Dear Mom and Dad,

I'm sorry it had to be like this, but I just couldn't see another way. I was fully intent on saying goodbye to Roy Chang at the terminal, unsure of if he'd ever return to me. The plan was to hug, maybe kiss, and send him off knowing that I would have 10 years worth of memories to remember him by. But, my birthday had gone by, I was newly 18, and I had the money in my savings account. Not to mention that the woman at the check-in counter assumed I was traveling with him. She even called me Mrs. Chang! Before I knew it I was purchasing a ticket and sitting next to him in coach.

I believe you'll understand or at least I hope you will. We aren't unlike the way you and Dad were at this age. In fact we desire to be just like Rufus and Clara. It's the dream. I know what you're thinking. When you ran off with Dad all those years ago, it was in order to elope and never return again, but that's not what's happening here. I'm not running from you like you ran from Grandma. I'm just running toward Roy Chang. We just realized what we mean to each other romantically, who knew that a fake marriage could shed so much light on our true feelings. I just couldn't stand to have an ocean between us at this pivotal juncture in our relationship.

Speaking of Grandma, please reconcile. I would give anything to have a whole family when I return from Hong Kong. Imagine what it would be like if you all greeted me at the terminal with welcome home signs and smiling faces. Well, that might be a little much to ask, but one civil conversation isn't. You said before that it would take time and someone like Rufus Thompson to fix our screwed up family. Here I am, the best parts of Rufus Thompson are in me and I'm giving you time. Three months I will be in China and you've got all of that time to make amends.

When I say three months I mean three months. I'm only here on a passport so I can't stay in this country much longer than that anyway. The Changs have graciously opened their home to me and I wouldn't think of overstaying my welcome, especially with Mr. Chang being sick.

Now that all of the formalities and seriousness has been discussed, let's get down to the important part. LOVE! How do you stand it? Every time I look Roy Chang in the eye, my breath catches and I start reminiscing about the good times we've had together. Whenever I come to, I always seem to be in a lip lock with him. My body knows what it wants. Sorry, was that too much information?

Anyway, he said it Mom! He said he loves me and he says it every day. Apparently his love was on a slow burn while mine was like insta-heat. Now, somehow, we've reached the same temperature. The way he talks to me now, it's hard to imagine there was ever a scared little 13 year old version of him who told me that I wasn't attractive and the way I feel today makes me feel stupid for ever thinking that I didn't know how to love. We're Ragnes now, copyright RT, and I don't see that changing ever.

Oh and Dad, I know you have some mix of conflicting feelings between being proud of me for chasing love and outraged that I've run off, but come on. This is how you've raised me and this is how your genes have hardwired me. When I get home the four of us should go on a double date, that way RT will have something real to complain about.

Love you forever and ever,

Agnes Thompson

P.S. Don't think I've forgotten about you RT. The spy train goes both ways you know and I happen to have some intel on a certain girl named Sue Sempel. It's very interesting that she's been enrolled at every single summer camp you've ever gone to. I'm not so sure your summer escapades are to escape fifth wheel status at all. You can't hide from your destiny little bro. You're a Thompson just like the rest of us.