Sue, to a really nice and good looking girl I met in seventh grade earth science class. I hope to see you around this summer. Good luck in college and take care of yourself.
AFA, Tom
Even today Tom still brings up that earth science class and how he did most of the worm dissection. I’m not going to deny it. Dissecting a worm totally grossed me out. Just thinking about it makes me want to barf—even today. It never surprised me that he excelled in the sciences. I wasn’t surprised when he went to college to become a pharmacist, especially because he loved chemistry so much.
Mom was cleaning out her basement a few years ago and came across a box filled with old school notebooks. There was a yellow spiral notebook with Earth Science written in black marker on the front. I paged through it and couldn’t help but smile at the drawings I had made of the different parts of the worm. Gosh, the worm sketches took me back. I swear I could smell the formaldehyde, that’s how vivid the memories were.
I can’t believe that Tom and I got together. I always thought he was a great guy. Maybe a little on the nerdy side. But not nerdy nerdy. More like cool nerdy.
And, unlike Brad, Tom definitely got better looking with age. Not that he was ever bad looking; he wasn’t. He was definitely above average, especially with his cute dimples. That sort of put him over the top. But today, whoa. Let’s just say I’m glad he’s mine and I don’t plan on giving him up. Talk about chemistry, we got it!
***
Diane (Yearbook post)
Sue,
Years from now when you clean out your closet and find this yearbook, I hope you open it up and remember me and all the fun we had. Thanks for being such a great friend. I’ll miss marching band and the crazy bus rides home from the parades. We sure had some wild times! Thanks for always listening to me and giving me good advice. I hope we keep in touch and that you get everything you want.
Love, Diane
I haven’t thought about marching band or the bus rides home from parades in a long time. Diane’s right. We had some really crazy times. Once, we sneaked vodka in a water bottle onto the bus and passed it around on the ride home. Because we were seniors, we always got the back seats. By the time we got back to the school, we were all feeling a little buzzed—and a lot sick.
I played the flute and Diane played the tuba. I stunk. I never practiced. Diane, on the other hand, was really good. She became a music teacher at our high school and replaced the band director we had. I bet Diane never lets the kids get away with the stuff we got away with.
***
Cookie (Yearbook post)
Sue, to one of my good friends who’s one of the best cheerleaders at our school—and a great gymnast. Wish I could handle those uneven bars like you. I look like a flying hippo! Thanks for always being there for me when I needed someone to talk to. Remember all the fun we had at Jeremy’s and stay cool and keep in touch.
Love, Cookie
One word. Hilarious. That’s what Cookie is and always has been. I could be having the crappiest day and feel like crying and Cookie would say something and make me double over laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes. Like bright sunshine on an overcast day, she can burn away the gray and douse you in warmth in seconds. She’s one of those people that you totally enjoy being around. I wish I had her sense of humor and her ability to make others laugh at the most stupid, everyday stuff. What a gift.
I love that she always does her own thing and never cares what others think. In high school, she went through some pretty wild clothing phases. Some of the girls made fun of her, but I thought it was great that she did her own thing. Personally, I wouldn’t have been caught dead in some of the outfits she wore, but I admired her for having the guts to dress differently and the strength to stand on her own. I don’t know too many people who embrace their silly side and aren’t afraid of being goofy. I’m glad we’ve kept in touch over the years.
She had a crappy first marriage but she seems happy in her second marriage and I’m happy that she’s happy. Funny, though, her twin girls aren’t anything like her. They’re tall and thin and gorgeous—and definitely conformists. Maybe that’s a good thing, though. Three Cookies might have been a bit too much.
***
Margaret (Yearbook post)
Sue, I’m really glad I got to know you even better this year. Don’t forget all the fun we had in cheerleading. You have more energy than anyone I know. Just watching you makes me tired. You have a lot going for you and I wish you much happiness.
Luv ya, Maggie
Maggie isn’t married—yet. I think she was too busy pursuing her career. She’s a very successful businesswoman, having climbed her way up Dye Works Inc. where she is now general manager and vice president.
One of the things I love most about Maggie is that she gives back. Despite her success and wealth, she’s never forgotten where she came from and how hard it was climbing to the top.
She’s never liked the limelight, so I’m sure all of the photos in the newspaper of her giving oversized checks to charities make her uncomfortable.
***
Ellen (Yearbook post)
Tig,
To a very special friend who always seems to be there just in case someone needs her. You are a super person and I hope we stay close. Never forget senior hook-off day and how we almost got caught swimming in the quarry. Stay the way you are (your sweetness, personality and looks) and you will go far. I hope things work out with you and Ron. You make a great couple.
Love, El
Ellen was always a lot of fun. And she was a great cook. She went to culinary school and became a chef. She loved baking and was forever trying new recipes.
Whenever it was one of our birthdays, Ellen would make a special treat and bring it to school and we’d have it at lunch. It was such a sweet thing to do and something we all looked forward to. Ellen made these killer brownies with chocolate chips in them. They were so moist and whenever it was my birthday, she made them because she knew how much I loved them. One year for Christmas, I bought a plain white apron and had all of the girls sign it using fabric markers. When she opened the apron, Ellen cried. I wonder if she still has that apron?
***
Becky (Yearbook post)
Sue,
To a great friend who’s always on the go. You definitely are just like Tigger. (Smiles) Thank you for always listening to me. I really appreciate all you’ve done for me this past year. I will miss you when I go into the Air Force. I hope we keep in touch and that years from now we can laugh about all of the crazy things we did. Keep that special smile and that way of making others feel important.
A.V.G.F.A.
Love, Becky
I wish I would have kept in touch with Becky. After she went into the Air Force and I went to college, we drifted apart. Sad when you think about it. We had been friends for a long time. In fact, Becky was the one who introduced me to Spin the Bottle. We played it once in her garage and her mom caught us, but not before I got a kiss from Kurt Wallace. It was an okay kiss. It would have been better if his breath wasn’t so stinky. He smelled like my grandpa does after he eats raw garlic.
Kurt moved the following year and we were all glad he wasn’t around to play Spin the Bottle because nobody wanted to kiss him. I wonder whatever became of Kurt, and if he still has the stinky breath.
***
Gina (Yearbook post)
Sues, To my best friend in the whole wide world. God, we’ve been through so much together. I don’t know what I’d do without you. Remember all the fun we had cheering over the years and the bus rides home from games. (Remember the time Brad mooned a cop from the bus window?) Thanks for always being there for me and for always telling me the truth, even when I didn’t want to hear it. I hope that we stay sisters forever! Promise me that when we go away to college, things won’t change. I’m always here if you need to talk and I hope that you and Ron last a long time.
Love you always, Gina
Gina. My best fr
iend, killer ass attorney, godmother to my child, and all-around fabulous person. I don’t know what I would have done without Gina. Not only did she help me when I found my husband screwing our neighbor, but she’s been a wonderful aunt to Chloe. I’m so excited that she’s moving home and that after all these years, she’s reunited with the love of her life. YAY!
As for Ron, by now you know that it didn’t work out. Chloe picked up my yearbook the other day and was reading what everyone wrote. She asked me about Ron. And about the “crazy and wild” bus rides home from parades and games. And about senior hook-off day. I would have preferred that she hadn’t read that! God, I really am becoming my mother!
***
Jeremy (Yearbook post)
Sue, to a really cool girl who is a lot of fun to be around. Remember the good times we had and the wild parties. Take care of yourself and good luck in college.
Love, Bean
Jeremy sure knew how to throw a party. And he’s right, they were wild. After high school, Jeremy went to college in the Midwest where he played basketball. He married a girl he met in dental school and joined his dad’s dental practice. His best friend is Mike, Gina’s boyfriend.
Jeremy is still as goofy as ever and he still has wild parties. In fact, he lives in the house he grew up in. When his parents downsized, Jeremy bought it. Jeremy’s dad used to be my dentist, but after he retired I found another dentist. I used the excuse that I wanted to go to a dentist close to my work. The truth was that the thought of Jeremy digging around in my mouth made me gag a little. I’m sure he’s a great dentist. It’s just that I can’t get certain images out of my mind. Sort of how I can’t eat venison because I see Bambi every time I take a bite. What can I say? I’m weird, I know.
***
Mike (Yearbook post)
Tigger, to one of the best girls in our senior class. Thanks for being such a good friend to Gina and me. I’ll never forget all of the double dates we went on and the crazy things we did. Take care of yourself and I know you won’t let any guy push you around.
Later, Mike
I’ve always adored Mike and was so upset when Gina broke up with him our senior year. Of course, now I know why and it all makes sense. But back then, not so much. They were always great together—the couple everyone voted the most likely to marry.
I wish Gina would have told me about the rape. I can’t help but think how different things could have been. Mike was devastated when she broke up with him out of the blue. I’ve never seen a guy so torn up over a girl. I used to think how great it would be if someone loved me even half as much as Mike loved Gina.
But you can’t undo the past. Mike went to college on a baseball scholarship and eventually married a girl he met there. Although the marriage didn’t last, their divorce was very friendly. They had one child, Jack, and both he and Lisa always made sure he came first. Now Jack will be getting another sibling (Lisa remarried and has a baby girl.). Gina says he’s not too wild about another crying baby, but my guess is that he’ll be just fine.
I keep thinking about Gina’s baby and whether it will be a girl or a boy. I’m secretly hoping for a girl, but I know that it doesn’t matter to Gina and Mike, as long as the baby’s healthy. But Gina has always wanted to have a daughter and name her Daisy. I hope she gets that chance.
***
Keith (Yearbook post)
Sue, to a girl that’s constantly on the go. Never forget all the fun we had in Hoffman’s class and thanks for all the times you kept me awake. Good luck in college and don’t break too many guys’ hearts.
AFA, Keith
Keith never did his homework. He was one of those kids who got A’s without even trying. I hated that about him. Me? I had to work my ass off to get a B.
I can’t believe that Keith and his wife, who he met in college, have five kids. Two sets of twin girls and one boy! Wow! At least they don’t have to pay for eye exams! Turned out Keith became an eye doctor and joined his dad’s practice.
He’s definitely one of those guys who got better looking with age. He kind of grew into his big ears and narrow nose, and if I saw him on the street, I would definitely look twice.
***
Ron (Yearbook post)
Sue, to the best girlfriend a guy could have. I’m really glad we met in the hallway after the game. Thanks for always listening to me when I go off about things and thanks for everything you do for me, which is a lot. I can’t wait to spend more time with you this summer. I wish we were going to the same college but I know that we’ll see each other when we come home. I love you and I want what we have to work out.
Love, Ron
Ron was my first real love and I thought we would be together forever. I met him in the hallway after a basketball game. I lost my virginity to him the summer before we started college. It was the first year I didn’t go on vacation with my family. I helped run the recreation program at the community park and couldn’t get off work. Ron came over after work one night and we ended up in my white canopy bed.
To be honest, the first time we did it I was disappointed. The way Gina and some of my other girlfriends talked, I expected it was going to be earth shattering. Turned out it hurt way more than I thought it would and I never did have an orgasm—not once the entire time Ron and I were together. In fact, I pretended I did just so Ron wouldn’t feel bad.
A couple of years later I met this guy in college. Matt was only the second guy I had ever slept with, but I will never forget the first orgasm I had happened in his dorm room. I’m like, so THIS is what all the fuss is about. Yeah, baby. Bring it on. And he did. Lots of times.
***
Fred (Yearbook post)
Sue, to a girl I knew for a few years and am glad I didn’t know longer. Ha. Ha. Be good and keep out of trouble.
Fred
Fred always was a comedian. Like Cookie, he had a natural gift for making people laugh. And a lot of the times he made himself the target. I always thought he did this because he was afraid other people would make fun of him so he made fun of himself first, sort of taking the wind out of their sails.
He also had the loudest and lowest belch of anyone I knew. That’s how he got the nickname Foghorn, which he hated. You could be on one side of the school building and he could be on the other side and you’d hear his belch echo through the maze of hallways.
***
Lynn (Yearbook post)
Sue, to a really great girl I met in 7th grade. You’re a terrific friend and really fun to be around. You’re always moving and always smiling! Never forget all of the games we cheered at. And thanks for always being there for me. You’re a good listener and I appreciate all of the times you spent listening to me and all my guy drama. Keep up those good looks. I know I’ll never forget you so keep in touch!
Love, Lynn
I never knew anyone who was as good as Lynn when it came to planning events. She was our class president and voted the most likely to succeed. She’s an events planner at a country club and has always planned all of our class reunions. Somehow she makes it seem so effortless, and I’m sure it’s not.
One time Lynn and I were out partying and she got drunk. The problem was that she was sleeping overnight at my house and I had to get her in my house and past my dad, which wasn’t easy. I think Dad knew something was up, but he ignored us when we walked past him. The next morning, Dad asked Lynn how she felt and she mumbled that she wasn’t feeling too hot. And I swear there was a smirk on my dad’s face.
***
Jim (Yearbook post)
Sue, to one of the neatest chicks I’ve ever met with good looks and a great personality. Good luck in everything you do.
A.V.G.F.A.
Love, Jim
Jim lived down the street. He was a couple of years older than me but we played together all of the time when we were kids. After high school, he went in the Navy. I’d see him every once in awhile when he came home on leave. He married someone he met in the service and they live in Virgi
nia. Mom told me he has a couple of boys and they sound like they’re a chip off the old block. Jim was always a daredevil. I think he had more broken bones than anyone I know.
When he was four, he was playing at my house and jumped off my top bunk. He ended up with a fracture! After that, Mom didn’t let us play in my bedroom.
***
Patrick (Yearbook post)
Sue, to a nice looking girl who got a lot prettier since 2nd grade. Good luck in the future.
Love, Pat
Pat always made me smile. He had this goofy grin and a great sense of humor. His ears stuck straight out and the kids teased him and called him Dopey. I told him that they were just jealous, that his ears made him special. But he cried anyway. I remember asking him what he wanted for Christmas one year and he said, “New ears.” Eventually he had an operation so his ears laid flat against his head. He was so happy after that. But I kind of missed his old ears.
What people are saying about “The Yearbook Series: Gina and Mike:
The highs and lows keep you reading and anxious to see what's next.
Wonderfully relatable characters whose lives are forever altered by the choice of silence.
A story of friendship, love and redemption, this book will grab you from the beginning and leave you wanting more.
Sue and Tom (The Yearbook Series Book 2) Page 13