What she thought was that maybe somebody had dropped something in her drink as a joke, you know? Kids sometimes did that, like they dropped something in somebody’s drink just for the fun of seeing the person get off. This was usually some goody two- shoes they did it to, so maybe somebody decided she was a bit square and figured they’d do a number on her. But she swore to God she hadn’t taken anything on her own, and she was sorry for any trouble she’d caused him over the past several days especially since it was right after his wedding and all.
Jamie held her close and said he’d only been worried for her, that was all, and he was glad she was back, he was glad his darling girl was back again.
17
July 6, 1971
Dear Lissie:
When Joanna and I returned from the Hamptons after the long Fourth of July weekend, there was a message from your mother on the machine. I called her back and she told me she’s concerned about whether or not you’ll be returning to school in the fall. As I’m sure she mentioned to you, one of the snags in reaching a settlement sooner was that she insisted I pay for your education until you got your degree, however long that might take you. I refused to do this. The agreement now is that I will pay for your education until you get your degree but only if you begin school at an institute of higher learning this September and “diligently and without interruption pursue a legitimate course of study.”
What that means is that I’m legally (and willingly, I might add) bound to pay for the rest of your college education but only if you start school in September and continue school without any more side excursions. I think you can understand your mother’s concern about this. I don’t normally enjoy talking to her on the phone because it always seems to turn into a screaming contest these days, but this time she was level and calm, and wanted only to know whether you’d discussed your plans with me. Apparently, the last time you talked to her, you sounded somewhat vague. So if you get a chance, would you please drop her a line and tell her what you plan to do in the fall?
And while you’re at it, how about sending me a nice long letter, too?
Love,
July 12, 1971
Dear Lissie:
The letter I sent to your Boston address was marked “Return to sender.” Does this mean that you and Sparky have moved and neglected to give the post office a forwarding address? I’m trying again, but without much hope. If you do receive this, please write or call home, won’t you?
Love,
July 14, 1971
Dear Lissie:
On the off chance that Rusty would have a new address for you, I called the Kleins in Rutledge yesterday and spoke to her. I still don’t know why one of your friends would have your address when your father doesn’t, but she gave it to me when I asked for it, and I’m hoping this will reach you. You seem to change your address as often as you change your underwear.
What do you plan to do about returning to school? Please let me know as I’d like to arrange for an automatic transfer of funds from my bank to yours each month once you begin. There’s still time, this is still only the middle of July. But, come to think of it, the summer will soon be over, won’t it, and I would appreciate knowing what the situation will be. Rusty didn’t have a phone number for you. If you have a phone now, would you please give me the number in your next letter? It’s been too long since I’ve heard your voice.
Love,
July 19, 1971
Dear Dad,
I’m sorry I haven’t written sooner, but Sparky and I were in the process of moving to this new apartment, which now turns out to be a bummer because our neighbors are bringing up all kinds of shit about the “mixed couple” on the fourth floor. It turns out now we should have stayed where we were, even though the place was overrun with roaches and rats. I don’t know how long we will be in this horrible place, because human roaches and rats can be worse than the other kind. In fact, we are thinking of maybe going abroad again. I am eager to introduce Sparky to all the places I traveled through last year, where it doesn’t matter what the color of your skin is. I know he will be accepted in India, where we will most likely end up, if that is what we decide to do.
I thought I ought to discuss this entire school situation with you, since it seems to be a matter of such importance to you and Mom. I have met a girl here who was studying at the Boston University of Fine Arts, but who dropped out after this last semester, and who is planning to go to India in the fall, to study there, to study Hindu and Buddhist painting. Sparky and I have been talking to her, which — combined with the shitty situation here in this new environment — has caused us to consider making the trip, stopping first in London and then Greece for a little while, and then moving on to join Sondra, her name is Sondra, in India.
This is still indefinite, of course, but the plan would be for me to finish studying in India and then either work and paint or go to another school. With my training in Indian art, I should be able to bring much more insight and concentration into my life. In short, when you ask what my plans for schooling will be, those are my tentative plans at least. I would also study yoga while I’m there, really study it, and not just fool around with it the way I did when I was in Greece last year. Anyway, that’s the plan. So you don’t have to worry about sending money to a bank in Boston. I don’t have a bank in Boston, anyway. All my love to everyone.
Your loving daughter,
P.S. Happy birthday!
July 22, 1971
Dear Lissie:
I can’t say I’m tickled. Neither is your mother. I called her the minute I got your letter, and we discussed this completely, and it seems to us that you’d only be running off again, shirking your real responsibility, which is to become an educated, self-respecting and — one day — self-supporting woman. Asking me to pay for an art school in India, where you would be studying yoga and Hindu and Buddhist painting and whatnot is not my idea of a sound preparation for the future. If you choose to make this decision, then please understand that your tuition and expenses will be your own responsibility. Before you leave for India, if indeed that is your choice, I hope you will have enough money to get you there, to keep you there safely and well, and to get you back home when you choose to return. I really thought you would have had enough of India by now, Lissie. I hear the crabs there are the size of the cockroaches in the apartment you just left.
Love,
July 25, 1971
Dear Dad,
I was extremely disturbed by your last letter. I was under the impression that my education would be paid for until I graduated, no matter where or what I chose to study. That is my understanding of the settlement agreement. If I am mistaken, please correct me and I will adapt to this situation. But if I am correct, then I honestly feel you should reconsider your position. The settlement you signed is binding in the laws of your society, particularly if it is signed by both partners in a dissolving marriage. That is what a law student here in Boston, a former law student, told me.