*NOTE: DEFINITELY CHECK OUT THE AUDIO FOR THIS CHAPTER! SUPER INTERACTIVE & COMICAL! WE HAD FUN! Click the Youtube link above to listen to the Audiobook Version of this chapter voiced by kaelking12 (Kristen M.) featuring music by Paper Aeroplanes, Sara Bareilles, The Cardigans, and Kate Walsh.
Alex
Outgoing Call to Kai Reynolds at 10:22 AM.
Call Ignored.
Outgoing Call to Kai Reynolds at 10:24 AM.
Call Ignored.
Outgoing Call to Kai Reynolds at 10:25 AM.
Call Ignored.
Text message to Kai Reynolds at 10:27 AM:
AS: Hey...are you in class right now?
AS: Sorry...I don't wanna bother you, but um...call me after if you can. Okay? We should talk.
AS: I'll be here.
Outgoing Call to Kai Reynolds at 11:32 AM.
Call Ignored.
Outgoing Call to Kai Reynolds at 11:44 AM.
Call Directed to Voicemail.
Kai Reynolds is unavailable.
"Hey it's Kai. I can't come to phone right now, but leave a message and I'll get back as soon as I can!"
AS: Hey, again. Sorry to call so many times, it's just I--I was thinking about what you'd said earlier and...you were right.
You were right about a lot of things, and I should've just been honest with you like you asked...but I panicked, and I said a lot of things I shouldn't have and...I'm sorry.
I'm sorry I keep lying to you. I'm sorry for pretending to be someone that I'm not. I guess I thought it would make other people happy. But honestly, all I've really been doing is hurting everyone.
You. Elias. My parents.
And I need to change.
I wanna change. I don't wanna be this person anymore because you deserve to be with someone so much better than I am.
Someone more honest than I am.
So, that's why I'm gonna try to figure myself out.
And, I don't know how long it's gonna take but I--
I just need time.
I need to start over.
And, I know I don't have the right to ask you to stick with me through this, but I hope you will.
But no matter what you choose, just call me when you can.
***
New Notification from Facebook at 11:53 AM.
Kai Reynolds just checked in at Northern Lights Cafe (UCLA).
Kai Reynolds just updated his status at 11:57 AM:
Had the morning off. Photo Lab professor out sick :D!. Nice to have some time alone to think.
New Message to "Kai Reynolds" on Facebook Messenger. Kai Reynolds is online.
AS: Hey, did you get my voicemail? (Message read).
AS: Please, listen to it. It's fine if you don't wanna talk to me right now, but I just want you to hear it, okay? (Message read).
AS: Hello? (Message read).
Kai Reynolds is offline.
New Email at 12:05 PM from "Twitter":
From: Twitter Inc.
Subject: Today's popular posts!
Check out the latest tweets from Twitter's most popular users:
@LongLiveTheKing (Elias King) (Verified):
"That moment when a kick ass day makes up for a bad night. Thanks IR. You're the best. #santamonica #hipster #socalliving #lalife #fun"
@Harry_Styles (Verified):
"Hello."
Log on to Twitter and follow these profiles today!
Delete Email?
Email moved to "Trash".
***
New Email at 12:08 PM from [email protected]
From: [email protected]
Subject: Late Assignment & Monday's Homework
Body:
Hello Ms. Summers,
I hope my email finds you well this afternoon. I'm writing you regarding your missed assignment that was due last night.
I emailed all of my students after class yesterday requesting that they read chapters 1-3 of "Letters to Jersey" and write a reading response to any of the chapters (minimum 250 words) on our online forum by 6:00 PM.
Sadly, I didn't have the privilege of receiving yours. Mr. King will be reading and personally responding to each post by the end of today, so in order to avoid reciving a low grade on your assignment (and missing out on this fantastic 1 to 1 opportunity), please complete the required reading and the response before 3:00 PM, this afternoon. This should be excellent practice for Monday's assignment. See details below:
On Empathy and Sympathy
500 Word Short Essay Due Monday
Theme: Personal connections and the mechanics of empathy & sympathy in E. King's "Letters to Jersey".
Prompt: "In 500 words, explain the ways in which empathy and sympathy play a role in Mr. King's debut work.
What do you believe is behind the public's attraction to this novel? Is it a product of his literary prowess or is it his emotional truth?
In what ways do you personally connect to Mr. King's text? Can you sympathize or empathize with his circumstances? Be Detailed.
NOTE: First draft must be turned in both in-class and on TurnitIn.com
I'm looking forward to hearing more of your insightful thoughts on Mr. King's work!
Speak soon,
Prof. Hayes
UCLA English Department
***
From: [email protected]
Subject: RE: Late Assignment & Monday's Homework
Body: Good Afternoon Professor Hayes,
I'm so sorry I missed last night's assignment! Yesterday was a little chaotic, and I know that's no excuse for not checking my email. I'm going to go read the required chapters ASAP. I'll have my response posted in the forum before 3:00 PM as requested. Once again, I apologize for being so behind. Thank you for giving me a second chance.
-Alex
***
From: [email protected]
Subject: RE: RE: Late Assignment & Monday's Homework
Body: No worries at all, Ms. Summers!
As they say, everyone deserves a second chance! See you on Monday!
Prof. Hayes
UCLA English Department
***
Text Message to "Indigo Rose" at 12:17 PM:
AS: Hey, sorry to bother you, but did you get Professor Yakboots' email yesterday?
IR: Who?
AS: Sorry, Professor Hayes. She sent out an assignment about the book we're reading in class.
IR: Oh, Totally. It was rad. But did you see some people's responses in the forum? Our class is filled with fan girls with black holes for brains.
AS: You did the reading and the response?
IR: Of course. It's a great book. You should read it, Alex. Elias would want you to.
AS: Speaking of Elias, how's your date going? I saw he posted on Twitter about it. Not that I was looking, but they emailed me about his updates. So weird.
IR: It isn't a date. We're on a spiritual journey. There's a difference.
AS: Oh. Okay. Well, anyway. I gotta go finish our assignment. Otherwise Yakboots is gonna hate me.
IR: Cool. Enjoy the book. It's got your name written all over it ;).
AS: Later.
***
New Notification from "Kindle App":
Pending Download Request: "Letters to Jersey (Kindle Edition)"
Complete Download?
Download Initiated.
Remaining time: 5:21 (based on your connection).
Incoming call Call from "Mom" at 12:24 PM:
Call Connected.
AS: Hi, Mom.
ES: Hi, sweetie! It's so good to hear your voice! I just wanted to call to see how you were doing!
AS: I'm--I'm a little busy right now, so can I call you back later?
ES: What's five minutes on the phone with your mother? Huh? I just wanna know what you're up to!
AS: English homework.
ES: Look at you being so responsible! How do you like college so far?! Are you okay?! How are your classes?! Hold on let me put your father on, he's been so worried about you. He'll be thrilled to hear you weren't murdered or kidnapped yet!
RICHARD!!! IT'S YOUR DAUGHTER!
RS: WHO?!
ES: YOUR DAUGHTER!
RS: THE WATER? WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!
ES: WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT? I'M TALKING ABOUT ALEX! SHE'S CALLING FROM THE UCLA!
RS: THAT'S GREAT! TELL HER I'LL BE THERE IN A MINUTE, YOU RUINED THIS TOILET, SWEETHEART. WE'RE GONNA NEED A PLUMBER.
ES: DON'T SAY THAT OVER THE PHONE, RICHARD. SHE DOESN'T WANNA HEAR THOSE THINGS!
RS: WHAT THE TRUTH?! EXCUSE ME FOR LIVING. NEXT TIME I'LL TRY TO STAY QUIET ABOUT THE FACT THAT YOU FLOODED THE HOUSE.
ES: JUST GO BACK TO YOUR FLOOD, AND I'LL GO BACK TO MY CONVERSATION, ARIGHT?!
RS: YEAH, YEAH.
ES: Anyway, Alex. Tell me everything! How were your first couple days?! Did you make any friends?!
AS: Yeah, my roommate's really nice. She's kind of a hippy, but she's cool.
ES: That's wonderful! Just don't let her get you into that marijuana business, okay?! I did that back in the 70's, and it took me to places I'd rather not remember. Or maybe that was the LSD? I don't know. Bottom line is, no drugs, alright?
AS: Alright. Anyway, Mom, I would love to talk longer, but I really--
ES: And NO drinking. Alcohol and living on your own do not lead anywhere good. And, I know you're young and probably wanna experiment, but just remember, alcohol makes you fat! Richard didn't always look like a donut, you know. But after freshman year, he ballooned!
RS: I HEARD THAT.
ES: OH, STOP COMPLAINING, WE BOTH KNOW IT'S TRUE!
AS: Mom--
ES: Anyway, Grandma Rita was here the other day, and she says hi! We made a pie for you and a couple other things she's gonna send you a care package! Keep an eye out. She mailed the whole thing overnight, so the food wouldn't go bad. Just let me know when you get it, and I'll tell her. She'll just be absolutely--
AS: That's great. Tell her I say thank you.
ES: Oh, I will! Look at you with such wonderful manners! But, I have to say, you don't sound like yourself today, honey? Are you sick? You've gotta be careful in those dorms, there's all kinds of diseases running around.
RS: WHAT DISEASE?! OUR DAUGHTER'S GOT A DISEASE?!
ES: NO! THERE'S DISEASES IN THE DORMS I SAID!
RS: THEN WHY THE HELL HAVEN'T WE HEARD ABOUT IT? THAT SHOULD BE IN THE NEWS!
ES: THERE'S NO NEWS, RICHARD. I WAS JUST SAYING IN GENERAL.
RS: OH. TELL HER TO STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY. I EXPECT HER TO AVOID BOYS LIKE THE PLAGUE. THEY'RE FULL OF DISEASES. YOU HEAR ME?!
ES: YES, WE ALL HEAR YOU, WHO CAN'T HEAR YOU?!
AS: Mom I--
ES: Ignore your father. You can date who you want. How's your love life by the way? I bet the boys are just lining up to date y--
AS: I have a boyfriend, Mom.
ES: What!? That's wonderful, in just two days!?
AS: No.
ES: Since when?
AS: Last year, but---
ES: What's his name? Where's he from? Why didn't I hear about this? You used to tell us everything, Alex.
AS: I know, and I'm sorry I didn't say anything. I don't know why I didn't, I guess I just didn't want to get your hopes up like last time.
ES: With that Elias boy?
AS: Yeah.
ES: It was a summer fling sweetheart. These things happen. But, I want you to know that I would've been happy for you no matter who you were with. Tell me all about the new boy. I'm sure he's wonder--
AS: I cheated on him, Mom. I ruined everything because I got drunk, and did something really, really stupid. And, now I can't fix it. I can't fix anything, and I don't know what to do.
ES: Oh honey, don't cry. You know I hate it when you cry. Everything's gonna be fine. Young love is complicated. Trust me. Your father and I had our share of problems too.
AS: But at least you never cheated on him, Mom.
ES: True, but there was a time we had to figure out if we really wanted to stick with each other for the long haul. I was this loud, wild Italian girl from Brooklyn, and he was a shy Jersey boy. It wasn't a match made in heaven, and we had a lot of problems over the years. Things got so muddled at one point that we decided it was best if we broke up for a little while.
AS: Really?
ES: Really. Your father said he needed "space" (which was ridiculous because he should've known I was the one all along) to figure out how he felt about me.
AS: So what did he do?
ES: Well, he dated other girls, I dated a couple more football players. And when I realized that the person I still thought of at the end of the day was Richard, that's when I knew he was my fella.
AS: And what about Dad? How did you know he loved you?
ES: He came back for me. He just showed up at my dorm one day like nothing had changed and asked me on a date. And that's that. Separation is an important part of love, honey. It's tells you who you want and how badly you want them. You don't want some Joe Schmo who stops caring about you the second you're outta sight. You want the Rocky Balboa of relationships. You want the guy who'll shout your names from the tree tops! "ADRIAN!!" Remember that scene?
AS: Not really.
ES: You poor child. We'll have to watch it at Christmas. Anyway. Do you still think about this Elias boy?
AS: Yes.
ES: Does he still think about you?
AS: He wrote a book for me, Mom.
ES: He did what?
AS: He wrote a book of letters for me.
ES: So marry him! That's romantic!
AS: Mom!
ES: I'm kidding. Live a little. But honestly, sweetie that's a beautiful thing. Even if he's made mistakes in the past, a book of letters? That's love, sweetheart.
AS: But, what if it isn't? It's a best selling novel, he's famous because of it, what if this is just some big publicity stunt?
ES: Listen to you, all paranoid. He's head over heels, honey. Best seller or not. Richard never wrote me any letters.
RS: YOU NEVER SAID YOU WANTED ANY!
ES: SHOULD I HAVE TO? WOMEN LIKE SURPRISES YOU KNOW!
RS: YEAH WELL MEN DO TO, UNLESS IT INVOLVES FLOODED TOILETS. THAT WE COULD DO WITHOUT!
ES: OH HUSH! See what I mean? As lovely as your father is, I'd be ecstatic if he got me flowers once in a while, much less wrote me a book.
AS: Yeah. I guess I'm just afraid of what I'll read.
ES: There's nothing to be nervous about when it comes to that boy. I liked him. I would've liked him more if he hadn't made you cry so much, but the past is the past. Maybe he's trying to win you back. It's like that boy in that movie The Notepad.
RS: IT'S THE JOURNAL, EVIE! THE! JOURNAL!
ES: NO, IT'S NOT! WHO'S EVER HEARD OF A MOVIE CALLED THE JOURNAL?!
AS: It's The Notebook, Mom.
ES: Oh. Well, I was close. Anyway, you've gotta figure out who you want. You're lucky you have options. I don't know what the new boyfriend is like, but I will say, that Elias was a doll. A little stupid, but that's forgivable. Look at your father--
RS: WHAT WAS THAT?!
ES: NOTHING! IF YOUR NOT GONNA GET ON THE PHONE THAN MIND YOUR BUSINESS!
RS: I AM MINDING MY BUSINESS.
ES: THEN FIX THE TOILET AND STOP HIJACKING MY
CONVERSATION WITH YOUR HEARTBROKEN DAUGHTER!
RS: HEARTBROKEN?! WHY? TELL ME GUYS NAME, AND I'LL KILL HIM!
ES: THERE'S TWO BOYS! I'LL TELL YOU WHO THE HEARTBREAKER IS ONCE SHE PICKS ONE TO BE HEARTBROKEN ABOUT!!
AS: Mom!
ES: What it's true! Look, no matter what I think, go with your heart, Alex.
AS: I want to, but I've been with my boyfriend for six months. He's a genuinely good person, Mom. He's been there for me, he cares about me, and I just--
ES: --haven't finished the story with Elias.
AS: Yeah, but I don't know if I want to. He hurt me, Mom.
ES: Oh, honey I remember how you were after he left. How much you'd talk about him. How much you missed him. It was written all over your face. And as hard as it is to have him back in your life now, you have to remember that at one point that's exactly what you were hoping for. So, maybe this is your chance to figure out what happened between you two. Even if you don't end up together, an honest conversation never killed anybody.
ES: So what do I do? I can't just drop my relationship and go running back to Elias.
ES: I'm not saying to do that. But you should take some time to think about what you want. Life's too short to waste your time with people you don't love when you could be with someone you do. You love that Elias, don't you?
AS: I--
ES: Alex, baby. Stop with the tears, you're killing me. This is a happy question that should have a happy answer.
AS: I do. I never stopped. But I'm scared, Mom. I'm so scared of going back to fully letting myself feel that way again because I was so happy. Elias made me feel like I was worth so much more than I am, and when he left all that happiness just disappeared. I disappeared.
ES: No you didn't, baby. You can't talk like that, not when you've got so much going for you now. You just can't see it. Look, I know you made a mistake, but that's okay. Life's full of mistakes, but it's how you come out of them that defines the person you are. You've gotta figure out how you wanna come out of this situation. Do you wanna try to make it up to the boyfriend or figure things out with Elias?
AS: I don't know.
ES: Sure you do. You're just too stubborn to admit it. I know these things, I gave birth to you.
AS: I just wanna figure myself out. I wanna stop lying to myself about everything.
ES: Then go back to what's true. If I were you, I'd take some time to think. Read that book and figure things out from there. Rome wasn't built in a day. Neither is romance! Get it! Romance!
AS: Thanks, Mom. I'll try.
ES: Things are gonna be fine, sweetie. Just remember that your father and I love you, and if boys don't work out, you can always become a nun.
RS: NUN? WHO'S BECOMING A NUN?! NOT MY DAUGHTER, I WANT GRANDKIDS ONE DAY.
ES: I DO TOO, BUT I'M TRYING TO COMFORT HER!
RS: BY TELLING HER SHE'LL BE ALONE FOREVER? NICE, EVIE!
ES: THAT IS NOT WHAT I SAID!
AS: Okay, Mom. I'm gonna go now.
ES: What? Already. Okay, sweetie. I love you.
AS: I love you too!
RS: TELL HER I LOVE HER TOO, EVIE!
ES: Your father loves you too.
AS: Give him a hug for me!
ES: Will do! Bye, honey!
AS: Bye, Mom.
Call Ended at 1:04 PM.
New Notification from Kindle App.
"Letters to Jersey" Download Complete.
Begin reading?
(Thank you guys so much for reading! Next update should be this weekend! Did anyone listen to the audiobook? If so, comment below! kaelking12 and I are excited to read your thoughts! How'd you guys like Alex's parents?)