P.S. I Like You

Other than that, it’s loud and disorganized and exhausting. But the food is actually homemade and we do laugh a lot. So I think I win. But … hang in there.

I’m convinced we do speak the same music language because Track 11 on Serendipity is on my favorites list. (As for your “song” about us speaking the same music language. Just … no.) I wonder if we compared our playlists what percentage would be the same. I wouldn’t want it to be one hundred percent because that’s too similar. You have to bring something new to the table to help balance out my music tastes or I’ll learn nothing. You did introduce me to The Crooked Brookes so I think we’re safe for now.

Tuesday from him:

Good thing we’re safe. I didn’t realize the music list conversation could put us in jeopardy. I feel the need to present a new band to you so we’re safe for another couple weeks. Maybe I have that backward. I already did my part. Where is my new band from you? I could really use one. I’ve had a bad couple of days.

Have you ever tried so hard to live up to expectations only to fall short every time? That was vague and cryptic, wasn’t it? Okay, so my stepdad. He’s a super demanding jerk and I feel like if I could do or be what he expects me to be, then he’d be nicer to my mom or happier, or something. He’s been in my life for six years and I still can’t figure out exactly what it is that he expects of me. He’ll ask me to do things, I’ll think I do exactly what he asks, but he is never satisfied. I know you said you’re not good at sage advice, but what would you do in this situation?

Tuesday from me:

I don’t know. I’m a bit of a people pleaser so I’d be horrible in that situation. It sounds like maybe you are too. I guess if I were trying my hardest, that’s the best I could do. But it sounds like it’s his problem, not yours. If you haven’t figured out what his expectations are then they are undefined, which makes them impossible to live up to. Have you tried talking it out with him? Asking him?

You need a new band to help you deal with this? How about Better Than Yesterday? Are they new to you or are we in sync again?

Wednesday from him:

They aren’t new to me but I love them, of course. However NSYNC better not be on your list or we might be done.

Ask my stepdad. Now there’s an obvious solution that I haven’t tried yet. I just thought if I kept running as fast as he said for as long as he said that eventually I’d catch him. I don’t know why I care what he thinks so much anyway. Like I said, he’s a jerk to both me and my mom. I shouldn’t worry about it, especially because it doesn’t help. But for whatever reason his approval still means something to me. I do like your advice though. I should try that. Does it work for you when you talk to your parents? Are you a parent whisperer? (More lyrics: She’s a parent whisperer and that’s why she rules the world.) Tips would be helpful.

Wednesday from me:

Hey, I just give advice, I don’t take it. Tips for talking to parents … hmm … maybe write a letter so they have to listen and can’t interrupt. I don’t know. I talk to my parents a lot. For example: Can you pass the butter? Can I stay home from school today? Can I borrow the car?

No, but in all seriousness, sometimes I do talk to my mom about things that matter. And half the time it helps. The other times, life is too crazy for her to hear me. I’m not the only one who has no space in my house.

Okay, enough of the minor problems in our lives. Back to the real issue: finding an awesome band you’ve never heard of. Oh! How about End Game or Flight and Fight? Also, please, please stop making up song lyrics. It’s killing me.

Thursday (him):

Flight and Fight? I haven’t listened to them before. You finally found one. This means our playlists aren’t perfectly matched! We’re safe. I know you secretly like my song lyrics. How can you not? They’re brilliant. And besides, I don’t see you offering up any lyrics. Do you have any to share? You said you’d written parts of songs. You should include some lyrics in a letter so I can read them.

As far as writing my stepdad a letter, that’s a really good idea. One I might be able to do. I mean, I know a girl who just skims letters, but unlike her, he might actually read the whole thing.

Thursday (me):

I hope you’re not referring to me when you say you know a girl who skims letters. I read at least half. That’s much different than skimming. I measured this week in letters so I think you’ve underestimated their importance in my life. Well, at least their importance in my Chemistry class. That’s almost the same as life. And now that it’s almost Friday, I’m already dreading the no-letter weekend. No, but really (do I say that a lot?) I think a letter to your stepdad is a great idea. You should try it and if it works, let me know. Then maybe this will become my go-to form of communication with my parents from here on out. Talking is so overrated, I am learning.

And there is no way I’m including lyrics in a letter. I don’t share my unfinished songs with anyone. When I write the perfect one, then I will share.