Free A Rose for Melinda by Lurlene McDaniel Page B

computer, that is. His virtual roses arrived in this morning's e-mail and I've had them up and running since I got home from school. I can change their color and their size whenever I want. I put them right in the middle of my screen and every time I look at them, I smile. He makes me so happy!
    February 14
    Dear Self,
    This is the first Valentine's Day that I haven't had a boyfriend since I can remember. No matter. Jesse's the only boy I like. And I know he'll never like me in the same way.
    Maybe I'll become a nun.
    (Sister)
    May 23
    Dear Lenny and Elana,
    No, you're not seeing things. There really is a graduation announcement enclosed in this envelope. Isn't it beautiful ? I never thought this day would come, but I graduate from the Santa Cruz College School of Education on Friday. I can hardly believe it myself! I've even impressed Jesse—which is a hard thing for the mother of a teenage boy to do, don't you know! I only wish you all could attend the ceremony and share my happiness.
    Now comes the challenge of finding a job. I've sent out résumés to high schools throughout the area and already have four interviews scheduled. Jesse wants usto return to Atlanta, of course. Naturally, I know why. He's still smitten with Melinda, even after all these years. Goodness knows I've tried to make a life for the two of us here, but he still yearns for what he can't have. I've told him that he can apply to any college he wants, and frankly his grades are good enough that I know he'll qualify for scholarship money somewhere. He tells me he wants to study medicine. Can you imagine? My son, the doctor!
    Thank you for your encouragement over the years. Friends like you are few and far between.
    Ann

    TO: Melinda
Subject: Summer Vacation

    There's no getting out of it. I have to spend most of the summer with my dad in New York. Mom and I had a fight about it, but she says her hands are tied, there's nothing she can do to keep me from having to go. She says I have to do what he says until I'm eighteen. It sucks.
    Jesse

     I was online when your
e-mail arrived, so don't go away.
     Hey! Why are you up
so late?
     Term paper due
tomorrow and I'm
behind. I'm feeling tired and I crash as soon
as I get home instead of getting
right to my work. 'Nuff about
me. Sorry about your messed-
up summer, but you just might
have a good time. It wasn't
nearly as bad as you thought it
would be last time you went.
Remember?
     But I only had to stay
a few weeks last time. This is
for the whole summer. What will
you be doing?
     Dad surprised me
and Mom with plans for a six-
week vacation to Europe. We
leave on June 11. I was
planning on taking extra dance
classes this summer (since I
missed out on Washington this
year), but that's out now. I've
always wanted to see Europe.
Of course, I thought it would be
with a dance troupe instead of
with Mom and Dad, but Dad
made me a promise when I was
in the hospital.
     Your dad's the best!
Will you have e-mail?
     Yes … Dad's taking
his laptop. Give me your New
York snail mail and e-mail
addresses, and I'll keep in
touch. Well, I've got to get back
to my paper, but it's been really
nice talking to you.
     It sure has! I wish I
could see you this summer. Even
though my visit last summer
wasn't under the best conditions,
at least I got to see you. Just
wait until I'm eighteen …I'm
moving to Atlanta.
     I'll hold you to that!
    June 25
    Hello, dear Melinda. I hope this finds you well and happy. I am writing you this brief note because I wanted to tell you that I have spoken to our director, Jeremy McAllister, about your considerable talent. He is most curious to see your audition videos, so when you can, please send your tape to the address on the front of this envelope, to my attention. I will see to it that Jeremy views it immediately. Who knows, perhaps he will offer you a summer apprenticeship!
    As you well know, the world of ballet is most