A/N: It's been a while, sorry!

February 10, 1993

Dear friend,

Sam replied to my letter. She did it quite quickly, which I'm happy about. Here it is:

Dear Charlie,

You can call me anytime you want, okay? And if I don't answer, and it's Katie, just tell her it's you, and I'll call you back. But it would be amazing to see you on Valentine's Day! I also really like the picture you drew of me. I've put it up by my bed, so I see when I wake up in the mornings, and it reminds me of you.

Why not go and see Bob, and just refuse to buy pot from him? You don't have to buy it because someone offers it to you, Charlie. Even if that person is Bob, okay? And I know this is short, but I don't want to tell you too much, that way we have things to talk about when you come here. And I have to get to class!

Lots of love,

Sam

And that was Sam's letter. It made this good day even better. But I haven't told you why my day was already good.

The thing is, I have a job now. I work in a grocery store. It's not a big one; it mostly just sells groceries and drink, and magazines with women with cleavage showing on them. They're on the top shelf with magazines that show even more than cleavage, if you know what I mean, and I'm sure that you do. But I'm not allowed to put those on the shelf because the store manager says that I'm not old enough to do it. It doesn't bother me though; I know what a girl looks like naked.

There is something that I find weird and awkward, though. When I'm working behind the cash register, I have to write up what people are buying. Susan came in, and I don't think she knew I working there. Anyway, she came up to the cash register, and she was buying tampons. I didn't go red, even though she did. Susan didn't say anything apart from 'thanks,' when she left the store.

So, after Sam replied, and I got her letter, I had to go and talk to my Dad. When I walked into the kitchen, he was sat by the counter, and reading the newspaper.

'Dad?' I asked.

'Yeah?' he said.

'Can I borrow the car for to drive to Penn State for Valentine's Day?' I continued.

'Do you have a date with a college girl?'

'She's Sam, you met her before, remember?' I said, nervous he would have forgotten her. I don't know how he could have forgotten someone as amazing as Sam, but people do forget.

'I remember her. Much nicer the Buddhist, in my opinion,' said Dad. I shifted my weight from one foot to the other. 'Yeah, you can,' he said, and I smiled at him, and hugged him. He patted me on the back; he still doesn't really like when I do that kind of stuff, but I think he's getting better at it. As I walked away from him, he called to me: 'Don't crash it though, Charlie.'

I'm very happy that my Dad said I could borrow the car. I know it'll mean that Mom and Dad will have to share her car, and I do feel bad about that, but I really hope that Mom won't mind because I'm happy and going to see my friend, and even my brother!

When I thought about my brother, I just had to go and talk to my Mom about him.

'Mom?'

'Yes, Charlie?' she said, putting down her magazine.

'Dad said I could borrow the car and drive to Penn State to see Sam for Valentine's Day,' I took a breath. 'And I thought I should go and see Chris, too. Do you want me to take anything to him?' I asked, sitting down on the couch next to her.

My Mom thought for a moment.

'You're driving to Penn State all by yourself?'

I nodded.

'I'm not sure if that's a good idea, Charlie. Wouldn't it be better, if we all came? That way your father and I can visit Chris, and you can visit Sam.'

I knew right then, that it would now be a family trip to the campus and surrounding town. Because when my Mom isn't quiet, she get's her way.

'Okay then,' I said in agreement, and stood up. I thought about leaving earlier than Mom planned, taking the car on my own, just so I could spend more time with Sam, and not have my parents around if Sam and I wanted to 'do it.' But I'm not sure what the rules are about having people in your dorms, though. If I did go early, I'm not sure where I'd sleep, if I wasn't allowed to sleep in Sam's bed; if she let's me, that is. But I'm sure she would, as she let me stay in her bed before.

If we all go, Mom, Dad and I, then at least I'd have somewhere to sleep, as they'd probably book a motel, or something like that. That's all I have to say right now, so if I don't get another letter to you before Valentine's Day, I hope you have a nice time with your partner. (If you have one.)

Love always,

Charlie

A/N: Sorry it's taken so long, but I've got my motivation back now that Perks is out on home media! I'll aim for updates once a week, every Thursday now :D Thanks for sticking with the story, and reviewing! They always help, and make writing a more enjoyable experience for me, so please keep reviewing!