Author's Notes:

I found this little prompt while I was blipping around the internet and I figured it would be neat to write. The prompt is:

"Write a letter to your 10-year-old self. Tell him/her what to expect, who to avoid, what you regret, etc."

I think this would be neat to do. If you want to do one, PM it to me and I will put it in here.

To The Child I Have Been

Dear Child I Have Been,

Hello, Azure. I have to say that I don't know where to begin. How about with the dates?

Alright, I was ten years of age in the year 2002. Wow, that was a long time ago :P. I'm not going to be cliche by saying that a lot has happened since then, but it has.

Let me ask you a few questions before I answer some of yours. Do you enjoy your life as it is now? I know you'll say yes, but I still had to ask.

Good thing, because your life is about to change drastically.

I confirm that your best friend's name is Crystal? You met her last year at the end of 4th grade. You were both Student of the Month for the month of May. You two talked on the bus on the way to A&W, where the Students of the Month were going to have lunch. She was in your Girl Scout Troop as well.

Wow. You must be really freaked out. Don't worry, I'm not some crazy stalker.

Stick by her. She may be going through tough times, but don't shy away. Don't make the mistake of not being there for her. When you need someone, she's always going to be there for you, but I bet you knew that already, right?

Thought so.

And I know that she can be annoying sometimes, but don't mind her. In time, you'll come to not mind these little quirks. It'll all become one big part of Crystal, and you'll love it.

I also understand that you love to read. You never finished 'Walk Two Moons', did you? Please do. It's an awesomely sad book.

You might even check out some of Sharon Creech's other books. They're awesomely sad as well.

Wow... 2002. I don't even think I remember half the things that happened in 2002. You're going to be in the Mountain Home Christmas Parade this Christmas. It's going to be cold... You might put on some extra clothing just in case. And you'll be the only one there with reindeer ears. Just to let you know.

In the near future, you're going to have a horrible sinus infection. Just keep blowing your nose, and buy more that one box of tissue when you go to the store.

Mom still works at night, doesn't she? You don't mind that, I know you don't, but don't hold it against her.

You're going to go see The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring in theaters soon. Don't bother trying to remember every little detail, because later on down the road you'll become obsessed with the series.

Now, I'm going to touch on a rather sensitive subject, so if you're around people, go to your room.

You love your grandfather. You love him with all of your heart, and you know it.

But you fight an awful lot. Your mom says that it's the age gap being so great. And it's pretty unavoidable, since you all live together.

Well, try not to get so annoyed with him anymore. In a few years, you'll wish you hadn't fought so much. Believe me.

Another thing about him. I don't want to scare you, but spend as much time with him as you can. Even go on his stupid fishing trips just to be around him. Ask him to teach you everything he knows, so you can use it when he's gone. You've only got about two years until your world falls apart.

I've freaked you out, haven't I?

Just heed my warnings. You'll thank me later.

Enjoy your room while you can. In two years, you're going to have to share it with a 16-year-old named EJ. Please, do the best you can to convince Mom that they don't need to move in with us.

EJ's son Joe will take Grandpa's room, and that will make you mad. So, if you can't avoid it, volunteer to move into Grandpa's room. You'll thank me later.

After they move out, your mom will get a boyfriend named Cohen. Hate him. Advise your mother the best you can against staying with him.

I can't tell you what happens next, although it can be avoided if you just do what I've said.

Then, after Cohen, she'll have another boyfriend named Harvey and you'll have landlord problems.

You'll have to move in with him, and you'll hate it all the way. You'll move into this crappy school, and you'll loose touch with Crystal for about a month. Write her everyday.

And when that bitch at Viola laughs at you because of your affiliation with the tennis player (you know that one I mean, and don't sweat it. No one can help who their family is), laugh at her face. She even tries to do the caller ID thing.

Just laugh it up, right in her ugly face.

The next house you'll move into will be barn-shaped. You'll love it. But beware, when you go up the stairs, tilt your head to the left because the ceiling slopes in.

You'll live and be happy in this house for about two years. You'll make new friends, and you'll love them.

Then, your Mom will suggest moving again. Try to dissuade her as best you can. Despite what you think you're going to find in Las Vegas, you'll hate it there. It'll comprimise everything you are, and although you'll come out stronger for it... Just don't do it.

That's all the advice I can give you right now. Please take all you can get. Please, for your own sake, take my advice.

I love you, even though you might not know you love yourself yet.

Sincerely,
A Voice From The Future