To 16 year old me

Dear Karapoththa,

Yes yes. I know what you're thinking. The stupid nickname stuck even though you moved halfway across the world to New York for a mere two months and then moved back again here to good old Lanka and started fresh at a brand new school. Well guess what? News travels faster than lightning can. So I suggest you deal with it and sometimes when you really can't take up the teasing, whack those boys. With the books you carry in your hand whilst walking towards Literature class. Trust me, it's a great feeling.

And by the way, just stop brooding over why you felt like your sixteenth birthday sucked so much. Sure, it just magically had to collide with the stupid car and its accidents and your sister's French Day at school. But so what? There's going to be tons more of these sucky stuff in the near future and some of it may not even have to do with birthdays. Just thought I'd give you a heads up.

Could you try studying a bit more and figuring out what in Popcorn's name are you going to do with your future? Seriously. Your other friends have some clue as to what they want to do five years from now. Shouldn't you be on the same boat? I suggest you give journalism a try. You always DID want to become a writer, so maybe you'd do pretty great at it.

And while we're still on the same plane, I think you should give up wishful thinking for a while. You are NOT going to get a chance to stare into Zac Efron's eyes and he is so NOT going to kiss you. Even if this applies to your nighttime dreams only. A couple years from now, you aren't going to be fantasizing about him. Cos he isn't going to be that great to you. Uh huh, it's going to be that hottie from Gossip Girl.

Just thought you should know.

Love, nineteen year old me.

x