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LETTER TWO

Ingrid,

Don’t hate me, K? I know you don’t understand, and I know you’re going to be so upset when you realize what I’ve done. Feel all that, but know I am doing this because I have no choice. I know our parents are going to freak out and lose their damn minds. When they try to look for me, remind them I don’t want that. I’ve moved all my money from my savings to a new account, got a burner phone, and even have a new identity lined up, so I’m not playing around. I really need to figure out what the hell I’m doing. I have loved you like a little sister, and I want to be a person you’re proud of. Who you’re proud to love. Someone to look up to. Right now, I’m not.

Tell your mom and dad, and hell, mine, not to be too hard on him. What happened between us was really shitty. He said things that, while they hurt like a bitch, were also a huge wake-up call. We have so much history between us. You guys are always with me. We’re two families, but we might as well be one. You are my sister in all the ways except for blood, and I’ll always love you. There won’t be a moment when I’m not thinking of you. I’ll be back, K? But for now, I have to take off with my tail between my legs.

Please take care of yourself. Don’t let anyone be mean to you. If you catch a charge, between both our parents, someone will get you off. You don’t have to be nice because you’re different. What makes you different is what makes you the shiniest star in the sky, Ing. You blind me with your beauty and how incredible you are. Don’t let anyone dim your light, especially me, with how I’m leaving you.

Please don’t be mad at Thatcher or treat him differently. I’m sure he’s hurting as much as I am. Almost twenty-five years of friendship down the drain. It’s insane, and as I write this, my tears soaking the paper, it’s hard to breathe. I’m sorry, Ing. I’ll try to be back before you graduate.

Please remember not to let people treat you badly, and know I love you. Please make sure they don’t look for me. I really need this time to figure out who I am.

Know, though, a part of me will die daily without you.

I’m sorry.

I love you,

Audrina