The Letter Years

Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters. They were all created by James E. Reilly. The namesakes of Dani and Fitz I believe are owned by me.

Prologue:

It was a sad day for the Crane’s and the Lopez-Fitzgerald’s. They had been neighbors for the past three years, sharing the same floor in one of the many apartment buildings in New York City. Because of this, friendship grew between the two families. Now, though, the Lopez-Fitzgerald’s across state to Buffalo because Martin Fitzgerald had been transferred. (Nobody knew it yet, but in just a few weeks the Crane’s would be moving also.)

As hard as it was for everybody, it was most difficult for four year old Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald and four year old Sheridan Crane. They were best friends even though they claimed to hate each other. You rarely saw one without the other far behind. The connection the shared and the bond between them was incredible. And now, it was time for them to say good-bye.

“Sheridan, baby, what’s wrong?” Ivy Crane asked her daughter. She knew this would be hard for Sheridan, but the poor girl was hysterical. “Come here. It’s going to be okay. Everything will be okay.” Ivy finally managed to calm the young girl down. “Luis, are you read to go?” Martin asked. Luis shook his head, tears threatening to come. “Did you say good-bye to everyone?” Luis shook his head again and now the tears started coming. “Papa, I don’t want to say good-bye to Sheridan,” Luis managed to get out between sobs.

Martin looked at his son and realized at that moment that Sheridan Crane meant more to Luis than any of them realized. Grabbing his son’s hand, he led the boy over to Sheridan. “Luis, I know this is hard, but you have to say good-bye.” He looked down, and saw Luis nodding his head. Both Martin and Ivy watched on, their hearts breaking for their children. “Bye Sheridan,” Luis whispered softly, tears still rolling down his cheeks. “Bye Luis,” Sheridan whispered back. “I love you,” she somehow said even softer. If this weren’t good-bye forever, Luis would have been disgusted. Instead he said, “I love you too.”

The two on-looking parents decided to intervene before their children became hysterical again. Each took their child’s hand and led them in opposite directions. Sheridan and Luis kept looking at each other until they were too far apart to see the other one. That was the last time they would see each other. Or so they thought.

Chapter 1:

I can't believe it. I just can't believe it. I've waited ten long years for this. I'm finally going to meet my best friend. To finally be able to put a face and name to all those letters. I've never looked forward to anything as much as this. I guess I should start at the beginning. My name is Sheridan Crane. I'm eighteen and I live in East Ruthford, New Jersey. I was born in New York City and I moved here when I was four. It's been home ever since.

As far as school goes, I just graduated at the top of my class. I'm attending a community college here in New Jersey. The scholarships I received paid for my tuition in full. I figure that I can get the same education here that I can get at any college for the first couple years. The way I see it, I'm saving my parents money. Speaking of my parents, they are great. My father is Julian Crane, one of the most respected men in the community, and with good reason. He's one of those people who will do anything for anybody. Theat, I lived in New York City. I am now eighteen, and I love it here. It's not too big and it's not to small. It's just perfect.

The high schools here allow for an easy transition to a small college as far as population goes. In my case, it's a community college. I'm not complaining though. It was my choice. With the scholarships I received as the valedictorian of my graduating class last year, I'm getting a free ride. I'm saving my parents money at the same time, which is great.

You see, I come from a very close, middle class family. My parents are Martin Fitzgerald and Pilar Lopez-Fitzgerald. They are both highly respected members of the community, who are will to help out anyway they can. I also have two brothers and two sisters. My older brother, Antonio, is twenty-one and is in medical school. My younger brother, Miguel, just started high school. My younger Theresa is a junior in high school, and President of her class. My youngest sister and baby of the family, Paloma, is thirteen. Despite the age differences in us, we are all close.

We are a sports family also. All of us, at one time or another, have taken part on a sports team. Paloma is starting her first year on the school's soccer team. She is the starting goalie. Miguel is the starting quarterback for the J. V. football team. Rumor has it that he could find a spot on the varsity team very soon. Theresa was a member of the swim team. I said "was" because she is a very talented musician and has decided to focus her attention on that. She is still a lifeguard at the local YMCA. Antonio still holds the high school record for the best batting average in a single season. He would probably be playing pro ball now if it hadn't been for a career ending shoulder injury.

The sport that brings us all together a couple times a year is hockey. We all are die-hard Buffalo Sabres fans. Each season the whole family gets together to go to a couple games. This is one of two sports that I could watch all day and never get sick of it. The other sport is volleyball. I've been a passionate fan since before I can remember. I started playing competitively when I was ten. I made the varsity team in high school my first year. I quickly earned the starting position as a middle.

I was a first team all-star throughout my high school career. As a junior and senior I was an all-state player and captain of the team. During those two years I was also the MVP for my team. My senior, I was MVP of the division my team competed in. That's everything, except Dani. Nothing would be the same without her. She's changed the way I look at the world. My life would be empty if it weren't for her. She's my best friend and I respect her more than I respect anyone.

Let me explain. My third grade teacher enrolled us in a program that would allow us to have pen pals from different states. When she handed out the letters the agency had sent her, I was shocked. I didn't want to have a girl for a pen pal. I didn't think that it could possibly work. After grumbling for a few moments, I read the letter. My opinion changed right then and there.

She sounded different then the other girls I knew. The one's I knew hated things like sports, especially hockey. She said that was one of the most important things in her life. She also said that she was originally from New York City, another thing we had in common. After I sent my letter, I decided that it wouldn't be too bad. There was something about her that made my curious. I only hoped that she would write back. (If I was turned off by the thought of having a pen pal that was the other gender, why wouldn't she too?)

Luckily for me, she did write back. I made her promise not to send me a picture, or tell me her real name. I guess I just wanted there to be a mystery to our relationship. Neither of us has broken that promise. After ten years, we are the best of friends. I trust her with my life and have the utmost respect for her. I tell her everything and value her opinion more than anyone's. She knows all of my secrets except one. I just can't bring myself to tell her. I'd feel uncomfortable if she didn't feel the same way.

You see, I love her. It runs deeper than the love between friends. People think I'm nuts and they're right. I'm nuts about her. I'm in love with this amazing woman whose name I don't know and who I've never met. So that's why I'm on this plane, flying across the state. I know that whatever happens after this weekend will change my life forever. Soon I will meet the one person who I've been waiting my whole life to meet. I've never been more nervous or excited about anything as I am about this.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 3:

Dear Dani, Hi, my name is Fitz. I'm eight and I live in Buffalo, New York. I was born in New York City just like you. I moved to Buffalo when I was six. I live with my Mom, my Dad, my two brothers, and my two sisters. My parents names are Pilar and Martin. My brothers are Antonio and Miguel. My sisters are Theresa and Paloma. I'm the second oldest.

I also love sports. Hockey is my favorite too. I think it's cool that you like hockey. None of the girls I know do. Well, I have to go now. I hope I can talk to you again soon. Fitz P. S. Fitz isn't my real name either, it's just what everyone calls me. Let's not tell each other our real names, so it's a mystery. Oh, and don't send my a picture either. I want that to be a mystery too.

That was the first letter he ever sent me. I can't believe it was ten years ago. It seems like it was just yesterday, yet it seems like it's been forever. I've kept all the letters he wrote me. There are probably a couple hundred of them, boxes full. I just can't part with them. They're part of him, so I want them to be part of me too.

Dear Dani, Happy Anniversary to you. Can you believe it's been five years? I feel like I've known you forever. I can't believe we've kept this up for as long as we have. I wouldn't change it for the world. You've brought out the best in me. Did you get your daisies yet? I ordered them a few days ago. I hope you like them, I know they're your favorite. And don't tell me I shouldn't have. You're my best friend and I know they make you happy. When you're happy, I feel much better.

Sorry this letter is so short, but I have practice, and I want to make sure you get it by the twenty first. I'll write you a longer one next time. Love always, Fitz

Wow, that was five years ago today, our anniversary. We decided that we would celebrate the anniversary of the day we became pen pals, December 21. Each year he has sent me daisies, one for every year we've written to each other. Each year I tell him he doesn't have to . He's just sweet that way. Our anniversary this year is the first he hasn't sent me daisies. Instead, he sent me a ticket to the New York Rangers vs. the New York Islanders game tonight. I insisted on paying for my ticket, but he refused to except my money. He can be so stubborn sometimes.

Dear Dani, Feeling any better? I remember when I had my tonsils taken out. Look at it this way, you can eat all the ice cream you want. Lucky you. Seriously, I hope you're feeling better. If hearing from me didn't do the trick, I hope the tape will. I put all of our favorite songs on it. I listened to the radio for hours waiting to here all of them. It took me a couple days. Just kidding. It was no trouble at all. Even if it were, I still would have done it. For you, I'd do anything. That's what best friends are for.

My last feel better tip for you is to watch some movies. Go rent anything with Jim Carrey or Adam Sandler. You're already smiling at the hilarious things in those movies, aren't you? Oh, and don't forget "Tommy Boy" ("Son of a...., that's going to leave a mark.") There you go, I know you're laughing now. Those are all the feel better tips I have for now. I hope all things will be back to normal soon. Listen to the tape. I hope you enjoy it. Feel better and love always, Fitz

Isn't that one of the sweetest things? I still can't believe he made that tape. It did make me feel better, as did the movies. Hearing from him really brightened my day though. Every time I finally got his letters made me feel better. In two hours I will be on a bus to New York City. My destination, Madison Square Gardens. I don't know what's going to happen after that. Am I supposed to wait for him in the stands? Wait for him outside? Wait for him just outside the ticket stand? I guess I'll just have to wait and see.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 4:

Dear Fitz, I guess it’s official, we’re pen pals. I’m looking forward to getting to know you better. I hope we can be friends for a long time. I promise not to send you a picture or tell you my real name. I like a good mystery. It will definitely keep me wondering. I will tell you this though, my name isn’t Danielle. That’s just what most people think it is.

You like hockey too. That’s cool. I can’t get enough of it. The fast pace, the intensity, it’s exciting. For me, there’s nothing like it. I have to go now. I hope you write back soon. Dani That was written ten years ago today. It amazes me that it was that long ago. It seems like it was just the other day. At the same time, our connection is so strong that it seems like I’ve known her all my life. I’ve never thrown a letter away that she’s sent me. They all have special meaning to me because they all came from her. A part of her went into those letters and I want to remember that forever.

Dear Fitz, Wow, five years. I can’t believe it. Happy Fifth to you. It still amazes me that we’ve done this for five years. I’m not complaining though. I couldn’t ask for a better friend. You are the best friend ever. I hope you like your ball cap. I now what you’re thinking, but you’re worth it. It wasn’t any trouble, and yes I should have. You always send me daisies, and you deserve something too. It wouldn’t be an anniversary without you.

I know this is short, but I need to send it now if you’re going to get it by the twenty-first. I promise a longer one next time. Happy Anniversary again. Love always, Dani

I can’t believe that was five years ago, but if you look at my hat it seems longer. I still wear it all the time. It’s my lucky hat. It reminds me how lucky I really am to have Dani in my life. I remember telling her that it was too much and that I didn’t deserve it. Every year she’s sent me a hat. She knows I collect them. That one was just more perfect than the others.

This year she didn’t send me a gift. She said that she has it already, but wants to give it to me in person. I told her over and over that she didn’t have to, but she said it was the least she could do for the ticket I bought her for the Rangers vs. the Islanders game tonight. I told you she was one of a kind.

Dear Fitz, How’s the shiner? I hope the pain’s gone down. I can’t imagine what a black eye feels like. I told you the last time you have to watch where you’re going. Mailboxes don’t just jump out at you no matter how hard you try to convince yourself. It’s just not possible. Honestly, I hope you’re feeling much better. Did you get your cookies? I sent them overnight. How were they? They couldn’t have been better than your mom’s, but I tried. I slaved over the stove for hours, all for you. Really, it wasn’t hours, maybe just a couple. I would have done it though. After all, best friends do things like that for each other.

The only other thing I can tell you is use ice, not frozen meat. Good food shouldn’t go to waste and plus, ice works better. I hope it goes back to normal for you soon. Love always and get better, Dani

Those cookies were great, best I’d ever had. That’s because they were from her. Those things have always been my favorite. I still think that mailbox jumped out in front of me though. Oh, great, we’re landing. I have to take care of a few last minute details and pick up some daisies. I hope tonight goes perfect. Oh shoot, I forgot to tell her where to meet me. Hopefully she’ll just go to the seats. I guess I’ll have to wait till later and just pray everything works out.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 5: Dear Dani, Happy Sweet Sixteen Dani. How does it feel? Driving yet? Warn me when you're on the road so I can be prepared okay. I'm just kidding, I bet you'll be a great driver. How was your birthday? Did you have a big bash? I hope you had fun and your wish came true. I hope all your dreams come true. Nobody deserves it more than you do.

I hope you like your present. I looked all over the place for it. Did you see that it's inscribed? I mean it, you are the most special person in my life. I don't know how I got to be so lucky. What did I do to deserve a best friend as good as you? That's one thing I'll never know. I have to go not. Please tell me everything. I'll write to you soon. Happy birthday and love always, Fitz

I still remember that birthday. My wish that year was the same as it was every year. It's finally coming true. Every year my wish was to meet him. I guess wishes really do come true. I never take that necklace off. It was the kindest, sweetest gift anyone's ever given me. I remember never feeling more special than I felt at that moment. I still get teary-eyed reading it. "To Dani, my angel. You are the most special person in my life. Love always, Fitz"

Dear Dani, You know what today (at least I hope you get it by today) is? Happy Valentine's Day. There's only one thing I want for today, and that is some one to be my Valentine. Since everyone else already has some one, I you're my last resort. I don't mean that. You know I always ask you to be mine. So, will you? I wouldn't think of asking anyone else. I can't imagine anyone but you being my Valentine.

Let's make a pact. If neither of us are married by the time we're twenty-seven, let's get married. How does that sound? I don't want to live my life alone, and I don't think you do either. What do you think? I have to go eat dinner now. Hope to hear from you soon. Love always to my Valentine, Fitz

Yes, I was his Valentine that year, as I was every year for as long as I can remember. Even after that “last resort” comment. I knew he was kidding though. He’s always trying to be funny.

As for the pact, I agreed to it. My only hope is that if we end up together, we won’t wait that long to get married. If we don’t end up together, than as long as he’s happy, I’ll survive. I do want to be with him more than anything though.

Dear Dani, Merry Christmas. Is it snowing there? It is here. I have a feeling that it's definitely going to be a white Christmas. Christmas isn't the same without snow. That magically feeling just isn't there. I just love Christmas. Family and friends gathering together, remembering old times. Someday I hope to spend Christmas with you. I want that more than anything. Spending Christmas with my best friend would make the day even more special.

Open the present from me at ten thirty. I'll open yours at the same time. This way we can open them together even though we're not together. Well, I must stop now. I just wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year too. Happy Holidays and love always, Fitz

That letter was from last year. You can see how anxious he is to meet me, as am I. After nine years the need to meet each other is definitely strong. Finally my stop. I'm getting more excited by the minute. I still can't believe this is finally happening. As my excitement grows, my nervousness grows. I know there's no turning back now. I doubt I would if I could. So much of my life has been based on what's to come. I don't know how much more of this waiting I can take.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 6:

Dear Fitz, Happy Birthday. How does it feel to be sixteen? Any different? I want to know what to expect when that time comes for me. I mean what does it feel like to be able to drive a car legally? Do you have more freedom? Do tell me the details please. How was your birthday anyways? Did you have a big party? Has your wish come true? I hope it does. You deserve whatever your heart desires. You are the best person I know, and I hope all of your dreams to come true.

Do you like your present? I couldn't think of anything to get you, and then suddenly it hit me. I was walking around the store and when I saw it I knew it was perfect. You're always telling me that you never know what time it is. Did you look at the back? I had it inscribed. I want you to always remember that you are important to me, more so than anyone else. I can't imagine what I did, but I know that I'm the luckiest person on earth. You're a Godsent to me. I must go now. I just wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday. Don't forget to write back with details. Love always and Happy Birthday, Dani

That watch means the world to me. Not only does it tell me what time it is, but it shows me just how special Dani is. Whenever I'm feeling down, I just look at the inscription: "To Fitz, my knight in shining armor. I don't know what I did to deserve you, but I can't imagine my life without you. You are the most important person in my life. Love always, Dani". That's why I can't imagine what my life would be like without her in it. I know that it would be empty.

As for the wish, it's finally going to come true. All I wished for every year was to see her, to touch her, to hold her in my arms. Now that wish is going to be a reality. Wishes really can come true.

Dear Fitz, Happy Valentine's Day to you too again. Of course I'm still your Valentine. I will always be until you choose some one else. I'm glad you still want me to be. As for the pact, sure. Why not? If neither of us are married by the time we turn twenty-seven, I'll marry you. Being alone for my whole life isn't something I want. If I'm in a pact with marriage involved, I'm glad it's with you. After all, we are best friends. Who wants to be alone when they can have their best friend by their side? Not me that's for sure. I have to run now. Write back ASAP okay? Love always, Dani

So she agreed to marry me on that condition. I hope that I'm married by that time, married to her. I can't imagine being married to anyone else. I know that if she marries some one else, my heart will break. If she's happy, I think I'll manage to move on though. There is nothing more that I want than to be with her. That will always be true.

Dear Fitz, It's Christmas. Can you believe it? It's snowing here and everything is beautiful. I know that there's going to be a white Christmas. There's nothing like Christmas when the ground is covered in snow. It's the most magically thing in the world.

This is my favorite time of year. The family all comes together to celebrate this special time of year. The conversations about all that has happened and those memories are the best. There's only one thing missing, you. I want to spend Christmas with you soon. To have you, my very best friend, here with me to celebrate the holidays would be a dream come true. I hope that will happen in the near future.

I hope you got my gift. Don't open it until the end okay. I'll save yours till the end too. I think it will be more special that way. Dinner's ready, so I have to go. I'll talk to you soon. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Love always and Happy Holidays, Dani

As soon as I read this letter last year, I knew we had to meet. She wanted to spend Christmas with me as much as I wanted to spend it with her. My heart aches for her all the time, but it is strongest around the holidays and our birthdays and anniversaries. That's why I couldn't wait any longer. Here's my hotel. Today, my life begins for real. The moment is approaching and excitement has taken over my emotions. Part of me is nervous though. My future depends on what happens this weekend. This anticipation is killing me.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 7:

I dropped my stuff of at the hotel. Fitz has really out done himself. The room is nice and the adjoining door leads into his room. I still can't believe he's doing all of this for me. Dear Dani, I can't wait to meet you. This is the biggest thing to happen to me. I've never been more excited about anything. I'm sorry. I don't mean to pressure you. I want you to be at ease. Don't worry about anything. Be yourself because that's the person I know.

It's just that I've waited for this for so long. I know you have too. I'm counting the days until December 21 finally comes. It seems so far away. I have everything set up. Your parents know that you're going to be in the city all weekend right? I want it to be just for us, no one we know around. We're going to have so much fun, and don't worry, everything is on me. I want to do this for you, so let me. The only thing I ask for in return is for you to enjoy yourself? Can you handle that? I have to go study now, so I'll talk to you later. I can't wait to meet you. Love always, Fitz

From the minute I finished reading that letter on, this weekend has been the only thing on my mind. It's all I could think about which made concentrating on my finals difficult. Luckily, I was able to make it through them okay. Now that school is finished I have nothing to worry about except this weekend. My mind has been reeling over what Fitz has planned. He wouldn't tell me anything except the hotel room I'm staying in and that I'm supposed to meet him at Madison Square Gardens.

Dear Dani, Here's the letter I promised you when I got all the details worked out. I'm not going to tell you what I have planned because I want it to be a surprise. I just want to let you know what you need to bring with you. First and foremost I need you to come. I know you won't back out now. Secondly bring enough clothes for the weekend. I want to spend every moment with you. That's not asking too much, is it? I hope not.

Did you notice that I sent your ticket and the information on the hotel room? That's all that I can tell you right now. I really want you to be surprised. Just drop your stuff of at the hotel before the game and meet me at the Gardens. Got all that? I need to run now. I'll see you in a few days. This is so exciting, I can't wait. Love always, Fitz

So here I am now, waiting in Madison Square Gardens for the man I've only seen in my dreams. He should be here any minute. The suspense is killing me. My excitement has reached it's peaked and it's going to explode any minute. Is he ever going to get here?

To Be Continued...

Chapter 8:

I settled into my hotel room and was surprised by how nice everything was. The fact that mine and Dani's rooms are connected is going to drive me crazy. I still can't believe that all of this is a reality. I feel like I'm dreaming.

Dear Fitz, This is so exciting. To finally be able to meet you is a dream come true. I've been hoping for this for as long as I can remember. It's going to be the greatest to ever happen to me. I can't believe you're doing all of this. Are you sure you don't want me to help? I want to be involved in planning all that we're going to do. I know that everything is going to be perfect. If you want me to do anything just let me know?

I can't believe that this is happening. The twenty-first just seems too far away though. Patience isn't one of my best qualities, but I know that the payoff is going to make everything well worth it. Well, I have to go now. I'll talk to you soon. This is so exciting. Love always, Dani

That letter opened my eyes to see just how important this was to her, important to both of us. The thought of meeting her was all I could think about. Every free moment I had, I imagined what it would be like to finally see her. My nights were spent dreaming about this weekend. Now, it's finally here. As hard as I try to picture what will happen this weekend, it's impossible. I know that when we finally meet it's going to be like nothing I could ever imagine. I have a feeling everything is going to work out alright. I just know it.

Dear Fitz, I got your letter. I can't wait to find out what you have planned. Are you sure you can't even give me a hint? Fine. I'm not big on surprises, but I know that whatever you have planned is going to be perfect. There is no way that I'm going to back out of this. Meeting you has been something I've wanted to do for a long time now. I'll make sure I have everything I absolutely need with me. I want to spend the whole time with you. This is our weekend and we deserve to spend it together with no interruptions.

Are you sure you don't need me to do anything? I can afford to pay for my share of things you know. I understand that you want to do these things for me, but I want to do something for you too. Please, let me help out, do anything. I guess I'm never going to convince you. I know that once you have something in your head there's no changing it. I'll see you in just a few days. I can't wait for it. I have to go now though. Love always, Dani

Madison Square Gardens. The only thing that's keeping her from me know is the crowd. Once I'm inside and we're both sitting in our seats everything will come down. All of this pent up excitement is reaching it's high point. If I don't see her soon it's all going to explode. I don't know how much longer I can wait. Where is she?

To Be Continued...

Chapter 9:

I was about to get my ticket and go up to my seat when my eye caught something. Make that someone, a man that looked familiar. It was like I knew him from somewhere, but I couldn't put my finger on it. It was when I looked up and saw his hat that it hit me. THis man was Fitz. It just had to be him.

************Sheridan’s thoughts**************** He is the most gorgeous guy I’ve ever laid eyes on. Never in my wildest dreams has he been this good looking. I didn’t think it was possible for anyone to look that good. He’s the only one who has made me feel this way. Feelings I can’t describe, yet know exactly what they are. I can’t keep them inside any longer. I only hope that he feels the same way.

I can’t believe it. He’s done all of this for me and he still bought me daisies. This whole thing is amazing. I’m never going to forget any of this. If this is a dream I don’t want to wake up. And that hat, I'm gat he's wearing that hat. I guess he really does love it. I know he would the minute I saw it. The hat was totally him and he looks great in it.

I don’t know how I’m going to do this. My hormones are going crazy. It’s all I can do right now to keep them under control. This is going to be harder than I thought. Please just let me make it through the night. Calm down Sheridan. You don’t want him to think you’re crazy. Get a grip. You can do this. Just stay calm and everything will be fine. You just have to stay calm. There you go. Now go knock him dead.

Oh no. What is he going to think of me? He loves you, you’re his best friend. He knows everything about you and still loves you. He’s not going to change his opinion about you when he sees you. Better now? Good. Now go over there. This meeting has been put on hold for too long. Just walk over there with confidence and wait to see his reaction. You’ll be able to tell right away if he knows who you are. *************************

After my little, mental pep talk I decided it was time. It was time to meet the man I've dreamed of for so long. But as I turned back in the direction he just was, he was gone. Where did he go? I was about to get back in line to go up to my seat when I saw him walking back. I just stopped and stared. As soon as he noticed me, I knew without any shred of doubt that was Fitz.

This was it, I mean really it. I felt my whole body start to feel like jello. When he flashed me a smile, I just about lost it. My heart completely melted, yet raced at the same time. My knees became weak and I started to shake some. I couldn't help but smile back at him. He was going to kill me. These feelings were overwhelming, but perfect. Without really knowing it, I began walking toward him. I don't know how I did it. By this time I was shaking so badly I waw almost wobbling. In a matter of seconds we were face-to-face, inches apart.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 10:

When I made it inside, the first thing I did was scan the area for Dani. Something was telling me that she was close. I can’t explain it. It was just a feeling I had. I turned my head and there she was. I just knew it was her. I couldn’t believe it. This was just too good to be true.

***************Luis's thoughts**************** She's the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. I imagined many different possibilities, but never this. Even in the casual clothes she's wearing, her beauty shines through. I'm glad there isn't a law for beauty because she'd be in jail for life. She did it. I told her I didn't want anything, but she got me something anyways. This girl is amazing and she never ceases to surprise me. I know that she said she had something, but I thought I'd convinced her not to.

How am I going to make it? She's making me feel things I've never thought I could feel. If I wasn't in love before, I am now. I pray she feels the same way. I can't handle this. My hormones are going nuts. I don't know how much longer I can keep them under control. This is more difficult than I imagined it would be. Please God, help me find the strength to get through this night.

Come on Luis, settle down. She's going to think you're a nut case if you're acting like this. Just take a deep breath. Calm down and then go talk to her. You can do this and you know it. There you go, everything's under control now. Great? How is she's going to react to me? Get those negative thoughts out of your head. She's your best friend and she loves you in spite of all your faults. Her opinion of you isn't going to change after she finds out who you are.

In control again? Finally. Go over there and talk to her. You've wasted too much time already don't you think? That's what I thought. Walk over there with confidence and everything will be okay. Say hi, introduce yourself. I'm sure she's as excited as you are about this.

************************* Before I could go to her, I had to do one last thing. I wanted, needed her to realize how special she was to me. I wanted everything to be perfect, as close to perfect as you can get. I hope she likes it. I explained to the people in charge what I wanted done. After telling them my story, they were more the willing to do it. I thanked them and left. If she likes this, I know everything will be okay.

Walking back to the lines to get in, I saw her again. After about two seconds, I realized she was looking at me. Oh boy, this is it. There’s no turning back now. Soon my life is going to change forever. Somehow I managed to keep moving. I don’t know how it was possible though. My legs were shaking, I was so excited and nervous. It seemed like she was forever away still.

As I got closer, close enough to be able to look in her eyes, I noticed they had a twinkle. That caused me to smile. I noticed a smile forming on her face. From that moment on, I knew everything would be alright. I n a few seconds we were close, very close. There were mere inches between us. ************

THE END

This is the end of "The Letter Years". I'm writing the sequel which was known as "A Passion-Filled Weekend". It will now be "One Eventful Weekend".