**The formatting is pretty crappy for the following chapter, no matter what I do. If it's a pain to read, please feel free to head on over to my LiveJournal and read the epilogue there! The link is in my profile. Thanks for reading! :)
Over a month passed before Julie heard from Tim.
Weeks of orientation, of introductions, of syllabi and textbooks and crappy cafeteria food and getting lost en route from one class to the next and navigating the strange new self-conscious culture of college.
Julie loved it. In some ways it was exactly what she expected, in other ways it was completely surprising. Those first few weeks passed in such a heady rush that she had almost no time to pause and recollect her thoughts, or to look back and think about everything that had happened that summer.
But an email appeared in her inbox one Tuesday evening, and when she saw the sender's name, her heart jumped. She opened the message immediately:
From: tim riggins
Sent: Tuesday, September 21, 2010, 5:35 PM
To: Julie Taylor
Subject: hi
Hi jules, it's me tim. Guess u figured that out already??
I'm not very good at writing but i didn't have your number there and thought it would be weird to ask coach for it so here i go. I'm not a great speller but this thing has one of those spellcheckers so hopefully you'll get me.
Anyway i just wanted to let u know that i'm dropping out of san antonio state. They've been pretty good to me but i don't think it's really my thing. Like we talked about.
Billy's pretty mad at me. He said i'm being an idiot, only he said it like he was surprised. Ha ha. Him and mindy are turning my bedroom into a real room for little jay so i think it's time i got out of there. Did you ever meet streeter's friend herc? Probably not I guess. He's a good guy and they lived together before street went to NYC. Anyway he still has a spare room so he said i could move in with him as long as i promise to share my ladies with him. I think he was joking.
I looked into it and Dillon tech has an auto mech program. Billy hasn't fired me yet and i guess its good for the business if he takes on an apprentice so im going to save up some money and next year im gonna apply to there program. Do you think thats a good idea? I want to know what you think about it.
Okay this is pretty long and i bet you have better stuff to do than read boring crap about me, ha ha. I just wanted to let you know where i was at.
Try not to break too many hearts at rice u.
tim
ps: write back if you have time.
pps: I don't actually have any ladies.
From: Julie Taylor
Sent: Tuesday, September 21, 2010, 7:40 PM
To: tim riggins
Subject: re: hi
Hey, Tim... It's really good to hear from you.
First of all: congratulations. I think you're doing the right thing for you. It sounds corny, but I really believe that you have to follow your heart and trust your instincts. That's easier said than done, but still. Anyway, it's not like you don't have a plan. You have a plan – a really good one! I checked out Dillon Tech's website and the program looks awesome. I know my dad would be happy to write you a reference if you need one for admissions?? Anyway, don't worry. Billy will get over it when he sees how happy you are. He's just being a good big brother, in his own way. Right?
Rice is awesome. Huge and scary, but awesome. My classes are great so far (except for one prof, but that's a story for another email!) and I lucked out and got a good roommate. Her name is Chelsea, she's from Oregon, and she's here on a soccer scholarship. She is not a football person, so it's been my job to basically explain life in Texas to her. We're having a good time so far. Venturing out into the college wilderness is slightly less terrifying when you've got a wingman. Or wingperson.
Really good to hear from you... I definitely want to know where you're at. It's more than okay.
Did I really just write that? Better hit send before I change my mind.
Julie
From: Julie Taylor
Sent: Monday, September 27, 2010, 2:09 PM
To: tim riggins
Subject: ??
Jeez, I reply right away and this is the (lack of) response I get? Really nice, Riggins!
Julie
From: Julie Taylor
Sent: Thursday, September 30, 2010, 9:58 PM
To: tim riggins
Subject: ...
Okay, now I'm embarrassed. Was my first email too gushy? I didn't mean anything by it...
Um.
From: tim riggins
Sent: Sunday, October 3, 2010, 8:32 PM
To: Julie Taylor
Subject: sorry!!!!
Jules,
Shit, i'm so sorry!! I woulda wrote back faster but i left school right after i wrote you and came back to Dillon. Billy and mindy don't have internet so i haven't checked my email since then. Your emails and a bunch of porn and other junk was all that was in there so you can see why i don't usually check it much. I moved into hercs place this weekend though so now i'm all set up. I figured youd be too busy with school and stuff to even read it right away. Im a dumbass!
Glad to hear things are good at school. Your roommate sounds cool, even though she isn't into football. Is she single? Just kidding. :) Make sure you get out lots and have fun... i always figure your only young once right? I bet there are tons of guys there who want to take you out.
Okay anyway, I should go. Herc says theres a jean claude van dam marathon on later so we're going to get a couple pizzas and just chill. I have to run to the beer store first. Sargent riggins to the rescue again, ha ha.
tim
ps: Herc was very excited to hear that your friends with tyra. He wants to know if you have her number in austin. I think maybe hes kidding?
pps: What's this about a crappy prof? Do I need to come down there and throw a block?
From: Julie Taylor
Sent: Wednesday, October 6, 2010, 12:15 PM
To: tim riggins
Subject: re: sorry!!!!
Hey Tim,
It's okay, I just got kind of worried that either you had fallen off the face of the earth, or I was too lame to live. No big deal!
Also not a big deal: my crappy prof. He's the only bad one, Professor Berger. I think we just got off on the wrong foot. Usually teachers love me, so that's a new one for me. I was talking to a girl on my floor who has had classes with him before and she said that every year he picks out someone in the class to basically be his whipping boy/girl. I guess I'm the lucky one this year. My mom says sometimes college is just like that and I have to keep my head down and do my best, but it seems really unfair. I didn't even do anything, he just seems to get a kick out of making me look like an idiot.
Ugh, whatever. I've thought about it too much already, I'm not going to bore you with the details! Thanks for the offer, though. I should be able to run the ball on my own, so to speak.
I asked Tyra about Herc and she said he can have her number as long as he promises not to call and breathe heavily into the phone, because she gets enough of that from you. I assume she's kidding, but she was laughing too hard to tell me. Can you confirm/deny?
Julie
PS: I secretly love JCVD movies. The crappier, the better. Please don't tell anyone, my reputation as a culture vulture is at stake.
PPS: My Dad was ranting about needing help with the Lions. Now that you're back in Dillon, I wondered if you might be interested. Let me know. If only to spare my ears more ranting.
From: tim riggins
Sent: Monday, October 11, 2010, 7:30 PM
To: Julie Taylor
Subject: re: sorry!!!!
That prof sounds like he sucks. Whats his deal? Can you transfer out of the class or something? Thats stupid. Nobody should be treating you that way. Your a prof's dream student.
I gave coach a call and he asked me to come down and have a look at the team since i have nothing better to do. His words. They are still looking pretty rough, not gonna lie. They got some talent there tho so i think they will be okay they just have to listen to coach and work hard. Anyway your dad hired me as assistant offensive coordinator. Its actually just a part time job but it sounds like ill be able to work it around being at the garage so thats good. Until i start school next year i guess. It'll keep me out of trouble anyway.
Tyra is kidding. Shes the one whose been leaving me creepy messages on my voicemail for years at this point. You can tell her i said that.
JCVD is killer. Hes no Patrick Swayze but hes still pretty badass. We'll have to have our own marathon sometime? I wont tell anyone don't worry.
tim
From: Julie Taylor
Sent: Tuesday, October 12, 2010, 3:22 PM
To: tim riggins
Subject: re: sorry!!!!
Tim,
No can do – I need the class. But thanks for the affirmation. I'll tough it out.
Glad to hear about your new gig, but not as glad as my dad, I'm betting. He's been more stressed out in the last year than he has been in a long time. Not since the year Jason got paralyzed and you guys won state. You're going to be such a huge help to him and the team!
I'm on the phone with Tyra right now – she says "you wish." Ha ha.
So you're a Swayze fanboy? Never would have guessed. I assume we're not talking iDirty Dancing/i Swayze here.
Julie
From: tim riggins
Sent: Monday, October 18, 2010, 6:57 PM
To: Julie Taylor
Subject: re: sorry!!!!
Shitty deal. Your made of strong stuff Taylor. I would drop that class so fast. But then we already knew that.
Yeah, i think coach is pretty happy about me coming on board. Hes crazy stressed but you can tell he loves it, you know? Itll be pretty sweet if we can beat the panthers. Never thought id be saying that but there you go.
Obviously shes going to deny it to you, but the truth is that tyra is a perv who likes to leave me dirty messages. Always has been. Its sad really.
Yes i am. Have you ever seen road house? If not you are missing out.
tim
From: Julie Taylor
Sent: Thursday, October 21, 2010, 4:50 PM
To: tim riggins
Subject: re: sorry!!!!
Tim,
If I was made of strong stuff, I wouldn't cry about it. Ha ha. Anyway, what did I tell you about getting down on yourself? Quit it or I'll be forced to hit you.
Last time I talked to him, my dad sounded very positive about the Lions, so you must be doing something right! When do you go up against the Panthers?
Tyra has asked me to tell you that she is going to tell Landry that you are spreading false and vicious lies about her. I'm not sure why she thinks invoking the name of Landry is threatening. Maybe she fell and hit her head?
I have seen Road House far more times than I care to think about. Bring it up to my dad sometime, I dare you. Talk about your Swayze fanboys.
Julie
From: tim riggins
Sent: Thursday, October 28, 2010, 6:45 PM
To: Julie Taylor
Subject: re: sorry!!!!
Crying over this Berger guy? Hes really picking on you. Thats messed up. Are you sure theres nothing you can do?
We don't play the panthers until almost the end of the regular season. The panthers are having an ok season but nothing to get excited about to be honest. They rely too much on mccoy still and he really chokes under pressure.
Youd be surprised, lando can be pretty convincing when he wants to be.
So i brought up road house to coach like you said and i am sorry to tell you that im going to be having a Swayze marathon with him one of these days so you might have to wait on that JCVD marathon. He said hed have to ask your mom. You don't even need to tell me hes not kidding. I believe him.
tim
ps: are you coming home for thanksgiving? Home to Dillon i mean.
From: Julie Taylor
Sent: Saturday, November 6, 2010, 3:45 AM
To: tim riggins
Subject: ahhhhhh
I've had the worst week ever.
Professor Berger humiliated me in class three separate times this week. Or I humiliated myself and he pointed it out to everyone. I don't know. It doesn't even matter. It's stupid to let my feelings get hurt but they are. This has never happened to me before and I don't understand. I feel like such an idiot. Other people say and do way stupider things in his class and he doesn't say anything. I've stopped putting my hand up at all. I want to crawl into a hole and die. Worst of all, I found out I'm failing the class. I've got solid As in every other class except his. My mom says I should talk to him, and Tyra agrees, but Chelsea thinks I should just hold my head up and show him he can't get to me. But he is getting to me. I don't know what to do. What do you think?
Chelsea and I went to our first frat party tonight to blow off some steam. It was horrible. I think it would have been fun if I'd a) been drunk, and b) known anyone except for Chelsea. Second time in my life my shoes have been puked on. We got home about an hour ago and I've just been sitting up thinking about things. Everything's so different now. I guess I'm just really slowing down and taking that in for the first time since I left Dillon.
I'm really homesick right now. I miss my parents and Gracie and my own bedroom and Tyra and the Alamo Freeze and Dillon and Friday nights. That's right, I even miss Friday nights.
I miss you. I really miss you. I wish... I don't know what I wish.
Ugh, I'm so lame. Don't write back to me, I'm already embarrassed enough. I'm going to stop writing now and go to bed.
Julie
PS: Please write back to me.
From: tim riggins
Sent: Saturday, November 6, 2010, 7:59 AM
To: Julie Taylor
Subject: re: ahhhhhh
Im sorry things are such crap. Im trying to talk myself out of driving down there to beat the shit out of this Berger guy. Total douchebag. Just ignore him, you are worth ten of guys like that. Not to mention those frat guys. Nobody likes those assholes. Whats with these guys in Houston?
You didn't answer my question – are you coming home for thanksgiving? Maybe we could see each other if your not too busy with family stuff. Let me know.
I miss you too, jules. Tons. I didn't want to wreck college for you or be a selfish asshole by whining about it but the truth is i'm lonely as hell and i'm going crazy here without you.
tim
From: Julie Taylor
Sent: Saturday, November 6, 2010, 10:35 AM
To: tim riggins
Subject: re: ahhhhhh
Forget Thanksgiving. Can you meet me in San Antonio next weekend?
Julie
From: tim riggins
Sent: Saturday, November 6, 2010, 11:03 AM
To: Julie Taylor
Subject: re: ahhhhhh
Seriously?
From: Julie Taylor
Sent: Saturday, November 6, 2010, 11:27 AM
To: tim riggins
Subject: re: ahhhhhh
Serious as a heart attack.
From: tim riggins
Sent: Saturday, November 6, 2010, 11:45 AM
To: Julie Taylor
Subject: re: ahhhhhh
Theres a Super 8 just off the I-10, I used to drive by it on my way home last year. I'll leave as soon as I get off work on Friday – the Lions have a by-week. Okay?
From: Julie Taylor
Sent: Saturday, November 6, 2010, 11:51 AM
To: tim riggins
Subject: re: ahhhhhh
Ah! For a sec I thought maybe you didn't want to or something... Sounds perfect. Wish we could go right this minute!!
Julie
From: tim riggins
Sent: Saturday, November 6, 2010, 12:11 PM
To: Julie Taylor
Subject: re: ahhhhhh
That could be arranged... :)
From: Julie Taylor
Sent: Saturday, November 6, 2010, 12:17 PM
To: tim riggins
Subject: re: ahhhhhh
I wish. Found the website, and I'm making reservations right now. I think my parents wanted me to use this credit card for buying text books, not renting motel rooms. Oh well!
Julie
From: tim riggins
Sent: Saturday, November 6, 2010, 12:25 PM
To: Julie Taylor
Subject: re: ahhhhhh
Can't wait to see you. Seriously. Herc just asked me if I won the lottery cuz im sitting here smiling at his computer like an idiot.
From: Julie Taylor
Sent: Saturday, November 6, 2010, 12:34 PM
To: tim riggins
Subject: re: ahhhhhh
Do I get to meet Herc one of these days?
Julie
From: tim riggins
Sent: Saturday, November 6, 2010, 12:39 PM
To: Julie Taylor
Subject: re: ahhhhhh
Fat chance. He has a thing for blondes.
From: Julie Taylor
Sent: Saturday, November 6, 2010, 12:42 PM
To: tim riggins
Subject: re: ahhhhhh
Too bad for him I have a thing for football players. :)
From: tim riggins
Sent: Saturday, November 6, 2010, 12:46 PM
To: Julie Taylor
Subject: re: ahhhhhh
His loss. Big time.
From: Julie Taylor
Sent: Monday, November 8, 2010, 7:25 PM
To: tim riggins
Subject: sigh!
Is it Friday yet?
From: tim riggins
Sent: Tuesday, November 9, 2010, 6:50 PM
To: Julie Taylor
Subject: re: sigh!
You got a hot date or something?
From: Julie Taylor
Sent: Tuesday, November 9, 2010, 10:15 PM
To: Julie Taylor
Subject: re: sigh!
I do. But you don't know him.
Three sleeps.
From: tim riggins
Sent: Wednesday, November 10, 2010, 6:30 PM
To: Julie Taylor
Subject: re: sigh!
Sounds fun. I'll just hang out at the motel till you two are finished.
2 sleeps.
From: Julie Taylor
Sent: Thursday, November 11, 2010, 9:30 AM
To: tim riggins
Subject: re: sigh!
Not sure how I'm going to get through my classes, I'm that excited. It's probably incredibly dorky to tell you that... Tyra would be appalled! Oh well.
One more sleep!
From: tim riggins
Sent: Thursday, November 11, 2010, 5:45 PM
To: Julie Taylor
Subject: re: sigh!
It's not dorky. I like it.
See u tomorrow.
From: Julie Taylor
Sent: Sunday, November 14, 2010, 8:50 PM
To: tim riggins
Subject: ...
Tim,
Just got home.
The whole drive back to Houston, something was bothering me. I forgot to tell you something really important in the parking lot when we were saying goodbye: I love you.
I don't care if we've both been burned by the long distance thing. I don't care if it's stupid. I don't care if you think I should be meeting new people and going out with college guys. I don't care that we're going to be 500 miles away from each other most of the time and it's going to suck. I don't care if this is crazy and it makes no sense. I love you and I want to be with you, even if being with you means just emails and phone calls most of the time. I can't pretend that you're just my friend. I love you.
I don't know if this will work. The reasonable part of me says it won't. But can we try? Please?
This is the scariest email I have ever sent, and I'm thankful I'm in another city when you're reading it. Just so you know.
Love,
Julie
From: tim riggins
Sent: Monday, November 15, 2010, 2:37 AM
To: Julie Taylor
Subject: re: ...
Your scariest email ever is the best email I've ever gotten.
I love you too. I'm in.
love,
tim
ps: how do you feel about phone sex?