DARLING ➶ JOHNNY C. DEPP II

II

The wind's grasping hands swirled Erela's hair into every direction of the pounding rain. She had forgotten that it was supposed to shower that day, leaving her in nothing but ripped jeans, a baggy t-shirt, and nikes as she trotted down the flooded sidewalks.

Her once cream colored shoes had now become a muddy brown, she cursed herself for not checking the weather that morning. The streets were swarmed with small cars, each a variety of different shades and hues. She was the only one walking home that day, leaving the passengers and drivers to stare at her as she hiked into the puddles.

She finally reached her yellow house, wiping her feet onto the entrance mat as she entered.

Her mother welcomed her with a small frown, "Oh, princess, I'm so sorry! I was working from home today and I was in a huge meeting with the directors. I wanted to pick you up, but I couldn't."

Erela simpered, "It's okay, mom. I know your job is super important. I didn't die, did I?" She laughed.

The two exchanged smiles, her mother motioning her to follow her into the kitchen.

"This came in the mail for you today." She handed Erela a small white envelope with her name written in black, smudged ink.

Her heart skipped a beat. "Do you think it's Johnny?" Erela gasped. She highly doubted that it was him, but a girl could always dream.

"Why don't you take a shower and open it after?" Her mother suggested.

She smiled and nodded, grabbing her backpack from the stool and dragging it to her room.

She picked an old white t-shirt and black sweatpants from her closet, setting them down on her bed. She didn't bother grabbing a bra, waltzing over to her dresser. She grabbed a random pair of underpants, finally grabbing her clothes and heading to the bathroom.

The warm water almost instantly relaxed her tight skin. She almost forgot about the letter until she stepped out of the tub and began to dry off. She quietly hummed to herself, feeling content as she got the revolting mud off of her body.

She slipped on her clothes and jogged back into the kitchen, where her mother was making dinner.

"Your dad will be home late today, he said he's out looking for jobs again. It's good to see that he's trying more, right?" Her mother smiled.

Erela rolled her eyes to herself. She didn't trust her dad, but she didn't want to ruin her mom's hopeful attitude. "Yeah, it's nice that he's trying." She tried to reply agreeably, but the bitterness came out more than she hoped it would.

"Erela, he really is trying. I want you to know that we both really do love each other, even though he's made some mistakes in the past."

"When was the last time he hit you?" Erela immediately slapped her hand over her mouth. "I'm sorry, that just came out. I didn't mean to ask that." She knew that her mother's beating was a sore subject for her, and she didn't like to discuss it.

"Why don't you open your letter?" Her mother sniveled.

She simply nodded and grabbed the envelope, pushing her guilt to the side. She tore open the taped flap, revealing a sloppy hand-written letter.

January 30, 1988

Erela,

First off, I'd like to say thank you for everything you wrote in that wonderful letter. I know family issues can be a huge burden, but i want you to know that it will get better, I promise.

Your loyalty to me is completely unique and inspirational. I don't mean to piss on my fans or anything like that, but I'm mostly known as a teenage icon, but I've always wanted to be something more. Pretty much all of the fan mail I get is just girls telling me that they love me because I'm beautiful. I'm not complaining, but I'd always hoped that I can be someone who makes someone happy like I do you.

With that being said, I'd like to meet you.

Erela dropped the letter onto the counter and halted. There was still more to read, but it was too much to process. She was speechless, with no idea what to think.

"What's wrong, honey?" Her mother was concerned, she grabbed the letter and read for herself. "Oh my god, princess, that's amazing! Oh god, oh GOD! This is incredible, I'm so happy for you!" She became weary with her words, beginning to cry tears of joy for her daughter.

"I-I didn't finish, mom." Erela squeaked.

Her mother passed her the letter, and she continued on.

I'm trusting you with my life right now, and this is a huge risk, but I'm taking it.

I'm assuming the address your letter came from was from your home, and you happen to live very close to my uncle.

If you really do want to meet, I'd love to have coffee with you at a small shop on Cherry and Lake on February 5th. Obviously, your reply won't get to me before the 5th, so I'll be there whether your answer is yes, or no. I'll be there around 2 p.m.

I hope to see you, darling.

- Johnny

Erela hadn't even noticed the small tears shedding from her eyes until she became conscious of her surroundings, which was two minutes after she finished reading.

"Mom, February 5th is tomorrow." Erela was completely horrified with the thought of embarrassing herself in front of him.

"It's okay, honey. He'll love you, I know it." Her mother smiled.

The two smiled nervously at each other, with the feelings of comfort, happiness, excitement, shock, and anxiousness in the pit of Erela's stomach all at once.

"I'm going to meet Johnny Depp." she whispered.

"Damn right you are."