Belinda Missen - An Impossible Thing Called Love

I’ve just been pulled up in class for laughing at your penis comment. My classmate Craig covered for me – said it was his fault, so I live to see another day of Introduction to Australian Literature. Well done to you for that. The lecturer even asked if we’d both like to leave – whether I wanted to or not, I didn’t want to in front of 200 other people. No thanks. Instead of leave, I figure I’d just sit here and write you a letter.

Do you remember my friends Heather and Josh? Josh of the New Year’s Eve face punch spectacular? About thirty seconds after he’d knocked me to the ground, and Heather found out he’d been hitting on another girl, she realised she was jealous. They’re now dating – and I’m thrilled. How could I not be? The three of us have been friends for years but, now, they’re just … a bit more. I am seriously excited for them. What kind of a shit friend would I be if I wasn’t?

Fun fact: we’re currently reading My Brilliant Career by Miles Franklin. What’s your idea of a brilliant career?

E x

1st April 2011

Hey Fighter,

It’s 11 p.m. – I’ve just opened my mail after a long day, having had a microwave meal and a shower. Not at the same time, of course – chicken cordon bleu (or what bares a slight resemblance to it) doesn’t play well with water.

Thank you for making me laugh – I needed it today. Right now, my idea of a brilliant career is to get out of this GP placement unscathed. I’m exhausted. Off to bed.

First Aid Extraordinaire

14th April 2011

My Favourite First Aid-er,

Get some rest. Lots if you need it.

Come back when you’re feeling up to it.

Emmy xo

P.S. I wasn’t fighting.

3rd May 2011

My Emmy,

You’re officially mine now. I have claimed you, and I’m keeping you. Okay? Okay. Good.

Why do we begin a letter with ‘Dear’? All my bills begin with, ‘Dear William’, and I could swear they don’t actually mean it as a term of endearment.

Thank you so, so much for sending the box of treats. Biscuits, tea bags, a kitschy coffee cup and an ugly tourist magnet – I love it.

You are something else, you know that? I am so sorry I’ve been shit at the letters this month. You’ll be pleased to know you’re at the top of my list with a red star for URGENT.

I was thrilled to get your parcel – both because it kicked me in the backside and reminded me of what I think of about five minutes after leaving work each day, and for the fact that it is amazing and thoughtful. Clippy Koala has found a home above my desk at work – along with one of your photos. I’ll leave you to guess which one.

Mum, Dad, and Jen came to stay last weekend, which was lovely and meant that Mum did all my washing and cooked way more food than I’ll need for the next month (spoilt, I know). Dad helped with a bit of painting, and Jen stole my Wi-Fi and watched telly – so all’s right with the world.

I’m so glad I met you. Have I told you that today?

William. xo

28th May 2011

Lovely William,

Hello! This letter is brought to you by my university library which, sadly, is nothing like Hogwarts. I’m here with Craig working on an essay for Political History. I’m quite sure neither of us know what we’re doing, but we’re going to give it a go anyway.

I’m glad you enjoyed your parcel. They were just some little things I collected along the way.

Last weekend, I did my first volunteer stint since I got home. It was a rock concert, and not a band that I love, but it was nice to get out and about. It made me think of you – have you done any volunteering since Edinburgh? It felt good to get back into it, if I’m honest, so I’ve put my hand up for some more.

Emmy xo

27th June 2011

My Emmy,

Quick catch up – I’m off the grid for a week or so now. Heading up to the Peak District for some camping (drinking), unwinding (not reading textbooks), and doing nothing (true). I hope you’re keeping warm. Enjoy this box of goodies. The teapot reminded me of you. I’m not sure why, but it did, so I thought you should have it. I was shopping with my mum at the time, and she did question why I’d bought it.

Never fear, I’ll be on the lookout for cheap and tacky souvenirs while I camp. Enjoy your care package.

W.

P.S. It’s a negative on the volunteering – too tired/busy/circle appropriate answer.

24th July 2011

You beautiful man,

Thank you – a thousand times, thank you. It’s not every day a girl is spoilt with a Fortnum & Mason tea set. (did you take out a second mortgage for this? It’s so delicate!) You’re way too thoughtful and beautiful and now I need to think of something to send you in return.

It was my last exam today, so this has come at the perfect moment. I have tea steeping as I write this.

And I’ll use the voucher to take my sister out this weekend. Frankie is twelve years older than me, though it sometimes feels like there’s one hundred years between us. She doesn’t live at home, but she’s just broken up with another boyfriend (and I say ‘another’ in the nicest possible way). So, a night out for the both of us will be great, I think. I hope. Maybe I’ll see if Ezra wants to join us, too. He’s the lucky middle child – nine years older than me, but I think he might be busy with his girlfriend and her daughter.

Have the best time while you’re away. I’ll wait for your next mail to arrive – oh, and I’ll send you one, too.

Love,

Emmy x

16th August 2011

Em,

I thought I’d wait until I posted this stuff to send you a letter. Recently, I’ve found I quite enjoy getting things in the mail that aren’t bills. I hope you feel the same.

Great weekend away – brain feels a little recharged, and I got a decent amount of sleep. If I’m honest, all I did on the first day was sleep. Everyone else went hiking and climbing. I stayed back at camp and slept – it was glorious. I ate lots of baked potatoes, drank too much beer, and pondered a few things that are a story for another day.

One of the best parts of our trips is the people we meet. What started as four friends getting away for the weekend has become somewhat of a choose your own adventure. It started when Hamish invited another friend along. Now it’s friends, girlfriends, people I’ve never met before and others who float in and out as occasion needs – and it’s fun. For example, there were fifteen of us this time. The only people I hadn’t met before were Owen, Claire, Angela, and Pip. Pip is a boy, mind you.

Slipped into Sheffield on the way through to pick up a small gift for you. Enjoy.

What are your plans this weekend? Can’t wait to hear from you.

Will x

27th August 2011

My Emmy,

It’s your birthday soon, right? I thought I might try and fly out for it. I’d love to see you again, and I’ve often wondered if our meeting was pure chance, or if there was something more to it. Anyway, I’m going to stop rambling – we can talk about all that when I arrive. I’ve found a hotel, and flights are currently cheap enough. If you have any objections, speak now or forever hold your peace…

W x

5th September 2011