Letter and Reply 09
Tuesday, October 14th and Wednesday, October 15th
Letter and Reply 09
Delivered at 2:53 pm, Tuesday, October 14th.
Dear Billy,
I’ll accept the punishment for my actions. I’m sorry that the last letter was late. When we meet, you may tear my heart out and keep it.
(I’m afraid I’m being rather bold today).
Knowing how much you enjoy my letters is almost overwhelming. I can imagine you reading them, the whole lot strewn about you beside the fire. And I can imagine the expression on Dom’s face when he sees you there. Don’t worry him too badly, hey? He comes in handy, you know.
I’m about to make up a fire of my own now, just thinking about yours. But, then, each of your letters warms me so much, I’m not sure that I need it. I don’t know how each of us manages to do it then – keeping each other so happy – since you don’t even know who I am. Would it also be bold to say that there must be something special about us? Bold or no, I just said it. I suppose, if you’d like, you may cover your eyes during certain points of this letter to keep from seeing me make an idiot of myself.
And, yet, I’ll continue...
You keep a box for my letters? I’m honored to know that, especially when they take up the most sacred spot in the house – under the bed. Do you know, I used to keep my favorite trinkets underneath my bed, to save them for best? I don’t know if that’s what you meant by putting my letters under the bed, but it makes me feel that I’ve been saved for best.
The picture of you beside that fire still plays in my mind. Don’t think that it was pathetic. And if it was sentimental, than I am only happier. Your sentiment for my letters is more than welcome. And there is nothing sappy about treasuring something, unless you would say that I am sappy, because I do exactly the same.
You didn’t mention that Dom was living with you, but he did tell me himself. His house caved in, did it? I feel sorry for him… But maybe it’s finally an excuse for him to really start working to get out of this town, like he said he would. He is still planning to do that, you know. What do you think of it? I’d be a little disappointed to have him go. I’m glad he’s keeping you company in the meantime, though. I’m sure he’s trying his best to stay out of the way. He means well, you know.
I’ll remind Dom, when I send this letter off, that he may tell you as much as he likes about me. I trust his judgment. I think he’d know what to reveal and what to keep private, if I have anything now, other than my name, to keep private at all. So, winkle all you like out of him. Don’t worry. If he can help us get to know one another, all the better, don’t you think? After all, he has to pay you back for letting him stay with you, doesn’t he?
I understand that you must wonder about what I look like. After all, I have the most perfect picture of you in my mind, and you haven’t gotten the slightest hint about me! I guess I may as well give you a little bit to piece together… First, I’m about medium height. Whatever that might mean. Five foot seven… or five/eight. It’s been a while since I measured. My hair is brown; the light, sandy sort, I suppose you would say. As for my smile, I’m not sure it would light up my whole face! I’ve been told that my smile makes others laugh. (Whether that’s good or bad, I haven’t guessed). And, as an extra for you, my eyes are quite grey.
When I introduce myself to you finally, I’ll make sure that my every occasion spent with you lasts an hour or more. Hopefully more. As you said, reading through a letter takes only minutes, and yet there is nothing else I would rather do with my time than read your words. When we finally speak in person, how could I possibly dedicate only a few short minutes to you, when being with you is the only thing I want to do. There are so many things that require my time, but comparing them to you is hopeless. If I must inevitably give away all my time in life, than as far as I am concerned, there is no time for anything but you. I’ll willingly give you every second.
When I place that vital letter in your hands, I’m sure I won’t believe seeing your smile so close. And maybe my own smile will light up my whole face for once. I hope it even makes you laugh, because then I’ll know that I’ve made you happy, which is all I’ve ever wanted to do.
One last thing before I go… Just to certify my boldness today – you aren’t seeing someone, are you? Recently left someone? I’d hate to be spoiling something. Just, you know, to make sure…before I become even bolder than I am now.
Take care, Billy,
-MS
Delivered at 3:59 pm, Wednesday, October 15th
Dear MS,
I think your heart may be too high a price for simply writing a letter a day late. Perhaps we might negotiate a trade instead?
It seems you’re not the only one being bold today.
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with saying we’re a bit special. I don’t know many people who could make this sort of thing even remotely work. When I was about ten, I sent a girl an anonymous card on Valentine’s Day. I didn’t last long, though. I caved in and told her who I was, and let me tell you, it wasn’t all wine and roses after that. I think we’ve done well by getting to know each other better first. Things will go much smoother now that we know you like me and I like you.
Hmm, let’s move on, shall we?
You have been saved for the best, I suppose. I don’t just shove anything under the bed, you know. Just the things I want to keep safe and away from prying eyes. Not that there are many prying eyes in this household. I doubt that Dom’s that interested in my love life.
I’ll have to remember to get Dom in a good mood sometime this weekend, get him comfortable, and then bombard him with questions about you. You’ll see, I’ll get him to tell me everything about you. That is, everything you said he could. And I’ll have to make sure he knows what he can and cannot tell you. After all, just because you have the benefit of actually knowing who I am doesn’t mean you should be privy to all the little embarrassing details of my life. That would be unfortunate. Those are the ones you’ll just have to find out for yourself.
I can tell you, I’m not adverse to your physical description. Of course, telling me all your individual features gives me no indication of how to compose them all and form you. I suppose that’s just another one of those things that have to be witnessed first hand. I’ll just have to wait for my chance.
I’m a bit afraid for you, really. All this talk about wanting to spend time with me, real, concrete periods of time. I want to warn you, once I meet you, if you’re who you seem to be... I may insist on taking up a lot of your time. Frequently. Because, well, I think I could easily get used to spending as much time as possible with you.
You make me happy. Indescribably happy. Which leads me to wonder, what exact effect will you have on me in person?
There’s nothing to spoil. I’m not seeing anyone. I am officially placing no limits on your boldness.
Which seems to have increased mine. And my level of eagerness. Hmm.
Well, excuse me. I think I’ll go reread your letters now.
-Billy
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