Take Me There (38 page)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(
Smiles
) Time flies when you’re having fun.

 

EXT. SIDEWALK IN FRONT OF OFFICE BUILDING-DAY NICOLE
leaves the building. She takes out her cell phone
and dials
.

 

 

CAMERA
zooms out
.NICOLE
walks to the corner
.
Just as she gets there, the streetlight turns green. She crosses the street
.

Entry in Rhiannon’s journal:

Copy of a note found on multiple lockers:

Letter to James Worther from Edith Schaffer, delivered after her death:

 

My Dearest James,

Well, I bet you’re surprised that an old lady like me had so much money in the bank, huh? Especially after the way I clipped all those coupons and checked the sales before I made my grocery lists. But you’d be surprised what saving a little money here and there can do after so many years. I’ve been saving all my life, and now I have this gift to give you. It’s my way of saying thank you for all those kind things you did for me.

I’ve heard that sometimes old people know when they’re going to die. They have a feeling a little while before they pass away. And now I’m the one having that feeling. I don’t know how much time I have left, but I know it’s not long. So I’m writing you this letter, and my lawyer will give it to you after I’m gone.

Now I want to make sure you understand something. This must seem like a lot of money to you. Believe me—I know! You may be tempted to spend it on fun things you don’t need. But this money is meant for college. You’re only allowed to spend it on that. I know what it’s like to grow up always doing without. It’s time for you to stop worrying yourself so much.

You’re probably wondering how I’ll know what you spend it on, being dead and all. I don’t know what happens to us after we die, but I have my theories. Maybe there’s a way for me to find out what’s going on down there. Who knows? Maybe I’ll make new friends and not be so lonely anymore.

People sometimes ask me what the secret of life is. I should know this? Looking back on everything now and knowing my time left on this earth is short, I will say this: Enjoy every day of your life. Appreciate everything your life gives you. You’ll be surprised how fast it all goes by.

You’re a good kid, James. Stay that way. Keep working hard and you will achieve your dreams. Take good care of you.

Remember me to your mom. And carry me in your heart, my dear.

Love,

Mrs. Schaffer

T
he best thing about summer camp is the last day. Because that’s the day you get to go home and live like a normal person again.

Don’t get me wrong. Camp was freaking awesome. I spent the entire summer in Maine at a special camp for the arts. My dad gave me his old Nikon camera and taught me how to develop photos last year, and ever since then photography has been my passion. There’s something about vintage film that captures the Now in a way digital can’t. It just makes everything look softer somehow. And the whole old-school method of developing your own photos exactly how you want them is really cool.

So yeah, I learned a lot more about photography at camp and had a ton of practice. I’ve also been playing the violin since seventh grade, so I had violin lessons there, too. We even had a concert last night.

I’ve only been home for like three hours but I’ve already participated in the following critical post-camp activities:

The only thing left on my list is to get together with Sterling for the first time since June, so I’m majorly stoked. I can’t wait to see her. Not just because she’s my best friend, but because school starts in a week and we’re getting psyched for it.

I love the beginning of the year. It’s all about renewal and rein-venting yourself, becoming the person you’ve always wanted to be. You can go back to school as a whole new person and have a totally different time. Every year I get all excited about how everything’s going to be different, but it never really is. I’m tired of always being disappointed. This has to be our year.

It feels good to knock on Sterling’s door with “Wheel” playing in my head. Like I’ve come full circle after a long journey, even though I’ve only been at sleep-away camp for two months. But this is such a “Wheel” moment. That song rocks. The best part is where John Mayer says how our connections are permanent, how if you drift apart from someone there’s always a chance you can be part of their life again. How everything comes back around again. I have a theory that the answers to all of life’s major questions can be found in a John Mayer song.

Sterling flings the door open. Her hair isn’t brown anymore. Now it’s blonde.

“Oh my god, your
hair
!” I yell.

Then she grabs me and we’re hugging and squealing and doing this thing where we’re hopping around.

“I know!” Sterling goes. “It was supposed to come out more like yours, but the stylist said your color is complicated.”

“Why didn’t you tell me you were dyeing it?”

“I wanted it to be a surprise.”

“Oh, I’m surprised.”

“So, what do you think?” Sterling twirls around so I can inspect her hair from all angles. It’s a lighter blonde than mine, since my hair has different shades of blonde mixed in, and I’m not sure if it works with her coloring.