Page 7 of Positively, Penelope

Date: August29

Subject: Introduction to Fiacla

I woke up to a beautiful day in Skymar, and it fueled my optimism for all the possibilities. As you can imagine, it took a long time to go to sleep last night. I had to write in my journal, of course, and then take more photos, and then begin a list of things I want tosee during the first week while in Fiacla. Today is a free day for me to get settled and so I’m sending a quick message to you all to let you know all is well, I’m safe in my princess cottage, and I have plans to travel into the nearby village (which I believe is called Kelna) and explore.

I’m going to see if I can sneak over to the theater and scout it out before my official intro tomorrow. Doesn’t that sound like something a spy would do?

Penelope

PS: I can see a mansion from my bedroom window. What if royalty lives there and I happen to meet the heir to the Skymarian throne as he’s driving by on his motorcycle with his leather jacket and he decides I’m the woman to share his title and his future?

PPS: Redheaded royalty can be pretty popular, I hear.

Skymarian Theater Troupe

From: JA

To: GK

Thanks for the warning. He definitely gave off a few of the jerk vibes from previous emails on the loop, so I really appreciate you confirming my initial thoughts. Why can’t men be like the classics? You know what I mean? The good ones? Even if they stumble around wide-eyed like Cary Grant inArsenic and OldLace, or are a little desperate and tricky like Monty fromA Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, there’s something appealing about a man in a fedora with a bit of class for backbone. Don’t you think? Though to be perfectly candid, I do wish for a man to have actual conversationswith. Most of the guys I’ve dated treat me as if I don’t have a brain at all. Just because I care about my appearance and give off a usually joyful disposition, why do they automatically think I’m an “easy” conquest or don’t know how to tie my own shoes? (BTW, I’m an expert shoe tie-er. I wear oxfords.)

Happiness does not equal stupidity. (I bring Maria von Trapp to your attention as exhibit A... and, well, Julie Andrews overall.)

Sure, I’m usually pretty happy and content, but I’ve not always been this way. Kids can be pretty mean to stutterers. And just because I’m not desperately looking for Mr.Right doesn’t mean I’m not interested in finding him. I have a list for just that occasion, too, but it all boils down to finding someone who listens and laughs and loves well. If he sang and danced and occasionally used words like “darling” and “my dear,” I wouldn’t mind either. A fedora and/or bow tie might be nice too.

Anyway, sorry for the long note. I’m off to explore! Have a wonderful day!

From: Luke Edgewood

To: Penelope Edgewood, Izzy Edgewood, Josephine Martin

Date: August29

Subject: Re: Introduction to Fiacla

Penny-girl,

Why does your “prince” sound like he just stepped out ofGrease? And why am I sick to my stomach at the fact that I actually know what the guy fromGreaselooks like?

Sisters!

It’s time to watch all five Rambo movies and grill steak.

Luke

From: Izzy Edgewood

To: Luke Edgewood, Penelope Edgewood, Josephine Martin

Date: August29

Subject: Re: Introduction to Fiacla

Luke,

Noooo!! Please, not the Rambo movies. You’ll be quoting them for weeks and resort to wearing a headband and making strange upper-lip movements.

On Rambo strike,

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