Painted Faces

One Letter Turns Into a Story

WARNING: this is a long chapter😉

Rosemary's POV

"Dear Rudie, I do not know if you remember me- no..."  I sighed and crumbled up the piece of paper- Again.
"Alright, let's start again. Dear Rudie, it's Rosemary Scwartzcoff- no that's not right either." I held my head back and sighed. Suddenly,
"I've got it!" I cheered triumphantly as I put my pen to the paper.
Dear Rudie,
My name is Rosemary Scwartzcoff. You and I where friends long ago until I moved away. I had to leave because Desmond was ill and the doctor had no idea what his prognosis was. I never got the chance to tell you why I was moving and it killed me knowing that I had just lost my best friend without him even knowing why. A few weeks back, Desmond died. We moved back to our old house on Laurel Crest St. I would like to see you again after all of these years and I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.  If you want to meet up with me please reply. If not, I understand. Tell your mother and sister I said hello.
Your's Truely,
Rosemary Scwartzcoff

I took the envelope and ran downstairs. When I opened the door, the rain had stopped and the left over clouds created a gorgeous sunset. I walked across the bridge and turned onto Crooked Branch Ln. When I saw Rudie's house and his older brother sitting at his desk through the window up above, I smiled. 
I walked to his door and heard loud shouting. My heart fluttered with anxiety. Then a loud crash sounded from behind the door. I slipped the envelope through the mail slot and rung the doorbell. I sprinted behind a the large oak on the side of his house. After a few minutes of yelling, the door opened.
A boy with long blonde hair stepped into the doorway. The light from the hallway outlined his thin frame. He had scratches covering his face and a black eye shadowed his handsome face. He looked around after picking up the letter. Then he walked inside and closed the door.

Rudie's POV

My head ached and my eye throbed. I angered Papa by dropping a plate from the dinner table. He beat me and yelled at me. That was my usual punishment. By that I mean I get belted on the back and I have the scars to prove it. Tonight was different though. He punched me over and over again, until I was on the floor begging for him to stop. When the doorbell rang, he was holding me by the collar of my shirt and he dropped me. Then he walked away without saying a word.
I laid on the floor for a few seconds and I got up and opened the door. I saw no one in the shadows, but I felt as if some one were there. The envelope I held in my hand had my name written in calligraphy on the front. When I was sure it was safe to go inside, I crawled up the stairs and to my bedroom.
At my desk, I read the letter. Rosemary... I wondered where she went.
I took out a sheet of paper and a pen.

Dear Rosemary,
I got your letter and I wanted to say thank you for telling me where you went all those years. I've missed you. I'm deeply sorry for your loss of Desmond, he was a nice boy. My heart and prayers are with you and, I know how you feel. My mother died a few months after you left. The heart takes time to heal and it's not an easy road. Even after many years, it still hurts, but you learn to move on because that's what they would have wanted. You also have to keep smiling even when you have to force yourself to do so. Because sometimes you have to smile, not just for yourself, but for the sake of your grieving friends and family. By doing so, your loved ones will feel inspired to do the same. Then, will life become a smoother path. I would like to meet up with you as well. Perhaps on the bridge where we used throw rocks when we where little? If you think this is a good place, please reply as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Rudie Färber

The next morning I took the letter to her house.

Rosemary's POV

Rudie,
It means a lot that you replied to my first letter and I hope that one day you and I can be friends again: like when we where younger. My most sincere apologies go to you and your family. Your mother was a truly wonderful woman. Thank you very much for the grieving advice. Anyways, I think the old bridge is a great spot. I don't have any plans for tomorrow. If this works for you, you do not have to reply, just meet me there after noon. I will wait there for ten minutes. If you do not show up, I will leave.
Hope to see you there,
Rosemary

Rudie's POV

I awoke the next morning to the sound of birdsong- a sound of hope. Throughout the day, I avoided papa as much as I could but even that has it's limits. He told me to go to the farmer's market and return before the curfew. An hour before I was supposed to meet up with Rosemary, I left for the market place. When the War started, business's started up again and today it seemed as if the market where more full than ever.
I took the list papa gave me and read it over again to make sure I did not miss anything.
Apples... I told myself. When I approached the fruit stand, I saw Adler. His parents where friends with my parents. Adler helped his papa by working the fruit stand while his papa sold milk and creme. Even though Adler was only fourteen, he always helped his family at the market am on their family farm.
"Hello there Adler! I'll take two red apples please." I greeted him.
"Hi Rudie! Wie geht es dir?" He asked as he threw me the apples.
"Sehr gut! How about you?" I answered and pulled out some money.
"Eh... I've been better. How has your day been so far?"
"After I get these apples, I'm meeting up with an old friend who I haven't seen in many years." As soon as I finished my sentence, a spiral of apprehensiveness shot through me.
"Oh! Well don't let me make you late!" He chuckled. "Here, take this." Adler handed me another apple. "Give it to her. It's free."
"Really? Thank you," I smiled gratefully. "See you soon, Adler." I waved him goodbye and made my way to the bridge.

Rosemary's POV

Where are you, Rudie? Please show up. I thought nervously as I twirled my hair around my finger tip. I saw a slight movement out of the corner of my eye and I looked up. A man stood at the top of the hill. His golden blonde hair shimmered in the sunlight.
"Oi! Is that you, Rosemary..?" He asked.
"Yes. Would you like to talk for a little while?" I responded, immediately recognizing his voice.
"Isn't this why we are here?" Rudie chuckled.
I let out a sigh of relief as I watched him make his was slowly down the hill. He walked up to me and smiled a big grin. I smiled back, knowing nothing about his personality has changed since I left. He handed me an apple and our gazes interlocked.

Both Rudie and Rosemary's POV

I knew at that moment when I looked into those brilliant blue eyes, something sparked inside me.

Sorry it was so long! I hope it wasn't too confusing either. GERMAN VOCAB TIME, CHILDREN!🇩🇪
Wie geht es dir= how are you?
Sehr gut= very well.