Forgetting Love

6

I smile when I see the pale pink envelope in my mail. Only one person I know uses that color. Heck, she's the only person I know that still writes letters. All of my other mail pales in comparison.

I practically skip to my apartment in excitement. Even though I have work in about forty minutes, my mood doesn't die. I've been having sort of this new out look on life. I enjoy the little things and live to the best of my ability.

I've been more open to Ashton, things are back to normal with Ryan and me, I don't always dread going to work. I'm always joking and trying to brighten people's days. I'm like I used to be.

I guess you could say I got less mature, but I'm acting like an eighteen year old should rather than a twenty five year old. Everything had just seemed better these past few days.

The best part is nothing new ever popped up. It's as if the person who was stalking me knows I'm moving on and has lost the will to scare me. In fact, I've hardly even thought about Chris. Sleeping isn't a painful chore anymore. It's a way to pass time and relax. I've felt rejuvenated, and now I get to read a letter from Olivia.

I don't take my time being careful when I rip open the envelope. I put the empty envelope along with the rest of my unopened mail on the counter. I lean against the counter top and read her perfect cursive letters.

Dear Morgan,

I have hit an exciting new milestone! Ok, so maybe not for you and you young kids but it's huge for me. I sent my first text message! I even had the little colon and parentheses come together and make a smily face like this :). I have a phone now, too. Quick question. Why do they make them so small? I always misplace mine and can never find it. It feels like I spend more time looking for it than using it. Even so, I still prefer the simple formalities of letters that much of the world has forgotten. Doesn't it just seem so much more real to you?

My job working as an accountant is going wonderfully. Really, it's just simple adding and subtracting. It's like some people cower in fear when they hear the word math. Everything is so different from when I was younger. We didn't need calculators for everything! You're still working as a waitress at that lovely diner, aren't you?

My sister and her children make my life complete. They are always so supportive and never treat me differently. It is like I've known them my whole life even though I've been missing for most of it. The time I do spend with them reminds me of the sweet innocence of being young. I frequently think of my childhood and of my children. The lives they grew up in were so much different than a child growing up in normal circumstances. Even though I tried to give them that taste of normalcy, they never felt it. At least I can say I tried... Anyways, I'm still not used to being called 'Aunt Olivia' but it has really grown on me.

Matthew stopped by yesterday with some very exciting news. I have to keep it a secret though. His little surprise visits keep me on my toes. He is by far the most polite child I could have ever raised. I can already tell that things are going great for you guys. I am so proud that out of all the young ladies in the world, Matthew chose you. You two really are perfect together.

On another note, I visited Chris about a week ago. I know that you said you would rather not talk about him. You want to forget, but I'm only telling you this because this is good. He is making some real progress. He actually seemed happy and didn't once mention your name until the end. He just said something about that he hopes you're enjoying college.

I think we all do, me especially. You deserve this second chance at freedom. You, my dear, are still young and have so many years of happiness ahead of you. I hope you really treasure them, especially now since they were almost stolen from you.