Dear Tara*,

Well. Of all the developments. You won't believe what happened this morning. (Don't worry. It isn't Dad related. And it's a good thing.) The phone rang, Mom answered it, talked for a few minutes, and then came into the living room, where Emma and I were watching Charlotte's Web on TV (I just love rainy Saturdays). She said Mr. Besser had called and wanted to know if we would like to join him and Howie for Thanksgiving. It's going to be the first Thanksgiving they've actually celebrated since Howie's mother died. (She died not long before Thanksgiving last year, and Howie said he and his dad were too sad to celebrate either Thanksgiving or Christmas then.) And of course, this will be our first Thanksgiving since Dad moved out. So ... we're going to do it. We're going to have the meal at Howie's because his apartment is bigger than ours, but we're going to share the cooking equally. I can't wait. This is going to be so much fun! It won't be a BIG Thanksgiving celebration like we're used to, but I just know it's going to be better.

One worry — what if Dad calls and wants to know what we're doing for Thanksgiving? Maybe he'll expect us to spend it together. I know Mom won't change our plans, but still, how will we handle this? Maybe this is something I should leave in the adults' hands. I guess so. I don't know. I have a funny feeling about Dad and the Bessers and Thanksgiving. (But mostly I'm really excited.)

You know, I've been thinking about Howie, Tara. There have been those times when I've felt certain strong sensations when I'm near him — like the heat from his hand in the movies that time, or just ... I don't know, weird, powerful vibrations when we're alone together. But I'm still not sure I feel anything more than a really wonderful, close friendship with him. You know how it is (how very exciting) when you first discover that a person is more of a soulmate than just a regular friend? You must have felt that at some point with Hannah, or maybe with Phil too. And I remember the first time I felt that with you, even though we were pretty young then. It was the fourth or fifth day we'd eaten lunch together in the cafeteria, and suddenly we discovered that we both liked to write, that we both kept journals, that we adored Harriet the Spy because it's a journal. Remember that? I bet you do. At the time I just thought you were my new best friend. But looking back I see that what I was feeling was the discovery of a soulmate. I kind of think that's what I feel with Howie, except that I've never felt that way about a boy before, so maybe I confused what those feelings meant. Oh, Tara, I hope you understand what I'm saying. I don't know if I'm making myself clear.

All right. On to a different subject.

I love what is happening with you and Luke and Barb right now. You are really lucky. Nothing has REALLY changed in your family, and yet you're all growing so close. (and no, Tara, of course I don't mind if you say what a great dad Luke is. I like hearing about great dads. Maybe that's one reason I like Mr. Besser. Knowing about people like him and Luke gives me hope, even if I've given up hope with my own dad.)

Gosh, that's scary — what happened with Barb and the pizza. But you know what, Tara? I just have a good feeling about the baby. I really do. I think she's going to be okay.

Oh — I just reread your e, and yes, I'd LOVE to set up a time to send IMs. What about tomorrow afternoon? Any time is fine with me. Three o'clock might be good because Mom is taking Emma to a birthday party then. Let's leave it at 3:00, unless I hear from you. (I promise to check my e-mail tonight and tomorrow morning.)

Enjoy the rest of your Saturday, Tara!

Love,
Elizabeth