“I was angry with you at first.  I wondered what the big deal was about being propositioned.  You could just say ‘no’.  Then a week ago a guy hit on me and tried to get close.  I felt so violated.  Sitting there that night in my room I realized that is probably somewhat how you felt when I came on to you so unexpectedly.  You were right to leave. I would only have hurt you and myself as well had you stayed.”

“Again I say I am sorry for any pain I have caused you.”

Joyce

It took a week for her to be able to pen a letter to Joyce.

“I too am sorry about what happened.  I did not realize the false signals I apparently gave you and I too am sorry that I did.  I needed someone, you were there, you were kind, and in fact, looking back, with your frame of reference, I led you on.  I assure you, it was without knowing.  I think you know that but it still hurt both of us.  I hope that in the future I will be more astute and considerate.  I hope you will someday understand how I felt, possibly you already do, and I hope you will forgive me for reacting.”

“The door is open the other way.  If you ever need someone, need help I could provide, give me a call.  I know you have offered to not contact me, but if I can help you, please do not even hesitate.  You have no idea how much your letter meant to me, I left the 911 with one less loose end because of you writing that letter and I think I have an idea how hard it was to do.  I wish we could have started over. I feel under different circumstances we could have seen each other as just friends.  That is what I now consider you.”

Thanks

Sandra

Two days later Sandra came home to her apartment and found a message on the answering machine.  It was short and to the point, “Sandra, this is Joyce.  I got your letter, thanks so much.”

• The First Family: Chapter 1 – Introduction
• The First Family – Chapter Three: Sandra Leaves the Military for Marriage
• The First Family 5: Mitzi Spars with a Reporter During the Campaign