We write letters. We send emails and exchange occasional telephone calls. Nadine talked about coming out to Vegas over her spring break. I tell her to worry about her fall semester classes before she begins to worry about the spring. Nick talked about getting her a cell phone so she can keep in closer contact to us.
She's called me 'mom' a few times on accident. Nadine has never asked about her father again. I'm thankful that she doesn't want to know anymore about him than I have already told her. I found myself thinking about her on a daily basis. When I saw a pair of cute earrings in a store front window, I bought them for her. I thought they would look nice on her.
October 24, 2005
Dear Sara,
How are you and Nick? I'm doing good. My classes have been going okay, but I have a British literature class this semester that I really hate. I have a choir concert this weekend. My parents are going to record it, so I can send you a copy. Were you ever in choir? It's something that's not really important, but I was wondering about it last night.
Tell Nick that I say hi. I know . . . I'm going to go study right now.
Love,
Nadine
October 31, 2005
Dear Nadine,
Nick and I watched the choir concert Roger and Beth emailed to us. You looked beautiful. It was a beautiful concert. My mother, your grandmother, used to sing when she was cooking supper in the kitchen. I always would sing with her, but my voice wasn't as soothing as hers. Your grandmother used to play the piano and sing to me and my brother. We didn't have a television when we were growing up. Those were some of my happiest childhood memories.
I'm sure that you will do good in your Brit Lit class. When I was in college, I had to take one of those classes. I remember how boring it was. Good luck on your midterms, kiddo.
Nick is watching the U-Conn football game. We always look for you in the crowd. Be careful.
Love,
Sara
November 27, 2005
Dear Sara and Nick,
Happy Thanksgiving. My mom made me help with the turkey this year. I think I was instrumental in burning it. I must get it from you because everyone else in my family is a master chef. I really hate cooking . . . just as much as I hate Brit Lit.
My midterms went okay. I never think I do as well as I do on exams. My chemistry and physics classes are going really well. I love my chemistry lab. My professor has talked to me about switching my major to chemistry. He says that I'm a natural at it.
Do you have any pictures of your parents? I just want to see what they look like. I'd like to put a face to your memories.
Love,
Kiddo
PS Tell Nick that I go to as many football games as I can. I always wave at the camera just in case you two are watching.
December 1, 2005
Dear Kiddo,
I'm sorry to hear about the turkey. Nick and I have to order out every Thanksgiving because I severely burnt the tofu turkey last year. Don't tell Nick that it wasn't a real turkey. The only person in your biological family that was a good cook was your grandmother. She single handedly ran a bed and breakfast for years. She could cook just about anything. Unfortunately for Nick, I'm better at ordering take out than making a meal from scratch.
Here's a few pictures of my family. I've sent you pictures of my parents and my older brother. Sam, your uncle, lives somewhere in New York. He is a painter. In high school, he painted murals in some of the grade schools around San Francisco. I haven't heard from him in years. He's always led a crazy life.
I've always loved chemistry. Just take classes that you are interested in. I'd be proud of you even if you were a garbage woman or a politician. It's more important to me that you are happy.
Nick wants to know if you are going to go to the U-Conn basketball games. He's still deciding whether or not to get the college basketball cable package. Take care of yourself.
Love,
S
December 15, 2005
Dear Sara and Nick,
Nick emailed me last night to tell me that you have been sick lately. I hope that you are feeling better soon. He wants me to tell you to take a few days off work to get some sleep. I'm really impressed that he made you home-made vegetable broth. I didn't take him for a Mr. Domestic. Just try to feel better soon.
My final exams are going okay. I'm excited to have winter break soon. There's already tons of snow on the ground. My parents are taking me skiing in Vermont after Christmas. I'll be thinking about you and Nick. I hope you guys have a good Christmas. I'll try to call you two on Christmas.
My roommate says that I look a lot like my grandmother. She's really beautiful. I wish I could have met her.
Feel better. Hope you like the Christmas presents.
Love,
Kiddo
December 20, 2005
Dear Kiddo,
We got some good news for you. Nick took me to the doctor yesterday. It turns out that I was wrong about having the flu. We're pregnant. You should see Nick. I've never seen him so happy. He's already picking out baby names even though we have seven and a half months to figure that stuff out. You are the first person that we've told.
I know you did good on your exams. You are a smart girl . . . always remember that. Grades don't mean a thing. The only thing that is important is that you are happy.
Thank you for the picture. You look so beautiful. Nick and I framed it and put it up in the living room. Nick loved the hat. You're turning him into quite the U-Conn fan. He's been religiously watching the basketball games.
I hope you have fun skiing. Be careful.
Love,
S and N
December 27, 2005
Dear Sara and Nick,
Congratulations! That is so cool. I've never had a little brother and sister. I made my parents promise me that I could go out to Vegas after the baby is born. Mom is going to teach me to knit, so I can make a baby blanket. I was thinking about making the blanket orange . . . I've never liked the pink or baby blue. I can't picture you liking those colors either.
Thank you for the Christmas presents. The pearl necklace is so pretty. I wore it on Christmas. I told my sisters about you and Nick when my family got together for Christmas. They can't believe how much I look like you. I'm really lucky that I found you.
My friend is going to dress up in a chicken costume for the next U-Conn game. He says that it will probably get us on TV. I promise I'll be waving to you and Nick.
Love you and my baby sibling,
Kiddo
January 20, 2006
Dear Kiddo,
We saw you on TV last night. Your friend is quiet the entertainer. Those pearls looked nice on you . . . with the U-Conn sweatshirt. I'm so glad that you found me.
I'm sure that your baby sibling is going to love having you visit. Nick and I are starting to look at houses. We were going to look for something bigger than we have now, so you always have a room to stay in when you come to visit. Nick and I want you to be a part of the baby's life . . . we want you to be part of our lives. I know I can't make up for eighteen years, but I'm here if you ever need me.
Study hard. Tell the chicken-man thank you for me.
Love you,
Sara and Nick
PS Orange is one of my favorite colors.
Author's Note: The chicken suit thing is actually a true story. That's how my friends and I used to get on television when we were in college or when we went to professional sports games.
Let me know if you guys want more chapters. I have plans for one more (letters surrounding the months leading up to the due date then abrief visit from Nadine), but I'll write more if you all want more. Thank you all for the reviews! -Jac