Please Be Mine

January 20, 2025

january 20, 2025

Jakey Jake,

I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to respond to you. My students are gearing up for their big winter concert, and a lot of my time has been focused on getting things ready. They’re all pissed at me because the concert is on Valentine’s Day, but there really was nothing I could do about it. There’s this huge track meet the night after that a majority of them will be going to, and the PTA is hosting its annual fundraiser the night before. Then with exams the following week…yeah. I never realized how much went into planning a band concert. I would just show up in my black pants and white blouse and not think much of it.

How are you? Have you fallen in love since we last wrote? If it makes you feel better, my love life is also non-existent. I haven’t bothered to try dating since I moved back to Mass. Cory really broke my heart, and if I’m being honest (because writing it in a letter seems far easier than saying it out loud), I don’t want to put my heart through the ringer like that again. It hurt too much. Why bother putting myself out there if I could end up hurt? Because I really would rather not feel this way.

A life of solitude is easy. I have good friends. I have a good job, despite the complaining teenagers. My apartment is really cozy, and I love living with Rachel. I have enough money to live the life I want to. I don’t have to think about sharing with someone else, or trying to fit them into this perfectly carved life I made. It’s easy and simple. I like easy and simple.

I’m re-reading your letter now, and it’s making me smile. I’m glad we both cherish that memory from the band bus. I’m also glad I didn’t totally embarrass myself with my music choices. I still listen to the Jonas Brothers all the time. They had such an epic comeback.

I have to admit, Jakey Jake, that writing letters to you has been my highlight during this bleak winter. They’re all saved in this sparkly box I still have left over from the holidays, sitting on my bookshelf next to my bed. When I’m feeling down, I just pop that glitter lid open and read them. It’s nice to think back on the memories that made me so happy, the memories that made me who I am.

I guess what I’m trying to say is, I like writing to you. I like having you in my life again.

Shelly

P.S. Kevin Costa was not a good kisser. A disappointment, actually.