We don’t know for sure that Chris is cheating on you. We just don’t know! And unless we have evidence, I do not think it’s in your best interest to call him out on it, especially after the November incident. I think you and everyone involved are finally healing from that whole debacle.
So, please take a deep breath, okay? I will keep my ear to the ground, and if Chris is cheating on you we will find out. I really hope he’s not. There’s no way he is, Tara. He loves you. Everyone knows that.
Jesus, I feel like things are nuts right now with everyone. I mean, here I am about to go on my second date with Diego Conoso, and you think Chris is cheating, and Stacey, who is gonna tell you herself so act surprised please, got dumped by Justin. She is devastated even though they’ve broken up, like, what . . . 6 times! She said she can’t do this anymore even if he begs her to come back. But she will tell you all of this herself. Oh, and to add salt to her wound, she lost her jean jacket. Stacey Simon without her jean jacket just . . . well, it just doesn’t even make sense. Wow! We all really need each other more than ever right now, Tara.
Do NOTHING about the Chris sitch. Promise?
Love you, BB MINKEY,
Soup
P.S. Oh, and I can see the Matt Bloom/Keanu resemblance. Actually a lot. Both have long hair and almond eyes.
To-est Mrs. Conoso (tee-hee, tee-hee),
Thank the lord I have you in my world, Stef. Without you I would quite frankly feel I have next to nothin’ right now.
You and Diego are gonna go the distance, I can feel it, Stef, and my instincts (which have always proven to be incredibly strong) can feel it, too. Stefanie Conoso has a ring to it, Stef. You always wanted bilingual children!
Oh my GOD about Stacey! It’s weird, but I’m not mad at all that I didn’t know at the same time you knew. And Stace still hasn’t told me, but I am NOT MAD! Crazy, right? I think it’s ’cuz we are all friends, and the past is the past, and I trust Stacey and without trust there is nada (that one’s for you, Mrs. Conoso)! She better tell me soon, though! And worry not, BB Minkey, I will act surprised, of course. I think if anyone in this town can “act surprised,” it’s me. (I just thought about how good I would’ve been as Anne Frank. I’ve moved on from that, but I still have my moments, Stef, ya know? DYKWIM?)
I double pinky swear not to do anything about the “possible” Christopher and Kathy affair, and I so dearly appreciate that ear of yours bein’ kept to the ground. We gotta find out, Stef. I mean, I will find out in a very, veery dignified and mannered way.
As for that Matt Bloom kid looking like Keanu Reeves, all I can say is WHATTTTTT? I simply do NOT see it, and I have perfect vision!
Love you as much as tomatoes love SOUP . . .
Tar
To: Matthew Bloom
c/o Matt who has the number
877-4267
(a number that will, come 1992,
vanish from my memory)
Hello Matt.
What an astonishing note to receive from you. Please don’t think by “astonishing” I mean bad or good. I would prefer you not attach any association to the word. Thank you in advance.
If I had asthma I might’ve needed my inhaler after readin’ your note, but lucky for me I’ve got no health problems. Health is definitely not the department I shop for MY problems in, Matthew. Or is it Matt? Not sure what you’re goin’ by these midwinter days.
Yeah, Matt, I know “At the End of the Day” is a song from the smash hit Les Misérables. I know everything about theater, Kid, so don’t you dare attempt to school me on what song is from what show! The nerve of you. I have no idea what the Spring Musical is gonna be, but mark my words, 9th-grader, I will be one of the leads. “Karma (Chameleon)” is on my side ever since that school board canceled The Diary of Anne Frank. Talk about gettin’ “offered” roles . . . I would’ve been so good as Anne . . . Broadway would’ve just OFFERED me a Tony out of respect!
I kindly, generously, and not-needing-to-ly left the ball in your court as sure as my middle name is Maureen (may my Gramma Maureen rest in peace and know always that I carry her name proudly and with it everything—and I MEAN EVERYTHING—SHE STOOD FOR), and I must say I’m stunned how you are playing with it. Again, please don’t attach meaning to me bein’ stunned. You’ve simply no idea how I intend my college-level words to land, Mr. Bloom.
A lot of people have been sayin’ that you resemble Keanu Reeves from the “Rush, Rush” video. I don’t see it. AT ALL. Like, not even a tiny bit!!
I am happy for you that your Thanksgiving was filled with the warmth of family. I think it’s wicked clear that you come from a house that’s filled with love and support. Maybe too much love and support, Matthew (or Matt), as you have an extraordinarily obscene and unfounded sense of yourself.
So your big brother thinks you’re focused, huh? I guess one could argue there’s SOME truth to that, Matt(hew), and I should know, as I basically invented tunnel vision. But do you have STAR-FOCUS, like me? Hmmm . . . I’m gonna take a break from this note and go think on it, k?
Hey, I’m back, Matt. I thought. A lot. And you know what, Kiddo . . . you can tell your brother Tara agrees with him full-stop (that’s British for PERIOD END OF SENTENCE) about you havin’ focus!!
Friends? Us? Matt and Tara . . . friends? I like that. I like the sound of that. I am incredibly happy you ignore Heather Gould now. She’s not to be trusted. I guess we can just toss her into the very crowded bucket of “those who can’t be trusted”—this town is filled with ’em. But not you, Matt. Nope. I knew from day one I could trust you. Knew it! And through that whole mess last month you proved me right. You could’ve pointed fingers and made me the bad guy. I mean . . . it was my note that the Giant found. But you didn’t. You’ve handled all of this so gracefully. Beyond your years, Matt. So proud of you. And I’m thrilled you played street hockey with Christopher. I knew that already since he told me (as boyfriends tend to do—they tell girlfriends EVERYTHING), and you know, good for your brother for lettin’ everybody know you are not to be messed with. I’ll tell you someone else who won’t let anyone mess with you, Matt . . . me! Your friend Tara, your “big sis” Tara has got your back always and 4-eva. K?
Now that I’m thinking about it, I guess you kind of do look a tiny bit from certain angles like Keanu from the “Rush, Rush” video. Do you think you do? I’m not a Keanu girl . . . just not into that kinda look, but I bet some people definitely are.
So . . . as my good friend, Matt, could you do me a Good-Friend favor? Would you mind keepin’ an eye on Christopher’s driveway for me? As you do live across the street I think you definitely have a better view of his driveway than me, who lives across town. Yeah, could ya just let me know if you see a Pinto with the license plate LV R TOWN #1? It’s no biggie, I just wanna surprise my gorgeous boyfriend, so if you spot that car call me as fast as you can. Although the heat in my Wagoneer is busted it still drives great, and with my 4-wheel drive I can be across town to your neighborhood in no time! Could ya do me that favor, Matt?
And remember . . . it’s for an awesome surprise I have planned for Christopher.
Thanks, Friend.
Always,
Big Sis Tara WHO HAS YOUR BACK
P.S. Although we know I’m not a fan of this Joy Rebecca Bernstein, I humbly surrender the flag. Seems you guys have respect for each other, so . . . just be happy. I only want the best for my friends.
Dear Tara,
I definitely will keep my eye on Chris’s driveway. So cool that you’re gonna surprise him! You’re awesome for so many reasons. I am so happy everything is back to normal for all of us. It’s just cool that we can all go away from Christmas/Hanukkah break feeling good.
Your Lil Bro,
Matt
P.S. Yeah, a lot of people tell me I look like Keanu, but I don’t know. Ya know? Do you know what I mean? Haha . . . I’m learnin’ so
much from you.
Dear Matt,
A lot of people tell you that? Really? Huh. Interesting. Cool.
Thank you for watchin’ that driveway for me. I love a good surprise!
Be Good to You,
Tara
To Matt,
I know we don’t know one and other, but you do know my jean jacket because you found it and so kindly brought it to the office. I cannot thank you enough.
My life has been turned upside down and my head has been in the clouds lately. If you knew me you would know I have never once left that jacket anywhere. Where did you find it? I truly have no recollection of where I left it.
Regardless, thank you from the very bottom of my broken heart.
Please let me know how I can repay you for your kindness. Your gesture to this stranger will never be forgotten, and it put a much-needed smile in my heart.
Many thanks,
Stacey Simon
788-7000
JANUARY 1992
Christopher!
So, do you like my hair? I know, crazy, right? Bet you didn’t expect to see your blond bombshell girlfriend walk into South High as a brunette. But it’s 1992, Christopher. Things change. I certainly have.
I am just so excited for all the “surprises” that are in store for us. What is 1992 gonna bring our way? Who knows . . . guess we’ll just have to stay tuned.
I’m so glad we had Christmas together, and oh my god, the Boston Bruins “Have a Great Puckin’ Christmas” ornament you got me is so special, I promise, no matter what the future brings, I will put that on every tree I ever have.
We haven’t even talked since December 29th. You just disappeared. No calls. No messages. It worked to my advantage ’cuz I just needed to hunker down and finish my outstanding college applications, which I did. Not that any of my backup schools matter ’cuz I’m obviously goin’ to NYU, but hey, they are signed, sealed, and delivered. Oh my god, Christopher, in no time flat we will be getting accepted to colleges! It must be so weird for the kids in our grade who aren’t even applying to University. How could you not want to make somethin’ of yourself? Good thing people like us don’t associate with non-college-appliers like them, right?
I love you, Mr. Mister, and I’ve gotta say . . . I kinda already love 1992!
Your Brunette,
Tara
Tara Maureen!
I saw you earlier, but you were surrounded by a bunch of your friends and I had to get to class so I didn’t stop to say hi, but you look AWESOME! Your brown hair looks great!
Happy New Year!
Matt
Matty Matt!
Happy New Year to you too, Fella! Adorable that you think my hair is brown. Such a Frosh thing to say. It’s chestnut, Cutie Pie.
Thank you again for calling me when you saw the Pinto in Christopher’s driveway. I got to zip over quick as a stick and snap some photographs of him and his friend. I’m waitin’ for the film to develop at Medi Mart, but I think it should be ready pretty soon. Then I can surprise the one and only Christopher Caparelli!
So you love my new hair color? Thanks. Everyone is sayin’ that. I didn’t dye it for attention (god knows I get enough of that), but everyone is stopping me to comment. It grew over the holidays, too, so I guess everyone is just trying to make sense of Tara 1992.
What’s the good word by you? How are you and Joy? What did you guys do for New Year’s? Elope? J to the k, Matt. Did you? Kidding. But what did you guys do?
It feels good to be back in these hallways, as I know I won’t be here much longer. Thank GOD for that! But I had so many realizations over Xmas break. And I made so many New Year’s resolutions, Matt. One of ’em was: Enjoy these final months at South High. Just enjoy ’em. So I’m gonna.
I wanted to start things off on a new foot. Well, not literally, Matt. But metaphorically—hence, my new hair color (chestnut!), and if I pass you later you can smell my new perfume! I know, nuts, right? I put my Trésor on the shelf. Didn’t want to smell like 1991. Didn’t want to be reminded of all the chaos that year brought my way. And we all know I would never wear Anaïs Anaïs again because you bought it for Joy and, well . . . we know that whole old, ancient, unimportant story. I can’t believe I remember that even, it seems like so long ago. That happens, though, when the ball drops and the year changes . . . You know? Do you know what I mean?
Really glad you and I are startin’ 1992 off with a clean slate, no drama between us, just good friends who HAVE EACH OTHER’S BACKS.
If there’s one person besides Stef that I can count on to NOT betray me it’s you, Matt.
Always,
Tara 1992
Dear Stacey,
I just had a flashback of our day in Harvard Square. You’re right, we did get really lucky it snowed that day. That place is beautiful, but in the snow it’s incredible. It was the kind of day you want to put in a snow globe so you can have it forever.
You have to remind me of the songs on your mix. That was the best mix ever! That one song, um . . . number 3, I think . . . something about . . . turning the flowers? Laying down? Remembering? Do you know which one I’m talking about?
I made you a tape of two of my songs. Can’t believe I actually played them for someone. But thanks for asking me and for liking them.
So grateful we found each other. I guess we can thank your jean jacket.
Matt
T—
Brown hair, blond hair, long hair, short hair, no hair . . . doesn’t matter. You’re the most beautiful girl this town has ever seen.
Yeah, sorry about not calling those few days. I was just doing the same as you . . . applications, applications, applications!
Love ya,
C.P.C.
Christopher,
Awwww . . . your few words are the sweetest.
Of course you were buried in college applications, too. Duh. I shoulda known that. My profuse apologies for thinkin’ you were, like, I don’t know, cheatin’ on me. Like you would ever do that!!
The Niña, the PINTO, and the Santa María . . . sorry, another Christopher and his ships just popped into my head. Guess my mind is on history right now!
xoxo,
Tara
Tara,
SohCahToa just popped into my head. Haha.
C.P.C.
SOUP!
Aren’t you so proud of me for still not reacting to the “possible” Christopher and Kathy affair? I have to stop putting “possible” in quotes, Stef, I saw the two of them with my own two eyes! That Kathy Connery struttin’ around in Christopher’s hockey jersey with one of the sides pulled down over her shoulder like she was in friggin’ Flashdance. I mean, come on, Lady. She might have better skin now, but does that really make up for all the years she didn’t? She wore his friggin’ skates, Stef. With the blade guards, but still! She kept fallin’ all over the place, but I know she loved that because every time she lost her balance, who was there to catch her? MY BOYFRIEND! And Chris had the audacity to do his shy face with her. Like “I know I’m 6 feet and I have a six-pack and I’m an awesome athlete and wicked popular, but I’m just wicked shy, too.” Gimme a break, ya’ Kit Kat bar. Watching them kiss made me so friggin’ sick, Stef, I’m just lucky I didn’t crash-land from the grill I was standin’ on. Ahhhhhhhhh!! This town!!!
Soon I will have the developed photos to prove it. Why does Medi Mart take forever to develop film?
We need a plan, Stef!! When I pick up the photos, what do I do?
God, seein’ you and Diego holdin’ hands in the caf made me remember when my own life was pure and simple. When love was the centerpiece of my super full existence. You and Diego make it all look so easy, ya know. A beautiful girl, you, a handsome boy, Diego, in love. Here I am on the verge of the biggest breakup this town has ever seen and my best friend has just entered into the greatest relationship she’s ever known. I would s
ay that my impending breakup with Christopher will be bigger news than Stacey and Justin’s breakup, don’t you think? It better be, not that I care, but it better be.
How is Stacey, by the way? Still super shut down and not lettin’ anyone in? I’ve gotta check in on her. See, even when my life is up in the air I manage to make room for everyone else. One of my resolutions was to stop doing that, but it’s a challenge for me, Stef. I care about my friends so much!!
Write back SOONER THAN SOON!
Love you MORE THAN DIEGO LOVES YOU (remember that, k?),
Tar
Dear Matt,
You were so close on song number 3. When I get a chance I will write out the words for you.
But just so you know, that song is titled “Lay Me Down” by the Connells.
You’ll have to come over again, and we can listen to a bunch of my records. Also, our grand piano is anxiously awaiting your return. I don’t think anyone has ever played it except for you. I used to pass by it and just stare, always admiring how beautiful she was but never connecting to her. Pianos are like works of art. The woodwork. The wires. The keys. So beautiful, but she had this empty beauty until you played her. Now she’s alive and has a story to tell.
Thank you for recording your songs for me! That means the world to me. I will honor your songwriting secret always and treasure that you entrusted me to be your first fan.
Our day in Harvard Square is on my top-ten list of best days ever. I love what you wrote . . . it was a day you wish was in a snow globe so you can have it forever. That might be the start of one of your new songs. Think about it.
Folded Notes from High School Page 9