Many of you have been asking how my singular charge has been faring. I am grateful for your concern, and pleased to give you an update on Pamela’s welfare.
There is still tension between Pamela and her mother, though Pamela now sees her family quite often, even considering the distance between them. Angela refuses to discuss the past, pretending that all the pain and struggle did not happen. She is sharp with her daughter, abrasive, and sometimes they still have arguments. It is not effortless between Pamela and William, either. The disagreements that led to their estrangement still do arise occasionally—they are both very stubborn. But that can also be an advantage. Pamela has not once left her parents’ presence without resolving with her stepfather whatever small conflicts have come up. This frustrates Angela, who finds it hard to believe that they can remain on such good terms. I am trying to make it clear to her that her frustration arises from jealousy, the desire in her own heart for such a relationship with her daughter.
In Pamela’s hometown, all is going well. Her work life is progressing—she will have finals in a few weeks, and then after the summer she will be assigned a student teaching position.[1] She is planning a trip abroad in the summer, a brief jaunt to stay with a friend of a friend in London for a few weeks. Though the details of the trip make her anxious, particularly the expense, she is deeply excited. Her friends, of course, have stayed close, helping her through her lonely times and always offering advice and love when she needs them.
One thing that worries me is her growing friendship with Andrew. They are classmates, and they will often meet after class to discuss their projects and plans. More than once Pamela has considered asking him out, but she always discards the notion. I too have discarded the idea that Andrew might be a partner for her—they might do well together, but there is no real attraction between them. Or at least, there is not yet. Andrew is growing more interested in her, which without a similar interest from her will only lead to pain for him. I have tried to make this clear to Pamela, to warn her to have a care, but as yet she has not heeded me. It has been humbling for me: more power does not necessarily mean that I have more influence over my charges.
Still, I love this stubborn woman, and whatever trouble she may cause in the coming days, that will not change. I will keep you updated as time goes by.
[1] This is not a paradox: Pamela is a student of the art of teaching. A student teacher follows and assists an experience teacher, learning how best to give knowledge to young minds.