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did? Then, on a certain date and time, we could open them together. It’ll be like we’re seeing each other for the first time at the same time, almost like we would if we were standing in front of each other. Don’t you think that’s a good idea? It stinks, not knowing what you’re saying right now. It’s not much fun having to wait until I hear back from you to find out if you like this idea.
    So, if you agree, no cheating! We have to agree on a date and time, and stick to it, or it won’t be as much fun. You can pick when we open them. Deal?
    I’m going to mail this now, because the mail room is about to close. I hope I can make it in time.
    Your friend,
    Sebastian
    PS. Begging my mom to let me have email!
    PPS. I’m still not telling you my middle name.
     
    I stare at the smaller envelope, which contains Sebastian’s picture, then hold it up to the light, hoping to get some clue as to his appearance. The opaque photo gives nothing away. I’m intrigued and delighted at the thought of finally putting a face to the name. Although I’m tempted, I vow not to cheat. This is our special event, and I won’t spoil it. I smile and kiss the sealed parcel, though I don’t know why and tuck it into a secret hiding spot.
     
     
    Sebastian
     
    Dear Sebastian,
    I am so glad to hear from you. I had a really bad day, and you made it a little better. Kelsey invited me to play dodgeball with her and a bunch of other kids. I thought she might be trying to make friends with me, although, I had a sneaking suspicion she had different ideas. Anyway, it turned out she did. She told some strong boy to throw the ball at me. I got hit, really hard, and landed on my butt. My hand and elbow got scraped up, and my pants ended up having a hole torn in them…right in the seat. Everyone laughed at me. I was really embarrassed. It was awful. I came home and cried into my pillow. But then I found your letter and it cheered me up.
    By the way, I love your idea to exchange pictures! I’ve been thinking about what day we should do it. I don’t want to wait too long but it has to be long enough for you to get this letter. How about April 6th, at 1 o’clock in the afternoon? I think that would make it around 7:00 in the evening for you. Would that be okay? It’s not that far away, but you should receive this letter by then. It will also give you time to write me back if that won't work for you. I can’t believe I’m finally going to see what you look like! I hope you like my picture. It’s not the best I’ve ever taken, but it’s the one that’s going into the yearbook.
    Well, unless I hear different, I’ll see you, quite literally, on April 6 th !
    Love,
    Julia
    PS. Your middle name couldn’t be that bad. Maybe I’ll try and guess it. Alvin? Simon? Theodore?
     
    The first thing I notice is the closing. Love. She wrote the word love . I’m confused. Girls are so confusing. My dad says they don’t get any better as they get older either. The first part of her letter makes me sad. Why is this Kelsey girl being mean to Julia? If I were there, and able to hit a girl, she’d be first on my list. She should stand up to her. But, deep down, I know some people just don’t have the courage or personality to be mean back. If I’ve learned anything, it’s that Julia is one of those people. I wish I could protect her.
    I scan down toward the bottom again. April sixth. Yes. That should work. She’s right about the time difference. I set the letter down and walk over to my calendar. With a big red circle, I mark the day and write in the time. I sit back down at my desk, stare at the date, and sigh. Then, I wedge the envelope, containing Julia’s picture, into a drawer for safe keeping.

 
     
     
Chapter 4
     
    April 6 th 18:55
     
     
    Sebastian
     
    The time ticks by so slowly. I can hardly stand it. It’s nearly 19:00 hours my time, 1:00pm Eastern Standard Time, which means, in a few minutes, the face of my pen pal will be revealed.