Dear Charlie,
I can already tell you that you're not going to believe this letter. So let's start with some things that only you know. When you were eight that's when it all started. Nothing was ever the same after that. At nearly fifteen you fell pregnant and you had a miscarriage. To this day I'm the only one who knows. By the only one I mean look in the mirror. Right now you're what? Twenty two years old? Isabella is only what? Almost three or maybe by now she is three. Who knows. The point is what you're reading is right. You're actually reading a letter from the future. As I write this I'm forty-two. Yeah. Twenty years have passed. Now before you start trying to figure out what's going on let me be clear. I will only give you information that you need. First of all I will say this. Your career is still going wonderfully. You're career has thrived over the past two decades.
Bella has thrived. Like you she did hit a few bumps along the way but she's thrived. Dancing is still her number one passion. It's such a passion that she actually hasn't let dating interfere. You would love the woman she's become. I'm hella proud of her that's how I know. Then comes your son. He's seventeen. He's got a bit of an attitude but you always say he gets it from his grandfather. The old man's doing better now by the way. We'll get to him and the rest of the family later. Now I know you think Bella and dad are close but just wait until you see him with Nolan. That's going to be a real treat and something that you won't believe until you see it for yourself. Then there's your other little girl. She's a little spitfire that one. It's no wonder why we named her what you did. She still hates her name and insists she goes by her middle name.
What made you name her Anastasia Elizabeth anyways? Eh. I know already but yeah. The point is she's your bookworm. She's constantly got a nose in a book and she's your straight A student. She helps Nolan with his homework. While Nolan nor Bella have been bad Nolan's definitely your handful. But that's okay. He takes after his dad. Why you left him will become clear when you decide to leave him. Just know your son looks exactly like his father. You could say Anastasia does too but she takes more after Delilah and you actually. Don't worry about your ex. You still talk. In fact recently you two have been on a couple of dates but you haven't told the kids because you don't know what's happening. The point is you're not ALONE. Even if you were you wouldn't be because of your kids. Bella wants to move out and maybe she will eventually but I think you're the reason she hasn't yet.
Next comes Delilah. You two are closer than you've ever been, at least closer than you can remember. The point being within the last twenty years you've ended up telling her everything. She knows about your stepdad. She knows about everything. Yes. There are two more people NOW who know about the two miscarriages. Well three but you told your ex about it after you told Delilah. She's the one who convinced you to open up to your dad about it. The point I'm making is you don't have to be scared to let everyone in completely. They're your family. They love you and by now where I am... You know this. Everyone loves and accepts you. And you have even found solace in talking to them. Your life is right where you want it. You own a beautiful home and even though you're thinking about adopting you won't do it unless all three of your kids are on board. Hell let's face it. You even want your dad's approval just because you want to know his opinion and just how he feels on it.
Speaking of the old man. He's doing better than he was. That's all I'll say on that but in the next couple of years your respect for him will definitely grow and that's a definite good thing. You think the two of you are close now? Just wait. As you get older you're going to be even happier that he's in your life. You know that already I'm sure. Good news! Jill isn't leaving your life or your family. I know you've been curious about that but she's sticking it out for the long ass haul and that it really is but I guess she thinks like you do. Your family is worth it. Just don't stay closed off too long and hopefully things can work out even faster. Don't ever give up on your family or what you want out of life. It may take a bit longer but you will definitely not regret it.
xo, Future Charlie.