Dear Elizabeth,
Hi ... I'm back to Tara*. I tried out TSTARR for a while but don't like being called that. (It's fine for my e-mail address, though.) You know me. I like to try out new things. My hair this week, by the way, is a lovely shade of puce ... just kidding.

Anyway ... wow ... your father came back. He is LOWER than pond scum, to show up drunk to take Emma out. And he's so mean to exclude you. (Not that you would want to go with him, but still that soooooo hurtful.)

Wow ... Your mom was incredibly strong. She has changed sooooo much! And Mr. Besser really got involved. That's so amazing. I wonder if he and your mom are getting "involved" too. I am so glad he and Howie are in your lives, whatever way it is.

What about Emma? I can't believe ice cream so easily distracted her from what was a really powerful scene. Maybe when she's older and in therapy or something, it will all come back to her and she'll deal with it then.

Elizabeth, I can't believe that in the middle of telling something so big, you would take the time to worry about word choice. That is soooooo YOU.

Now for what's happening in the Lane House (and outside environs):

1. Little Bo Poop has lost his pinworms ... and can't tell where to find them. For Halloween, I made a tube to go around his body, drew on it so it looked like a soup can, and labeled it Campbell's Cream of Worms Soup. He was not happy wearing his costume.

2. The twins are fine. The project is almost over. Some kids say that when we are done, they are going to hold a "Smash Them" day and break the eggs and then have a party. Phil and I have decided we will come back to my house, blow the liquid from each egg, and then each keep one of them. (I'll probably take Eggsmerelda. Phil does not have a strong fashion sense.) Or maybe we will share custody. I really do think Phil is terrific and I am soooo glad we are friends. Actually, he is getting cuter and cuter the longer I know him.

3. Bart came over yesterday to apologize and ask if we could get back together. He was so sweet. He brought candy for me ... and flowers for Barb. (I think his older brother coached him.) We talked for a while and I told him I didn't want to go out with him again, that he had acted like a jerk. (He agreed that he had acted like a jerk.) We talked for a while more and decided to be friends. (I am learning so much this year, it's amazing.) So he isn't perfect, but he's still worth knowing. After our big talk, he and Barb and I played Scrabble. It was nice.

4. About Luke ... He is just the best dad. (I hope you don't mind my saying that.) He is going to school, working, and doing his best to help out around the house. The other day I walked into my parents' bedroom and Luke was resting his head on Barb's stomach and singing "Hello Baby" (to the tune of "Hello Dolly") to the baby. Barb was kind of patting him on his head. I almost turned around to leave them alone but they told em to come in and join them. We all sat there singing songs to the baby. I sang "Sisters." (Luke says that if the baby is a boy that might confuse him.) It was one of the best times in my life. It was so "family." I really do love my parents sooooooo much (even though they drive me nuts sometimes). And I'm prepared to give the baby a chance. I'm not promising to adore her but I am beginning to think of her as part of the family, of my family.

5. About Barb ... I saved this part for last because there's so much to say and at the same time, not so much. She's doing OK. There was a scare the other night. She thought she was going into labor again but she wasn't. (She's giving up pizza with sausage until after the baby is born.) She's not great at staying in bed, but she's managing ... reading a lot of books and watching too much television. Sometimes I feel like I'm her personal servant, but most of the time I feel like we are "mother-daughter bonding," which is something they talk about on those daytime TV shows. (I confess. I've been watching them with her.)

6. It's hard to come right home from school when all my friends are staying to work on the play and the yearbook, and for just having fun. But my friends have been terrific, coming over here ... calling ... talking on e-mail ... and Instant Messaging.

Phew, this is a very, very long e-mail. You can tell I am spending a lot of time at home.

Elizabeth ... do you think we could work out a time and day when you are watching Emma but have time off so that we can IM each other? It would be so great if we could do that. I'm going a little stir crazy ... and I do miss "conversing" with you.

Lots of Love,
Tara*

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