Found In June

Chapter 2: Strawberry

22nd May, 1967
Warnings: Swearing

I didn't feel like getting up today. So, I laid in bed, staring at the beams of light dancing around the ceiling. The warm light reaches my face and it gives me the motivation to get up. I looked in the mirror and half heartedly admired the bird's nest I had for hair. I took my brush and tamed it surprisingly easily.

I got dressed into a fine dress and did my morning routine. Turning on the vinyl player and increasing the volume so it moved around the house fluently. I went to the kitchen and made myself a bowl of cereal, with sliced strawberries in it to comfort me. The memories of spending time with my lover back in London plagued my mind. We always ate strawberries together after spending a good couple hours picking them. I savored the sweetness as I reminisced, daydreaming about reuniting with Eric again. I had sent him letters on my journey and I got ones back.

I finished and cleaned my dishes in the sink with sunlight peering in through the curtains. I pulled all of them open and went back to make my bed and turn off the music. I took my freshly cleaned clothing from the washing machine and brought them outside in a large basket. I strung them along the washing line to dry as I listened to birds singing from all around me. Once I was done I brought the basket in again and quickly threw on some boots and took off to the stables. Remembering to lock the door behind me as I always do.

...

Candice greeted me at the gates and walked me to where they stored the gear. She picked the ones she believed to be best for me and helped to bring them out. We arrived at the same paddock from yesterday where the roan still remained, pacing back and forth. "We found that the roan is a stallion, about 2 years or so." Candice said, she was walking away before she paused and swerved on her foot. "You can name him, Addison." And she was gone, just like that. I can name him? Alright...

I took an apple and came up to the roan yet to be named. He saw me and cautiously trotted over and ate the apple in the blink of an eye. Many names came to mine, but I didn't want to rush it so I thought I'd let the right moment decide his name. Until then, I would try leading the roan around by a halter and rope. So he would get used to it.

Somehow, he allowed me to put it on him. Maybe because he trusted me, or was he just plain stupid.

- 4 hours later -

Rain had begun to pour so I hurried to put the roan back into the stables and return home. I took a hot, steamy shower and got into fresh clothing so I could get the fireplace going. Quickly I had an sunset orange inferno whirling around in its cage peacefully. I sat down and opened the book I had been reading lately and took out the bookmark and fell into a comfortable silence. Minutes passed without disturbance, then my mind wandered to far for my liking.

It ventured to the happiest moments I've had with Eric, our first date, first hug, first "I love you" s. It brought a smile to my face and a flutter of butterflies in my stomach. Expectantly, I can maje more memories with him once he can finally join me here, in this little cottage, away from people who may trouble us and to live the dream we always wished for.

Finally, reunite at last...

*knock knock knock*

My eyes snapped open and I closed my book with the bookmark in. Leaving it on my seat as I dashed to the front door. I opened it and was welcomed by a face unfamiliar to me. Holding a letter. I took it and thanked the young man before he trudged through the muddy path under his umbrella. I locked the door again and sat down with the envelope, admiring the red wax stamp. I tore it open and revealed the letter,

"To my dearest Addison,

I apologize for not awnsering in a while to your updates. Though, I knew I had to tell you myself instead of having someone else give you the news... I am no longer interested in you. You did not want to stay with your family and mine, so you left without warning and abandoned who you are meant to be. I am uncomfortable with the fact I'm dating someone as improper as you, I support you but I don't wish to be with you anymore. I will not pester you or reveal your hiding place, but I just wanted you to know. I am engaged with Amelia Johnson. I hope to see you at the wedding."

Until then, Goodbye.

Sincerely,
Eric Williams."

What..?
No...
He wouldn't.
...

Would he?

Of course he would. I should've known. I should have seen all the signs. Well, at least I know he wasn't going to lie to me, I suppose that's a good thing. Even with how I felt, how I felt so empty and void of emotion, tears threatened to spill but they were invisible. Confusion, anger and pride ran through my veins. I didn't know what to do, I knew I was angry, I could feel the pride and strength and I knew it was there but I felt so...

Lost.

Perhaps, this was a good thing. I'm not sure about it, sure about how to feel. It was like I predicted it to happen, subconsciously. I sat at my writing desk and thought about writing back. He had given a smaller note with the address, time and details for their wedding.

Gripping the pen, paper and glass of wine. I wrote a few mistakes and restarted each time. And after a few drafts, I finished the letter.

"Dear Eric,

I know we weren't perfect, but I've never felt this way for no one. And I just can't imagine how you could be so okay, now that I'm gone. Because you didn't mean what you wrote in that song about me. 'Cause you said 'forever', now I'll drive alone past your street... She'll never know you the way that I did.

And I kind of feel sorry for her.

Sincerely,
Addison Maria Smith."

*play Beggin' by Måneskin*

I put it in the envelope and pressed the stamp against the blue wax. I let it dry and stormed into the kitchen and took the strawberry seed packet and took it outside and threw it into a deep puddle and watched it sink. I didn't care about the rain as it took off some weight on my shoulders. I worshipped the prideful confidence. And I found the strength I could never muster. Until now.

I went back in and re-read the note. Many vengeful plans flowed through my mind, and a smile plagued my tear stained face. Then one in particular sparked a fire in my heart.

Good...

I'll see you at your wedding alright.
You damn bastard.

_________________________________________

What will happen next? What is Addison sinister idea?