To my loveliest Lucy, the saltiest of all salty mommies, and the deadliest of many, many women–– I’m so happy to be your friend. I can’t believe it hasn’t even been a year since we’ve met, but it feels like many. We talk about this all the time, but thinking back to the fear that I had that you would hate me when I rejoined OOTA, and the plot-twist that is now our friendship makes me so fucking happy.
I feel so blessed to know you? I say it often, but I really do look up to you, so much. Having a daughter so young isn’t easy, and you never make it look easy–– but no matter how much you’re struggling, you never break, and it’s truly awe-inspiring. On top of that, you do so much for Tegan. Even on your worst days, you’re an amazing mom. And an amazing friend. You are so kind, and so compassionate, and so understanding, and I can’t count the ways you’ve made my life a delight over the time we’ve known each other.
Without you, I wouldn’t have all the gorgeous ships that we have. I wouldn’t have Wisteria, or Ivy, or Marlene. Or so many others. And I do love all of the characters I’ve created for you, and all the one’s you’ve made for me. I love how you always indulge my crazy ideas, and are always open to plot. Even when I beg you to send me 17082082 memes that will probably never get done. Even then.
It’s been such an amazing thing to see how you’ve grown over the short time I’ve known you. To see you go from a timid writer, to a full-fledged poet is so amazing. Your writing is fantastic, and with every poem you spill your soul into, I feel a little more proud to call you my friend.
But don’t get too emotional on me, because you’re still my lame, bitter mother. And I’m still a Daddy’s girl. WINK WINK.
For your birthday present, I made you a lil gifset of my FAVORITE of our ships. Although, it was so hard picking just eight... These are the ones that are my high-key favs, forever and ever. From Ivy and Drew, our first children together, to Wisteria and Wyatt, our angsty babies, to Tom and Adelaide–– no explanation necessary. I love them all. From Dylan and Alec, for their gross sappiness, to Arista and her reluctant love for Hyllus, and Dominique and Teddy’s tentative skinny love. Each single one of these ships has made me smile and cry and laugh and die inside a lil’ bit, and I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have them, tbh. But more importantly: if I didn’t have you.
SO. IN CONCLUSION: I love you very very much, Luce, and I hope you had/have an AMAZING birthday. You rock, babe.