KINGSLEY SHACKLEBOLT: 10 January, 1978
Back in school, for the last time. I'm really, really looking forward to being out of here and working, having a life of my own.
Thanks for your help with the mess over Christmas. Mum has been good to her word and hasn't told Dad anything. I've been pretty good, too. I haven't contacted G. at all. He hasn't called me either. I think he was glad he didn't have to face Dad.
I thought he would be upset, but he was just fine. He didn't even fight or try to convince me not to do it. He just said that if that was what I wanted, it was all right. He really didn't care at all, so I guess I did the right thing, yeah?
You remember how we used to write to each other all the time? He hasn't written me since that day. Which is for the best - this way Dad won't suspect a thing. Not that there's anything for him to suspect, of course. Never was. G. and I were only horsing around. But I don't have to tell you that - you know it.
Mum only lectured me once during the holidays - she told me she still felt bad about not telling Dad about G. and me, that she hated lying to Dad and all that. I told her there was nothing to tell Dad; I repeated the whole conversation again, that G. and I were only friends and I would not talk to him ever again.
Dad asked me where G. was - I guess he got used to having G. around - and I told him he was probably spending the holidays with his brother and his sister's family. I wonder where he is and if he's dating that woman again. She was not very nice, all over him all the time. Didn't even let him breathe.
Anyway, this girl in my House came back from Christmas break looking much better than last year. I think I'll ask her out. I told my Mum only girls from now on, right?
Again, thanks a lot. I owe you a big one.
Your cousin,
Kingsley