February 12, 1998

Dear Di,

Eli really is beginning to pass. When the "Titanic" song played, I didn't feel the intense passion I once did. Today, when making a fool of myself playing football against the popular girls with Tess and Francine, I didn't think of how stupid I might look in his eyes. For the first time, I was having FUN.

So now that the "Eli" flame has passed, who's next? you ask. But it's not that simple. Eli was the first boy to prompt so many emotions within me, the first to cause me pain and heartache. I know, Di, you're thinking, "How can a 13-year old be experiencing heartache?" But I really did, Di. I don't care if you think it's stupid.

I dressed as I thought Eli might like me. He once said my Statue of Liberty earrings were cool, so I wore them numerous times. Basically, everything I did involved him.

Now I am wiser. I'll wear what I want, and not for a cute guy. Like I said, I'm me, and try as I might, I can't change that.

In short, Eli was my first serious crush, and I'll always have a special part of my heart dedicated to him. He certainly deserves it!

I'll never forget you, Eli Klein! That's a promise!

Vanessa