Where'd You Go, Bernadette(49)
I looked for you at drop-off today. Lincoln told me you’re working such long hours you don’t even have a Christmas tree! I’m going to swing by my garage and grab my bins of decorations. I’ll have your house trimmed by the time you return. Don’t try to stop me. You know Christmas is my favorite holiday!
How’s this for irony? Remember when you were divorcing Barry, and Warren handled the whole thing for you gratis, saving you thirty thousand dollars? Remember when you literally sobbed in gratitude, promising you’d make it up to us? Here’s your chance! I’ll let myself in with the key under the cupid.
One question. What do you want for dinner? I’m going to have a feast waiting when you get home.
Blessings, you!
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From: Elgin Branch
To: Soo-Lin Lee-Segal
I realize that everything you just learned in that meeting with Agent Strang was an awful lot to lay on you, way outside your job description. But I was completely overwhelmed and couldn’t face that briefing alone. As stunned as I was, and as stunned as I still am, I’m also incredibly grateful that Agent Strang finally allowed you to be present. I’m even more grateful to you for standing by my side.
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Handwritten note from Soo-Lin
Elgie,
My job is to see that S2 runs smoothly. Knowing the particulars of your situation allows me to better perform my job. I am honored you trust me. I promise I won’t let you down. From here on, let’s not correspond electronically about B.
SL
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Handwritten answer from Dad
Soo-Lin,
I just got off the phone with Dr. Kurtz. If “harm to others” is one of the requirements, we have it in spades, with Audrey Griffin’s foot and the mudslide. B’s talk of overdosing on pills surely constitutes “harm to self.” Dr. Kurtz is coming by tomorrow to discuss committing Bernadette.
EB
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From: Soo-Lin Lee-Segal To: SAMANTHA 2 TEAM (Undisclosed Recipients)
EB will be dealing with a personal matter that requires his full attention. All meetings to go forward as scheduled. EB to be kept apprised electronically.
Thanks!
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From: Soo-Lin Lee-Segal To: Audrey Griffin
NOT A GOOD TIME for you to stay with us. Emergency at work. I’ve already paid Maura to pick up Lincoln and Alexandra from school and stay through the week. She’s in the spare bedroom. I’m so, so sorry. Maybe a different hotel? A short-term rental house? I’ll help you look.
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From: Audrey Griffin To: Soo-Lin Lee-Segal
I called Maura and told her you wouldn’t be needing her. She moved back to her apartment.
Your home looks fantastic. The inflatable Santa is waving hello to the passersby, and the windowsills are edged with “snow.” Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus are stuck in the lawn, along with my sign, WE SAY MERRY CHRISTMAS. I should be the one thanking you.
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From Dad to the dean of admissions at Choate
Dear Mr. Jessup,
As you know, I received a letter from Hillary Loundes regarding Bee’s acceptance to Choate next fall. When I first read Ms. Loundes’s suggestion that Bee skip a grade, my instinct was to say no. However, Ms. Loundes’s wise words have stayed with me. I now concur that it is in Bee’s best interest that her immersion in Choate’s academic abundance commence immediately. Since Bee is currently working beyond the third-form level, I ask that you consider admitting her this January—yes, in a month—as a third-former.
If my memory serves me, at Exeter there were always students who left midyear and others who took their place. If we are to proceed, I’d like to start with the paperwork as quickly as possible, so Bee’s transition can be a smooth one. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Elgin Branch
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From Dad to his brother
From: Elgin Branch To: Van Branch
Van,
I hope this finds you well. I know it’s been a while since we spoke, but a family emergency has come up, and I was wondering if you could come to Seattle on Wednesday and stay a couple of days. I’ll send you a ticket and get you a hotel room. Let me know.
Thanks, Elgie
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21
A flurry of emails between Uncle Van and Dad
Elgie,
Ahoy there, stranger. Sorry, but I don’t think I’ll be able to make it to your parts. Christmas is a busy time for me. Let’s take a rain check. (You probably hear that a lot in Seattle.)
Mahalo,
Van
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Van,
Maybe I didn’t make it clear. This is an emergency involving my family. I’ll cover all costs and any lost wages. The dates are Dec. 22 through Dec. 25.
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Bro,
Maybe I was the one who didn’t make it clear. I have a life in Hawaii. I have responsibilities. I can’t hop on a plane just because you decide to grace me with your first email in five years and invite me to spend Christmas in a hotel.