Novemeber 17, 1997

Dear Tori,

Your dad is so funny! The pictures were great, too. You looked so happy, I only wished that I was in some of them, too :P I’m glad you had a fun time, though.

By the way, Turkey Day is coming up! I love Turkey. What’s your favorite part of thanksgiving? Besides turkey, I’m thankful for my friends and family. I am thankful that you’re my friend and I hope we stay friends forever. Sorry, I’m getting kind of cheesy.

Love, Tony

November 23, 1997

Dear Tone,

Hahaha it’s okay, I like cheese! Happy thanksgiving! I’m very thankful for you, too. I’m happy that we started talking to each other. My life would be so boring without you! I really just can’t wait for stuffing. I’m not a fan of turkey, but I look forward to thanksgiving all year ‘cause my mom makes killer stuffing! Maybe, one day, we can spend a thanksgiving together. I bet our parents would be really good friends, right? Since we are, they’d have no choice but to get along! Haha.

Love, Tori

PS I finally got around to drawing in the new sketch pad with the new pencils you got me. They’re awesome, I feel like a professional! I’m working on something for you, but it’s not finished yet. Shhh.

November 29, 1997

Hi again Tony.

You haven’t replied yet but that’s okay! I just really wanted to write you again to tell you that I got an A on my spelling test. And guess what? The word “Different” was on it. I got it right. You’re the best.

Talk to you soon!
Love,
Tori

December 5, 1997

Dear Tony,

Are you okay? :(
I’m probably annoying you, so I’m sorry. I hope you’re okay.

My dad is almost finished with this case he’s working on. I call him a hero but he just grumbles as a response. I miss him. And it’s only been a few weeks and I miss you, too.

Love,
Tori

December 11, 1997

Dear Tony,

I’m sorry if I’m buggin’ you, but I care about you and I’m worried. My mom says that I’ve bitten my fingernails to the bone! The holidays are coming up, I guess I’m excited for them. We don’t know what we’re doing for them, though. Dad has been very stressed. But never mind that, I just want to make sure you’re alright…

Love, Tori

December 14, 1997

Dear Tori,

I’m so, so, SO sorry I haven’t gotten back to you. I’m okay. Something happened in my family. My dad died. I guess I don’t really know how to feel about it. We don’t know what happened. Or, maybe my mom does, but she won’t tell me. I don’t really want to talk about it though :/

You’d never annoy me Tori, don’t worry. I wish I could hug you right now.

Love, Tony

December 20, 1997

Dear Tony,

I don’t even know what to say. I’m so sorry about you dad, Tony. I feel horrible. I wish I could fly to San Diego and hug you. You don’t deserve this… you’re such a good friend and person. I’m so sorry. I’m always here for you if you need to talk about it, or if you’re feeling down. I don’t want you to be sad, but I understand that you’re upset. I’d be upset too. I’m sorry :(

Love you,
Tori

December 25, 1997

Dear Tori,

You’re the best friend ever. Thank you for being there for me. I’m okay. We’ll be okay. Everyone has been really great.

But it’s okay! It’s Christmas time. It’s not the same without Dad but at least I have my mom, my family, my friends, and especially you! I sent you your present, I hope it gets to you in time. I got yours in the mail yesterday, but mom held it hostage until this morning. I love it so much. Your note attached to the turtle stuffed animal was silly—but don’t worry, I don’t think it’s immature. I should be called the immature one for saying that I’m going to sleep with it all night! Haha don’t tell my friends. They’d probably never talk to me again. But, you’re right, it IS like Terry came to life. It means a lot Tori, I love it. And thank you for the video games, too. Those are something I’d probably share with my friends, haha.

I hope you have a nice Christmas, Tori.

Love,
Tony

December 26, 1997

Dear Tony,

Yay! I’m glad you liked your present! I got mine just in time, too, and like yours my mom made sure I didn’t sneak in the bag until Christmas morning. Oh well! The wait was worth it. I love the necklace and jewelry box, Tony. The song that plays when I open it makes me smile so bad. You make me feel like such a girly-girl, smiling at the twirling ballerina and music. I love it so much. I’m going to wear the necklace everyday. I love the guitar pendant on it, it makes me want to go and take guitar lessons! Keep up the cheesiness, haha :P

I had a really nice Christmas, and I’m glad you’re doing okay.

Love,
Tori


January 2, 1998

Dear Tori,

I wasn’t sure if you were going to like the jewelry box or not, but I’m really happy you did. I picked out the guitar pendant because I love playing guitar. My dad had been teaching me, but I don’t think I’ll ever take lessons. But I definitely think you should start playing! We could jam together sometime (hopefully really soon). I actually was talking to my mom, about you of course, and she thinks it would be a good idea to meet one day. I could really use your company. Haha

Love,
Tony

January 7, 1998

Dear Tony,

Of course I would like it! Anything from you is special! :) I talked to my mom, I don’t know if she wants me to play guitar. She seemed very spacey when I asked her. Maybe she’s just too busy. But my friend has a guitar so I’m going to play with hers until my mom decides! Hopefully I like it! I bet I will.

I would love to see you in person one day. And I also hope it’s soon!! I don’t like all this “hoping” though. We need to actually make something happen.

Love,
Tori

January 13, 1998

Dear Tori,

Yeah, you’re right! We’ll figure something out eventually. I’ve never been on an airplane before, I’m a little afraid to be honest, so I demand that you come to me! Haha

Love,
Tony

January 17, 1998

Dear Tony,

Sounds like a plan! Don’t be afraid of flying, though. It’s actually a lot of fun. It’s safer than a rollercoaster. We had to take a trip to Washington DC once, so we took an airplane to go there. It was cool.

But, anyways, how’s school, Tony? Probably icky, like mine :P But middle school is next year! That’ll be fun hopefully, right? I don’t know. Kind of scary too. But now I’m rambling about it, sorry. Haha. As long as I still have you to talk to I’m not afraid.

Love,
Tori

January 22, 1998

Dear Tori,

Blah blah, school shmool! :P

It’s okay. I took a little time off because of Dad. But luckily I got excused from all of the work I missed. I got to play a lot of video games in that time, the ones you got me! haha. Maybe next holiday I’ll get you video game stuff too, so we can play each other and I can kick your butt! Haha :P

Love,
Tony

January 28, 1998

Dear Tony,

You’re right, school shmool! I said that to my mom and I almost got in trouble. Don’t tell her that I agree with you. Hehe.

That’s good that you got out of a lot of work! I’m happy that you have those games to pass the time. I hope you’re feeling okay

Love,
Tori

PS. Haha, little do you know, I have a gaming system, too! Who says girls can’t play video games? You’re on, Perry.

Notes

Hi guys, Claire here! Sorry this took so long, my bad!
Thanks for all of the comments and stuff, we're so excited that a bunch of you are excited for this!
xoxo