The Secrets You Keep

Apart Of Me

It's nearly midnight. The last time I was out this late, Geneva was in the hospital after her attempt. After the power came back on, we spent some more time together and now I'm driving back to my hotel. Before I left though, Geneva handed me an giant yellow envelope as for what's in it, I have no clue. She made me promise that I would open it alone once I got back to my room, and me not being the type to break promises, I'm keeping my word.

As I make my way back to my room, my hands start to shake, the anticipation is building fast. I place the envelope in the middle of my bed head to the bathroom and quickly take a shower to wash the sweaty, sticky muck off before getting out and changing into fresh clothes. Picking up the envelope I walk over to the computer desk looking out the window and embrace the city skyline.

I sit down and slowly open the envelope. I pull out the stack of contents and discover there's a letter. It's handwritten by Geneva and smells like her favorite perfume Chanel perfume. She's always had the classiest cursive writing that I could never attempt without it looking like chicken scratch. I silently read and thumb the pages, a lump starts to form in my throat and like clockwork, the tears start to flow once I begin reading.

Dear Cameron,

You are so special to me. From the first time I laid eyes on you, I knew you were someone I wanted to be close to. You've managed to bring out so much confidence that I thought was lost, you make me smile everyday with a simple glance, and you've never, ever given up on me even when you should have a long time ago. God has given me an angel so beautiful and loving that I owe to him and you to cherish what we've built all this time. I've caused so much hurt within you, sewn a lot of mistrust, I was reckless and carless about your feelings and desires. I still have a lot of work I need to do for you to earn my trust again, I will be gaining it back with all the strength in my body for the rest of my life, I promise you that. Baby, I can assure you that you are the one who makes my heart flutter, my pulse jump through my body, and protects me like a precious jewel. You are apart of me in every way, to be with you is like having heaven on earth. I want you to know that I will always love you until my last breath and that you will always come first in my life. Do you remember when I told you that I would always take care of you when you're with me? Well, I'm holding true to my word and I done some things for you that I think you'll truly love. I know material things don't mean much but, I wouldn't feel right not making sure I protect you just as much as you protect me. Enclosed in this envelope are several documents that I have signed and that you also need to sign as well. These are the keys to our future together in life, and death. The first document is a revised will and testament. You will receive all of my wealth when I'm gone. As you know, I have been a wealthy woman for a long time but, I have no children or surviving family members that I trust but; I trust you and love you so much that I want to know that you will be living comfortably just like you should. The second and last documents you will find are the deeds to my homes. They are fully paid off and can be used for you to vacation in or anything you want to do in them. Housekeeping is on the payroll so you never have to stress about keeping things clean. Insurance, Lawn Care, and all other amenities are taken care of, no stress or no worry will be necessary baby. The keys to each home are located at the bank and when I pass, my lawyer will give you all the right instructions to get them. There's one last thing I want to share with you but, I will call you a the next few days so I can cook a lovely dinner for your birthday and we can talk about it.

Love you always,
Geneva 💋

I wipe the tears streaming down my cheeks and focus on trying to catch my breath. So many questions are floating through my brain right now. When did she plan all of this? Why is she giving me these papers now? What does she want to talk about next? I fold all the papers back into the envelope, place them in the small safe in my closet and set the code. With the swipe of a pen and the help of an estate planner Geneva managed to have me set for life. I don't know who I should call or if I should call and tell anybody at all. I never thought in a million years something like this would be happening to me, it's like a fantasy or some shit you see in movies.

But now, it's hitting me harder than ever that this isn't a fantasy, or some big practical joke, she's starting to take things so seriously and plan her life with me in it. There's no more confusion on where she stands or if our relationship is on shaky ground. I'm permanent and a priority to someone, I shiver with excitement, balling like a baby. This is real. It's really real.