Lessons in Love

by Carlyle, Clarissa

  While I’m loving being here at Princeton and finally being the real me, life is far from simple. I’m beginning to realize that life can never be simple, no matter who you are or what you’re running from.

  At Woodsdale I tried so hard to be the popular cheerleader that I think I’ve forgotten how to be the studious girl I once was. I’ve been partying a lot. A lot more than I’d let you believe because I don’t want you to think less of me. I just get caught up in the moment.

  And now I’m officially a member of Kappa Pi, which means more parties and social events. And as much as I’d like to say I’m above it all and only here for my education, I’d be lying as I’m loving it. I get to enjoy myself with others without worrying that they’ll disown me if they knew the truth about my past. No one here cares that my family lives in a trailer.

  I am making it all count, though, don’t worry. And while I’m not top of my class yet, I’m certain I will be by the end of the year! I promise to start applying myself more to my studies!

  I wish you were here to keep me grounded, keep my head on straight. And other things… I don’t want to write smut in a letter, but I hope you miss me in that way too. The nights are long here when I can think of only being in your arms once more.

  Missing you,

  Alex

  xoxo

  ****

  “Can you believe that our freshman year is almost over?” Ashley asked in disbelief as she struggled to pack away her belongings.

  “Yeah, it’s crazy,” Alex agreed, looking sadly at her final report card for the year. She’d made it into the second year, barely, and there was a note that her progress would be assessed and reviewed when her junior year commenced, which she didn’t like the sound of. It shamed Alex to think she may have potentially failed.

  “I’m going to miss this room.” Ashley glanced around at the now empty walls, feeling nostalgic.

  “We were barely in it!” Alex laughed.

  “True,” Ashley admitted. She wandered over to the stack of photographs that documented their first year at Princeton. They went to some amazing parties, some where they got covered in foam, others when they had to wear neon paint. The whole year had been a blur of music, dancing and occasionally classes. Alex had loved every minute but had begun to fear that her excessive partying would come at a price.

  “I love that one,” Alex said, as Ashley looked at a picture of them both sitting outside in the courtyard, smiling broadly in the sunshine, each wearing a Princeton hooded sweater.

  “Me too,” Ashley agreed fondly.

  “Let’s leave it here as a welcome gift for next year’s freshman!” Ashley declared, placing the picture in a prominent place on the now bare corkboard.

  It made Alex sad to see the room so empty, but what made her feel worse was the thought of spending the summer back in Woodsdale in the trailer. As much as she missed Mark and wanted to see him, she wasn’t sure she could handle a summer spent sharing a room with her brother.

  “You know, my offer still stands,” Ashley said gently, referring to her earlier suggestion that Alex go to California with her for the summer.

  “You could come back to L.A. with me, and I’d show you how we party West Coast style!” Ashley laughed.

  “It’s a really kind offer.”

  “Seriously, we’ve got, like, three guest bedrooms. You wouldn’t be putting me out, and my parents love you.”

  “It’s tempting,” Alex admitted. She’d always wanted to visit Los Angeles. Everything seemed so glamorous there compared to the mediocrity of Woodsdale.

  “Of course, I’d have to come stay at yours for Thanksgiving in return.” Ashley laughed.

  “I’m not sure you’d take well to trailer living, Ash.” Alex raised a concerned eyebrow.

  “Fair point.” Ashley smiled. “But still, I’d love you to come back with me. I’m sure your mom wouldn’t mind. Since we’ve worked so hard all year, we deserve a summer of fun.” She said the worked part sarcastically, and both girls laughed a little guiltily at that.

  “Sun, sand and hot guys,” Ashley continued. “I can’t believe I’m having to sell it to you!” she lamented. “You want me to beg?” she joked. “Fine! Alex, please, please spend the summer with me in L.A. You’re my best friend, and I’ll be lost without you! Also, you could seriously use a decent tan!”

  Alex couldn’t speak for laughing, holding her chest as she doubled over.

  “Okay, okay.” She held her hands up in defeat. “I’ll come spend the summer with you in L.A.”

  “Yes!” Ashley beamed triumphantly.

  As they emptied the last of their room into the back of Ashley’s father’s Mercedes, Alex quickly sent a text to her mother explaining the situation and, after a brief contemplative pause, sent another to Mark.

  Spending the summer in L.A. now with Ashley, so won’t see you. Will write, though, and maybe be in Woodsdale for Thanksgiving. Xoxo

  She realized a little guiltily that she didn’t feel bad about not getting to see him all summer.

  “Come on, let’s go!” Ashley ordered as she came back to see what was the hold up.

  “Okay, I’m ready!” Alex took one last look at her dorm room and closed the door on her freshman year at Princeton.

  Don’t stop now…

  Continue reading book 2, Letters of Love on Amazon:

  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IMU3LWO

  Author Info

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  Clarissa

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