Pen-Pal Romance

Chapter 6

'Dear Cullen,

Hi! Man, you cannot even begin to understand how much I needed your letter! It has been a rough couple of days, but I will not explain right now as things are getting better. I don't want to ruin the good with the bad, so I hope you understand?

That is really cool of you to take care of Connor! Not too many families would do that, and you doing this shows how amazing you truly are! I know you and your family miss Collin, but I am thankful he is back! He is amazing at his job, and he keeps being here manageable with his humor.

Oh, I want to thank you for the care package you sent me! The entire unit appreciated the extras you sent! Some people in the unit don't have families in the states to send them letters or stuff from home to give them some comfort, so they love what you send. Collin also got his letter from you and Connor, along with his package and letter from Morgan.

From what Collin has said about Morgan, she sounds like an amazing woman! He also said you and Connor get along great with her, and her with you two, which he loves! That is so awesome in my opinion! Do you and Connor really live next door to Collin and Morgan, or is Collin giving me a hard time?

When I get my two weeks of leave, I was wondering if I can visit you? Please be honest with me if this question creeps you out? I will totally understand if it does, but the reason I'm asking this is for a couple of reasons: 1. I want to meet you in person, and 2. I have no family to spend time with. My family is deceased, and I'm not sure if Collin has mentioned this to you or not. If he has, it isn't a problem.

My leave is happening in two months, by the way, on the 20th. Obviously, I would stay in a nearby hotel, and I know you have work and Connor, but I would love to see you when you have the time.

I am leaving my cell phone here for if you would ever like to text, call, or facetime, if we can find time on occassion. It's (669) 555-1994. Call or text any time if you want, and I can't promise to answer right away, but I will when I can.

Alright, I hate to do this, but I need to end here so I can get some sleep. Talk to you soon, and stay safe.

All the love,

Kingston'

Smiling down at the letter, I bite my lip as I watch Connor, Harris, and Tyler play a racing game against each other on the PS4 in the living room. I'm surprised about several things Kingston wrote in the letter - 1. giving me his cell number 2. wanting to spend time with me during his leave, and 3. that he told me he doesn't have an family, which is sad.

Grabbing my cell off the table top to my left, I find his cell number on the paper to add his contact information into my cell while batteling with myself about texting or not. Bringing up the texting app, I click on Kingston's name, and I type out a message three times, and delete it three times.

"Dude, just send whoever it is the text, and move on," Connor's voice surprises me. "Stop second guessing yourself, and just send it."

Looking over at him, I find him opening the fridge door to grab out three cans of Mt. Dew for him and his friends, and I raise my left eyebrow at him while saying; "I don't want to come across as stupid, or eager."

"Cullen, you are from stupid," he scoffs while shutting the fridge door with a frown. "A little stubborn, but never stupid."

He heads back into the living room after giving me an encouraging smile. I let out a deep, shaky breath that I didn't realize I was holding as I type out a new message; 'Hey Kingston, this is Cullen. I got your letter today. Ugh, I feel so awkward right now and I shouldn't be. I hope you're well.'

I chew on my lower lip as I click send, and tap out of the app as I don't expect an answer from Kingston since it's like 4 a.m. in Baghdad, Iraq where he's stationed at. I'm sure he's sleepig by now, anyway.

Grabbing a fresh sheet of lined paper and my purple ink pen, I begin Kingston's letter;

'Hey Kingston,

I'm writing you after I texted you, so I may repeat things in this letter in text if we talk through messages. I'm sad you had a rough couple of days, but I'm happy things are getting better. I hope things are still better for you. :)

I'm not an amazing person, I just love my brothers so much that I would do anything for them. I don't want Connor to ever feel like I did before I turned 18, and stayed here in Cali. I didn't like living the military life. Mum left cause she couldn't take it - living on bases, and constantly moving every few years. She thought it would be good for us, and Collin did thrive, but Connor and I hated the constant moving.

Yes, we defiinitly miss Collin, but we take comfort in knowing he is doing something he loves. He has always fantastic at everything he does. :)

You're welcome for the care package, and I'm glad the unit liked the extras! I fiugred Collin would get our letter, and Morgan's on the same day since I mailed everything when I went to the post office. Morgan didn't have the time to go to mail the package, so I did it for her.

Yes, we really live next door to each other, and Morgan's more than our sister-in-law, she's the sister Connor and I always wanted, and she is our friend. She is an amazing person, who brings love, light, and laughter into our lives.

I would be honored if you came to visit on your leave. I'm not creeped out by your sweet request, and I would be grateful if you stayed with Connor and I instead of a hotel or motel. I don't want you staying anywhere but here since we have an extra bedroom. I can even pick you up from the airport if you would like?

Talk to you soon.

All the love,

Cullen'