Young Love Letters – Part 8

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7

I went to school the next day sporting Ked’s class ring with the giant ruby in the center. I hadn’t made any phone calls to my friends when I got home. I attended a small Christian school and I’d decided to let the word spread organically on its own, and let the ring do the talking. I had dug through my shoe boxes of pictures hunting for the picture of us taken together last March. I hung it in my locker.

The weekend before the big trip to Michigan, a few close friends and I had spent the night at my best friend’s house. We had sat up late, as usual, talking about boys. I had filled them in on the events of the summer FCM convention. One friend was drilling me as to whether or not I was imagining Ked’s attention to me, when my best friend piped up. “No, she’s not making it up. I’ve watched him with her at a couple conventions. He definitely has feelings for her.” I’d felt a little better going into that weekend knowing I hadn’t just made all this up in my head.

I knew those friends wouldn’t be too surprised when I showed up wearing his ring. But the rest of my friends? Now that was going to be fun.

Word spread quickly that I had some mystery boyfriend in Michigan. The news even showed up in the “gossip column” of our little school paper:

“AP, who’s that new Wolverine you’ve got?”

I’d never made the gossip column before.  I sent a copy to Ked with big arrows and smiley faces pointing to that line.

The letters came more frequently. We wrote each other 2-3 times a week if not more, and he spent a good chunk of his pizza paycheck on long-distance phone calls. The two of us did our part to keep the Postal Service and the long distance phone companies in business that year.

9-6-94

Dear Amy,

So how’s life? I can’t believe how fast that weekend went. I knew it would 🙁 I can’t believe how much I miss you and it’s only Tuesday!

I didn’t have to work yesterday, so I went and got a chain so I can show off your ring. So did you make all the guys jealous? My mom said you looked like you were going to cry when you were leaving. I thought I might. I probably still will 🙁

Now that the school year has started, I’ll appreciate our friendship even more.

I saw a few people give me strange looks today. Some people asked me whose ring was around my neck. One girl asked me if that’s the same girl at the football game. I told her yes, she said, “She’s very pretty.” I was thinking to myself, “You’re telling me!”

It always seems that the pretty girls ladies are stuck up. I’m so glad that’s not the case with you! You’ve proven that beautiful ladies aren’t all bad. But being pretty is just brownie points 🙂

So, tell me what did everybody say at your school? Nothing bad I hope!

Well, I have to go to work today and it’s now 3:35. I better go put this in the mail.

Write soon!

Love,
Ked

I had written a letter the same day, as soon as I got home from school.

9-6-94

Dear Ked,

Well, how was work last night? It took us a little longer to get home. We ran into bad stop and go traffic in Ft. Wayne. I had a wonderful weekend. Thanks for everything! I had so much fun. I knew I’d have a good weekend, but I never dreamed how good!

I had quite a day at school! I had a hard time paying attention at times. I was always wondering what you were doing, what you were thinking, and if you miss me as much as I miss you! Oh, I could tell you countless stories of people’s reactions. My volleyball teammates surrounded me in home room. They asked how the weekend went. So I leaned my chin on my hand and said, “really well!” They saw your ring and nearly tackled me. One about ripped my finger off to see it! They made so much noise that all my classmates soon knew.

I heard the juniors were all discussing it in geometry. How they all knew, I couldn’t tell you. I’d forgotten how quickly news traveled at school. I can’t count how many times I heard, “What’s he look like? How far away is he? What is he like? How long have you known him? When will we meet him?” Yes, your ring caused quite a commotion. I enjoyed every minute of it 🙂

After the volleyball game, I went to my locker and there was a sign saying, “Amy has a guy’s class ring?!? Oh no!!!” It was a nice little message from my brother 🙂

It’s been quite a day! A great way to start a week after a great weekend. I really miss you and I can’t wait to hear from ya!

Love,
Amy