I'mma Tell You Everything || Atticus' Army Letters

[Deleted]

19th August, 2003

Dear Atticus,

I’m writing a letter? It seems weird. I just don’t know what to say. Uhm, hi I guess? I don’t know. How are you? Yeah, that’s a good one. Seriously, in a second this is going to end up scrunched up and thrown at my bin. I’ve already tried to write this about seven times. Though only one ended up in the bin... My aim is just shockingly bad. Good thing I’m not doing what you are, right?

So, my days are pretty much spent drawing. And beating up my older brother. I lead such an exciting life. Going into sixth form in a few weeks. That should make things more fun. Of course, my Business course is going to be boring as heck. I can’t believe my parents forced me to take it. I don’t even like it. And now I’m ranting at you.. Sorry about that. English literature and language will be good though. And I get to read in the first! With any luck we’ll do Pride & Prejudice. It’s my favourite.

But now I’ve just stared at this piece of paper for about eleven minutes. I know because the album I was listening to finished and now I’m back to the radio. It was Snow Patrol’s new album, if you haven’t heard it yet then you should because I am just in love with it.

Wow. I’ve actually ended up writing a little. All the other pieces of paper only had a few words. I guess this one might actually get posted, even though I’m pretty sure it’s mainly ramble. So yeah, hope you’re doing okay. Enjoying yourself there. And your general? Marshal? Lieutenant? Officer? Whatever he’s - or she’s, because hey, women are awesome too - called, isn’t pushing you too hard.

OH. MY. FUCKING. GOD. Sorry for the swearing. I was just listening to the radio as you know and I think I’ve just heard the most amazing song I’ve ever heard in my life. It’s by The Killers? It was called Mr Brightside and I think I want to marry the song. Or Brandon Flowers. Or both. Listen to it. Whenever you get this, and if you haven’t, then you should listen to it. Drop whatever you are doing, and listen to this song. I expect to hear your opinion in your reply. And if you don’t like the song than lie otherwise I’ll stop writing to you if you hate it.

Looking forward to hearing from you again,
Evie

[Deleted]

25^th August, 2003

Dear Evie,

I didn’t actually think you’d write to me. I don’t know…it’s just that sometimes people say things and at the time they mean it but after the moment they either don’t follow through or forget and well, we hardly know each other which would’ve given you more reason not to write to some stranger you only spent a few hours with. Anyway, sorry for my late reply. I've been a bit busy lately and honestly? I haven't known where to start in replying either really. But hey, everything's got to start somewhere.

If I had your talent for art I’d probably spend most of my days drawing too but yeah, I can’t draw for shit (pardon my French). Beating up your older brother or getting beaten up? Oh, it does sound very exciting- I wish my life was as so outrageously exciting as yours. Your parents are making you do A-level business? That’s harsh and I pity you but…good luck? And it’s okay, rant away to me, I don’t mind at all. Sometimes you just need to let it all out and rant. It’s healthier than keeping it all in. Or, so I’ve heard.

I’ve heard Snow Patrol’s music before, but I haven’t listened to a whole album? But maybe, I’ll take a listen sometime, just for you (maybe). And your letter kind of is ramble but still, like I said before, it’s good to hear from you. And yes, I’m doing fine. Enjoying myself? Sometimes, but I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t a tough regime they’ve got here...but it’s worth it. The Sergeant Major is as tough as nails, definitely a man you wouldn’t want to get on the bad side of but he’s only doing his job I guess.

Whoa. Easy there, tiger. Swearing. If I was with you now I would be tutting and shaking my head at that foul language. And yes, I am joking. I’ve never heard of The Killers before…ah, they’re new-ish that's why and yes, I just googled them. Alright alright- pushy- I’ll listen to the song because clearly it will be the end of the world if I don’t. 

So, I’ve just listened to Mr Brightside and I approve of your ear for good music. I think it’s a great song. I like how the lyrics are clear and make you imagine the story? You can imagine exactly what’s happening and how it’s affected him. I don’t know, I probably don’t make sense- see, I ramble a lot too.

Also, to set things straight, I actually haven’t had to lie about liking the song.

…or have I?

I’m joking of course.

And jesus, I come across as a bit of an eejit. I’ll stop writing now before I become anymore lame.

Until you write again,
Atticus

[Deleted]

29th August, 2003

Dear Atticus,

You didn’t think I’d write? So, I wrote that terrible letter when you didn’t even expect it? Well. Wasn’t that just a waste of my time. I joke, of course. I promised you I’d write so I did. I’m not one to break my promises. And it’s okay that you’re late with replying. We both have our separate lives to get on with. Though, yours is far more serious than mine. I’m in the summer holidays and rather happy that I don’t have to get up until midday.

Excuse me? I’ll have you know I’m very good at beating up my older brother. He’s twenty-two and a wimp. This is my way of getting him to move out (yes, twenty-two and still lives with his mother - I told you he’s a wimp). Okay. Cut the sarcasm, Delaney. I understand that I lead a real boring life right now, there’s no need for you to tell me that through the means of sarcasm. But thanks for the luck. I’ll need it. Though not minding my ranting? You really shouldn’t have said that. So, look forward to some rants in the future.

Just for me? I feel so loved. The “(maybe)” ruined it however. It’s good to hear that you’re enjoying yourself, if only for some of the time. And you signed up for it, you really can’t complain. OH! Sergeant Major. That’s what they’re called. Damn it, none of my guesses were right were they? Luckily, that’s useless information that I don’t really need. No offence.

Of course you’re joking. I do believe you swore earlier on in your letter. Yes. That’s right. “I can’t draw for shit”. So, you would have been a hypocrite if you were so offended by my swearing. Hehe, can’t beat Google. And it so will be the end of the world. So, again, cut the sarcasm Delaney!

Analysing song lyrics? Trust me, you do make sense. I get told to shut up all the time by my friends for doing the same. Apparently you should just ‘listen to the song’ but the lyrics have a meaning, I want to find that. See. English geek coming out a little there.

Rambling is good, Atticus. More.. personal? I don’t know, it’s less formal that’s for sure.

Goooood! I would’ve hated you (okay, maybe not hated but you get my drift) if you had lied to me. Yeah, you could have hated the song and I’d be a little pissed but I don’t like lies.

Eejit? You use the word eejit? Awwwww, you’re so cute. And okay, I suppose that’s a good idea. Though reading you just turning lame would have been hilarious.

I’m sorry my letter isn’t all that interesting. Not a lot has been going on I’m afraid. Unless you count me going out with my friends and almost being hit by a guy on a motorbike. I may or may not have not looked when I went to cross the road but shh. Scariest moment of my life. I think I’m just prone to danger. This is why I spend my whole life in my house. It’s safer. Yes. I know that’s pretty lame.

I can’t wait to hear more of your lameness,
Evie x