Dear Pam,
I am writing this to you in History class, because Mr. Harrison told us to study quietly, which I’m pretty sure means that he was too busy with Miss Wright last night and didn’t write a lesson plan. (Is that gross or romantic? I can’t decide.) Anyway, I was wondering if you were going to come to the movies with me, Jill, and Cassie tonight. We haven’t decided what we are going to see, but Cassie heard that Craig Brooks works there now and she has the hugest crush on him. So we will probably just stand around outside the movie theater trying to talk Cassie into entering the theater and talking to him. Lame, I know, but it will be so much more fun if you come! So please do! Oh, and Mr. Harrison has your drawing of Abraham Lincoln hanging behind his desk. The one you did in, like, twenty minutes? I can’t believe he let you do that instead of writing a paper like the rest of us! Ok, bell just rang and I’m going to meet you in the hallway and give this to you! LYLAS!- Melissa

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Dear Pam,
Hi! I am writing you back in Science class, because we are learning about atoms and it’s either write you or fall asleep. (Plus, I needed to tell you some things!) Firstly (is that a word?), congrats on getting second place in the school art show! I know you are upset that you didn’t get first, but Joey Thompson just moved here from New York, and he went to some fancy art school there. I think he’s really cute, in a dark brooding kind of way. Second, it is only the beginning of senior year and my mother is already nagging me to apply to colleges. Is yours? Where are you applying? I am trying to decide between going to New York or Philadelphia. New York would be amazing! You should apply to art school in New York and we can be roommates! Wouldn’t that be awesome? I haven’t even decided what my major will be, though. Third, are you going to the Homecoming dance? Should we all try to get dates, since Cassie will be going with Craig? Or should we blow it off? I think we should go and just make fun of everyone. (Especially Cassie and Craig!) LYLAS!-Melissa

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Pam-

Writing this in a rush, because I don’t want anyone to see it. Roy Anderson just asked me if you had a date for Homecoming! Pam, he is the most popular guy in school right now. I am sure he’s going to ask you to go to the dance with him! Why would he ask me if you had a date if he wasn’t planning to ask you? I am so excited for you! You must tell me the minute he talks to you! - Melissa

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Pam!

I just read you letter and, of course, I will go shopping with you to find a dress for the dance! I am so excited for you! I haven’t decided yet if I am going to go or not. Tell Roy that I really don’t think I want to go with his brother, Kenny (isn’t he way older than we are, anyway? I think he graduated with my brother Mike, and he just turned 28). Tell him I said thanks, though. I cannot believe that Joey Thompson asked you to the dance, too! I agree with you, though. There is no way that you could tell Roy Anderson that you changed your mind. Even if you and Joey do have a lot more in common. LYLAS! Melissa

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Dear Pam,

Wow, last night was crazy. I cannot believe that we went to a party on a school night. A party with an actual keg! Who were those people anyway? Kenny’s friends? It’s okay that you had to leave early after Roy got in a fight with that guy. I got a ride home with Gina and Steve, who are actually pretty nice. What happened though? What did that guy say to you that made Roy jump on him like that? It was pretty scary. I think he had to get stitches. Write me back! LYLAS, Melissa

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Pam,
I just read your letter and, yes, I did get into NYU. I decided that I am going to major in English Literature. I guess I can always be a teacher! I am sad that you decided not apply to art school because Roy said that art wasn’t a real job. Are you really going to stay in Scranton and go to community college? I hope you are not doing that just because you think that you are in love with Roy. I’m sorry to say this, but you are my best friend and I don’t want you to do what some guy tells you to do. Call me sometime, ok? I know that you are super busy with Roy and his friends, but I miss you. Still LYLAS- Melissa

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Dear Pam,

I put this in your mail box because, apparently, you are not speaking to me. I’m sorry that I upset you. I am leaving for NYU in two weeks and I would love to see you sometime before that. Of course, I didn’t mean it when I told you that I thought Roy was a loser. It just made me really mad how he rolled his eyes when you mentioned that you were going to sign up for art classes in the fall. I understand that he was just upset because he totaled his car, but I still don’t think he takes you seriously. Art was always your thing. You were going to go to art school. Now what? You are taking typing classes because his mother thinks it’s the sensible thing to do? Please call me. Love, Melissa