Southampton - Chapter 12

Dear You,

I spoke again with dad today. It was about the second deposit for the university and yes it was as awkward as it sounds. When I made the first payment I couldn't figure out why he wanted to split the fee. Now I know. He thought it was just a matter of time before I gave up and fled this country. It wouldn't have been the first time. Okay, I understand that I am a bit impulsive but I am no quitter! You know that, don't you? It was a bit of a shock. I think he was actually rooting for it, he'd already had his back-up plan in place (Switzerland, surprise, surprise!). I can't tell if he's mad or impressed I lasted that long in England. Anyway, who cares? He might not like what I'm doing but he is paying for it.

No, I still haven't told him that I'm staying. Can you blame me after that? I'm currently drowning in drafts, I've got some great stuff to work with, especially comments from Jack and James have been very helpful. I feel like such an idiot every time I open my mouth to comment on their stories! I know it sounds silly but they scare the crap out of me and I will explain. You know how I was when I worked in Greece. Not many people can do what I do, reversed translation/ interpretation is rare and in demand and let's be honest, I was always a bit of a show off. I bragged a lot because I was one of the best (not to mention youngest) in the field and there was never much of a competition. You have no idea how I feel now. The people here are AMAZING! They have been doing this for years, what the fuck do I know? I guess dad was right to some extent, I guess I would have probably been more comfortable in the Interpretation school.

I'll let you in on a little secrets: Translators are boring! I'm not joking, they are boring! I've met my fair share of them and I seriously doubt I would have been as happy with them as I am with the people here. I think secretly dad knows that too. He's not an idiot, he's one of the smartest people I know and we've been skyping since September. He might not know what happened to me or how it affected me but he could see that there was something missing. I'm not sure I've found what I lost that summer, two years ago but I know I'm in the right path. Who knows, maybe one day I'll tell you the truth and we'll laugh like we always did whenever I did something crazy. Or, you'll kill me because I lied to you about something that serious. I really hope it's the former.

I'm meeting the girls on Wednesday to discuss our drafts. I think I'm gonna write a letter to Santa too. I've not been nice but he was always generous, who knows, maybe he'll take pity on me. It's not like I ask for much! Mama asked me if I want her to send me anything now that Lina will come and I said thanks but no, thanks! I don't expect much; we both know I get one good wish on my birthday and that always, ALWAYS comes true and I already know what I'm gonna ask. It's just that it would have been nice to get something extra. Yes, I'm greedy, tell me something I don't know.

I'm gonna sign off now and go make something to eat. I'm doing good with the whole diet/ exercising plan. I'll write to you again soon. Here's a small wish: I wish you stopped ignoring me and maybe text me a "Happy Holidays".

You suck!
Evey

Southampton - Chapter 11

Dear You,

I spoke with Lina last night. And when I say night, I mean the deep, deep, blackest night, like 2:00 so technically morning. She broke up with that guy she's been seeing and she was a little upset. She's worrying she's forming a pattern. You know, meeting someone she's not especially attracted to, agreeing to go out with him, starting to like him and then, just when she feels there is the chance of a meaningful connection between them, getting damped. Yeah, not very nice. I think she's exaggerating a bit. I told her so but she just wouldn't listen! In the end she made me promise that I would find her some nice English guy to hook up with while she's here. Which is basically Lina's way of telling me I need to take her out and get her so drunk she'll have no memory of what happened that night and she can make up her own little story.

I feel so tired right now, I think I'll go to bed early tonight. I had to go to the range today for my weekly archery training and there were no buses so I walked. It's a good thing I'm not working tomorrow, I'm meeting Isa instead, we're going to the gym, which basically means I'll just keep running on the treadmill for an hour while fit people lift weights and do push-ups. All I know is that I need to drop a few sizes and I am, honest, it's just that I need to keep going.

I spoke with my parents today. I couldn't tell them that I've made my mind, that I'm staying here for good. I will eventually, I just was too tired today plus dad kept talking about transfering more money in my accounts and I've learnt not to interrupt him when he's in the giving mood. Yes, my family is bizarre, tell me something I don't know! Of course there's that sense of dread that keeps popping up now and again just to whisper that things are too good to be true and that it's just a matter of time before something goes wrong. I think I know what that might be. But, as I said yesterday, I'm taking care of it and if things go as planned I'll be just fine! Lina says I'm a robot but I always took that as a compliment. Not forming romantic attachments means you won't get hurt when they inevitably break. It's true that I don't get to experience lots of things other people do but I do get my peace of mind and a pain-free life. You'd think Lina would remember what happened the last time I let myself fall for someone but all she does is judge me. In any case, I'm not so eager to relive those feelings so yes, I like being a robot and I will fight to stay this way! I'm determined to keep telling that to myself until everything that contradicts it has been banished from my mind.

I truly hope you're feeling better. Lina says you do but I know better than that. I hope you both enjoy the heartbreak club and think about how you feel now next time you try to convince me love is something great! Now I'll just sign off, fall on my double bed, put my headphones on and listen to Ode to Joy while you guys eat your way out of the fridge in order to feel better. No, thank you!

Goodnight!
Evey     

Southampton - Chapter 10

Dear You,

I know this whole English experiment started as a self-imposed exile but truth be told, I never actually expected things to work this way. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining or anything, it's just that I still can't believe it. I remember how I was the first week I came here and I see how I am now and it feels so good because I really am happy! Now I can listen to all the sad, depressing songs I like without thinking they're talking about me! You can't tell me that's not amazing!

I'm still working on how I'm gonna tell my parents I'm not returning to Greece. I think mama suspects that already and that's the reason she's been trying to get me to go to Agrinio for the summer (not gonna happen!!). I don't get it, I mean I'm getting my inheritance so what's the point in arguing where I'm gonna stay and spend it? The way I see it is fairly simple: this place makes me happy. I want to be happy. So, I'll stay here and be happy! Ta da! Oh, and maybe find a job too. And finish and publish my book as well. Okay, there are a few things I want to do but I'm sure it will work out. If I stay I will be able to help Lina when she comes for her master's.

Of course I'm gonna have a hard time explaining why I want to stay. I can't tell them the truth, it's complicated and I would have to account for the lies of two years which does not sound very appealing. I fucking hate lies but I doubt they would have let me go if they knew the truth. Plus, Lina would get in so much trouble! She's been covering for me, I can't just expose her like that. Nope, I'm gonna have to find another way. If you were talking to me we would have skyped but you're still mad so no news from that front. It's okay, that just makes my job easier. The fewer the ties with this country, the easier for me to leave. My parents will be able to come whenever they want. I will have a glorious summer destination (not to mention the summer house) and a brand new life here. Sounds perfect. Besides, they all know I never belonged there in the first place.

Speaking of new lives, I made a decision. I'm meeting with Sharon and Isa on Wednesday. We're gonna discuss our drafts and have some lunch. Anyway, I've thought things over and I'm going to discuss what I've thought with Sharon because she resembles mama and mama always gave me the best advice on boy trouble. She certainly told me how to handle you when you thought you were in love with me and we worked things out, remember? Sharon is pretty nice, you would have liked her. I'm sure she'll help. I just know that unless I do something someone will get hurt and I really don't want that! I'm doing so well, I'm so happy, I absolutely love everything here! I need to sort this out. I'm gonna sign off now and go make some porridge. I'll fake-talk to you again soon.

Fake kisses
Evey

Southampton - Chapter 9

Dear You,

I bought the card for gramma. I sort of regretted what I wrote to her though but I think she'll just be grateful I remembered her. Mama will make a fuss (as usual) and I'll ignore her (as usual). It's so strange, Christmas without any of them. And I don't miss them at all. I love it! I just have so many things to do here, I've got my writing, the theatre, archery, friends...

Still no word from you. It's okay, I get it, I'd hate me too if the situation was reversed but come on! We've known each other since childhood, when have I ever been wrong about someone? You should have known better, it's not my fault you have poor judgement!

I listen to Garbage these days, which is an improvement considering my mp4 was stuck on God Help The Girl for three weeks. I'm not saying that listening to I Think I'm Paranoid, Why Do You Love Me and Cup of Coffee is especially encouraging but I'm an optimist and I'm determined to count it as improvement so shut it!

Just a couple of weeks till Lina arrives. Dad actually told me today that I shouldn't just take her out and have a good time, I should also study while she's here! Fat chance! As if she will leave me to study for five minutes! I think that six days is more than enough, I'll probably want to kill her by day three. Well, at least she's doing one good thing, she's bringing me my iPhone and a few other stuff I need.

Most of the people leave for the holidays. I'll stay here with a couple of other foreigners; Isa is staying and that engaged girl from Chille, Paola. I still can't believe she's engaged, she's twenty-eight years old. But you were planning to propose as well so I won't hold it against either of you. As far as I'm concerned, the situation hasn't changed though that friend of mine insists she has people she wants to fix me up with and I have no idea how long I can keep dodging her. You're so going to regret not speaking to me, you're missing the best stuff!

Anyway, I'm really tired, I woke up early for work today and then we went for Christmas lunch so I'll just sign off and wish you feel better and maybe send me an e-mail at the address I know Lina gave you. I'd like to think that our friendship can survive this fight and I really hope you feel the same.

Speak soon,
Evey

Southampton - Chapter 8

Dear You,

I woke up today and checked my phone and there was no message from you and then I remembered, you don't have my English number. Unless of course Lina has given it to you. We talked today but I forgot to ask her, we mostly talked about her upcoming trip here. Guess what: she's gonna take the bus to Southampton on her own! Yay! She said you met that morning for coffee. Don't worry, she didn't say anything else, which pretty much means you were in a bad shape and she didn't want to make me feel worse than I already do. Now, there's a fine example of how lies can be used to protect people! Why couldn't I be more like that, why do I have to say every single thing that pops into my head, no censorship, just out! Word vomit, that's a great expression to describe it!

Of course we both know Lina is rubbish at lying but I did appreaciate her trying to protect me, as usual, especially since she has problems of her own to deal with. I'm sure she hasn't told you about them but she has exams coming up, plus that boyfriend of hers makes her feel all jittery and I still don't know why. She says he's read a lot more things than she has (fyi that's not particularly hard) and sometimes he says something very smart and she feels like a complete idiot. I feel really sorry for her, this relationship sounds like a lot more pain than worth.

I think I'll ask her to give you my number but make it sound like it's her idea. Maybe you'll text me some angry incomprehensible message when you're drunk. Even an angry message sounds better than no message right now. I know you're not okay and you probably hate me for being right but I seriously doubt people hated Cassandra or Pythia for telling them what would happen and they foresaw things that are a lot worse than a failed relationship so you need to get over it.

As far as the other matter is concerned, to my horror, my feelings remain unchanged.This is a disaster. I keep listening to that stupid song God Help the Girl (the cover by Emily Browing, it's so much better!) and I feel it's been written for me! I mean, it's all there, come on! The madness, the boy, even the freaking insomnia! I could really use a friend right now, someone I can trust with this, someone like you. I can't talk to Immortality, she'll just make fun of me and I'm so not in the mood for that! Lina has her own boy crap, plus she'll also make fun of me. Kat is in Japan in those bio trials, so no way I'm gonna discuss such juvenile matters with her, she's become way too serious, she'll just give me that condescending look that reminds me of my father every time he opens a bill. Did I mention how much I hate you right now? I doubt I have any other people I can rely on so thanks for that!

I've got tons of drafts to read. Maybe that will help me forget him. I'm way too angry to write anything else. Did I mention eight is my favorite number? Well this chapter is pretty crappy so I'll just sign off and I hope you suffer, you selfish, stubborn jerk! I hate you!

I hate you!
Evey

Southampton - Chapter 7

Dear You,

This is one of those nights when I think that maybe I was wrong. Maybe if I had kept my fucking mouth shut, you'd be here with me now, or maybe you'd actually talk to me and I wouldn't have to write all these stupid, pathetic letters filling them with things I want to tell you but I can't because I'm too damn proud to actually be the first to call. And now I'm done pretending that everything with us is okay, that I can just text or we can just skype!

You called Lina yesterday. You called Lina. She told me about it. I don't know if you're too angry or too embarashed to call me, I guess being away from you for so long has impaired my ability to understand you. I just wish there was some way to let you know the truth and how much I miss you and how much I wish you'd just pick up the damn phone and call me or just call and say nothing, I don't care, I just need to know that you don't hate me completely. Your English are crap and you have no idea this blog exists so I guess I can write the things I'll never tell you here.

I am so sorry for what I said to you. I am so sorry for being the cold, soulless bitch you knew I was and yet ignored it because of who you are. I should have kept my mouth shut and just accept your choice, accept her, no matter what I thought of her, even though the moment I laid eyes on her I knew she'd hurt you. Maybe then you wouldn't be alone once it happened. And now it has and I'm here and you're there and I know you have Lina but let's be honest, what the fuck is she gonna do, paint you something?

There, I said it, happy now? Of course I'll never, ever say any of that stuff to you. Sorry is not in my vocabulary you know that better than anyone. I'll tell you what your old, pre-disaster friend would say: I fucking told you so and I'm always right. Maybe that's why you don't call, you know me too well.

I guess maybe I shouldn't get all high and mighty about your choice of girl. It's really distracting and I really can't afford it right now. I think about him a lot more than I should and it's a complete waste of time because nothing can happen and sometimes I really don't understand myself. I should really stop, stop thinking about anything that has to do with that area. You're a really crappy friend, you know that? I hate you! You always gave me the best advice and now that I need you you're in mourning for a skank who never deserved you in the first place and you're punishing me because I told you the truth! It's so fucking unfair and you can call me a child all you want the truth is it's not my fault!

I'm actually missing my mean girl days, I treated people like crap but I somehow had the illusion that everybody adored me and never gave two shits about them. Why, oh why did I develop a conscience? I just know that I can't keep doing this. I think I should talk to someone about it. Lina can't even help herself, let alone me. Maybe someone more experienced, like Sharon. I don't know I'll think about it. I should also stop eating muffins. Sugar can't change the way I feel about him but it can change my size and I'm supposed to be losing weight not gaining. Anyway I started going to the gym again so I think I'll be okay and when I find a way for these feelings to go away I'll be a lot better because there is really no point in thinking about something that can never happen. It's a shame you're not speaking to me. You would have loved this.

I have to try to sleep now. I had a really long day, I went to the gym, then I met Asgeir and Isa (after taking a bath), then we went to a Creative Industries event and met a bunch of people and had a drink (drinks were free btw, you would have loved this, too!) and then I got home and started writing. So now I'm done and I really hope I wake up tomorrow with a text from you. I guess I'll probably won't but hey! Hope dies last!

Burn after reading,
Evey

Southampton - Chapter 6

Dear You,

Last night I dreamt of summer. The weather is really awful here, I think I miss the heat more than I thought. I was on a beach, one of these beaches that seem to go on forever and I was walking on the sand, the sea retracting then extending over and over again, but never touching my feet. The sun was in that perfect place, just before it connects with the water, my favorite place, when mama would start calling for us to hurry up and get out before we catch a cold and we would ignore her because we really didn't want to leave.

I'm seriously considering Ithaca for summer vacation. What do you think? I haven't been there since I was four years old and the only thing I remember is stealing slices of watermelon from people, then hiding in the caves and eating them. I really liked watermelon.

It's times like these I wish you listened. Lina is coming in a few days, we spoke yesterday night, she's really excited. I wish I could talk to her, like really talk to her but I don't know if I can and I'm pretty sure she doesn't want to hear what I have to say. I forgot to tell you, she's in a relationship now. Thank god she didn't change her fb relationship status, that's so tacky! Apparently, he's a nice guy (they all seem nice in the beginning) but she just expects the worst from people because she had ONE crappy relationship! Then what the hell am I suposed to say? She's such a drama queen and as much as I love her she makes me wanna reach inside the screen and slap her! She gives up too easily if you want my opinion.

Anyway, Ithaca. I wish I could tell you about it. We still have a long way to go till the summer but I like knowing where I'm standing. Isabel will probably come to Greece in the summer, I don't know about any other people though I wished they considered it and I wish you could too.

I have to go Isabel is waiting for me. I have to stop by the uni and then we'll go for a coffee. And I need to buy the damn card for gramma. One of these days, I'll tell you about these letters.

Burn after reading,
Evey