Jaci Mae Sheppard

Not really. I can just redecorate my room I have here. It’s pretty much the same thing. Cramped room. Roommates. Communal bathroom. Sneaking around and getting drunk. 

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No. I don’t think I’m applying to college. 

They always thought it was gonna stop me, but it never did. I miss that. I hope next time we see them they’ll just be so happy to have all of us back that they’ll never be mad at any of us again.

Geez, Ilia wasn’t lying...I’m going to tell you something, Salley, okay? And it’s not to make you upset or think you’re lying or anything like that. But...

She thinks momma and daddy are still alive. And Tinley and Matty too. She doesn’t remember anything about the night we left. Cal’s worried, but Britton isn’t. I just wanted to tell you what was going on. I know they forget to clue you in on what’s happening sometimes. 

Psh, they don’t forget...it’s more just try and protect me or something. Thank you for including me, though. I like to know what’s going on. 

So is Kylie. You’ll grow out of it. 

Probably. I genuinely have like barely any interest towards most guys, so it’s whatever. Oh, unless they don’t know I exist. Then I love them. 

Ew! No! I don’t want to MARRY him! 

Well, whatever! All I’m saying is I’m genuinely okay with it. As lame as this sounds...it makes me feel normal. Like, all the TV shows I first watched when I got here from Plumfeld. You know the best friend and the older brother plots on like Disney or Nickelodeon. It’s kinda funny. 

I also skipped mass at least twice a week with the Ambrose and Hintzey boys. I always liked seeing Daddy’s nostrils flair when he saw me after. I thought it was funny. 

Daddy’s nostrils would always flair and Mama would tap her foot so loud. Remember that? Her arms crossed and toes just tapping. She didn’t even have to say anything and we all knew. 

I know, but… you’re my best friend and I felt bad keeping that a secret from you. Plus, it’s your brother. And on top of that, it’s ZODI!

‘Cause it’s fine! Really! You can be my sister-in-law. 

And I don’t think she’s all that innocent, if you ask me…

I know she’s waayyy less innocent than me, but I am a prude, so. 

I just wanna make sure you know we’re never going back. Don’t… don’t listen to the stuff Salley says. Cal thinks she’s unwell. 

You would have to drag me back to Plumfeld. I can’t imagine ever, ever going back there. It was awful. Don’t worry. I got my own brains. Unwell how?