A/N: I give hugs for reviews! ;)
XXX
July 12th
What are we, gossip girls, Marshall?
Why are you so interested in my love life? It's not like I probe you for information about what you and Abigail are up to outside of ripping into the felons. Does it even matter what's 'going on' with me and Kenny? Nothing's going on; that's what's going on. I told you we weren't a couple. You think just because of a few awkward words by the swings we're gonna 'break up' or something? Please. We're not twelve.
There's nothing to say about Kenny's 'interests,' as I believed you mentioned not long ago. He likes football and, as you know, I hate football. He's already talking about getting Oliver into some munchkin league, which is ridiculous because he's even younger than Norah. I don't even know what his job is, at least not really. He works in an office building for some software company, but I don't get the impression he's a techie. I think he's probably a secretary or something, but I haven't asked. I've got no need to know every waking detail of his existence. You're worse than Jinx and Brandi wanting to know the run-down; they both practically had a fit when I started seeing him. But, I'm not seeing him. Not right now. Got it, lanky?
I don't even know what to ask you about, because you can't tell me anyway, and I'm not sure I even want to know. I guess I could say it sucks about this girl you've got to deal with. How could you all take such a crew down there and not have a translator? I'd tell you to call Stan to see if he can send someone, but we're going to lose him his job with all these favors we keep getting D.C. to finagle. And, I keep forgetting you don't have a phone. Seriously, Marshall. You better not have gone Amish if and when you ever get back here. I may have to seriously reconsider our friendship, because you couldn't pay me to go without my Blackberry.
Norah's teething again, and it's a nightmare. She keeps chewing on her fingers, which means she drools all over her clothes and I have to change her about six times a day. You wouldn't believe how many loads of laundry I am doing, but its way more than I can afford; I can promise you that. Brandi was actually helpful yesterday night, which shocked me to my very core. Norah woke up about one o'clock and would not stop screaming, but Brandi let me sleep for a little while and took her for a ride in the car. I suppose I'll be in real trouble when she ends up going into labor at the wheel, but I really didn't give a damn yesterday; I was so tired. Sometimes, I feel like I could sleep for about a week and still be tired.
I've gotta get to work. Delia is expecting me; paperwork with a new witness. I swear, it never stops, and Hanson already got on my ass last week when I was late on Monday.
- Don't Mess with Mary
X
July 15th
Dear Mary,
Someone sounds cranky. It almost makes me nostalgic for banter at the Sunshine Building. We could even make bets on whether or not you and Kenny would survive for the long haul, or whether you would stick it out enough to give it a chance. Does your last e-mail indicate that you have already kicked him to the curb? Mare, I do encourage you to hold out if you like him at all. Sometimes relationships take time; they don't happen overnight. Him liking football and you completely against sports of any kind isn't the best reason to throw in the towel. If there are legitimate concerns, then by all means get out while you can. But, if there is anything there, just give it a whirl. For me. I found someone, you know. It's not so unrealistic to believe you could too.
Does Norah not prefer Popsicles or frozen treats when her teeth are bothering her so severely? Some kids can be tricky about what makes their gums feel numb while they cut teeth. I am sorry it's been such a hassle, although good for Brandi that she's helping out. Does Jinx have a particularly full schedule at the studio? What I am steering toward with that question is whether or not she is available to lend a hand. I know you mentioned before I left that Joanna got some part time work since she's going to be staying in Albuquerque. It sounds like you have your hands full while everybody gets their ducks in a row. Fear not; I am sure the team will get what they can squared away soon. In the meantime, I don't think Delia would say no to a few baby-sitting gigs. She is crazy about Norah. Then again; I've never met a person who wasn't.
Well, it's been a week, but my diminutive darling mixed up with the wrong crowd is still being held in custody. We have had quite the time trying to track down her parents. A few days ago, we were able to ascertain that her mother is somewhere nearby, but it doesn't look like there's a father to consult. The number of single-parent homes in this vicinity is alarming, and seems so rough on the children. But, as I said in my last message; this wee one has developed very little English (which is not to say I'm blaming her; she hasn't needed it until now, and she's still so young.) She doesn't attempt speaking most of the time anyway, which leads me to believe she must be very frightened. It's amazing how much you glean about someone just from their eyes. This young lady, while she may have gotten in a knot with some dangerous people, hasn't really had an opportunity to break free. She's truly striking for someone so adolescent; long, shiny dark hair and enormous brown eyes. I find myself hoping we are able to help her and give her another shot.
Catch up on some sleep, my friend. It will make life easier, not just for you, but for everyone around you. I'll be thinking relaxing thoughts on your behalf.
- Marshall
XXX
A/N: XOXO is all I have to say!
