Chapter Ten

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by adreamyreality

by adreamyreality

In 1965

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We had been living with Aunt Johanna for about a year then. I prefered New York to Florida any day, even though it would get quite cold there in the winter.

There wasn't much of a funeral for our parents. We wanted to leave as fast as possible. I didn't both going through the wreckage for any remenants; the house had been burned to the foundation. However, I found one hundred dollars in Paul's coat pocket. I called Aunt Johanna and told her the news, however she had known already, and was on her way to pick us up. But I told her that we were meet her. I had already bought us plane tickets.

People gave us strange looks all throughout the flight and landing. Maybe it was because of what we looked like, but I was starting to think it was because Ruth couldn't stop crying and Tommy was in shock.

Even one year ago after that night, I still wore around his jacket. It wasn't because I thought he would come back, because I knew he wouldn't. I still loved him in many ways, but I knew that I had let him go. However, I did write him a letter a month or so once we had settled safely in New York.

Dear Paul,

Please do not be sad. We're safe with our aunt. And even though I told you that I didn't want your money, I do thank you for helping us.

Even though I am still getting over my parents' deaths, I feel like that was the only way we would have been free. We had to break away when we were young and not completely tied down. At first I thought I was tied down and never to fly again, but then I met you. I realized the chains weren't strong and I broke free. Because of you, I wasn't afraid to fly again.

That night, I saw the sadness in your eyes. Everyone was sad, but you were sobbing as you looked at our burning house. I know that you thought that keeping us away from the house that night would save us, and it did, but you mustn't be hard on yourself for our parents' deaths. It was as much of your fault as it was ours. I saw the looks in their eyes each day. Mama thought she was going to die in her sleep every night, and I could tell that Dad wanted to go with her if she did. I suppose that you could say that they are free now too, but in their own way. They're flying, Paul.

We all are.

I love you, and I wish you and your band the best of luck.

Sincerely,

Maura Robinson.

Months later I had gotten a reply from Paul, but it was another three years before something else was sent to me. It was a package all the way from England.

My dear Maura,

I'm sorry I couldn't reply to your last few letters. We've been working quite hard in the studio. I've done as you predicted, my dear. I've fallen in love once more. But it seems as though you have too, and I'm so very happy for you and your Martin.

In this box is a recording I've made for you. It is of a single track off our new album. I really hope you love it as much as I do. When I play it, I always think of you.

Love,

Paul.

On Aunt Johanna's turntable, I started the record. It was a bit crackly in the beginning, and I hoped it would work, and then I heard Paul's beautiful, quiet guitar playing and his tapping foot.

Blackbird, singing in the dead of night,

Take these broken wings and learn to fly,

All your life,

You were only waiting for this moment to arise.

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I do hope you've enjoyed this short story, even though she did not end up with Paul.

Thank you for all of your support!

Love,

Luna <3