Chapter 10
TEN
Elle
Dear Jesse,
Besides, I’m only a few hundred dollars away from booking my flight and our hotel for the weekend. I refuse to let anything dampen my excitement. I can’t wait!
I researched some hotels near the base and read a few online blogs about how far ahead I needed to book.
It seems like the earlier, the better because they all fill up quickly for graduation weekend.
Don’t worry about that though. I’ll figure everything out.
You have important Navy things to worry about now!
I’m proud of you, and I’m proud of us for sticking together through it all.
I can’t wait to see where this journey takes you.
I also can’t wait to see you in that uniform because I know it’ll wreck me.
Classes have been more exciting than ever! Not … I swear, Professor Oramae IS trying to kill us with how much homework she gives. Little does she know, I find it therapeutic …
As our time apart grows, I struggle with staying focused. My thoughts always lead back to you, and when I write to you, it’s like we’re sitting together on my bed like we used to. Once I put the pen down, you vanish again—my personal ghost.
Another month or so, and you’ll be back in my arms. I can’t imagine the feeling. Thankfully, I won’t have to imagine it much longer!
Also, Ruthie says hi. It’s more like, “Ask your boyfriend if he’s got any hot bunkmates who need a pen pal.” But you get the idea.
She’s been my lifeline since you left and asked me to tell you that the next time you’re in town, she promises to make you that strawberry pastry you like. I don’t want to make you feel bad because I know the food sucks there, but … it was so damn good last time she made it, right?!
Little things like strawberry pastries make me think of you. Everything makes me think of you. That’s how I know that even though hundreds of miles separate us, we’ll be just fine when we get to the other side of our distance. March 31 is right around the corner. It can’t come fast enough.
I’m headed out to grab dinner with my parents, but I wanted to ask if you had any picture requests. Is there anything special you want to see me in? I want to make sure you have what you need. Wink, wink.
Also, as you can see, I shoved more stamps and paper into this envelope. I hope it’s enough to keep your letters coming. Not sure I could live without them.
I love you, and I miss you! I’ll write to you again tomorrow.
Love always,
Elle