Sincerely Mallory-August 21st

SUN. 21st.

So nothing interesting ever happens on a sunday. I think that someone a long time ago decided that sundays are they day you do everything you don't want to do the rest of the week. All the ultra dull stuff. I mean, if you think about it, what do you do on a sunday? Well, obviously, you don't do anything since you are infact just a notebook, but me? I do the lamest things my parents can think of. Sundays are the days for dusting, or to catch up on some reading. If I really have to talk to another V.C. Andrews book, instead of my Mother's face I think I am going to scream!

Today is also the day that for some reason people think we have to go to church and then after the preacher telling us all the bad things we are doing that we should be ashamed of, we have to endure a meal with the family. I mean, I guess I should be excited to see my Dad's parents since I haven't seen them in a really long time. But seriously, who are we fooling? We haven't seen them for so long for a reason, and honestly, although I do love Grandma, and Granddad Foster, I am surprised they are still getting around. They have to be in their early eighties, maybe older. And they are very baptist. When I say very, I really mean extremely. I'm talking about if they could have a baptist credit card, it would be maxed out. I don't know about many other religions, I mean, I think that Aunt Stacy is Catholic, but I don't really like the idea of having to tell a man on the other side of the box your sins. It just reminds me of a drive through, I feel like I should be ordering fries, not saying I sinned because I ate too many. Not to disrespect catholics in any way ofcourse, I just don't think if I would choose a religion to follow it would be that one. Plus, I hear the services, or should I say masses are at odd times, and you get a good work out from sitting down and standing up. I think the whole baptism is better with the catholic community though. I would really rather be sprinkled than dipped, especially if I had to get in the tub right after a huge sweaty man or something. I guess they both have their pros and cons, I'd just rather tell my wrong doings to the big man himself. I really don't know enough about other religions to talk about them, well except pennacostal, and I'd really not go into detail about the pros and cons on that one, other than I do enjoy recieving a pennacostal handshake. Atleast, thats what Daddy calls it when you shake someone's hand and they pass you money at the same time. I think it should be called the drug dealer hand shake, but either way, I like it.

So the supper at the Foster folks house was extremely ordinary. And when I say ordinary, I mean boring and predictible. We all went their their house to eat, and see, the thing about them is that they think that should they ever have people over, they should cook a meal that could feed an entire army. We had so much soul food in that house I am surprised it wasn't haunted. There were things there that I don't think I would of dreamed of frying. Although I had to appreciate a good fried green tomato. The only thing about the old folks in this town. They eat so many veggies, they forget about the meats! There wasn't a single meat on the table. We had green beans, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, cabbage, and so on, BUT! we didn't have a single meat. No protien whatsoever, unless you want to count the bacon that they cooked with the green beans to flavor it, which, I don't.

The supper conversation went like it normally does. There was talk about all the other relatives in the family that I don't ever care to name or really even want to know about. They are either dying, or complaining about how their body hurts. I am so tired of hearing that old people are old. It's what happens with age, we aren't wine! So after that, they wanted to gossip about what is going on in my life. Basically, being the youngest person in my family, I have the most interesting life. So mother told them about my new fling, which I infact would call a one day relationship. But thats too serious for mother. And she also mentioned the whole fight with Hannah thing, which ofcourse got a hoot and a holler out of Grandad Foster. Its easy to see that my father is his son. Grandma foster thought it was a hilarious story also, seeing how her conversation with mother went a little unexpected.

"Well, good for you Lori girl, you grew some backbone, obviously without your mothers help."

"Diane, please, don't encourage her." Mom said.

"Aw, hell Marlene, give the girl a break. She needs some rough housing, its good for a girl her age to stand up for herself."Granddad gruffed out.

"She did you both proud then. She was covered in dirt and filth, it was embrassing for her to come home covered in all that mess." Mom argued.

"You should of seen the other girl." Dad said with a smile and wink "Isn't that right doll?" He asked me.

"It's true. She's probably sore today. And I've probably gave her mom an excuse to finally get her some plastic surgery." I joked. Mom huffed but with all the laughter my joking got, she knew she was defeated.

When eating was finally over, and I say finally, cause it seems like it takes a couple of hours to actually try everything that Grandma Foster cooks, we went into the living room for the ordinary. Mom reading, dad and Granddad talking about what new guns that Granddad bought. Grandma falling asleep with her mouth open and her top dentures hanging out her mouth, and I was infact texting and painting my toe nails at the same time. I hardly paint my nails, if they are painted I go to a salon and get them done. I have many colors I enjoy trying out on my toes however. I always think, well, if I don't like it I can always just wear flats for a while. So as my 'I eat mainly lobster' shade was drying, I was texting Aiden.

From Aiden:

Hey. R U ready 4 school 2morrow?

To Aiden:

As ready as I'll ever be I guess. Do you think some major drama will go down?

From Aiden:

Hell yea. But I will b by ur side & so will Charlie. We already talked about it. U got us.

To Aiden:

Well, I'm glad I atleast have two real friends.

From Aiden:

I think u should talk 2 Tad 2. He isnt all about Brooke like it seems.

To Aiden:

I might. I just don't think I should do anything for them to be more mad at me at the moment, you know? (not to even mention that I sort of have a crush on him..)

From Aiden:

Ur right. imy. See u in school 2morrow k?

To Aiden:

I miss you too. And alrighty. I'll probably text you later tonight.

Only one good thing actually happened out of the day. My Dad took me driving, which it would of been great except for the fact we had to carry awkward conversation. In my Mom's Lexus, we rode for a few minutes in silence. See, the problem is, that when I was younger, my father and I got along great. We did things together that my mother wouldn't do. She wasn't ever one to get her hands dirty, and really neither was I, but I always did things with Dad that I wouldn't normally do. He was so full of laughter when he wasn't working. And to me, I thought Dad was happy. I guess thats why it hurt so much when I found out about his affair.

After a few of the basic directions I was out on the back country road that my grandparents lived on.

"Alright Mallory. This road isn't traveled much, but when it is, they don't always obey the speed limit. Not many cops drive these roads so, it isn't too much enforced. So you just keep your eyes out ok?"

"Ok." I said not even looking away from the road. Drumming my fingers on the steering wheel, a thought came to me. I didn't know how to ask, and honestly, I didn't want to know the answer. I needed to know though. I had to ask. Nobody talked to me about it. Nobody really even mentioned it at all. But in this instant there was one question burning in my mind that I had to know the answer to, want to or not. "Dad, Do you love mom?"

He didn't say saying for a few seconds he just stared at the road and after a moment I didn't think he was going to answer me. When he did, I could tell the confusion in his voice. "I think I do." He paused, and when I went to say something else, he stopped me. "Mallory, you have to understand, Your mother and I have been together for a very long time. We were highschool sweethearts. I don't think I will ever not love your mother, but I have come to think, maybe we are still together because it is confortable. I know you don't understand right now, but what happened has nothing to do with you, and honestly it has nothing to do with your mother. Its about me, and it was my mistake. Do I know if your mother and I can work though it? No. Am I trying? Yes." He said with as much honesty as a father could.

"I want to know why you did it. Why did you cheat?" My voice was a bit more desperate than I wanted it to be. I wanted to sound like we were having a grown conversation, but instead I felt like a child.

"I don't know Mallory, I honestly don't. I can't give you a reason that won't sound like an excuse. It wasn't that I don't love your mother. And it isn't that I had feelings for Katie, because I don't. I think that the real reason is that since Marlene and I have been together for so long, that maybe I feel like I don't know how to be without her. Thats scary isn't it? To think you don't know who you are without that person. And because that thought occured to me, it dug its way into my mind. Your mother is a beautiful woman. She has always been one to put me in my place when nobody else would. The fight in her is what drawn me to her. She was a challenge, and her heart was the trophy. It was attractive at first, to have someone to argue and make up with, but it seems now all we do is argue." He said.

As he talked he must of got lost in his own thoughts cause when I pulled into the drive way he was still staring as if I was still driving. I didn't know what to say to what he told me. I didn't think it was really appropriate to discuss my parents problems. Like he said, they didn't exactly include me. I did learn the important stuff however. #1. They are both trying to work on their relationship. #2.Become your own person before being with another person. and #3. Keep my man away from any girls named Katie. They are homewrecking w****s.

When he was finally out of his daze he looked at me and said "You shouldn't worry your pretty little head about your mother and me. We will be fine no matter the outcome. If we don't work out there is always one amazing thing that happened when we were together that I wouldn't give up for anything."

"Whats that?" I asked with one brow raised.

He replied with words I did not expect. He said "You Mallory. I love you sweetpea."

I was the amazing thing that happened to my father and mother. I was the only child they ever had, and they considered me amazing. My father said he loved me for the first time in a long while, and although I know it was silly and I'm embarrassed now, I cried a little and we hugged in the car for a while before going in. Some things you will never want to forget, and although I still am on my mothers side in this battle, I have to give my father some slack. My mother may not understand my change of heart, and maybe I don't either, sometimes its best if we don't understand why we feel the way we feel. I can't forget what he did, but I can forgive him, and maybe help with moving on and staying together.

Reviews

[Mia]

Well, obviously, you don't do anything since you are in fact just a notebook, but me?
I think it should be called the drug dealer hand shake, but either way, I like it.
It's what happens with age, we aren't wine!
#3. Keep my man away from any girls named Katie. They are homewrecking w****s.

The moment she had with her dad was lovely. It was as important for her as it was for him for her to forgive him (that’s one messy sentence...LOL). I'm glad they had it. I'm having a hard time feeling for the mum though...not sure why just am. Also I’m still TEAM Aiden!!! Just saying :P

[Belinda]

Haha!! You just wait til the next chapter!! Im rooting for aiden too. Hes just sooo sweet!! && i want to thank you for posting your favorite lines!! And getting so involved! People like you is why i love posting what i write! I hope you keep reading!!

[Mia]

It really is a pleasure! Mallory's life is so intense and interesting...it's hard not to get involved!

[marytownsend]

I'm backtracking a bit and rereading as I realized I hadn't left reviews on some of your chapters. This one I like a lot especially the interaction with her dad. Sometimes, we don't know why we feel like we do and maybe that is best.

[Belinda]

Awh well thank you. Cause reviews mean a lot to me. I hope you read the latest chapters though!

[anxia]

Sorry Belinda but your drug dealer comparison is way too offensive!!!

[Belinda]

Sorry u feel that way.

[SM Garcia]

I loved it all, but especially the ending. That moment of a different kind of father/daughter bonding time. She finally got one of her parents to admit that they cared about her. Off to read more.

[Belinda]

I think thats the thing, it sincerely surprised her. She really didn't know what her parents thought of her until that moment. Thats kinda sad in a way, but very true for some kids.

[RachelReaper]

Awesome job with this chapter and I can't wait to hear from Aiden... or Tad at school tomorrow!!! (or, Mallory's tomorrow, anyways), looking forward to the next chapter, but I did like this chapter. However, if I knew that my dad cheated on my mom I would be like, "Dude, don't even want to know" however, I think Mallory's a little more sensitive to things like that and that's what makes her Mallory. But, seriously, you should get this published when your done, it'll give "13 Reasons why" a run for its money.

[Belinda]

If i could even be as lucky as to even get published!! I dont even know how to go through that process..

[Emma Marie Taylor]

Love it. Should be a book!

Check out my chapters:) LOVE YOUR WORK. SO AWESOME

[Hester Vane]

This is written so well! The narrative voice is so natural and likeable! You have done an amazing job with this! I found it so engaging and easy to read. You have also captured the emotions and created Mallory exquisetly! Just brilliant! Well done!

[Belinda]

Thank you!! Im so glad you like it! Im glad you found it easy to read because some chapters are LONG!

[Violet Dreams...]

This is nice...I liked it

[Ees]

I am back!

My first question of the morning: Might you want to re-phrase the section where "you" speak about having a meal with the grandparents. At first it sounds as though it is something that happens every week, then you later explain that you haven't seen them in a while, so I think that there might be an easier flowing way to write that?
very funny passage following that,
though there is protein in cheese as far I know. haha

I have a hard time believing that a father would speak so candidly with a young daughter. I wonder if there is a way that your could break this conversation with a description on whether her father's tendency was to be so forthcoming, or if he was breaking with normal behavior to say something very important.... okay, you get to that later, I jumped the gun a bit, but you may want to put how Mallory felt in that tense moment waiting for her father to speak and what she was thinking as his words came, you know, at the same time.

Why bring up the Pentecostal stuff if you weren't going to go into it? My old roommate was brought up as Pentecostal, the other two of us are Catholic, so we were fascinated with hearing about what church was like for her when she was growing up. She was pretty interested in Catholicism too. We weren't the sort of people who argued religion, just explained certain things to each other. The big thing that confused Gina was talking to saints. That was the first time I learned that people from other religions don't just talk to dead people. When they pray it is only to Jesus? I can talk to my dead friends and I can talk to my grandpa... I am not praying to them, just talking, and the saints are there to help God, and I can pray to them if I think they would be interested in a particular topic... That was the most interesting concept and difference that we discovered while living together.


The following sentence was really hard to read, try saying it out loud: "Foster folks house was extremely ordinary. And when I say ordinary, I mean boring and predictible. We all went their their house to eat, and see, the thing about them is that they think that should they ever have people over, they should cook a meal that could feed an entire army.

Hmmm, somehow I typed this out of order... sorry.
Well, I thought this was good, it portrayed a lot of emotion and the way that people, especially daughters think. Good job!

[Belinda]

I brought up the pentecostal stuff, cause of the handshake, I was raised laidback pentecostal, we could wear pants, makeup and have our hair cut. But I didn't go into detail, cause it wasn't really a big subject in the story. there wasn't any need when she wasn't actually at a pentecostal church.

[Belinda]

The girl is 15, but really, she's an only child and feels older, and her father, feels like she is getting older too, thus letting her stay out til she wants, or til she feels like it is a respectable time to come home, and letting her know about her family. it isn't just about them. its about her too.

[Belinda]

And, the reason the phrasing is weird, is cause it happens every week now she is living in mississippi, where it used to not.

[Ees]

Okay, I only brought it up, because if you didn't want to expand upon the Pentecostal subject, you might want to omit if from the story. You know what I mean? Why make the reader think about things that they don't have to?

[Ees]

Okay, I see what you mean. It might be easy to say something like: "Now that we live in Mississippi Sundays consist of visiting my paternal grandparents..." or something to that effect...

good job!

[Belinda]

Cause of the handshake. It was just brought us to put some humor on the subject. Cause a pentecostal handshake, is alot like a drug dealer's handshake...