Dear Rachel,
First off, I’d like to apologize for last night and tell you that most of what I said was directly related to the Lipitor/Franzia cocktail downed earlier that evening behind the Applebee’s on 35th Ave. Not that this should be an excuse, but between you and me Lipitor should be running more clinical trials with the FDA. And, I suppose, I should apologize for the incessant kicking as well. I blame my restless leg syndrome on my youth spent making my way up the ranks of the AYSO in California only to fail miserably in college intramurals and forever dubbed Mia Hambone. Nevertheless, last night was an eye-opening experience for me, one that really changes a person’s outlook on life.
When you and your friends started erupting in teenage squeals at the movie screen, I should have just stood up and moved down the row. I should have seen what was coming, but I was stubborn. Within the first 15 minutes of the film, it was clear that you and your girlfriends were experiencing not just a typical midnight-movie-extravaganza. You girls were also receiving a new outlook on life.
I had arrived quietly several hours before and waited in the restroom until that long line started moving, finishing off my spinach artichoke dip I had leftover from my dinner earlier. I found a seat near the rear of the theater not wishing to speak to anyone and hoping that my ball cap would hang low enough over my eyes to obscure my face from others, but not necessarily from the screen. I had the best wishes in mind for my night, and then I met you and your gaggle.
I remember being your age. I was a moody little thing: throwing tantrums and slamming doors and screaming about my internal pain one minute and then conducting concerts and dances and entire showcases for my family the next. I lived for the drama, breathed in every hurtful word and small compliment. I, too, would have gone to a film like this then, my girlfriends and I just as loud and exuberant as you three.
However, I had the distinct pleasure of not getting punched in the face during such experiences. I never got kicked or poked or yelled at. I didn’t even receive so much as a whispered retort. So, life has dealt you another hand. Maybe I could have stopped myself had you not been shouting at the screen when the young girl finally consumates her relationship with the young, pale hero. Perhaps if I hadn’t been on a 3 day sleepless binge and just maxed out my credit cards on QVC reruns, I would have shown more intelligence in my decisions. But we can’t change the past, and I can’t un-break your arm.
I’d like to tell you that tomorrow will be brighter, that in 30 years you won’t remember my face or, hopefully, that movie. But someday some little girl is going to push you over the edge, and on that day I hope you think of me.
Sincerely,
Codie