Dance For The Devil by S. Kodejs Read Free Book Online Page A

so. Can I come and visit when you are? I miss you and I love you.
    Your Son,
    Skeeter
    P.S. I’m going to be a punk rocker for Halloween. Dad thinks I’m getting too old for trick-or-treating, but said I can go one last time.
    P.S.S. I’m going to Darren’s house for a sleepover next Friday. We’re going to watch scary movies and eat pizza in front of the TV. Cool, huh?
     
    Dear Mother:
    Dad said I had to write this letter, so I am. I hope you’re not too busy to read it, but you probably are.
    Victoria is okay. At first it really sucked but it’s getting better. I made some new friends and one of them is Daddy’s boss’s son, Jason Vandercamp. He is really nice and cute. I think you would like him. I think he is going to be my boyfriend but I’m not sure, because kids here don’t really date, not officially. Mostly we hang out in a crowd.
    My school is about the same as it was in Toronto. It even looks the same, lots of red brick. It was scary going to a new school, but I finally fit in. I have one really horrible teacher, Mr. Groom. I call him Doom-Gloom, but of course not to his face. He teaches English and he makes it really boring. At my old school it was my best subject, but now it sucks.
    I don’t really have anything else to say. I think Skeeter misses you. Sometimes I hear him crying for you at night, and sometimes he sleeps with Dad. One time he crawled into my bed and I let him stay, even though it’s disgusting for brothers and sisters to sleep together.
    Oh, Dad went on a date last week. Does that bother you? I don’t think he had very good time because he came home really early and he looked kind of grim. His boss set it up. His boss is just trying to be nice and thinks Dad should be happy again. I know that because Mr. Vandercamp told me.
    Dad said I had to write a full page, so this is it. I’m sorry it isn’t more interesting.
    Amy.
     
    22 September
    Dear Elizabeth,
    Enclosed are the divorce papers, signed as your lawyer instructed. It makes me feel sad, although I understand now what you meant when you said the marriage was over a long time ago.
    The children are adjusting fairly well. I won’t lie and say they are happy, but I think that in time they will be. Each is handling things in his/her own way. Skeeter has regressed, slightly, but it is Amy who concerns me the most. She is sullen and withdrawn, and frequently angry with me. I’m not sure if her moods are a result of normal teenage angst (Gil Vandercamp assures me it is) or if they spring from our breakup. I have thought about family counselling, and will discuss it with the children’s teachers during next month’s interviews.
    I know you disagree, but I think it would be very beneficial for the children to have contact with you. I am not suggesting visitation, although in time that would be ideal. Perhaps a letter, or at the very least, a postcard? The children need some kind of contact with you, even if it is one of closure. Elizabeth, I cannot stress the importance of this enough, but I will not write more about it lest you think I am renewing an argument.
    The Toronto house sold quickly and for a fair price, and I’ve sunk the money, along with every other penny I had into the new house. It felt strange to make this decision alone. Gil Vandercamp assures me it’s a good investment.
    I have not yet decided what to do about the cottage. I think we should keep it for now, so the children and I can vacation there in the summer, and they can see their old friends. Please give me your input on this.
    I have asked the children to each write you a letter. I have promised not to read them, so I have no idea what they will say to you. I t feels as if I am not doing a good enough job being their father. Perhaps I am trying too hard? Do you suppose that’s the ultimate joke? For years I tried too little. Perhaps one day I’ll get it right.
    Goodbye, Elizabeth. I hope you attain happiness in your quest for a new and more fulfilling