Page 32 of Authentically, Izzy
To: Luke Edgewood, Penelope Edgewood
Date: March16
Subject: Long-winded & shortsighted??
Penelope and Luke,
I take back all I’ve ever said about being unable to write a novel.
I just wrote one to Brodie. Actually, I think my last three messages have been some of the longest I’ve ever written, except two years ago when I got into a verbal war with Professor Lindon from church about the efficacy of fiction among Christians. What did he think parables were?! He still won’t speak to me, except when forced by playing Joseph in the Christmas play. I can’t imagine ever speaking to an angel with such a tone of voice! I feel very much like C. S. Lewis’s professor in asking, “What do they teach them at these schools?”
BTW, how was the spring fling, Penelope? Didn’t you have a date for it?
Luke, I’m sorry to ask you this, but I think there’s a loose board or two on my back porch and the landlord isn’t in a hurry to fix them. I tripped this morning and nearly catapulted off the back. Samwise thought I was running after a squirrel, to which he proceeded to take off in pursuit. Twenty minutes later, drenched, we returned to the house, sans squirrel.
Would you look at those boards when you’re in next week? Pretty please.
Love you more than words! (And that’s a lot.)
Izzy
PS: I asked Brodie about a video call. I may need some help figuring out how that works.
PPS: And I may need someone to bring me chocolate if he turns out to be... not who I think he is. I have Brontë at the ready.
PPPS: I think if I ever get a cat, I should name her Brontë.
From: Penelope Edgewood
To: Izzy Edgewood, Luke Edgewood
Date: March16
Subject: Clovis Bastien
Spring fling was wonderful. I went with Clovis Bastien (what do you think of THAT name, Izzy? One to rival your fictional favorites!). And though Penelope Bastien sounds absolutely fabulous, he was too much of a gentleman for me. I’m perfectly fine with starting a conversation or taking a man’s hand now and again, but there are times when a woman needs a man to take the lead, in dancing and in romance. I don’t think he initiated one question. Not one. But I only noticed, of course, because you all know how excellent I am at carrying on a conversation with myself.
Oh, by the way, I was accepted into the study-abroad internship program for next fall! They’ll announce my particular countrywhen we get back from break. I have my toes, eyes, and fingers crossed for Europe! Anywhere in Europe! Mrs. Thompson said that my background with the theater paired with my marketing major is quite unique. It’s a very select opportunity because . . . it’s a PAID internship. You have no idea the wish list I’ve developed through college to abate my shoe fetish for that moment when I get my first paycheck. My toes are tingling at the very idea!
Penelope
PS: Don’t ask Mama or Josie to help with video chats. I’m pretty sure they’ve figured out a way to spy on conversations. Mama always knows things I’ve never told her.
PPS: The Skymar Islands were not a choice for the study-abroad program, but I asked the counselor to consider adding it. She couldn’t even find it on her map. It makes me want to visit even more. Maybe we have to walk through a wardrobe to find it? (You see? I can do literary references too.)
PPPS: *gasp* Unless Brodie is lying!!
From: Luke Edgewood
To: Penelope Edgewood, Izzy Edgewood
Date: March16
Subject: Anything but Clovis Bastien
Penelope,
I think the T-shirt you used to have makes things clear: “Of course I talk to myself. Sometimes I need an expert opinion.” Maybe you can buy a new one and wear it as a disclaimer.
