Free Jake' Journal: The Riverdale Series Companion by Janine Infante Bosco Page A

my second round of chemotherapy. I have faith that you and your staff have a plan for me if it doesn’t work this time either. I guess it’s true when they say you gotta keep the faith.
     
    Head up, Chin Up,
    Jake

     

 
Dear Dad,
     
    I always knew that Luke, Sam, and I were beyond blessed to have you and mom as our parents. I don’t think there are three other kids on this planet who have been shown the love we have. But, I hope there is. I hope there are families out there like ours. It seems unfair that not everyone gets to experience the joy of their family like we do.
    I’ve been thinking a lot about my childhood and how much fun it was. The best thing you and mom gave us was the ability to just be kids. I don’t remember a time when the struggles of life ever affected my childhood. All I remember is the fun and the laughter. There was so much laughter and mostly because of you.
    I’d like to think I get my charming sense of humor from you, dad. I didn’t allow myself to think much about being a father. I wanted kids, but thought I had my whole life for that kind of stuff. But I did hope that when I did have them I’d be the kind of father you are. The kind of dad that laughs with his kids but still guides them. The kind of dad that “knows a guy” when his son is battling cancer and gets him a bag of pot. Never thought I’d see the day.
    I know you said it’s our little secret, and I promise I will take it to my grave, but shit its funny. I keep picturing Luke’s eyes bulging out of his head if I told him. I get it that some people might judge the situation but well, if there son was suffering do you think they’d deny their own? I’m going to say no.
    Pop, it’s just another quirky way of yours to help. You’re a laid back guy, you roll with the punches but when it’s something you are passionate about you are the first to open your mouth or the first to find a solution. Albeit, your words aren’t always conventional, nor are your actions but you find a way to get your message through in that Joe Lanza kind of way. If you ask me your way is the way to go. I love that about you. You don’t care what anyone thinks, you just act yourself. You’re never trying to abide by a rule book other than the one you’ve made for yourself. You’re my idol dad.

    Thanks for the herb and for being you,
    Jake
     
     

 
My Bucket List:

Marry Cara.
Open up a custom bike shop that specializes in stunt bikes.
Dance with my mom at my wedding.
Jump out of a plane. (With a parachute of course)
Have a kid.
Tattoo kids name to my chest next to Cara’s tattoo over my heart.
Buy Ava her first car.
Pay Nick back for taking the rap for me. (Not quite sure how I’m going to do that one)
Dance with my sister at her wedding.
Be my brother’s hero.
Trademark Eyebrow wiggling. (Can I even do that?)
Tattoo something on my dad. (I’m thinking “I Love Deb” or “Ask Deb”)
     
     
     

Dear Cara,
     
    I was flipping through the pages of this book and I thought it was crazy how I couldn’t bring myself to write one damn letter to you. I don’t want you to think I forgot about you. I could never forget about you, you are embedded in my heart and soul. The truth is, I can’t find the words that are adequate enough to tell you everything I want to say. I can’t find the words to tell you how much you truly mean to me. You see these words will be the words that are left when I’m gone. The words that I write in this book will be here long after the memories of me begin to fade. The words I say in this book to you, are the words that you’ll remember me by forever.
    I’m not ready to say those words. I’m not ready to even find them yet. I’m still here. There are still memories to be made and words to be spoken out loud. We still have time, baby.
     
    I love you.
    Love Always & Forever,
    Jake
     
     

Dear God,
     
    I’m finally caving. Why me? What the hell did I ever do to you? So maybe I wasn’t a boy scout.