~Sheo~ It Takes Time {ON HOLD}

Chapter 23

Shailene POV:

It's my birthday and I'm a little bummed that Theo isn't here.

He can't be here until after Christmas.

"Aww. Shai. It's your birthday please don't be glum," my mom says.

"Mom. I'm fine."

"Okay... You have a another gift."

She hands me a package.

I open it.

A envelope and a velvet box.

I open the letter:

My dearest Shailene,

I've been meaning to write this letter for awhile, I've never had a hard time saying what I feel but that seems to have changed ever since I met you. Even now, I'm finding it difficult to write down everything you have given me. How can I begin to write down the love I have known? So let me describe the gift you have given me, because mere words aren't enough.

I know that in every place, love is certain to be there, so there's no reason to tremble because life on earth is but one brief moment, a moment truly worth living for. I have found that out by being with you. Having you in my life has brought me more happiness than a lifetime could bring. You've touched my life so deeply in your own way that you've helped me laugh and become my own self. I feel like I've searched my whole life and I have finally found the one meant for me, it will not be forgotten but remembered forever and ever.

Thanks to you I have conquered the world's greatest challenge-Love and I will always be grateful for this extraordinary gift only we shared. In heart, and through the bind of love, you will always be my family, for my love was bound to you. Meeting you has made me realize how precious and fragile love can be. I would give up everything for one moment with you; for one moment is better than a life time of never knowing you. I can't begin to imagine life without your touch and warm embrace but I know that some day the miles between us won't matter because I'll meet you again. Until then I want you to know that what lies behind us, and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.

I know that life seems to be a struggle after another. Our scenery is constantly changing, but there is one thing that remains constant...my love for you. Please don't be sad, Shai, I want you to emerge into your greatness. I've always had faith in you so be the best that you can and believe in your dreams as I believe in you. And although I can't be with you on this special day.

...I love you with all that I am, all that I was, and all that I ever will be.

With everlasting love,

Theo.

I cover my mouth. Tears fall down my face.

Then I open the box.

It's a necklace that says, Shai, in cursive letters.

"Shailene. What's wrong?" Violetta asks.

I hand her the letter.

"Oh my gosh! That's so sweet."

My iPhone rings to Just A Kiss by Lady Antebellum.

It's a FaceTime from Theo.

"Everyone out. Let's go," Violetta says.

They walk out and I answer.

"Hey Theo," I say wiping my tears.

"Happy Birthday, love."

"Did you get the package?"

"Yea," I say another tear falling down my face. "I'm sorry. I'm a mess."

"You're beautiful."

"Thank you. Not for the compliment for the letter and the gift."

"I'm sorry I couldn't be there. I love you."

"I love you too."

"Bye, love."

"Bye Theo."

I hang up and wipe my face.

I open the door to let everyone in.

They hug me as I cry.