P.S. I Still Love You

Her mother had to remind her to let the other girls hold it.
That’s how I feel. When Kitty asks to try it on, I hesitate for a tiny second and then feel guilty for
being so stingy. “Just be careful with it,” I tell her as I unclasp the necklace.
Kitty pretends to drop the locket off the chain and I shriek. “Just kidding,” she giggles. She goes
over to my mirror and looks at herself, her head tilted, neck arched. “Not bad. Aren’t you so glad I set
this whole you-and-Peter thing in motion?”
I throw a pillow at her.
“Can I borrow it for a special occasion?”
“No!” Then I think of Laura and the doll again. “Yes. If it’s a very special occasion.”
“Thank you,” Kitty says. Then she cocks her head and looks at me with serious eyes. “Lara Jean,
can I ask you a question?”
“You can ask me anything,” I say.
“It’s about boys.”
I try not to look too eager as I nod. Boys! So we’re here already. All right. “I’m listening.”
“And you promise you’ll answer honestly? Sister swear?”
“Of course. Come sit by me, Kitty.” She sits down next to me on the floor and I put my arm around
her, feeling generous and warm and maternal. Kitty really is growing up.
She looks up at me, doe-eyed. “Are you and Peter doing it?”
“What?” I shove her away. “Kitty!”
Gleefully she says, “You promised you’d answer!”
“Well, the answer is no, you sneaky little fink. God! Get out of my room.” Kitty skips off, laughing
like a mad hyena. I can hear her all the way down the hallway.