On May 27, 1994 Gillian (in response to reading this journal) sent me letters she had received between September 1973 and August 1974. These help illuminate a particularly dark period.

 

Letter written September 12+18, 1973 from Danielle to Gillian

 

Dear Gillian,

 

Hello! I've been writing other letters so I decided to make up for England. How are you? (Ralph got your letter this morning and since nothing private was in it he let me read it). Now you can tell me by letter all about England. Oui?!!

I don't know much gossip except that Leslie is going to school for four blocks. School is shitless this year. My Functions and Geometry courses are taught by a teacher I can never hear or understand and he put [me] in the second row in the first seat. Yuch! History doesn't have any windows. German and French are alright but in English I have the school drunk.

Do you get to watch any TV?

What's Abby's address? I hear she's also going to a private school.

 

September 18, 1973

Well as you can see a week had passed (almost) and almost nothing has happened. At the moment on T.V. I'm finding out who is the Chicken-plucker. It was Number 3. I feel like school has been going on for months instead of just two weeks.

Ralph is going on as usual. I think Bob Kerr is back at school.

Now you can wait till Ralph writes you for further news.

See ya

Love Danielle

P.S. Stay in shape (the running around the school) and hope to see ya soon!

 

Gillian's letter postmarked September 18, 1973 from Lennoxville.

 

Dear Alan

 

How are you? Here you are, more news from the jock school. Dave Hampson is in my History, French, English and Drama classes. I knew you'd be thrilled. Jennifer Severs has not stopped complaining since we got here. Her knee keeps acting up and right now she has a sore throat & positive that it's bronchitis. I hope that you will answer every letter and write like a good boy. Thank you. How's Davikins, and Ralphie poopsiee and Larry and all those other screaming faggots? If you get caught with cigarettes, or smoking one or with smoke on your breath, you have to run for half an hour with a brick in each hand. Some of the rules are really stupid like the haircut rules. (You'd quit after one day).

 

This time, my dear Rhodes, there will be a letter & no excuses. If I fail to receive one, you will win an all-expense paid weekend to a secluded spot with Donna. Maybe that is harsh punishment but at least it will induce you to write. Please send one soon. I am lonely. Letters really make my day. Design an envelope if you want. My art teacher here is fantastic. He really knows his shit. My mother found a roach in my bedroom (my sister wrote and told me). Next time you smoke, smoke one for me, have a good term.

Love to Rex, Woofles, Princess

and all the fishes in the

deep blue sea

Love Gillian

 

[Rex, Woofles and Princess were our pet dog, rabbit and cat respectively]