Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Dear Kent,

I'm not sure if you'll get this before you come back, but what's the harm of me sending it anyway?

Things will be different in Pelican Town when you come back. Lewis is still the mayor, and it stills snows almost everyday in Winter, but the atmosphere feels very different. The people, some of whom I've known the whole time I've lived in the Valley, are changing everyday.

The old property west of town is now occupied by a young farmer, whom Samuel has grown quite fond of. They think I don't know what's going on with them, but they forget that we were young once too. Speaking of Samuel, your son is quite the man now. He's putting off school for now, but right now he's working at the old archeology office two days a week. There used to be a JojaMart in town that he worked at, but that went away pretty quickly. He seems so much happier working at the museum anyways. Sam has been hanging out with Robin's boy, Sebastian, who's a nice enough boy, but I worry sometimes he might be a negative influence on Sam since he smokes, but I have to believe our Sam has his head on straight. He also spends his time with Pierre and Caroline's daughter, Abby, who's a bit of strange girl. Poor Caroline. Between Pierre who's always working and Abigail, who's in her rebellious phase, she's really got her hands full. But then again, so do I!

Sam, Sebastian, and Abigail have recently started a band, with the help of their farmer friend, and they've even performed in Zuzu City. I have to admit that they're pretty good, and you would be very proud of him, even if music these days is a bit...different from when we were young. I've already told him when you're back next Spring that he has to cut back on playing his guitar in the house. That boy's going to prematurely deaf if he keeps blaring his music.

Vincent must have grown at least a foot since the last time you've seen him. He's taking lessons from Pam's daughter, Penny–do you remember her? She's friends with Sam too. I thought she and Sam might become a couple, but honestly she's a little moody for him. I don't exactly like the idea of him spending time at that old trailer anyways. Vincent's grades are okay. I think he has trouble concentrating. Hopefully he grows out of it, but for now he's just a boy.

Oh, and also, the Community Center is open! Do you remember when we used to sneak in there at night? I wish we were dumb kids again. Still, it's a beautiful place and I think it's a nice place for the boys and their friends to hang out in.

I cook Risotto every Sunday. I can't wait for you to eat it at our table. The bed isn't warm enough when you're not here, even in the Summer.

I love you.

Jodi

Chapter Text

My Dearest Alex–

More than anything I wish I could stay with you and watch you grow up. I've been sick for a long time, and I know my time is nearly up. I've asked your granny not to give you this letter until you're older and you can understand the circumstances a little better. By the time you read this, I'll have been long gone, but that doesn't mean I can't still give you a little advice. So here is what I wish I could be around to tell you in person:

1. Be patient with Grandpa. He's cranky, I know, but he hates that chair more than anything. He appreciates any help you give him, even if he can't admit it. You're a lot like him: stubborn as hell. Always appreciate the things Granny and Grandpa and everyone else do for you. They don't hear thank you enough, and it might just rub off on my papa. Also, NEVER assume he can't teach you how to be a good man. He's the best man I've ever met. Don't you forget that.

2. Help Granny whenever you can. Do the dishes, keep your room clean, whatever. This one should pretty self explanatory.

3. Never give up on your dreams. I know you're fixed on Gridball right now, and I think that's wonderful. But, if you ever feel like doing something else, just know that when your dreams change, you're not giving up. You're just finding a new dream to pursue. If you do want to keep playing, then go all the way. I know you can go pro if you put your heart and soul into it, and I'll still be your biggest fan even if I'm not with you.

4. Love with your whole heart. There might be some pretty ladies (or handsome men!) in Pelican Town, but loving someone who is beautiful inside and out is the most important thing. Never pretend. Your kindness and spirit are far more impressive and charming than how you think you should look or act.

5. (This one is optional) This is hard, so I'm leaving it up to you. Please try to forgive me for all I've done. Your father is that by blood, and that's it. For me to stay with him for so long was unfair to you in so many ways. I can never take back the time you lost with him, just like I can never forget your face when I chose him over you so many times before. Just know that what your father and I had was not love, and you should never, never think that you are doomed to repeat that.

You are my kind, handsome, smart, strong, wonderful boy. You make me proud every day, and I know you'll continue to long after I'm gone.

All my love,

Momma

Chapter Text

Fall 19 11:25 AM

MaruChan is now online.

MaruChan: Guys. Family meeting. Now!!!!

SciGuyDem is now online.

SciGuyDem: What is it?

MaruChan: Seb???

MaruChan: Hello??????

SciGuyDem: I think he's still sleeping...

MaruChan: Don't have time for this. BRB.

SciGuyDem: BRB?

MaruChan has left the chat.

SciGuyDem: Hello?

Seb10 is now online.

Seb10: Y R U POUNDING ON MY DOOR

MaruChan is now online.

MaruChan: FAMILY MEETING!!!!

SciGuyDem: What does BRB mean?

MaruChan: Mom's birthday is in 2 DAYS guys!!!

Seb10: y r u shouting

MaruChan: Not shouting. This is a private family meeting. Mom cannot know.

SciGuyDem: What were you thinking Maru?

MaruChan: Something special! We CANNOT have a repeat of last year's disaster!

Seb10: it wasnt that bad...

MaruChan: YOU AND SAM NEARLY SET THE HOUSE ON FIRE!!!!

SciGuyDem: I was repressing that memory

Seb10: ...point taken

MaruChan: We have to keep it simple this year. The bonfire was a massive failure and Mom does not deserve a repeat of that.

Seb10: just a sidenote...how many times have u almost set the house on fire maru

SciGuyDem: Sebastian...

Seb10: i thought it was a valid point

MaruChan: Guys! Ideas???

Seb10: too early for this

MaruChan: ...it's 11:45...

Seb10: like i said

MaruChan: UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

MaruChan: Reconvene after dinner

Seb10: Fine

SciGuyDem: OK

Seb10 has left the chat.

SciGuyDem has left the chat.

MaruChan has left the chat.

Fall 19 8:20 PM

MaruChan is now online.

MaruChan: Helloooooo?

SciGuyDem is now online.

SciGuyDem: Hi

Seb10 is now online.

Seb10: yo

MaruChan: Seb where are you? Your room?

Seb10: outside

SciGuyDem: You had better not be smoking.

Seb10: what does it matter

MaruChan: Fight later!!!

MaruChan: What did you guys come up with??

SciGuyDem: Well...

Seb10: u first

MaruChan: Seriously? Fine.

MaruChan: Like I said before I think we should do something really simple. Just a small dinner at the house

Seb10: thats it?

MaruChan: WDYM "that's it" ??? Mom loves that kind of stuff

Seb10: i guess

MaruChan: Dad?

SciGuyDem: I think it sounds good.

MaruChan: DAD!

SciGuyDem: What?

MaruChan: I need honest opinions here!

SciGuyDem: I think it sounds good.

Seb10: lol

MaruChan: Ugh fine

MaruChan: So. Dinner.

Seb10: dinner

SciGuyDem: Dinner?

MaruChan: Seb can you pretty please with a strawberry on top cook your special spaghetti???

Seb10: wait y me?

MaruChan: Because you make it better than anyone and Mom loves it

SciGuyDem: It would be a very thoughtful gesture on your mother's birthday, Sebastian

Seb10: well i can't if mom's in the house all day 

MaruChan: Dad can take her into town

SciGuyDem: Sure.

Seb10: nd what r u doing?

MaruChan: I'll make the house look nice. 

MaruChan: Who else should we invite???

SciGuyDem: Probably Jodi and Marnie.

MaruChan: And Caroline?

SciGuyDem: Yes.

Seb10: not kent tho pls

MaruChan: Why not?

Seb10: he weirds me out

MaruChan: Rude

SciGuyDem: Be nice Sebastian.

MaruChan: Who else?

SciGuyDem: The mayor?

MaruChan: lol no

Seb10: lmao

MaruChan: You can bring someone Seb

Seb10: ok i'll bring sam

MaruChan: Not Sam

SciGuyDem: What does "lmao" mean?

MaruChan: You can bring your farmer friend. Mom likes them.

Seb10: no u guys will make it weird

MaruChan: We will not!!

Seb10: yes u will

MaruChan: Fine then I'll invite them.

Seb10: whatever

SciGuyDem: I like our neighbor. 

MaruChan: Seb does too lol

Seb10: i'm leaving this chat 

MaruChan: DON'T

MaruChan: Dad can you get some quartz from the mine tomorrow?

SciGuyDem: Sure.

MaruChan: Seb I need you to be up before noon on Sunday if we're going to get this done pls

Seb10: ok

Seb10: for mom tho not for u guys

MaruChan: <3

Seb10 has left the chat.

MaruChan has left the chat.

SciGuyDem: What does less than 3 mean?

 Fall 21 7:30 PM

MaruChan is now online.

MaruChan: Dad where are you??? Caroline and Marnie are already here!

SciGuyDem is now online.

SciGuyDem: We're on our way back now.

MaruChan: What took so long???? We said 6 remember

SciGuyDem: We stopped at the Saloon.

MaruChan: You WHAT?

SciGuyDem: We stopped at the Saloon.

MaruChan: Why would you do that??? Did you eat????

SciGuyDem: Your mom wanted to. She just had a beer and I had a Joja Cola.

MaruChan: Seb is pissed.

SciGuyDem: Well he needs to shape up. It's not his day.

MaruChan: Dad, you promised you would be here at a certain time. He has a right to be mad.

SciGuyDem: Well we are almost there now.

MaruChan: His friend also never showed up...

SciGuyDem: I'm sure there's a perfectly reasonable explanation for that.

MaruChan: Just take it easy on him please.

SciGuyDem: OK

SciGuyDem: We're outside now. See you soon!

SciGuyDem has left the chat.

MaruChan has left the chat.

Fall 21 9:15 PM

MaruChan is now online.

MaruChan: Hey where are you?

Seb10 is now online.

Seb10: by the lake but i want to be alone

MaruChan: Okay. Mom wanted me to tell you again that she loved your dinner. She wishes you would have stayed for dessert though...

Seb10: yeah well...sorry

MaruChan: It's okay. 

MaruChan: Seb, about your friend...

Seb10: stop

MaruChan: Seb

Seb10: srsly stop

Seb10: its fine

MaruChan: Okay.

MaruChan: Well if you ever want to talk about anything just...lmk okay?

Seb10: yeah

Seb10: thanks

MaruChan has left the chat.

Seb10 has left the chat.

Chapter Text

Hey Sandy! 

I was so excited when I got your letter; I feel like we haven't talked in forever! The last time I wrote, things were so boring and uneventful, and now everything feels like it's happening all at once. The universe is certainly charged with the potential for change, I can feel it. Do you remember that old farm that I told you about, the one abandoned on the edge of town that I used to go to pick flowers? A new farmer has moved in! They're a fascinating soul. I feel that our destinies are linked somehow. In fact, I had a dream about them shortly after they got here. It almost felt as though they were physically in my subconscious, as clear as day. I haven't felt a connection like that in so long, possibly ever. I've been keeping an eye on them for sure. Even Haley seems interested in their presence, though she pretends she doesn't. I wish you could meet them. I know it's been so long since I've visited you at Calico Desert. Ever since the bus accident it's been difficult to travel outside of town at all, except for special events at Zuzu City. And speaking of Zuzu City...

I've gotten a lead about a new show opening happening there this Winter! I've been working on some pieces in my spare time but it's hard with my work at the Saloon and all the housework I have to do that Haley won't. I'm not sure if I should reserve a space for the show this early or hold off. Would you want to model for me again? I know with the store it's hard for you to do many shows these days but I miss the old days - the backstage madness, the pins pricking my fingers, the music pounding in my ears. I would love to experience that with you again soon. If you're interested, let me know and I'll see about getting some more models. Maybe my sister and Clint - you know what a good friend he is to me - oh and maybe the farmer too! I have some amazing new wool that's been gifted to me by my farmer friend, and I've had some great inspiration from gemstones lately. The jewel tones radiate such strong positive creative energy for me. 

What else has been happening...Oh! I made another new friend. A beautiful parrot, one that looks like the ones from the Fern Islands, crashed right into my window, the poor thing. His wing got pretty dinged up, but I patched him up the best I could and I've made a space for him in my bedroom, right by the back window, so he can heal and look out at the world. He doesn't have a name; it didn't feel right giving him one when I'm sure his friends have already given him his rightful name. One day he'll fly again, and see the world as it was meant to be seen, but for now he's grounded, just like me, I suppose. Oh I don't mean to mope! I'm sure I've told you about my parents and their travels. Next week is coming up on their second year abroad. Sometimes I miss them, especially since the house feels so big with just me and Haley, but who am I to challenge their destiny and the path that's been forged for them? I wish I could have joined them, but since I'm the only one with a job and the house needs to be there when they get back, it's up to me to take care of things for them. Don't get me wrong, I like Pelican Town. I like working at the Saloon, and I like the beach and the mountains and the forest. Many people would envy the life I lead here, and the scenery I get to take in everyday. But when I see it everyday...well, it can feel a little stale. The hustle and bustle of Zuzu City, or the deep mystery of Calico Desert is alluring to me, and instead I'm stuck in a place that I feel doesn't totally understand me. 

Oh look at me musing on like this. I really do miss you Sandy. I'm sure you know that. I cannot wait to visit you for your birthday next month! You are going to absolutely love the present I get you, and I can't wait to pick up some natural cactus fruit sweetener when I get a chance. Joja brand just isn't the same, you know? Don't be a stranger! Sometimes I worry our letters get sent to each other further and further apart, especially since we're both so busy. But like I said, I feel a change coming in the universe, so I will have plenty to share with you. I just won't share it all at once to keep you in suspense! :D

See you soon.

-Emily

P.S. I almost forgot! Thank you for the Tom Kha soup recipe. It was wonderful! Even Haley had seconds and you know how picky she is. Oh, and when I brought some leftovers to Gus at work the next day he absolutely LOVED it! He wants to put it on the menu, can you believe it! If you ever visit me in Pelican Town I'll be sure to give you a free bowl.

P.P.S. Attached is a dried sweet pea. I know they're your favorite. Put it somewhere special and think of me, okay?