Time: 10:09 a.m.

From: Agnes Petrella <agnes_in_wonderland_76@[omitted].com>

To: Zoe Cross <crushedmarigolds@[omitted].com>

Subject: I’ve been thinking…

I’ve been thinking a lot about our conversation the other night, and I don’t want to leave any opportunity for vagueness.

I promised myself I would live unapologetically and damn anybody who finds it offensive.

I need to be as candid with you as I can possibly be. I, at the very least, owe you my honesty.

I want us to have a baby.

I know what you’re thinking. I know you probably think I’m crazy, but I’ve been thinking about this for quite some time and I think it’s only natural for the two of us to create life together.

We love one another, don’t we?

We belong together.

I want to carry your life in me.

I, of course, haven’t considered the details. But all I know is I want to make this happen between us. I *need* to make this happen.

What do you think?

EMAIL FROM ZOE CROSS

Date: 08/01/2000

Time: 5:12 p.m.

From: Zoe Cross <crushedmarigolds@[omitted].com>

To: Agnes Petrella <agnes_in_wonderland_76@[omitted].com>

Subject: Re: I’ve been thinking…

Agnes,

I’ve been thinking about your email all day.

I don’t quite know how to respond, and I certainly hope I don’t come across as uncaring given the brevity of this email I’m writing.

Of course, I love you. Of course, I would want to have a child with you.

But it’s just not possible right now. I don’t know if it ever will be, but I know for certain that it’s something I can’t accept ownership of at the moment.

I so desperately wish I could give you exactly what you desire.

I’ve been thinking, too – thinking of ways we both can get what we want.

I think I’ve come up with a solution, but I’m apprehensive to share my idea over email. I was hoping we could chat on Instant Messenger again tonight so I can share with you my idea.

Don’t worry, my love. The agony of uncertainty won’t last for long.

Zoe

INSTANT MESSAGING CONVERSATION BETWEEN AGNES AND ZOE

08/01/2000

[<crushedmarigolds> has entered the chat]

[<agnes_in_wonderland_76> has entered the chat]

10:32:02 <crushedmarigolds> Hey

10:32:09 <agnes_in_wonderland_76> Hey

10:32:18 <crushedmarigolds> You’re not upset, are you?

10:32:29 <agnes_in_wonderland_76> I’m bracing myself for the worst

10:32:34 <crushedmarigolds> And why’s that?

10:32:41 <agnes_in_wonderland_76> You don’t want to have a baby with me

10:32:54 <crushedmarigolds> That’s not true

10:33:04 <crushedmarigolds> You know that’s not true

10:33:12 <crushedmarigolds> I’d give anything to be able to give you exactly what you want

10:33:23 <crushedmarigolds> It’s just not possible right now

10:33:35 <agnes_in_wonderland_76> I know

10:33:42 <crushedmarigolds> But, there’s something you can do

10:33:53 <crushedmarigolds> If you’re serious about wanting to carry life inside you

10:33:59 <agnes_in_wonderland_76> Yes