Open When • JO MFZ COMPLETED

Chapter Two • What is it?

Mackenzie's POV

I look at Maddie confused. "What do you mean it's for me? I didn't order anything," I say.

Maddie shrugged, "I don't know, it has your name on it so it's yours."

I nodded and walk over. Grabbing a knife, I cut the tape open. Putting the knife to the side, I take a seat opening it up. My mother and sister looking over to see what it is.

When I open it, inside is a slightly smaller box. It's decorated all nice. I pull it out and place it on the table.

I look at it and observe it for a moment. It's brightly colored neon green and pink box. With little drawings all over. I take off the green lid and move it to the side. Inside is letters. A lot of them too.

"What is it?" Mom asked.

"A bunch of letters," I say confused.

"From who?" Maddie questioned.

I shrugged, "I have no idea."

They nodded and just looked in the box. Looking at all the envelopes. Each has a different color envelope. With different drawings and writings on them. The first one on the top says:

Open When... NOW

I take it out and hold it in my hands. I recognized the hand writing. I couldn't think of who's it was though. I shrugged and opened it up.

I take out the letter inside and unfold it.

"What does it say?" Maddie asked impatiently.

"I don't know! I just opened it up," I say annoyed.

I rolled my eyes and look back at the paper. Deciding to read it to myself first. Then to read it out loud to my mother and sister.

Dear Mackenzie,

You're probably wondering why you have a box of letters in your possession. Well this is going to answer that and much more.

If you haven't realized my handwriting by now it's me, John. I'm writing you for a reason. All these letters I've written for a reason. There's just about one hundred, (give or take a few) in this box. I spent my time on this. It took me several days to write these and now I know why it's so worth it.

As you see, each letter says "Open When..." giving you a certain time or reason to open the letters. If you haven't heard of these before, they're the open when letters. It's really for long distance relationships. And, we're still a relationship, just from a great, great distance. Even though we can't call, I can write. It's a lost skill, but it's a skill that I have gained from a young age.

Of course you know this, from being the fact that you love my poems and the songs I sing. You love the stories I write, you love my work. So I decided to write for you these letters. I know you'll like them. Hopefully you'll love them, as much as I love you.

Of course though, there are rules here to follow. Those will come in a moment. However, I first have to say this; no matter how far I am I will always be there. I will be there for you when you need me to be there. I love you Mack. To the moon and back.

Now come the rules:
1. Absolutely no peeking!
2. Open letters whenever topic applies to the situation. Or when the date stated comes.
3. Once again, absolutely NO peeking.
4. Open sparingly
5. You can only open 2 letters a week (to make them last)
6. Yet again absolutely, positively, NO peeking!
7. Make them last
8. Keep them
9. Love them (and me)
10. NO PEEKING!

As you can see I don't want you to peek at them. However, considering this is the first letter, explaining the rules and all. This week you can break rules 4 and 5 (they're basically the same thing. Just rule 5 sets a limit). You can open 3 letters this week. Every other week you can only open two.

And as you read these letters, you may have a surprise inside. Or maybe even somewhere in the town, or in your house ;). You will see when the time comes of course, I don't want to ruin too much for you.

Of course, you can reread letters and you'll know which ones you will need to reread when the time comes. Until then, you can go on and read another if you want.

I love you to the moon and back Mack.

Love,
Johnny

I cover my mouth, in utter shock and disbelief. He did this for me?

"What is it?" Maddie repeats.

"It's Open When letters," I say.

"Open When letters?" Mom questioned.

"They're basically letters that someone sends for long distance relationships. They say open when and then a certain time," Maddie explains.

I handed her the letter. So she could read it out loud. I honestly wanted to make sure what I read was real and not in my head.

Sure enough, it was real. As real as it could ever be.

"So, Mackenzie, are you going to open another one now?" Mom asked.

I look at her and shake my head. "I'll save the other two for later," I respond weakly.

I take the paper back from Maddie, placing it back in the envelope. Tucking the tab back inside and putting it back in the box. Lastly putting the lid back on.

"I guess I'll open one later."