Page 74 of Authentically, Izzy
Dearest Brodie,
I must apologize, my boy. While Anders was having dinner with me and Fiona this evening, I informed him of the reason you left early for America. Needless to say, he was at first shockedand then terribly put out. I thought you’d already talked to him about your detour to North Carolina before the convention or I would have kept him happily (or as happily as he ever is) ignorant of your more personal adventures. The poor boy really doesn’t appreciate the romance of it all, but you know Fiona and I will be waiting to hear every word. I’m always appreciative of a good romance, but having lived one of my own, the nonfiction sort are my favorite kinds.
In fact I expect finely tuned details, son. And, as you are so excellent at doing, paint pictures with your words for your little sister. She can barely make out images at this point, but she has a tremendous memory of the world around her when she still had her sight... and you know her love for words. And you. She’ll be hanging on every one of your descriptions.
Just so you know, I’ve finished the illustrations for Erin Linderholt’s book. Oh, what a delight to draw dragons again. It has been much too long. I’m sending you digital copies so that you can review them and see how they fit for the publication and if you have any suggestions.
Always,
Mother
PS: Fiona sends her love and asks for you to describe Isabelle’s perfume, or shampoo, as the case may be.
From: Brodie Sutherland
To: Anders Sutherland
Date: May2
Subject: Re: What on earth are you thinking?!
Anders,
I’ve only now received your email, as I wait to disembark the plane in North Carolina. Isabelle is to meet me at the airport and take me to her brother’s house. My true visit starts tomorrow.
I didn’t tell you of my plans for the very reason of your response. I know this is difficult to understand and I have no way of knowing how it will all turn out. All I know is that if I don't take this opportunity, I’ll regret it for the rest of my life. (Be assured that not every American is like your former assistant. Isabelle doesn’t collect bug corpses, nor does she overindulge in makeup. She also speaks in full, delightful sentences with much more varied, and less vulgar, wording, so hopefully that will put you at ease.)
My decisions have nothing to do with the government’s “Foreign Spouse Initiative.” It may have been the catalyst of my joining the online dating community, out of curiosity at best, but it’s not the force propelling my meeting with or interest in Isabelle.
Anders, she is the most authentic and charming woman I’ve ever met. If she proves to be half of who I’ve come to know over the past three months online, then I’m tempted to do whatever possible to spend the rest of my life with her. I know you’ll find this all exaggerated, but there’s no other way to put it.
I know it feels out of character for me, but the proper emotions encourage a proper perspective. I’ve never known any emotion like this, so therefore have no way of knowing what my “character” would be. I suppose then, if it is madness or courage or an unquenchable curiosity, then I’m determined to find out. No book has sufficiently prepared me for this. Books can only take one so far. The rest is up to flesh and blood and courage.
Call me mad, if you will, and I will happily accept the madness if it means this could be true.
Brodie
PS: You would like it here. There is no sea in sight.
From: Anders Sutherland
To: Brodie Sutherland
Date: May2
Subject: Re: What on earth are you thinking?!
Brodie,
It’s perfectly clear you’ve been reading too much fiction. A few good biographies should set you to rights in no time. Go ahead and have your little experiment, but I wager you a roast beef dinner it will end up as a great disappointment. Endeavors such as these are rarely worth the effort, I assure you.
I will give you your little adventure and see your sense return in a few weeks, if not a few days.
Anders
PS: Be careful around there. I just looked up the Blue Ridge Mountains and found a startling number of photos with somber-bearded men and bears. I’m not sure how those two are connected to the mountains where you are, but there you have it. Though, I must admit to admiring the idea of no sea. The mere mention of those waves brings on a bout of nausea.
***
