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As the months dragged by, Phillip and I wouldn't write as much. In one letter he told me how busy he was with a job he found, and I was helping momma with chores and studying with Gina and Cindy, the female friends I had made. Plus, I just didn't know what to say to him anymore. I didn't see him that summer, but I didn't mind too much. Billy Rourke asked me out the end of junior year and we met up most days. He told me he loved me a couple days before Thanksgiving. I didn't know how to reply. I just said it back. I knew it was a mistake, though. I wrote to Phillip what had happened, and around Christmas I got his reply.

Dec. 19, 1967

Dear Bets,

Wow. Billy Rourke, huh? I think I remember him. He's a candyass. And since I'm your best friend I'm going to give you my honest opinion. You could do much better. There's a whole world out there, Betsy. Don't let some square tie you down while you're young.

I didn't want to tell you before because I was scared of being rejected, but I got into NYU. I'll see you in eight months.

Yours,
Phillip