PERFECT » JEFF ATKINS

40 ❀ REAL LIFE

I woke up late Friday morning to the smell of bacon and pancakes. I look next to me to find Jeff absent, the blankets tossed towards me. I eventually get the energy to get out of bed, stretching my arms and legs. I toss both of our pillows onto the floor, putting the sheets and blankets where they belong. I plop Jeff's pillow back onto his side, I do the same to mine except I hear a crackling noise. I feel the pillow feeling paper inside the pillow case.

I pulled it out, opening the envelope.

Dear Emily,

I am writing this now, you're out cold in bed, while I lie awake sleepless. I think the fact that the baby could be here any day has to do with that. I wanted to say that I am extremely proud of you. Ever since I've known you, it seems like you face a bunch of difficult challenges that you always overcome. You've always been so supportive of me, I'm forever going to be thankful for you. I know it's weird of me to write a letter, or just to write in general, and it seems like I'm writing this to breakup with you, but I promise you, it's the exact opposite. I know our relationship has been anything but smooth sailing, but that's how they're so supposed to be. I was ecstatic when you came back to Liberty High, I was at such a low, it felt so good to know that the one person I needed was going to be there for me. You know me so well, I remember when I was too nervous to ask you out on a date, you caught me babbling and did it for me. I know that living without John has been anything but easy for you, I am so proud of how far you came. You stood up to "Meth Seth" and your mother, you look after Justin, I honestly wouldn't want anyone else as the mother of my child. I scored big time with you, Emily Foley. You always encourage me to keep going, and because of you, I feel like I have the strength to make it into the major leagues. I love secretly taking pictures of you, because I know if I tell you to smile, you'll cover your face. You are beautiful and worth so much more than you give yourself credit for. I really hope the baby is more like you, hopefully they'll inherit your spirit, determination, and your uniqueness of course. I know this letter is all over the place, but I just wanted to get all my thoughts down. I'm keeping this hidden in your pillow case, for the occasion when you sleep late. I'll look after the baby and make a stellar breakfast (hopefully)! I'm so glad I have a shining star like you.

I love you.
- Jay 💙

I never expected something like this from Jeff. I'm surprised I didn't find it sooner. I wipe away the tears from under my eyes and place the letter in the bedside table drawer. I quickly throw on my robe and go into the kitchen, where I'm greeted by Jeff flipping pancakes.

"Good morning, sleepyhead."

"Good morning, Jay." I hummed. "I found the letter you wrote me when I was pregnant with Sienna. I have no words. I'm glad I make you feel that way, and I'm happy that you feel like you can come to me with any problems. And for the record, when I was reading the letter, I knew you weren't breaking up with me." I chuckled.

"I figured it was safe to state that since your hormones were all over the place. I never thought that I could ever be this happy. You are the light of my life, Emily Foley."

I side-hug Jeff, watching as he flips a pancake. My hand lightly travels up and down his back. "I hate it when you use my full name."

"It sounds beautiful."

"So what are we doing tonight?"

"What do you mean, Em?"

"Before the draft, we should get something to eat or go bowling, something to take your mind off of it for awhile."