twenty-four
To: Special Admissions Candidate Rawlinson <gddssgrrl@gmail.com>
From: Cornelius Phineas <urmajesty@phmail.com>
Subject: FWD: Campus Tour Itinerary
As promised, attached please find your printable e-tickets, flight information, schedule of events and other important information about your upcoming campus tour.
In exchange for the free air travel and other amenities provided by the university, we ask that all Special Admissions Candidates provide ten hours of community service while in residence at Oxford.
Service assignments have been made randomly. You have been assigned to:
THE LIBRARY. As soon as convenient after arrival, please report to the Bodleian Library, Special Collections Department. The librarian will provide you with appropriate training.
Please note that air travel for Special Admissions Candidates has been generously paid for via the donation of AmEx points by individual Oxford alumni. If you would care to send a thank-you note, please write to:
Mr. Devyn McAlister
c/o Castell Cyfareddol,
Tip of the Iceberg Cottage,
Halftime-by-the-Sea,
Wales, U.K. CF89
Note: In consideration of your participation in the campus tour, requirements for an application essay will be waived.
Congratulations on being selected for this prestigious opportunity, and thank you for your interest in Oxford University.
Sincerely,
The Admissions Office
Special Candidates Division
Oxford University
From: Colin O’Grady <Lovesdeathmetal@ dubcityu.ie>
To: Morgan Rawlinson <gddssgrrl@gmail.com>
SUBJECT: seems I’m “special”
Hey luv! How’s my girl?
I’ll be quick because Grandpap’s waiting for me to give him a lift, but I had to tell you right away—there’s gobsmacking news in today’s mail. Seems I’ve been invited to a “special campus tour” at the last place you’d expect to find a simple Irish lad like me: Oxford U (don’t laugh!). The letter says something about choosing promising students from colleges around the U.K. to apply for a “special applicants” transfer program, full scholarship, all expense paid, la de da. And it’s this week!!! And I’m going!!!!!
I’d never picture myself at a school so fancy, but if Oxford offers me a free ride I’d have to seriously consider saying so long to DCU. What do you make of that? And how’s your college hunt coming along? Be grand if we could end up at school together for a couple of years.
Patty at the bike tour company had a fit when I told her I’d be starting work late to do this Oxford shindig, but she’ll get over it. If you want to help me make it up to her, why not work the bike tour with me? We’re shorthanded this summer anyway, and it’d be a lovely wild adventure to have you aboard (he says, winkin’ like a lovestruck madman).
Speaking of lovestruck, I’ve a wee gift to give you next time I see you. It belonged to my granny and it means a lot to me. I hope it’ll mean a lot to you too. It’s something for you to wear, and that’s the only clue I’m giving—see how I’m trying to tempt you to come to Ireland for the summer?
Gotta run, Grandpap’s howling to leave for his date. The man’s found a lady friend, believe it or not. A tall bony lass who likes to bargain shop and watch telly, so they’re a good fit in that respect. Tania (that’s her name) is a silly bird IMHO, but Grandpap needs the company and he’s happy, so I’m happy.
Love you, darlin’,
C
From: Morgan Rawlinson <gddssgrrl@gmail.com>
To: Colin O’Grady <Lovesdeathmetal@dubcityu.ie>
Subject: RE: seems I’m “special”
[[[[[[[[hugging Colin!!!]]]]]]]
WOW!!! Congrats about Oxford. Gobsmacking is definitely my new favorite word.
I’ll ask my parents about the bike tour. I’m in their good graces at the moment because they think I saved Tammy’s life (she’s fine, she swallowed some water in the bathtub but you know how the kid loves drama) so I fully expect a yes. Wild adventure sounds like a plan [pumps fists in air].
Want a good laugh? Somehow Sarah got it in her head that I should run for senior class president in September. Insane, right? But for some reason everyone I ask says it’s a brilliant idea. My totally latent leadership ability must finally be bubbling up to the surface. Anyway, if I win it’ll look good on my college apps, so I may give it a try.
My college search is also going gobsmackingly well! In fact I just got some “special” news of my own. As you will soon discover, heh heh. Sorry to be so mysterious. But a girl’s entitled to a few secrets, right?
Can’t wait to wear my present (like you need to tempt me). Okay, time to pack my suitcase—oops! Almost let it slip!
Love you “mor” than I can say,
Morganne
p.s.—I know it’s kind of lame but I just decided, I’m officially changing the spelling of my name to Morganne. Senior year, fresh start, blah blah blah. You know I always hated the boy’s name thing. My mother will be totally insulted, but, duh, it’s my name. She’ll get over it.
p.p.s.—You still have to call me Mor, though. Nobody says my name like you do.