Dear Wilbur, |Wilbur Soot|

2

I didn't see you for a while after that, the thought of you was a mere memory. It was almost like we were strangers again.

Weeks had already passed, it was mid October now. I didn't see Wilbur for a long time, I went to the cafe the days I usually do, nothing had changed.

Today was no different, it was Wednesday night and I was sitting in the same chair I was sitting in weeks ago.

Writing as fast as my hands would let me, trying to keep the hand writing as neat and readable as possible.

Some of my letters are impossible to read, I write to fast when I have a lot to say to someone.

I have almost forgotten about my small interaction with Wilbur, but he still lingers in the back of my mind whenever I'm here. I wonder if I'll ever see him again.

My answer came a few minutes later, when the lights dimmed and soft yellow lights shined on the tiny stage. I hadn't even noticed the same blue guitar and microphone stand.

Oh my god.

I immediately grab my phone to text Mallory.

Me: Wilburs here again.

She responds almost instantly.

Mal: no fucking way. You HAVE to get his number dude.

Me: yeah yeah, maybe I'll talk to him, who knows?

I shut my phone off and put it away before I can get a response. I already know what she will say so it's pointless.

Maybe ten to fifteen minutes later Wilbur walks on, this time he's not wearing glasses or a beanie. His curly hair is almost completely covering his eyes.

He doesn't see me at first, I'm maybe three rows back so I don't expect him to.

That didn't stop me from relaxing and watching his performance. He played the same songs, with the same passion and feeling behind it.

**

After the show I was feeling more confident than I was the last time I was in this situation. So I walk up and talk to him.

"Long time no see." I smile, leaning against one of the pillars on the side of the stage.

Wilbur looks up from his phone and smiles when he sees me. "Oh hey stranger." He says coolly. "I didn't see you in the audience I didn't think you showed up."

It's funny to me that he didn't even tell me that he would be here, and yet expects me to be here.

"So you were looking for me?" I feel a smile creep across my face, and I bite down on my lips to keep it contained.

Wilbur puts his Guitar in the case and stands up. "Possibly." He smiles back at me warmly. "Are you here with your friend?" He asks. I shake my head no before answering.

"Nope. It was just me today."

Wilburs hums, "That seem's a bit lonely doesn't it?" He asks, shifting the weight on his foot. I could imagine that the guitar is heavy.

"Uhm, I don't think so. I like walking in the night." I look outside through the large windows, The streets empty and its sprinkling. The only source of light coming from the scattered street lights.

"You walk alone at night?" I nod. "You could get murdered you know."

I chuckle. "I guess that's a risk I have to be willing to take."

"Here, how about I walk you home." He offers, a smirk spread across his face.

I playfully roll my eyes. "I'm an independent woman, so i'll politely decline."

Wilbur looks at me for a minute, you can see him pondering to himself on what he should say next. As he thinks I turn around and walk away, gathering my things from the table.

"Well wait, it's getting dark. it's not safe in all seriousness." He grabs his bags and guitar in a rush. "what about strangers?"

"We're strangers, Wilbur."

Wilbur gives a long sigh, I can't help but enjoy my antics. I barely know him but I like messing with him.

"No, we aren't. You know my name."

"Doesn't mean I know you. for all I know, you could be a serial killer."

Wilbur hums, knowing I brought up a good point. "I suppose you have a point. you'll just have to trust me then."

I scoff and hand him my bag. "If you insist, but at least hold my bag."

I grab my coat, sliding my arm through the sleeves.

there was a light mist in the air, water freckled my cheeks. Wilbur and I walked side by side, talking with easy conversation.

Mallory was going to freak the fuck out.

"Do you really like Losing Face that much?" He questions, referring to one of his songs.

"Yes! absolutely! it's so good, the lyrics are so painful but so good. It sounds really personal." I tell him excitedly.

He gives me a sad smile. "It is personal. The whole album is personal."

"It's brave to sing it in front of so many people."

"I do it because I know people connect to it."

I smile softly, looking down at my wet shoes. "Sounds like something you would do."

"Oh, so now you know me, huh?" He teases, pushing lightly into me.

"Oh shut up. I was being difficult."

"Yeah, yeah I know."

We continue our conversation, with out telling Wilbur I had taken the long way home. Mallory would be proud.

I wanted to talk to Wilbur, he was one of the few people I had met in the last four years that seemed interested in talking with me.

It was these conversations that I loved so much. Being alone with you and talking about whatever we want, or nothing at all.

"You really live pretty close to me, actually." Wilbur points out as get closer to my flat. "You do realize that you could have gone left and we would have been there in ten minutes."

"Maybe."

"It's taken nearly forty minutes, not that i'm complaining." He gives a playful wink.

"On good nights like these, I like take the long way." We arrive outside the block of flats and I turn to face him. "I didn't realize it was a problem." I tease.

Wilbur rolls his eyes, looking down at me. "I suppose you're independent enough to make it up to your own flat, yeah?"

"Yes Wilbur, I'll be just fine." I smile up at him sweetly. He towers over my five foot seven self.

"You know, just in case you should take my number so I know you didn't get murdered." I laugh, and Wilbur grins.

"I suppose you'd like that wouldn't you."

His head tilts, and eyebrows furrow. I can tell he's not used to his number being rejected. "Next Wednesday, same time and place. If i'm still alive that is." I tell him.

Before he can respond, I turn around and open the door to the block of flats. I don't look back, instead I make sure i'm out of view to let out the biggest sigh.

"What the fuck." I breathe, pressing my back up against the door. "How the fuck did I do that." I've never had that much confidence in my life.

I had to call Mallory.

***
Happy Halloween!