Page 21 of The Risks of Reuniting

I don't know. I'm not sure if it's good or bad.

Allie

Judging by that smile on your face, it's good. Chase that.

I wish you were here.

Allie

You can take me back someday.

I will.

Allie

Yep, you're not my Chloe. My Chloe likes to hide at home and cave. I like this new girl, she seems fun.

Tell me that when I start spending all your money on travel

Chapter 8

Both

CHLOE

Mon, May 12

Dear family,

Gavin – your plumbing jokes are horrible, and no one should be as obsessed with pipes as you are, but in the spirit of sibling solidarity, here's one I heard the other day.

How are a doctor and a plumber alike? They both bury their mistakes.

Yes, Peru plumbing leaves something to be desired, but no, I don't think the government is interested in bringing you on as an advisor to solve the issue. If you have that kind of time on your hands, I'd use it trying to talk a girl into dating you. A bit of advice though: stop leading with talk about sewage backups and dead birds stuck in pipes. Let her get to know you before opening the curtain on your side-show. It's your only hope.

Grandma Sue – yes, I put on sunscreen every day, and night cream every night. I still have the porcelain skin that would make a Victorian maiden jealous. No new freckles, although I think they add spunk to my otherwise faded complexion and I don't hate them. No, I do not carry an umbrella with me when I'm in the sun, and no, I did not bring an evening gown in order to attend special functions. I brought scrubs, and sweats, and ankle socks. Don't hate them until you try them. I'm here to help under-served people, not hobnob with the richpeople in order to marry a foreign prince. PS – I don't think Peru has princes, so you'll have to see if one of the other cousins has any foreign travel planned. Maybe encourage Kaden to take a long tour of Europe when he finishes school and see what he comes home with.

Mom – last week I ate as many vegetables as fries, so don't fret over my diet. I keep busy and drink plenty of water. Although this past weekend Rachelle and I were too tired to boil water to brush our teeth and took the risk of brushing with local water. We were sure to spit it all out. I live on the edge now, you won't recognize me when I get home. Prepare yourself for my rebellious stage.

Dad – my car does not need an oil change and tire rotation while I'm in Peru. It will be sitting in my car port, minding its own business, not putting on miles. Please don't worry about this anymore. Allie is picking up the mail and taking out the garbage, and if a sprinkler line bursts that's the problem of the HOA that we – and I'm quoting you here – waste our hard-earned money on every month. Allie can handle it. If you need to do something, surprise Gavin with a visit to his garage at home. I hear he leaves his tools lying around and not put away in their proper places.

Peru is awesome, and the people are kind and resilient. I am so glad I came, and can't believe I'm already one week down. I should have signed up for longer.

Love you all,

Chloe

I chuckle to myself at the idea of my cousin Kaden taking a long trip. Poor Kaden, it's got to be rough to be the cousin no one likes, and even worse when it's your own faultfor being such a nob.

Since I'm once again outside the area with a WiFi spot, I shoot off a text to my cousin group.

Just told Grandma Sue to send Kaden on a long-term European tour. Think she'll fall for it and get him out of our hair?

Poppy

And deprive herself of the company of her favorite person? I doubt it.

I told her he might be able to find a princess to marry

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