Within Reach

"Never let me go" I told him as I buried my head deeper into his tear stained shirt. "Never let me go."

He whispered his response into my ear, his arms wrapped around me tightly, "I won't. I will never let you go. I promise."

That had been a lie. The first of many. Maybe not. Maybe I had let go and he followed suit. I don't know. All I know is that he is gone and he will never hold me again. All I know is that I am in my room staring at the ceiling. I would be crying right now if I could, but I can't. All of my tears are gone now.

'Tears for one that won't...can't return, are tears wasted,' I tell myself.

My mother walked into the room knocking on the door, "Hey sweetheart, how are you holding up?"

"I've been better." I respond, my voice broken and throat scratchy from crying.

"I know it hurts sweetheart. You'll feel better. One day you'll be happy with a family of your own. You'll never forget him. But you will no longer cry over him either. I promise."

'Promises aren't always kept.' I think to myself, but nodding my head anyways.

My mom gave me a sad smile as she left.

"Oh and Amelia. Mrs. Coulter wanted me to give this to you." She says handing me an envelope.

I took it and held it my hands just staring at the writing on it; 'To: Amelia, My One True Love.'

I stared at that envelope for what seemed forever before I finally opened it.

Dear Amelia, it read.

I love you. I'm sorry I don't say this enough. But I love you with all my heart. More than anything in this world (and the next). I hope to always be with you for the rest of my life. And although I know that to be unlikely just remember me. I will always remember you. I know you're 17 (and half. Such a big deal, right Amelia?) and I 18. We will be leaving for college after this school year and we will most likely be separated. I will miss you and love you. Even if you want to end our relationship. But please no matter what happens between us. Just remember two things; 1) I love you Amelia Hall. Always have and always will. 2) Happiness is within reach. I don't know where life will take us. But I hope it takes us together. But no matter what I will always only wish for you happiness. And I will never forget how you made the last two years of my life amazing and special.

Love,

Jason Coulter