm so sorry it took me so long to get back to you. I just saw your email. The one I had is a school one, but I'll have it until I graduate. I only signed in to check to see if my schedule had come through yet, and was pleasantly surprised to see your email waiting for me.
This email is my regular one and I check it every day, so any more emails won't be late coming back to you. And I guess that answers your proposal, but if it's not clear, yes I would like to keep emailing with you.
I thought about you a lot over the summer, congrats on the A, and wondered what you were doing to. I hope your mom didn't work you too hard and you were able to enjoy most of the summer. I did everything I had planned, and even worked in a few other things into my oh so busy schedule.
The fourth was actually a really fun day. Dad had it off, for the first time in as long as I can remember, and we spent the day in Port Angeles, the biggest town closest to Forks. We had breakfast before watching the parade. Then lunch, a movie, shopping at the bookstore and mall for my school clothes, dinner, and then fireworks. It was nice.
Dad also finally let me start driving. He bought a beat up old truck off his best friend and got it running for me as an early birthday present. It's huge and rusted and while I know the kids at school will make fun of it, I love it. I attached a pic of it before he got it going, but it still looks like that. He offered to have it painted, but I said no.
Every time he's been off, he's taken me over to the high school and taught me how to drive it, since it's a stick shift. I'm still not quite there yet, starting off is my biggest issue, but dad thinks by the time I get my license I will be a pro.
Alright, I think that's all for this email.
Until next time...:) (I really like typing that)
Bella
Jasper sits back as he finishes reading Bella's email and then looks to the door as his mom asks, "What's got you grinning ear to ear?"
"Just an email from a friend." Jasper answers.
His mom smiles, having never seen him smiling like that and leaves him with, "Must be some friend," before she continues down the hall to his sister's room.
Jasper acknowledges her words with a nod of his head, not realizing she's already moved on as he's busy rereading the email. He admits he was worried that Bella hadn't got the email when she didn't answer back right away and even had a small doubt that she just wasn't interested in keeping the friendship going. But now, he's happy to see that he was wrong on both counts and wonders if it would be weird to email her back right away. He did say every now and then, but finally he decides that her email deserves a response and sitting forward he hits reply; the grin still on his face as his fingers start to type.
-P-
I hope you're enjoying it so far. Next update will be in an hour or two.