Pen-Pal Romance

Chapter 2

'Dear Connor & Cullen,

Hey! My leave is still on, and I'll be landing at the airport on March 15th at 3 a.m., so don't send me a letter back this time. I'm telling Morgan to stay home since my flight is coming in so damn early, and let Connor stay home and sleep, too. Speaking of Connor, is he staying home the day I arrive, or is he attending school?

Have you talked to dad lately? He misses hearing from you and Connor. I spoke with dad a few days ago, and I think you two should call him.

I'm beyond excited to be home on leave next month! I miss all of you, but Morgan more.

Lieutenant Royce is expecting a letter from you, and he is looking forward to your letter.

I'm sorry, but I have to end my letter here as I am heading out for patrol.

Love you both!

All the love,

Collin'

Sighing as I fold the letter to place it back into the envelope before smiling over at Connor as we sit at the table. I read him the letter again, as Connor is dyslexic, and gets frusterated, and I don't want him frusterated when we get a letter from Collin.

"So, when I pick Collin up on the 15th of next month, do you want to stay home for the day, or go to school?" I ask him.

"I'm staying home," he instantly replies. "I miss Collin, a lot."

"That's fine, and I know you do, Col," I acknowledge with a tiny smile.

"Can I stay at Tyler and Harris' tonight, please?" he asks since today is Saturday.

"Sure as long as their mum doesn't care," I reply with a smile. "Let me know if you need a ride there."

"Thanks, Cullen!" he exclaims while grabbing his phone from his front right pocket of his blue jeans to text his friends, who are twins.

"Not a problem," I grin as I stand to grab paper, pen, an envelope, and a postage from the drawer next to the stove.

"Why are you writing Collin?" Connor asks with a frown as he texts with his friends.

"I'm not writing Collin, I'm writing his Lieutent Rocye," I answer with a smile.

Connor immeditly stops texting his friends to smirk at me; "Perhaps you and this Lieutent will fall in love like in books and movies. Then you will be happy."

"I am happy, Connor," I say while frowning over at him, pen hovering over the paper. "You, Collin, Morgan, Dean and Molly make me happy."

"I don't mean that kind of happiness," he says with a tiny frown. "I mean the kind of happiness you find someone that is your soulmate."

Shaking my head slightly at him as I murmur; "Nah, I don't need that kind of happiness in my life. I don't need a relationship to make me happy. Besides I'm not interested in dating a man who is in the military."

Now Collin frowns at me; "Not everyone is like dad, Cullen. Look at Collin, he makes sure to stay in touch as much as he can with all of us, espcially Morgan. He does this while being half way around the world."

"Yeah," I murmur avoiding his intense gaze. "I'm going to write the Lieutent his letter now."

"Sure," he replies standing up to leave the room. "Oh, Ty and Harris' mom is picking me up."

"Awesome," I nod with a smile. "I hope you have a great time."

Connor nods as he leaves the kitchen to head to his room to pack a bag, and do whatever else before his friends arrive to pick him up.

Turning my focus back to the task at hand, I let out a soft sigh as I start writing;

'Dear Lieutent Rocye,

Hello! I'm Cullen Brown, I'm SPC Collin Brown's middle brother, but I guess that is silly to say since you know this already. Sorry.

I hope you are doing well, and are safe. I'm sorry if this letter is horrible, as I am horrible writing first letters to people. I hope this doesn't discourage you from writing with me.

So, here is what I am going to do - I'm going to ask you questions, and I am going to include my answers.

1.) How old are you? I am 22-years-old.

2.) What is your favorite color? Mine is silver.

3.) What is your favorite snack? Mine is Nacho Cheese Doritos.

4.) What is your favorite flavor of coffee? Mine is black with carmel coffee creamer.

5.) What is your favorite song? Mine is 'Two of Us' by Louis Tomlinson.

6.) What is your favorite holiday? Mine is Halloween.

7.) What is your favorite movie? Mine is 'Save the Last Dance'.

8.) What is your favorite quote? Mine is 'Victims, aren't we all?

Um, I also have a younger brother named Connor, and he lives we me. Our dad is in the Army too, and he is stationed at Fort McCoy in Wisconsin.

I enjoy most types of music, but I'm not too fond of Rap, but that is just me. I love reading anything I can get my hands on. Do you like reading, and if so, what do you like to read? I work at a coffe cafe, but I know Collin has told you that from when I mailed the last care package he got from Connor and me.

Alright, I am going to end this letter here. I hope you are well, and safe.

Best Wishes,

Cullen Brown'

Sighing, I fold the paper in half, slip it in the envelope, seal it, address it, and leave it on the counter to mail in the morning. I decide to wash the dishes after I cleaned up my stuff from writing the letter, and then watch television until Connor leaves thirty minutes later.

Around 10 p.m. I head to bed after showering, brushing my teeth and hair, and pulling on a pair of pajama bottoms. I have to be up at 5 a.m. to head into work since I'm opening the cafe at 7 a.m.