Letters to my Mother (Maggie's letters home!)

[Maggie Lefebvre]

Mom,  So I know it's been awhile since I've written; the Navy has me hopping. You know how it goes...they ship me off to Algeria and expect ME...ME! to sit tight, dropping fake bombs on fake homes and other mind-numbingly stupid exercises while the big boys sit in their tents, warm with a Galoise... You may or may not! be surprised to know that I've already met several interesting people. I don't think that my new boss likes me, but you as you always said, "Magpie, Une once de bon sens vaut une livre d'esprit.*" Well, I don't know about THAT, but I hope that in time, maybe it will all make sense. That she, THEY, will see that there is more to me than just the girl they WANT me to be...more than just the blonde, ditzy French girl with a tiny waist and cute accent. That I CAN achieve greatness! I WILL! But maybe after I figure out what the hell to do with myself. I miss you; I miss your chats, and the way you always know just what to do. I need you HERE with me, I need my mere, SOMEONE to lie to me and tell me I am the prettiest girl in the world. Besides the cute Australian pilots, that is! I know, mere, I know..."In time, happiness will come." Just...when?! Somedays it doesn't seem like it would ever happen. Everyone else is ok, even if the combat doctor is an evil, horrible man and the psychologist has it out for me..."daddy issues," he says, but Daddy was wonderful.  I miss you, and Jean-Luc! I got your message about his retirement; did you recieve my gift?! I am sorry I couldn't make it to the party, I had to go save the world. I hope that Nice is gorgeous; my best to Aunt Ophelia and Uncle Gui.  XOXO! Love,  Mags

*an ounce of discretion is worth a pound of wit. 

[Maggie Lefebvre]

Background: Immediately before this, Maggie was going through her things, reminiscing. Since she can't run anymore, she's kind of scatterbrained. Ma Mere, Cherie Mere. Do you ever have days where you're going about your day and then you do something, and you feel like, even if you did it as best you could, it was never enough?! I am sure you have. I guess that's why I do the things I do...disappoint them from the start, then when it turns out crap, you can't be blamed. But when it goes brilliant, you surprise them. You had me young, so you probably know. Does it get easier?! Maybe I should try to play their game-it doesn't feel right, though. It doesn't feel like ME. Look, I need a favor. Remember the old pink Faberge egg Daddy sent me for Christmas? Will you send it me at the Prefecture?! I want to deliver it to Jo's grave when I am back in America. I think she'd love it. I miss her. XOXO, Mags

[Maggie Lefebvre]

Mere, Thanks for sending along the card from Jean-Luc; I am sorry I had to miss his retirement. I hope he enjoyed the gift I sent. And yours, as well. I was pleased to hear of Michele-Henri* marriage-I will send something along when I can. I am shipping out for America as we speak, so it might be late, but perhaps an espresso maker. His American fiancee will enjoy that, I think. Americans like silly things...speaking of silly things, also, thank you for the copies of Jalouse and Tank. Those will be useful for my next assignment. Start fowarding my mail to my friend Daphne's address in New York. She'll take care of it-she's very responsible. Far more than I am, actually...she's married to one of the guys on Mike's team, and she'll handle my affairs in America. I don't know when I'll return to Paris, but I just know that it's where I'll be someday. Anyway, I need to go; I am sorry that my letters are so short, but these people have me on a tight leash. XOXO, Maggie

*Michele-Henri is Maggie's cousin.