October 1st
It took every ounce of self-restraint to keep from tearing open the note right there and then. Instead I carried it upstairs with me, willing myself to walk normally. I could feel Sherry staring at my back and almost felt her smirking.
When I got to the top of the landing and was about to dash to my bedroom, Sherry called out to me. I leaned over the banister to see that yes, she was indeed smirking.
"When you feel better, we should go check out the attic to see if there's anything up there we can use for decorations for the Halloween party."
I scrunched my nose at her in answer, knowing full well she would probably wake me up in an hour and a half - if I actually managed to sleep. As soon as I'd closed my bedroom door I tore open the origami note and began to read Robert's perfect handwriting...
'Dearest Sarah,
I must apologize for the afternoon. The blame rests squarely upon my shoulders for your upset stomach and more importantly for your discomfort. I fear I was much too forward once more - I make no excuses for my behavior - and I accept the consequences that may result from my rash actions.
'My hope, dear Sarah, is that I have not gone too far. Please tell me that I have not offended nor frightened you in any way, and that we may have another picnic so that I might make it up to you and fall back into your good graces.
I wanted very badly to stay by your side as you slept, but I didn't feel it would be proper. I left so that your honor would not have the possibility of being tarnished by petty rumors.
If I am completely honest, I wanted very much to tarnish your honor. I thank you for stopping me. I was not a gentleman today, I fear, and I hope you can forgive me for making such an absolute fool of myself.
If my apology is accepted, you can find me waiting under the maple tomorrow afternoon. If my apology is not accepted or you need more time to consider, I will still wait under the maple tomorrow and for three days afterward in hopes I might earn your forgiveness. If after three days you have not come, I will assume that I am not forgiven and will bother you no more.
I truly hope to see you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Robert"
I held the note next to me as I fell into bed. I found myself wondering not if I would go to the cemetery to see Robert the next day, but what I would wear when I did.
October 3rd
When I woke only an hour later, I felt a hundred times better. My head no longer ached and I was able to eat and keep down the toast and tea Sherry made for me.
"You ready to head up to the attic?" she asked, her voice skeptical.
"Nope," I answered cheerfully around a bite of toast, "How about we save that adventure for a day I'm not hungover?"
She sat down across from me and raised her eyebrows along with her teacup. I was starting to think her smirk was permanently etched into her face.
"OK, who is he?"
I could feel my cheeks heating up as I pretended to study the Halloween catalog in front of me. I took another bite of toast and raised what I hoped would be a convincingly questioning eyebrow at Sherry.
"Don't play coy. You met someone."
She tapped her forefinger against her lips, squinting hard at me like she could see into my head if only she could focus properly. I rolled my eyes and shook my head, but the damned blush was giving me away.
