I stop in May's. She's sitting at the counter, going through her accounting books. The bell on the door rings, and she looks up. "Hi, Aspen."
I pull up a stool, smiling. I place my letter on the counter, hands shaking. Her gaze slides over to my hands, then up to my eyes. "This one's important, isn't it?"
I nod. "Please call me, the minute someone drops off a reply. It's really important."
She smiles. "No problem, Aspen." She takes it, tucking it in her pocket. My eyes follow her, doubt filling them. It's done now. Now just to wait. I head out, anxiety overtaking me in waves. What if he never shows? What if I'm disappointed with who it ends up to be? How will I react if it is Gavin? I smile imagining his beautiful green eyes. They're deep, yet calming and gentle. I sit down in the sand, staring out at the sea. It's wild today, the waves the biggest I've seen them in a while. Through the crystal clear water, I catch sight of a whole new world. The rainbow of fish minding their own business, no two fish the same. It's a beautiful thing to see. The sun radiates on me, giving me a nice tan. The seagulls overtake the sky, calling out to their mates. My nerves calm, happiness overcoming me. I love Driftwood. I would never leave this town except for college.
My phone vibrates, an unknown number popping up. I pick it up. "Aspen, your penpal just dropped off a letter." My heart races. I gaze off into the distance, excitement, and worry filling me. The sun's setting, everyone disappearing from the beach one by one. It's like a beautiful painting light red at the bottom, fading into pink and then into a dark purple at the top. I should be getting home soon. "Aspen? You still there?"
"What? Yeah, I'm still here. I'll be right there." She hangs up. I rush over to May's, pulling open the door. She looks up from her latest creation, smiling. "I'll go get it."
"Thanks." As I rush over to May's, weaving through the crowd of people heading home from work or their day out.
The bell chimes as I pulled the door open. She looks up from her newest creation. It's a small cupcake in a red wrapper, seeming to be red velvet, white frosting swirled on the top, a small red heart perfectly placed on the tip of the swirl. She smiles, knowingly at me. "I'll go get it, sweetie." She pats my hand, disappearing into the back of her shop. I sit in silence, as time drags on while I'm waiting for her to come out with my letter. What if Firefly never shows? I'm not sure I could take it if he never shows. But I can't take not knowing who it is either. That's a risk I'm willing to take. She walks out, my letter in her hand. She places it down on the counter, watching me take it with trembling hands. My heart beats out of my chest as I open up the envelope. His handwriting stares back at me as I read it.
Dear Starlight,
It's unfortunate that no one has ever dated you. You deserve to have had the kind of love people write songs about. I've never had that special someone either.
About tomorrow at one o'clock, I'm in. I can't wait to meet you face to face.
See you soon, Starlight!
Sincerely,
Firefly
I sigh, relief flowing through me. May turns to me. "Good news?" I jump up. I forgot she was there. "Yeah. The best news ever. Thanks."
I walk out a smile on my face.
YOU ARE READING
A Summer of New Beginnings | Completed |
RomansAt the end of her sophomore year of high school, Aspen's class gets an assignment, to become anonymous penpals with one of the kids from their school. She doesn't think much of it until she reads the first letter. And she realizes that this...
