CHAPTER FIFTEEN:
June 3, 1985
Dear Melissa,
Have you ever experienced being stretched to your limits, as if you were a magnet, a south pole, and there were two north poles at your sides? Is it supposed to be this painful
I feel that way right now: one part of me longs so much for Wales and the ocean's scent in the early morning, the lilies pirouetting on the pond's skin of water, and the people that all come up to me randomly to say hi. Yet, the other part of me feels that I am needed here in Los Angeles. I feel as if I belong here – in this chaotic Hollywood world that I did not want anything to do with in the beginning. When I arrived here in Los Angeles five months ago, it was by mistake. There wasn't an available flight to Las Vegas for the next two days and being desperate to leave everything behind, I boarded a flight to Los Angeles.
That mistake, fueled by my then-rash irrationality, seems to be one of the best things that has happened to me. I cannot believe that I am actually here to dance my ass off and have people actually like what I'm doing.
I could see you right now, Missy, as you laugh at what I am writing to you. Funny, isn't it? How we continue making mistakes, yet find opportunities through them?
I do have to admit that I've fallen in love with LA. I have fallen in love with the Hollywood Hills, the never ending traffic, Sunset Boulevard. It's great to be accepted in this foreign soil … to know this land and to be allowed to love it like I've loved my own.
Oh, Melissa, I haven't asked about Nana. How is she? I am missing her terribly. She must be worried sick about me. Please give her my apologies and my love. I know that for most of my life there, I've taken her for granted and now, I am doing it again. You know how it goes: the person you cherish the most is the one you easily take for granted. You do not know how important they are until you lose them.
Sometimes, I feel that way about you and our brothers. I have felt forever that way for Mother.
How is your baby, Missy? Does it look like Mother? If so, then that's another lucky baby born under the genetic reign of Margaret Scully. What can I say? I've always wanted company.
The movie will be released late next year. We're hoping for a London premiere and release if possible. I hope you'll go and see it. So far, it looks promising. I get excited when we practice the grand production numbers.
Give my love to your baby, Charles, Bill, and of course, to Nana.
Fam wedi rhyddhau 'm , Melissa. Hi 'n ddiau has.
Signed,
Dana
END OF CHAPTER FIFTEEN