My Contest Submissions - Nothing Like You.

From Esfandiar C. Hale's contest: Writing To You . . .230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uLs2UZmdV

230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEvkRKtSUw

The characters in this story are from the book Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys. It is a historical fiction novel.

To the mother I have never once felt love for — but I'm sure you know that already.

When I was younger, I always held onto hope. Hope that you would finally recognize me, understand me, and treat me like the daughter I've always wished to be. But I know better now. You, however, have not changed, and you would soon be back to where you started.

You have abandoned me for Cincinnati to find your fame in Hollywood. I have tried to warn you of your dreadful boyfriend countless times, but I had recently realized the truth. You are just like him. You are a murderer, a traitor, a callous soul whose only hunger is for silver pearls.

Do not come back to New Orleans in your stolen car running to Willie.

She's dead.

I cannot tell you how satisfied Willie was when you decided to leave her home. But that was before we knew you had broken into my room, and took not only the gold watch Willie gave me for my birthday, but also the money I received from Cokie for college. I was enraged and shouldn't have been at all surprised, but it was the fact you had done it without hesitance. When Willie found out, she had a heart attack.

You have always told me I was a smart girl, and that I should be just like you. But Willie knew me better.

I am nothing like you.

I also have a boyfriend of my own. His name is Jesse, the one you call the "fun type." I am currently in Massachusetts, getting ready for my interview at Smith that I am paying with my inheritance. Because I am determined to start my life again where you are not in the picture. The only people I would ever consider my parents are Willie Woodley and Cokie Coquard. He isn't just a cab driver. He is my family, and always has been.

Please, Mother, do not write back.

You expect me to sign my name as Josie Moraine. But she does not exist.

From the daughter that would never be yours,

Josie Coquard

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