Page 64 of Authentically, Izzy
From: Izzy Edgewood
To: Luke Edgewood, Penelope Edgewood
Date: April4
Subject: Breakdown in progress
Luke and Penelope,
I no longer celebrate April Fools’ Day. And the previous sense of peace and enlightenment is gone.
Do not message me unless you have absolutely nothing to say, no news, and no requests.
I don’t think I can handle more this week. Between Josie and the library, Eli and his ill-interpreted romance, and Brodie and his news... I can’t.
Izzy
PS: Is God laughing?
From: Luke Edgewood
To: Izzy Edgewood, Penelope Edgewood
Date: April4
Subject: Re: Breakdown in progress
Does Brodie even celebrate April Fools’ Day? Besides, Penelope must be rubbing off on you because today is the fourth. Youcan’t NOT respond to him. He’s a good guy. Get over your shock and email him back. I won’t say God isn’t laughing because, well, you’re funny, especially when you don’t mean to be, but I’m pretty sure He has something to do with this. You know, since He’s an omnipresent, omniscient, all-powerful being.
You ordered espresso instead of tea for breakfast this morning when we met. It’s obvious Brodie’s request knocked you for a loop, but you love plot twists. You can handle it. Maybe it’s the plot twist you’ve been waiting for your whole life.
Luke
PS: Never get espresso again. At one point you started speaking so fast I couldn’t understand you—and your eye started twitching. It almost encouraged me to usher up a prayer or two for you.
From: Izzy Edgewood
To: Luke Edgewood
Date: April4
Subject: Re: Breakdown in progress
Why am I so afraid of him coming, Luke? I’ve been asking myself this question all morning. I’m a changed woman after all (or will be in two days after my minimal hairstyle adjustment). The idea of meeting him in person carries with it a paralyzing mixture of fear and excitement. Is it because his visit takes him from being an almost fictional person and brings him to real life? Am I concerned once he meets me, our wonderful conversations will end because I’m not what he expected? Am I terrified he’ll be everything he seems to be and my heart will never recover? Andif he is . . . what happens next? We live thousands of miles apart. We have two very set, separate lives. I can’t ask him to leave his family and community and I don’t want to leave mine. Having in-person conversations with him would add spikes to that impasse, that decision.
I’ve been okay with fictionally wonderful people. I can close the book after the last page and daydream about their perfect lives. If Brodie comes to Mt. Airy, he will most certainly step from a fictional, framed-by-a-computer-screen person into the real world.
I don’t know any brand of cookie dough ice cream with the potency to comfort me in this situation, Luke. It’s truly a moment for melodrama like Brontë. OrLord of the Flies. Or a Shakespeare tragedy.
Izzy
PS: I don’t think a haircut can prepare me for this kind of change. Maybe I need to do something really life altering in preparation... like kickboxing.
Text from Luke to Izzy:Didn’t you just say something recently about being brave?
Izzy:I’m groaning at your reminder. Yes, I did! I just wanted more time to build my courage. Ack! Blast those fairy tales. I love them and hate them all at once right now.
From: Izzy Edgewood
