A Rose for Melinda by Lurlene McDaniel

Subject: Jesse

Hi! I can’t believe it. What a surprise to hear from Jesse. We’ve been best friends since first grade. I was really sad when he and his mom moved to California. I know it’s been hard for him since his parents’ divorce. But he’s such a great guy. When he got my e-mail about being accepted by the Washington School of Classical Dance’s summer program, he called to congratulate me! I loved hearing his voice. We’ve been friends forever- could it turn into something more? 

Melinda

Subject: Melinda

I couldn’t believe the news. Melinda is so young! And she loves ballet so much and is so good at it. How could she be sick? How did she get leukemia? She’s got to get better. She’s got to.

Jesse