Hannah ~ The Letters

Driving Letter

Hannah was brushing bits of fruit fiber from her teeth when she heard the door bell ring. She turned and looked at James. He was lathering lotion on his face.

“Hold on.” He said quickly wiping the excess off with a towel and left the bathroom.

Seconds later she head James yell up the stairs.

“It’s Mick.”

She could tell a few words were exchanged.

“Hello Hannah. I’m here with your means of transportation.” Mick yelled.

Hannah paused over the sink and rolled her eyes. She had a sinking suspicion James suggested that Mick yell commentary for his enjoyment. There was a muffled laugh. Her suspicions were confirmed. She wiped her face and went into her room to put on a zip cardigan then quickly skipped down the stairs. Mick was in their home standing in the hallway carrying a small cork box. He was wearing a different Hawaiian styled shirt, and beige fur pants.

“Hi.” She said quickly giving him a brief smile. “Where’s James?”

“Hi, James is outside looking at the transportation. Ms. Darlington asked me to give you this.” Mick beamed.

“What is it?” Hannah started towards the door, but turned to look at Mick.

“Oh it’s a gift I can’t tell you the contents.” Mick said politely.

“Should I be worried?” Hannah ask with an awkward smile. She was hoping to make this conversation quick.

“Oh no! It’s is very useful.” He extended his arms.

“Oh.” Hannah reached for the box hesitantly. She opened it carefully and found a stack of postcard sized parchment paper. On top of which laid a hand written note. Hannah removed the note and studied the rest of the contents. Besides the parchment was a single burgundy lacquered pen. Her hand ran along the inside of the box. It was beautifully lined in a cream colored velveteen.

“This looks very nice.” Hannah said with surprise.

Mick smiled and rocked on his heels.

“Thank you. I made it myself.

Hannah looked up at him.

“You’re a crafter?”

“And many other things!” He said proudly, “But read the note first.” He smiled.

Hannah looked down at the folded parchment with her name on it. Flipping to the back she broke the blue washi tape and unfolded the parchment.

A journey can be a great thing

A journey one will think of things to bring

One will need to ponder

What adventures will lay yonder

Prepare! Prepare!

For whatever lays ahead you must bear.

Hannah looked up at Mick. “Where are we going?”

"A wonderful place!"

"And that is?"

"Well I’m not supposed to tell but I know you’ll like it. Also you should wear more clothes Mick motioned to himself.

"How are you not cold?" Hannah asked.

"I don’t know." Mick shrugged.

Hannah was in disbelief. She turned to the closet and pulled out her North face coat. “This?”

"That should be good, and these he wiggled his feet.

"Where did you get matching fur shoes?" Hannah asked astonished.

"I made them."

"I see. Um, these?" She showed her snow boots to Mick."

And a pair of sneakers.” He said tapping his chin.

Hannah pulled out her running shoes. “Which do I wear?”

I believe sneakers are fine for today.

"Today?" Hannah asked.

Mick nodded. “Yes, you’ll be seated for most of the morning with James.”

Hannah stopped in mid thought. “You actually brought a car?”

"Yes."

"Oh my God." Hannah ran to the living room window.

Kneeling on the couch she pulled back the blinds and peered outside. James had the hood of a red Range Rover Sport propped up. He leaned in examining the engine. Hannah turned around to Mick.

"Is that a rental?"

"Ah, no. It is a new vehicle."

"Are we borrowing it?"

"No."

"You mean that’s our car?"

“Yes.”

"Oh my God." She ran back into the hallway and whipped open the front door. "James!"

He turned and smiled at her.