Paper Lanterns

Chapter 11 Φ

Chapter 11 Φ

Dear Chelsea,

I was surprised to hear that you have moved to New Waulds. I got your letter just in time. And yes, I am tangible and breathing.

So you have found out that I was only using Mr. Harold Stevenson's name. I'm sorry for not telling you about it. You must have been quite shocked. I have a reason for doing it, and I'm glad that you understand. I also apologize for not meeting you before and for not being able to see you until now. Even if it's hard to do so, I hope you'll keep on forgiving me for my shortcomings.

I'm really glad that you're still willing to communicate with me even after knowing all that. That's actually a relief on my part, and I'm glad that knowing about these things didn't make you angry, or worse, scared you. Hearing your thoughts with every letter that arrived has been a favorite pastime of mine. You have the energy and the passion of a young person with dreams, and I find it inspiring.

How's your new job and place? I hope everyone's nice to you now. I was happy to hear that you have moved out of Averns Creek. You have endured that place for so long. It's good that you've given yourself a break.

And still, I don't understand why you don't want me to get you into college. I have the means and you're not a bother on my part, not at all. Please do change your mind and tell me that you're willing to go to college with my help. I'll be waiting for your positive answer concerning this matter.

Sincerely yours,

Mr. Steve

***

A month had passed after I'd found out that Mr. Harold Stevenson was not the Mr. Steve that I knew. For the most part, I was okay with him not telling me his real name and his identity. As he said, he had his own reasons.

But somehow, with my everyday passing by his house as I went to work, I was overwhelmed with curiosity. Why couldn't he tell me anything? Why was he using a fake address? Why would he do all this to such extent?

I wanted to know what he looked like. Was he really old? Bald? Did he have facial hairs that almost covered his entire face? Paralyzed? Riding a wheelchair? Did he have kind eyes that would perfectly match his personality?

These were the ordinary questions I wanted answers for. But I lived in the façade that Mr. Steve had created and not in the reality where the peron who was writing me those letters was caught in.

I turned to my other side, closing my eyes. Both Julianne and Cassie were working the night shift, so I was the only one in the apartment. Since it was so silent without them, I was startled when I heard my phone's alert tone.

Getting up, I'd grabbed it from my beside table and checked who had sent me a message.

***

Eric: Are you busy?

Me: Not really. It's my day off. Why?

Eric: Want to grab some dinner? :(

Me: Is there something wrong?

Eric: Had a messy day. Need a friend. You were the first person I thought of.

Me: Where?

Eric: 50's Diner. A few blocks from your apartment.

Me: Are you there already?

Eric: You caught me. Yes, I'm here.