Oh, Alex, I’m just worried about you. I know you really like her, and all I’m saying is that she’s not a one-man kind of girl.
Alex: Well, she is now.
Rosie: Are you two going out with each other?!
Alex: Yes.
Rosie: YES?????
Alex: You sound surprised.
Rosie: I just didn’t think Bethany went out with people, I thought she just slept with them.
Rosie: Alex?
Rosie: OK, OK, I’m sorry.
Alex: Rosie, you need to stop doing that.
Rosie: I no I do.
Alex: Ha ha.
Mr. Simpson: You two, get down to the principal’s office now.
Rosie: WHAT??? OH, SIR, PLEASE, I WAS LISTENING TO YOU!
Mr. Simpson: Rosie, I haven’t spoken for the last fifteen minutes. You are supposed to be working on an assignment now.
Rosie: Oh. Well, it’s not my fault. Alex is an awful influence on me. He just never lets me concentrate on my school work.
Alex: I just had something really important to tell Rosie and it just couldn’t wait.
Mr. Simpson: So I see, Alex. Congratulations.
Alex: Eh … how do you know what it was?
Mr. Simpson: I think you two would find it interesting sometimes if you listen to me every now and again. You can really learn some useful tips, like how to keep an instant message private so everyone else can’t see.
Alex: Are you telling me other people in the class can read this?
Mr. Simpson: Yes I am.
Alex: Oh my God.
Rosie: Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
Mr. Simpson: Rosie!
Rosie: Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
Mr. Simpson: ROSIE!!!
Rosie: Yes, sir.
Mr. Simpson: Get out of the class now.
Alex: Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
Mr. Simpson: You too, Alex.
From Rosie
To Alex
Subject Julie’s house party
Hiya, long time no see … I hope they’re not working you to death down there at ‘the office’. I’ve hardly seen you at all this summer. There’s a party at Julie’s house tonight so was just wondering if you wanted to go. I don’t really want to go on my own. Anyway, I’m sure you’re busy doing whatever it is you do so just ring me when you get a chance or email me back.
From Alex
To Rosie
Subject Re: Julie’s house party
Rosie, this is just quick email. Real busy. Can’t go out tonight, promised Bethany would go to cinema. Sorry! You go and have fun.
Rosie, hello from Portugal! Weather here really hot. Dad got sunstroke and all Mum does is lie by the pool, which is really boring. Not much people here my age. Hotel quiet (on front of postcard) and it’s right on the beach, as you can see. You would love to work here! I’m bringing home a collection of those little shampoos and shower caps and stuff that you love. The bathrobe is too big to fit into my bag. See you when I get back. Alex
From Rosie
To Alex
Subject Catching up?
How was the holiday? Haven’t heard from you since you’ve been back. Fancy going out tonight to catch up?
From Alex
To Rosie
Subject Re: Catching up?
Sorry have been so busy since I got back. Got you pressie. Can’t go out tonight but will drop your pressie by before I head out.
From Rosie
To Alex
Subject Re: Catching up?
Didn’t see you last night. I want my little shampoos, ha ha.
From Alex
To Rosie
Subject Re: Catching up?
Heading to Donegal for the weekend. Beth’s parents have a little ‘hideaway’ there. Will drop your pressie by when I get back.
To the most inconsiderate asshole of a friend
I’m writing you this letter because I know that if I say what I have to say to your face I will probably punch you.
I don’t know you any more. I don’t see you any more. All I get is a quick text or a rushed email from you every few days. I know you are busy and I know you have Bethany, but hello? I’m supposed to be your best friend.
You have no idea what this summer has been like. Since we were kids we pushed away every single person that could possibly have been our friend until there was only me and you. It’s not that we didn’t want anyone else, it’s just that we didn’t need them. You always had me. I always had you. Now you have Bethany and I have no one.
Sadly it looks like you don’t need me any more. I feel like those other people that used to try to become our friends. I know you’re probably not doing it deliberately just as we never did. Anyway, I’m not moaning on about how much I hate her, I’m just trying to tell you that I miss you. And that, well … I’m lonely.
Whenever you cancel nights out I end up staying home with Mum and Dad watching TV. Stephanie’s always out and even Kevin has more of a life than I do. It’s so depressing. This was supposed to be our summer of fun. What happened? Can’t you be friends with two people at once?
I know you have found someone who is extra special, and that you both have a unique ‘bond’, or whatever, that you and I will never have. But we have another bond: we’re best friends. Or does the best friend bond disappear as soon as you meet somebody else? Maybe it does, and I just don’t understand that because I haven’t met that ‘somebody special’. I’m not in any hurry to either. I liked things the way they were.
In a few
