Page 50 of Authentically, Izzy
PPS: You promised you’d never mention my tattoo ever again.
Text from Penelope to Izzy:Wasn’t Eli supposed to be at the Book Parade, Izzy? I didn’t see him on the video you sent! Kissing-height or not, an interested suitor should show up for a girl’s favorite event of the year, if he can! I’m sure he isn’t Brodie now.
From: Brodie Sutherland
To: Izzy Edgewood
Date: March28
Subject: The Book Parade
Isabelle,
The Book Parade was brilliant! You are alive with creativity. It’s remarkable, truly. The parade was your idea, wasn’t it? From the time I’ve corresponded with you, it’s become increasingly evident you have this almost endless supply of inventiveness that is both inspiring and contagious. I’ve been more productive in the past month and a half since knowing you than I have the previous four. Did someone in your life inspire your creativity or is it simply a God-given talent?
My mother was over the moon about the book parade idea. She adores books as much as Da did and one of her passions has always been inspiring children to love stories too. My parents worked together to find new ways to bring books to people in our community first, and then beyond. It’s been a lot for her to take over in his absence (Anders and I are helping, of course, but she is quite determined to manage as much as she can on her own).
My uncle’s and then my little sister’s blindness spurred my parents to invent ways to bring stories to them, which is why Skern became a starting point for creating books in Braille long before other countries initiated the practice. My father even narrated a few books that have become local favorites. There’s a great deal of comfort in finding an audiobook, even now, narrated by my da and hearing his voice speak to me through stories, as he’d done my entire life.
Luke provided an excellent live-video commentary along with attempting to sort out some of the costumes. I feel as though I already know him in part, through our conversations. His sense of humor is quite similar to yours. It was obvious how much the children enjoyed the parade, and evident how much you loved spending time with them.
Own a bookshop? It’s perfect for you. What sort of Isabelle-like uniqueness would you bring into your shop? I get the sense it will feel very much like stepping through a magical wardrobe. Speaking of magical, you looked absolutely lovely in your costume. I didn’t realize how long your hair was. It’s beautiful. I shall never see Susan Pevensie in the same light again.
I have started rereading some C. S. Lewis classics. Do you enjoy his works in both fiction and nonfiction?
I didnotknow what bluegrass music was, but when I saw your question, I immediately researched it. Yes, I do like it. It sounds similar to some of the music here that stemmed from our Scottish ancestry. The stringed instruments and ballad-like songs. There’s something very earthy and genuine in them, but I’ve never danced to such music. Have you?
Two left feet,
Brodie
PS: I accept your challenge for our next video call. What if I attempt Yoda with an Andy Griffith accent? “Ready are you? What’d y’all know of ready? For eight hundred years have I trained Jedi, y’all.”
PPS: Yes, that was pitiful. Isn’t it a wonder I’m still single?
From: Izzy Edgewood
To: Penelope Edgewood, Luke Edgewood
Date: March28
Subject: Dorky Prince Charming?
Brodie has talked about me to his mother.
And he’s adorably dorky sometimes. What am I to do with this? He lives on the other side of the world! He hasn’t mentioned anything about a romantic relationship, but I end up daydreaming about him much more than a simple correspondence should inspire. Maybe I should end things now before my heart becomes more involved than it already is. Don’t you think? I mean what could come from this? He has a family, a life, and career in Skymar. I hyperventilate at the thought of flying, let alone moving. And I’m sure he has no plans to move!
But the very idea of ending these delightful dialogues nearly brings me to tears. Is it possible to enjoy this sweet friendship without giving my heart away (as tempting as Brodie makes it)?
That’s it. I’m pulling out my copy ofWuthering Heights.
Izzy
PS: Brodie thinks I’m beautiful. “Be with me always—take any form—drive me mad.”
Text from Luke to Izzy:Izzy, I’m bringing over the cookie dough ice cream. Put down the Brontë.
From: Izzy Edgewood
