Chapter 7
Mama always told me that when I fell in love, I would fall hard. I never really believed her until now. -Brian
Brian
I turn the letter over again, looking at Reina’s scrawling handwriting for the fiftieth time. For some reason, I’m almost terrified to open the thing. What if she doesn’t want me to write her again? I mean, I’m surprised she answered me at all. She told me to write, but she obviously has her reservations about trusting me. I still wish I could beat the shit out of the guy that made her have such a hard time trusting.
Reina Anderson. My heart recognized it’s soulmate. Now, I know that sounds like a load of dogshit, but it’s true.
I never believed in love at first sight until her. Yes, love, not lust, even though that hit me like a punch in the stomach too the first time I saw her. Or perhaps it hit somewhere lower. Haha. But something else stirred within me besides my body parts.
Reina is at first glance, a bit of a snob and know-it-all. But I sensed sadness in her the first time I saw those brown eyes. Sadness that made me think her tough exterior is nothing but a wall she’s put up so she doesn’t get hurt. I sensed that same, grew up before my time, kind of feeling within her that I always carried with me. I had been made man of the house at seven- years-old and had been basically carrying the weight of a family since then. I could tell that she carried troubles too.
When she told me to write her, it was a no-brainer. Maybe she thought I wouldn’t be up to the task, but the truth is there has never been anyone as tenacious as me when it comes to a goal. I wanted to join the military. I did it, despite the objections of my mother. I want to be in special ops. I’ll train damn hard until I get there. I’m only twenty-one, so there’s still plenty of time. There’s nothing that will stop me once I’ve determined something is meant to be mine. And Reina Anderson is meant to be mine.
I slide my finger along the edge of the envelope. Hell, just open it, you idiot. She wouldn’t have written you just to tell you to leave her alone. At least I hope not.
Dear Brian,
I really didn’t think you would write. I sat in shock for like ten minutes after I saw your letter. Since you’ve come this far and actually written me, I suppose it would be rude to not write you back.
I see your sister Sophie writing in her journal a lot, but to be honest, I’ve never been much of a writer. But I must admit, it was exciting to get something besides junk mail for once.
You used a lot of flowery words, and I don’t know if I believe them quite yet, but I do appreciate them. My mom taught me that men learn how to bullshit at a very young age, so it may take me a while to take you at face value.
What’s life like on an Army base? Is there a lot of debauchery that goes on there? If so, tell me all about it. Insert cute laughing emoji here. (What did we do before those damn emojis?)
Yes, I’m supposed to be studying to be a doctor. At least, that’s what my mom expects of me. I don’t really know if it’s what I’m meant to do or not. The truth is I’ve been told most of my life what I should do to the point that now I have no idea what I really want to do. Do I want to hold people’s lives in my hands? Do I want people’s blood on me? Do I even care about the neural pathways in the brain or the chambers of the heart? I think I have my answer to that, but it’s not one I want to explore.
If you think you’re writing some do-gooder here or someone who has it all together, then I’ll let you know right now you’re wrong. I’m still trying to figure a lot of things out. I shouldn’t say this, because I want you to write me more letters (to be honest), but you probably deserve to have a crush on someone way more worthy.
Now that I’ve gotten that out of the way, I’ll turn to the fun stuff.
I love this season of school. Fall, when everything about school is new and shiny. Football games every Saturday and pumpkin spice at Starbuck’s. (Yes, I’m that girl). I also love watching your sister fall more and more in love with your formerly clueless best friend. He’s finally getting his shit together when it comes to her, thank goodness. I had to push him a bit. (Bet you never thought I would be cupid, huh?) It’s been fun to watch their back-and-forth tug of war with love. Thank goodness you didn’t blow a gasket when you found out they were together (I mean except for punching him), because I don’t think Sophie could have handled it. She loves you a lot, you know?
I like your sister. She’s one of the few girls I know that has not a hint of jealousy or spite within her. She’s not a gossip, and she tells the truth more than she should. I’m hoping some of her goody-two-shoes ways will rub off on me.
As for my art, it is one of the few things I have that is truly mine. It’s mostly just doodles. Though, sometimes I do like to draw people. Therefore, I’ve enclosed a gift for you. Don’t go making too much of it though.
If you want to, write me again. I suppose I’ll take time out of my day to read it. (Laughing emoji again)
Hope you’re doing okay,
-Reina
P.S. I hate that you miss home so much. Please take care over there .
***
The grin on my face stretches wide and is probably the dopiest thing on planet Earth, but I can’t stop myself.
This girl. This crazy girl. She tries to protect herself so much, but damn it, she likes me too.
Then I take out a white, piece of folded paper. I slowly unfold it and then take a deep breath in.
Damn, my girl is good . This isn’t just some hobby. She’s drawn me in my uniform, exactly as I was the last time she saw me when I came to say goodbye to Sophie. And I look damn good. You can tell by the sappy look on my face that I’m looking at her. I wonder if she realizes how far gone I am over her. Probably, and I’m not ashamed of it.
I stare at the paper for a long time. Shit, if my heart wasn’t already at her feet ready to be kicked, it is now.