Hannah ~ The Letters

As the Letter promised

Dear Hannah,

I have received your reply. It seems I was just in time. Those tears on your bed sheet leave such a stain on my heart.

Take the day off and enjoy your love. He is a very good pairing for you, so in doubt trust him. I’ll soon have a well furnished world for the both of you.

Please don’t fret I know you have questions, but don’t ponder them. There is no use, and little resolve will come of searching for answers. I will not offer answers, only a sense of wonder. Do not worry upon your work it will always be there. You may return any time you like. But I’m sure you’ll find the experience to be quite empty.

Send James my best wishes.

Get a good nights rest my dear. Tomorrow will be another day.

Sincerely,


Emmalia Darlington

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hannah clung to James as they walked further and further from her office. They crossed the street and continued walking. Their footsteps fell into rhythm. The street was filled with people, tourists, power shoppers on their lunch break, school children in the city on a field trip.

A gust of wind blew Hannah’s hair up into the air. She wished she had remembered to bring a hat that morning as she pulled strands of hair from her eyelashes. Sighing she leaned on James’ shoulder to hide from the wind. His padded winter coat was comfortable. She nudged her head into his shoulder. He was quiet.

"I parked just down Banter St." James pointed.

Hannah looked up at him.

"Is everything ok?" She asked.

"I need to show you something when we get to the car." He said then looked down at her.

"What is it?" She asked.

"Let’s get you in the car first."

Hannah gave him a puzzled looked. As they approached the car James let go of her hand and went to unlock the doors. Hannah pulled open the passenger side and sat in. Pulling on his seat belt James put his car keys in the ignition without starting the vehicle. He turned, leaned over Hannah, and pulled down the glove box. From it James retrieved an opened letter.

"Sorry. I kinda read it." He said sheepishly.

Hannah took the letter from him. She knew by touch it was a letter from Emmalia Darlington. The heavy weight parchment inside an unbleached envelop was thick and substantial in weight. She flipped the letter over and confirmed the address was from Ms. Darlington. The name and address was hand written in India ink.

"What’s it say?" She asked afraid to look inside.

"Ah…" He sighed. "I don’t-it’s weird. Just read it."

Hannah’s eyes were filled with worry as she looked down and pulled out the parchment. Slowly she unfolded the note and quietly read it to herself.

When she finished her body was sweaty and she could feel the excess heat building in her jacket.

"You were crying the other morning?" James asked softly.

Hannah shook her head at him. “No, I mean yes. I was crying, but how did she know? I was alone. In bed.”

"I don’t…I’m not sure." He put his hand on the steering wheel thinking. "I feel like you opened a can of worms. I don’t know if this woman is dangerous or just eccentric."