The Way I See It — V.J. Chambers

Told entirely in email messages, the way i see it captures the raw emotion and angst of high school.

Sarah is caught between two guys. One, named Eric, is sweet and smart, and she's head over heels for him. One, named Mick, is her father's boss' son. He wants Sarah bad. When Sarah picks Eric over Mick, Mick uses his position as the son of a powerful man to get revenge on Sarah. One by one, her friends turn against her, until there's only one obstacle in Mick's way--Eric.

Loosely based on The Illiad, this novella chronicles a conflict between high school friends.

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EXCERPT:

From: Dana Hellerman
To: Sarah Rook
Date: Fri 31 Jan 2003 10:09:38
Subject: (none)

sarah,
what's up? i am in ms. cooke's class but she can't see that i am typing. i'm supposed 2 be working on some dumb short story. this will have to be quick. are u going 2 the party this weekend? Tristan and Eric are going to be there, atleast that's what Tristan told me yesterday on the phone. if u check this during study hall e-mail me back. I will be on the computer at lunch and then we can talk about it after school.
did u see what cara wilson is wearing? i was going to buy a shirt like that at the mall, but now that i see it on her, i am not sure. she is alot thinner than me and she looks horrible!! i don't know. what do u think? well, i will see u after school, girl. hope ur coming this weekend.
l8er,
dana


From: Sarah Rook
To: Dana Hellerman
Date: Fri, 31 Jan 2003 12:44:01
Subject: Where is the party?

Dana,

I don't know if I can get out this weekend. My dad says that I can only have the car once every two weeks and you know I took it last week. You would have to pick me and then someone would have to get me home by curfew.

I will try. Where is the party? Is it in Reetown again? I don't know why you keep telling me about Eric, because you know I don't like him. He is a huge dork and I don't care if he IS your boyfriend's best friend, that does not mean you have to foist him on me.

I thought Cara looked cute. You think she looks horrible? Anyway, even if she is thinner, you are much better proportioned, if you know what I mean, and I'm sure the shirt would look fine on you. Cara looks like a clothes hanger. We have had this discussion before. You know that you are really hot and stop being such an idiot about the whole thin thing. You know that you look bigger because you are bigger--where it counts!! Ask Tristan.

Okay, well, this is study hall, and I have a major test in Trig next period. So I have to go. See you after school!!

LYLAS,
Sarah