Short Stories

Love Letters - 03

I open my mailbox, getting the usual mail. In my robe and slippers, with a just woke up look, I probably look like a lazy bum with no job.

I trudge back into the house and drop the mail onto the table. A loud thud comes and I stare at the box.

Why did I not realize I was holding a box?

I pick it up and examine it. No words, no clue as to who this came from.

I get a knife and open the box. I want to get back to my pancakes and bacon.

I open the tightly sealed box and stare confused at the contents.

Multilcolored envelopes crowd the box and I think I opened someone else's mail.

I get one envelope and turn it around. I drop it after reading the name.

Brianna Heart Gold

I make sure all the envelopes say the same. Yup. They all have my name alright.

My heart's pumping faster. I have a guess as to who might've sent this but- no. No way.

I finish my breakfast and leave the box on the table with the rest of the mail. I'm honestly afraid to read the letters.

I turn on the television and enjoy this day off. Contrary to what most neighbors think, I do have a job. It's just done at home. I'm a free lance blogger, I have my own website and also manage my best friend's online business.

Since today's February 14, I decided to take the day off. I always do on this day. Time for self love.

I scan through the channels and see that they're all showing romance movies.

I sigh and decide to read some letters while Love, Rosie plays. A few letters can't hurt right?

January 2

Dear Brianna,
     I know you don't want to see me again. Or at least, that's what you say. I know that what I did hurt you and so you don't want to stay. I know that what I did caused pain in your heart until this very day.
     But know that though I understand why you don't want to see me anymore, you don't know the whole story, the reason why.
     Throughout these letters, I hope you'll see how much you really mean to me. I never wanted to do anything to hurt you but instead show you how much I'm willing to do for you. These were written before and after what happened and I don't know what order you'll be reading these in. Just know that I'm here. And I've never left, contrary to what you believe, and I never will.

January 5

Dear Brianna,
     I'm staring out the window and the snow's falling. I remember the days you'd put your head against my shoulder, sipping the hot chocolate we'd just made and the cookies we baked together while watching movies in front of the fireplace. I miss you, you know.
     Your favorite Christmas songs still play though I know Christmas is long gone. I guess I just think hearing your kind of music would bring you too.
     I don't actually know if you'll ever read these but writing seems to be the best way to let this all out.

January 10

Dear Brianna,
     It's been a few days since I last wrote to you and I know this must be annoying if ever you receive these.
     Mom cam over and said she misses you. She doesn't like seeing me alone. Hahaha Little does she know how much that actually affects me.
     Anyway, today I have another day off. I'm sitting on the porch this time, the cold nipping my feet through my thick socks and the cold biting my nose and ears. But if it means quiet time to write peacefully to you, then it's worth it.
     Brianna, I hope you come home. One day soon.

December 24

Dear, Brianna,
     It seems so weird preparing for Christmas eve without you. It's only been a week since you left but it feels like forever. Please come home?
     I promise that I didn't do anything to deceive you or make you feel like a fool. You know how much I love you. Since we were kids up until you grew into a lazy and very hot tempered girl. *wink* I'm joking okay? Okay... Maybe only partly, but still. It's so weird without you. I hope you're doing okay though. Wherever you are.

The rest of the letters go the same way. From December to January, all these letters talk about how much he loves me and how sorry he is. How different it is at home without me.

I look at the tv screen but the scene is blurry. My eyes have been covered in tears and I look up.

"God, if you're really there, please show me how to fix this. I've been away too long." I whisper.

I put the letters back but then see one more pink envelope at the bottom.

I pick it up.

February 12

Dear Brianna,
   I hope you get this on Valentine's Day because you are my one and only Valentine. There's never been anyone before you and there will be no one after you. I know you're hurting from the deception of what the devil probably told you but know that I'm here if you want to talk it out. We're all here. Your family misses you like crazy, you know. And I never imagined spending a Valentine's without you. But whether it's the so-called love day or not, I will continue to try and prove my love to every single day. I hope you agree to come home soon. I love you.

The tears are falling and my eyes and heart have been opened. Man, was I foolish.

The doorbell rings and I walk slowly to the door, still stuck in a daze. I blink and realize I probably look even worse now. If my neighbor, Ms. Rosy, saw me right now, she would scold me for looking like a broken hearted girl. But maybe I was.

I open the door and gasp.

A basket is on the floor with a beautiful golden retriever puppy. The pillow behind the sleeping pup is personalized.

Brianna Heart Gold
I love you

I look up and stare into the beautiful hazel eyes I fell in love with and still love.

"Y-you came." I whisper, sounding like a baby.

He smiles and opens his arms wide.

I fall into them and we hug, tears falling from both of us.

"I'm so sorry you had to go through all of that." He whispers into my hair. "I will never allow you to leave me every again. No matter how strong you are."

I smile through the tears and step back.

We head inside and he places the puppy on the small couch.

"Are you ready to go home?" He asks, a hopeful look on his face.

I put the envelope in the box and close the precious thing.

"Yes."