The Dark Roads: The Complete Story

Chapter 13: Christopher's Last Words

I looked down at the letter in front of me.  I could tell Christopher had written it; he always leaves the letter "e" unfinished, like a "c" with a line in between.

My heart was beating out of my chest. I looked up at Mrs. Hardy who was just as stressed as I was.

"Should I read it out loud? You deserve to hear this just as much as I do." I said trying to relieve Christopher's mother of stress.

"No. Christopher wanted you to read it for a reason. I will be in the other room." She said as she began leaving the room.

"Wait!" I exclaimed.

Mrs. Hardy turned around faster than my eyes could register.

I stood up and walked over to her.

"What is it?"  She asked.

I walked up to her and hugged her. I hugged her tighter than I had ever hugged anyone before.

I could feel a tear escaping my right eye. I tried to be strong but I couldn't. I started to cry. We hugged for what must have been 3 minutes before she let go of me.

"I need you to be brave for me Tracy. Can you do that?"

I shook my head saying yes. I thought I could be brave, but it wouldn't be easy.

"Just read the letter. Read the letter for you and me." She said.

"Okay" I said through sniffles.

I walked over to the living room table.

I read the front of the letter again.

"For Tracy's eyes only."

All of the sudden, I started to get angry at Chris. Why wouldn't he just contact me like a normal person. Why wouldn't he say anything to his parents or his loved ones.
Why Christopher? Why?

I began opening the letter. Inside the letter was a paper. It was a normal paper, but one with lines in it, like the paper I would use to take notes on for school.

On one side, the page had a small paragraph on it, but the header for this page said "Read this side last."

I flipped the page over and saw an entire page filled to the brink with words.

I closed my eyes and prepared myself for what I was about to read.

Once I was ready, I opened my eyes and started from the top.

Dear Tracy,

I fell in love with you the first day I saw you. When you were sitting in Mr. Wyatt's classroom playing with a pencil on your desk.

I started to smile thinking of those pleasant memories. I remember feeling so unbelievably bored that a simple pencil was enough to keep me entertained.

You were so playful and gentle, yet full of life and energy. When I first talked to you, I must admit, I was extremely nervous. Actually, I was so nervous that it took me months to find the courage to come up and talk to you. Ever since that day, our friendship has only deepened. I've grown so fond of you that I know exactly what you are thinking when we are around each other.  I loved getting to discover who you are every day. I learned that you are more adventurous than first meets the eye. I learned that you are more courageous than anyone in our entire classroom. Hell, you're more courageous than John Greer when he jumped in that crocodile lake sophomore year. I know you remember how crazy that was. The truth is Tracy, when I was with you, I felt like I could do anything.

I paused and took a deep breath. A tear formed in my left eye this time. I was so filled with many emotions that crying felt like an afterthought. I took another deep breath and continued reading.