It is pitch black, humid, and all around me I can hear people breathing heavily. I am so glad I have been getting up early and running the past two years, it has indiscreetly given me an advantage over my peers. As I look back the past eight weeks seem to have flown by, but I remember that each one of those days was extremely long and tiring. I have most certainly learned a lot about myself during boot camp and what I am capable of if I believe in myself. I have met so many interesting people from all over the country and each one has been very talented making the level of competition at Westpoint is incredible. Every cadets seems to be finding out that no matter how talented they are at something there is most likely someone as talented or more so than them at the academy. That alone is enough to make you strive to do better in everything you attempt.

Even though life at Westpoint has been non-stop and chaotic I feel sort of at peace and relaxed. I can't believe the impact the stress at home was having on my life. The thought of having to go back during breaks overwhelms me and is making me contemplate ever going back. As I am thinking about my family I check my e-mail, for the first time in since I arrived, and find that I have several letters from my mom and sisters. I scan through each quickly nervous about what their reactions will be to my unexpected news. Phoebe's e-mail is first since she received my letter first promptly followed promptly by everyone else's.

Paige-

What are you thinking! How could you lie to me all this time? I am trying to understand the reasons you stated in your letter, but I still can not believe you kept this from me. We have always been so close and always confided in each other. I am starting to wonder if we were ever as close as I had thought, because I would never keep something this big from you. I am not sure how else to respond, I am shocked and deeply hurt by your actions. I have called mom, Prue, and Piper to let them know where you are and they were all upset. I guess their letters have not arrived yet. Give me a call when you get a break and can come into the city and we'll talk about this some more then.

Got to go

Phoebe's

Dear Paige,

Phoebe called and told me something that at first I thought was a joke, but now as I am reading your letter I know is true. I am so sorry that you felt you couldn't express your desires to me. You are right in thinking I would have tried to dissuade you from making this choice but, I never would have forbid it knowing that it was what you truly wanted. I would have been supportive and tried to help you achieve your goals. I am however disappointed in you for not telling me and leading me to believe you we going to a different school. Please call me when you can, we need to discuss this matter and I need to hear your voice to know that you are ok.

Love Always,

Mom

Squirt,

What is going on? I can't believe you are doing this. The only thing stopping me from driving to New York to drag you away from Westpoint is Piper. I can't talk about this through mail, when you get a chance give me a call and I will listen to your explanation.

Prue

Missy Paige,

I know you are probably being bombarded with notes from everyone expressing their concern and hurt feelings. It has been the only thing the family has talked about since Phoebe received her letter and called everyone else. I know Phoebe, Prue, and mom are all shocked by this revelation, but I can say honestly that I am not. I could just sense something has been different with you the past couple of years. Now that I think back on it, I first noticed the change in your attitude when you started high school. You just had this determined look about you, I was never able to figure it out but know it all makes sense now. After reading your letter I did some research of my own on Westpoint and I am so proud of you for getting accepted. It seems like the qualifications to even be considered a candidate are very hard to meet. I can't believe you were able to do this on your own with out any support and I want you to know that I am 100 behind you in this endeavor.

I am glad you finally confided in us and I will try and make the others more understanding of your situation. I hope they are feeding you well and I can't wait to see you in your uniform. : )

Love,

Piper

After reading the replies I am shocked by how hurt everyone seems to be. I know that what I did was wrong, but if I had to go back and do it all over again I wouldn't change a thing. I reply to everyone letting them know that I am ok and that with boot camp over classes will be starting next week. I let Phoebe know that my next break is Labor Day, and ask her if it would be ok for me to stop by and hang out. I tell Prue and mom that I will call them sometime tonight to talk about my situation. Then I write Piper a long e-mail thanking her for her support. I really don't know how I would have handled four negative responses, but knowing that at least someone understands me and actually noticed the changes in my behavior the last couple of years is comforting. I even briefly considered confiding my deepest secret to her knowing that she would love me even if I am not really her sister, but her half-sister.