Dear Shannon
I heard from Tiffany that you'd moved to France. How's it going over there? I moved back to Stoneybrook recently, with my husband James, and my daughter Brooklynn. Moving back got me thinking about what things were like when I lived here originally, and then I remembered that club we used to have. I've been talking to Mallory (nee Pike, remember her?) She's Mallory Carr now, and she's following in her mother's footsteps – she has six kids, all under the age of 5. But anyway, I'm sure you'll hear all about them, and maybe even see them, if my next "great idea" comes off!
Here it is: A BSC reunion! Great idea, right? Just like the good old days…Anyway, here's the plan. We contact everyone from the club, and they and their families come to Stoneybrook for a week! We can work out details later, just need to know if you're interested! I know it's a long way for you to come, but maybe you and your husband and children could make a real vacation out of it, and go round some more tourist spots in America?
Well, I have to go pick Brooklynn up from kindergarten. (You'll never guess who her teacher is – Claudia! Yes, The Claudia Kishi!)
Yours, Kristy Matthews
To: Mary Anne and David Lee
From: Abigail Stein
Subject: "Kristy's Great Idea"
Hi Mary Anne!
I guess by now you've heard. The great and mighty Kristy has called us back to Stoneybrook…Are you and David going? I am of course. Being the director of the company means there's no way I can say I can't get the time off and I have to admit I'd like to see everyone again. Of course, I'll see you and David this weekend. Are you bringing the kids with you? Please do, Jonathan's been dying for a chance to play with Connor again. I hope Connor hasn't got too old to play with three year olds!
Right, I'd better get back to work. See you soon!
Abby
To: Abigail Stein, Stacey McGill
From:Mary Anne and DavidLee
Subject: This weekend
Hi, Abby and Stacey!
Just a really brief email while Maya naps and Connor's at school. Abby – of course we're bringing the kids with us! Stacey – How's it going with Jay?
I'm looking forward to seeing everyone again at this reunion of Kristy's! I've been back to Stoneybrook to see Dad and Sharon of course, but haven't met up with any of the other ex club members except Kristy, Mallory and Claudia! I hope Shannon comes back to America for it. It would be so awesome to see everyone again!
Well, there goes Maya crying. I better go. See you this weekend! (You're still on for lunch on Friday, Stace?)
Mary Anne
Dear Kristy
I'm going to be in America for work in about 6 months time. If the reunion is scheduled then, I'm sure I will be able to get a few days off work to come to Stoneybrook. I would like to see everyone again, so I shall do my best. (It's so hard to get into the habit of writing English again! After 5 years here, I think in French!) As for my family – there is none. I have a partner, Henri, who may or may not be able to come. We don't have children and I'm pretty sure that's not on the cards at any time in the future.
Mallory has six kids already? How old is she? 26? And all under 5? That house must be bedlam! How old is Brooklynn? How long have you and James been married? I have so much to catch up on with everybody!
Here's hoping I'll see you soon,
Shannon Kilbourne
Message on Richard and Sharon Schafer's answering machine:
Hey guys, is me, Dawn. I'm going to another protest this weekend. Can you look after the kids? River said he had heaps of fun at your house last time. He thinks Richard is the coolest guy on earth…I'm not sure why. No offense, Richard. Stormiee Skye had fun too. Please ring me tonight and let me know.
Note on the Mathews' fridge:
Kristy – I've been called into the office again. I know, I know, its my day off…but I've really got to catch up on this paperwork. I'll see you tonight. Don't wait up, I'll be late. Give Brooklynn a kiss for me – Love, James
From: Stacey McGill
To: Mary Anne and David Lee
Subject: Lunch
Of course I'm still on for lunch! Jay did say he'd come with us, but when he heard it was an old school friend he said he'd leave us to catch up. He's so sweet like that. Anyway, I'm actually at work right now, so I'd better go and make the final decisions on those winter coats coming in now. Fur or no fur? It's such a dilemma!
Stace
Dear Journal
I can't believe I haven't had a chance to write in here for so long! Even growing up with 7 siblings, I always had time for this…but not anymore. Why didn't Mom warn me about the tiredness, the stretch marks, the mess…and most importantly, how come Mary Anne's been married longer than me, and she's only got 2 children, and I have 6? And one of them's adopted! How does she do it?
From: Claudia Kishi
To: Stacey McGill
Subject: none
Stace! How are the coats coming? With or without fur? Did you make a disicon? I'm doing really well at Kindergarten – but the paperwork is still dificult. I wish I could spell! It would make everything so much esier! I have emproved heaps though! But I think my paperwork makes me look bad. Sigh. It would be much better if I could work on my art fulltime. But never mind. Oh, and you will never guess who is in my class now! Brooklynn Mathews! Oh, but you wont know who she is – she is Kristy's daughter! Kristy Thomas? Well, she is Mathews now of course. They just moved back to Stoneybrook.
Well I better go. I will see you soon, I hope.
Claudia