Letters to You

Chapter 4

Dearest Gajeel,

Please, call me Levy. No one but Lady Heartfillia,  Lucy, calls me that.

I wish I had a say in who my husband was, even the slightest bit, but noble women are meant for one thing. Our opinions don't matter, and if we speak out, we are quickly silenced. I would know. But enough of that.

You are in the employee house? I can see it from my window across the garden, I usually have it open to look at the stars and listen to the night birds before retiring for the night. I also like walking the gardens on clear nights, it's quite peaceful, take the mind off stressful matters. Also, please don't laugh, but I love to read. I know it is strange for a lady, even a noble, to be educated but I love the stories in the pages. It takes me away from here for a time. I also enjoy music, it's soothing and relaxing. I wish I could hear some more often but it is usually a rare occasion. Dreams huh? Now that I think of it, I don't have any. I was raised to think and live in the way my father wants and, in his words, dreams are nothing but distractions from the here and now.

People find you frightening? I find that difficult to believe sir, I don't find you frightening at all. Sure a little rough, but in the best way. Someone who works for the roof over their head, someone who makes an honest living. And, if I may say so myself, I find you rather handsome, charming even. Iv never seen a smile like yours, the bright genuine thing you gave me when you picked me up from the meeting yesterday. I would like to know more about you too. I know you, quite obviously, work for my father, and that you enjoying humming while you drive. Yes I can hear it, it's very nice after those disastrous meetings.

I do hope to here back from you. My letter box is always open.

Yours,

Levy McGarden

~~~~~~~~~~~

I instinctively looked out my window, wondering if I could see Levy’s room. It was dusk, so the lights of the manor were all on, making it easy to see in each room. Immediately, I stood up and went to the window when I saw a flash of blue hair in one of the bedrooms just before the blinds were drawn. So, little bird, that’s where your cage is.

The thought of anyone putting their hands on her, like she had hinted at in her letter, sent spikes of boiling fury through my veins. I wanted to run a sword through anyone who would dare to touch her.

“Gajeel, are you still awake?” Juvia gently knocked on my door, and I grunted in confirmation. “Is that another letter from Lady McGarden?”

“Levy,” I said, unable to keep the grin from my face.

Juvia smiled excitedly, and snatched the letter from me. “Hey!” I snapped, but she ignore me, quickly reading Levy’s letter.

“Gajeel,” she breathed, blushing as she handed it back to me. “She called you handsome.”

I scowled to hide the heat creeping up my neck. “So?”

“And she thinks your humming is nice.”

“What about it?”

She giggled. “Gajeel, Juvia thinks that Levy likes you.”

I gawked at her. “That’s ridiculous.”

“And,” she gasped, “Juvia thinks youlike her.”

“I don’t like Levy!” I snapped, turning away from her to look out the window again. I don’t like Levy, right? It’s impossible. We’ve never even spoken in person. And on top of that, we’re from two different classes. I know that, so there’s no way I’d let myself fall for her…

“Juvia’s guessing you’re going to write back?”

“Yeah,” I nodded. “I’m gonna sneak it in her mailbox tomorrow after I take them to the meeting. Then she’ll get it when she gets home.”

“She likes to read.” I frowned at the random observation.

“Yeah, so?”

“Give her one of your books to read,” Juvia suggested. “If you put it in her letterbox, no one but her will know, right?”

I grinned, wrapping an arm around Juvia to give her a one-armed hug. “You’re brilliant, rain woman!” I paused, frowning. “One problem.”

“What?”

“I don’t have any books. Gihi.”

“What about your travel books?” She said. “The ones about America.”

“Great idea!” I beamed. “She did say she wanted to know more about me. That would be a great way.”

“It’s getting late. Juvia should be heading home now.”

“See ya, rain woman. Good luck with Fullbuster,” I teased.

She blushed, giving me a small nod before leaving.

I looked out the window once more, seeing that Levy’s window was open again, and that she was sitting on the sill, peering up at the night sky. I thought about waving to her, but decided against it for fear of someone seeing the small interaction. If anyone finds out about the letters, I’ll definitely get fired.

I sat on my bed, pulling out my stationary and pin. If I get fired, I won’t be able to see Levy anymore. With that thought, I began my letter. I knew it would be the only way we’d ever be able to communicate while she was under her father’s control, and I was indebted to him as an employee. For now, letters are enough.