the
keyboard to meet his and cocked an eyebrow.
“ You twist everything I say. Forget
the concert. I’m done, Jory. I like you well enough, but this
celibacy thing, it’s not for me. It’s gone on too long.”
Wounded by his words, she sat back. “Just
out for sex, eh? Goodbye. Forget it, Archie.” She made a shooing
gesture with her hand.
“ You don’t get it. Fine. We’re done.”
He stormed off in a huff.
Gladys in the advertising department looked
over at Jory. A sharp glance from the journalist sent the nosy,
older woman back to her computer.
Jory arrived home to find a letter
waiting for her. She took a cup of coffee and the envelope to her
room. Distracted for a moment by the feeder, she watched the birds
jockey for the best perch. They’re no
better than we are. Fighting to live. Isn’t that what Trent is
fighting for?
She sat cross-legged on her bed and took a
final sip of coffee before opening it.
Dear Jory,
I assumed you don’t have a boyfriend. Maybe
that’s wrong.
Maybe you’re just a kind person writing to
me in your spare time? I get my hopes up for us, but then I
remember the picture. Any girl who looks like that has a million
guys asking her out.
Although I’m not sure I want to hear the
truth, please tell me. Are you dating anyone? Is it serious? I need
to know if there’s a chance for me or we’re just going to be
friends.
She skimmed through the rest. There
was news about Rocky and what music Trent was listening to. Yep. Amber does have a million guys asking her
out. She pulled up her lap desk and started a
reply.
Dear Trent,
To answer your question, yes, there was
someone. But it was never serious. This is a small town. There
aren’t too many guys here for me. Maybe I’m too picky . We decided
to stop seeing each other today. Frankly, I’m relieved. He’s not my
type. Though I’m not sure what my type is. So, there’s no
competition for you. Is that what you wanted to hear? What about
you? Aren’t there women where you are? I mean, American women, like
you, in the service? Are you dating anyone?
I’m not just being nosy. I spend a lot of
time thinking about you, writing to you. I don’t want to do that if
you have something else going on. I hope you understand. You’re my
one and only right now. I hope you feel the same.
Fondly,
Jory
She chewed her lip. Waiting was the hardest
part of her relationship with Trent. Within a week, she had her
answer.
Dear Jory,
Did you hear my cheer when I read your
letter? You made my day.
Not that I’m happy you broke up with
someone. Well, to be honest, yeah, I am. (he drew a small smiley
face) So, it’s you and me. Am I single? You bet I am. I’ve had a
few friends with benefits out here. It’s not an easy place. But
nothing serious. Last I heard, Sheila, the last girl I dated, had
been shipped back to the States. I have no idea where she is
now.
I know we don’t know much about each other,
but being here makes every minute precious. You appreciate what you
have, even just life itself. I hope it isn’t too soon to say you
mean a lot to me. It might sound crazy to someone else, but I feel
we have a connection, something, bringing us together. I hope you
feel the same way. If you don’t, please forgive a lonely soldier
hoping you’re the one.
Trent
Jory grinned so wide it hurt. She blasted
the song “Dancing on Sunshine” and twirled around the room. She
threw open the window and whistled to the birds perched on her
feeders. Blood pumped through her veins at a record rate, beating a
quick, steady rhythm in her ear. Denial was out. Celebrating was
in. Winning his heart lifted her spirits until she was light as
air.
She snatched a piece of pink paper and
plopped down on the bed with her laptop.
Dear Trent,
I was so happy to receive your letter today.
I haven’t had a real boyfriend for a while. I don’t fall in love
every day. Not saying I’m in love with you, but I’m happy with the
way things are
Morten Storm, Paul Cruickshank, Tim Lister