Chapter 27
Ainsley – twenty-one / Renzo – thirty-four
Dearest Ainsley,
Vinny let it slip you’re recovering from meningitis.
You should’ve told me. Why didn’t you tell me?
Do you realize how worried I’ve been? No word from you for the last three weeks.
I had to ask him what was going on with the kids and you.
How hard is it to write something up, stuff it in an envelope, and mail me the letter?
How are you feeling now? Is there anything you need?
Yours sincerely,
Renzo
TENDER
Look at you being all sweet-hearted. You missed me! Admit it!
I’m sorry I skimped out on sending you a letter recently, but with my stay in the hospital and forced bed rest, I’ve spent a lot of time trying to keep up with my coursework. There’s no falling behind, or I might risk having to repeat the year.
It’s been a lot of recorded lectures and time spent deciphering notes that Joseph and Marc gave me.
Their bird-scratch handwriting is just ridiculous.
Jennifer’s notes are even worse, not because of her handwriting, but because she uses a different shorthand note-taking style than me, and I really don’t have the brain power right now to go through learning it.
The teachers and the dean have all been understanding, so as long as I stick it out and pass my finals, everything’ll be fine. Just cross your fingers for me.
Don’t worry. I’m getting better every day. Less exhausted too. Just take care of yourself. With flu season going around, wouldn’t want both of us sick at the same time, now would we? That’d just be a string of bad luck.
By the way, Bee told me she found a lead. I’ll keep you updated, but I’m pretty optimistic about this one. Count the days, my man, because soon those bars will be history!
Dearest Ainsley,
If you need to take a break, take one. I’ve sent my lawyer to have a talk with your school’s dean.
I’m sure we’ll come to an understanding that’s to your benefit.
He’ll let you know shortly. You need to be as healthy as possible.
Nothing matters more than your health. Don’t scare me like that again.
Out of curiosity, how many people have you told about our communications? Vinny? Tore? Your colleagues?
Rest well and take care. Let me know how you like the soup.
Yours sincerely,
Renzo
Dear Diary,
I have no intention of ever going through that again. Once was more than enough. However, as you’ll hear from Mr. Blakely soon, I’ve rejected the offer. If I pass, it’ll be because I deserve to, and no other reason. Please don’t do that again.
For embarrassing me in front of the dean, you owe me an all-expenses-paid trip when you get out. Let’s say Japan. Take me there after you get out, and I’ll forgive you.
And don’t worry. My friends have been really great about helping me keep up. Joseph and Marc have even taken up residence on Bee’s and my futon with all the late-night studying.
As promised, barely anyone is aware of our talks, except for Bee, so you don’t have to worry about that.
Not Vinny. Not Tore. And not really people at school.
Jennifer has been curious who I mail letters to, but that’s it.
I’ve never said more. People don’t need to know.
Why? Are you worried? Has something come up?
However, if you don’t want anyone thinking anything strange, it might be best to stop sending me anonymous things.
The blankets and dehumidifier were a nice touch.
And I loved the soup and wontons, but if you don’t want people thinking I either have a stalker or there’s anything between me and a mysterious caregiver, it’s probably best you stop asking your people to buy me stuff.
Any good new books in the prison library?
Ainsley,
I get the feeling there’s something between you and this Joseph or Marc. Men at that age won’t be able to give you what you need. Steer clear of them. If you won’t protect yourself, I’ll have Tore assign guards to you.
I don’t want to read another word of protest about what I get sent over to you. If I send you something, accept it. Your health matters. That’s the end of that.
While I never thought we’d keep up these exchanges for this long, the fewer people who know, the better. You’re smart. You know it’s for the best. Unfortunately, I might have been a little forceful in demanding information from Vinny when you were ill. Let me know if you think he suspects anything.
How are you recovering? Anything you need, let me know.
Yours sincerely,
Renzo
P.S. I’ve picked up a book on Japanese history.
CONFUSING
You’re the reason I sometimes feel like I don’t know up from down.
You’re really sending mixed signals. You want us to be strangers when you get out, but you question me about my friends?
If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you sounded jealous.
What if I did want Joseph or Marc? Ever thought of that?
What would you do? Would you step in? Would you ask me not to? What if I said I wanted that with you?
Do you ever look at that photo I sent you last year and imagine yourself pulling my bikini off?
I have. I’ve thought of us at a beach. I’ve thought of being in your arms and the way you’d look at me before kissing me.
I’ve thought of you on top of me. Of you behind me.
I’ve imagined all of it. I want it. Do you?
Dear Diary,
I poured my feelings into my last letter. I waited to hear back from you. A month has gone by now, and I’ve gotten nothing back. I think that’s the longest we’ve gone without speaking in the last three years. It’s as good an answer as any, I guess.
Forget I ever wrote that, then. Let’s go back to the way things were before.
I’m back at school, at least for the next two weeks, and fully recovered now.
Then we’re off for Christmas break. We’re all studying pretty hard for the US Medical Licensing Exams Step 1 that we’ll be taking at the end of the school year in May.
I’ll go to Tore’s house for a few days to spend the holidays with Lou and Boyan, but I’ll probably stay most of the winter break at my apartment downtown to avoid too many distractions.
Tore is planning to take the kids on a trip through Quebec after Christmas. I wish I could go with them. Unfortunately, I can’t waste the time traveling right now, despite how much I’d love to.
How’s your reading up on Japan coming along? Anyone on your cell block giving you any trouble?
P.S. We got a location on our person of interest. Tore and Vinny are in planning mode.
It’ll take us a little bit to move on this and get the information we need, but don’t worry, good things come to those who wait.
Next holiday season, you’ll spend it at home with Tore, Vinny, the kids, and me.
I promise. I’m about to make good on another part of our bet.
Ainsley,
My absence last month was nothing more than circumstance with a little stint in solitary confinement. Think nothing of it. Nothing has changed between us. Nothing ever will. It’s for the best.
I know you will do great on your upcoming exam. I have full faith in you, in all things. I look forward to you accomplishing your promises.
It is a shame you are not going with the kids. I visited Quebec City about ten years ago. It is beautiful this time of year with its Christmas markets, festive decorations, and snowy streets. Try to go in the future. You might like their traditional poutine and tourtière dishes.
I lost interest in the book. For now, I have put it aside. I am sure you can understand.
Take care of your health, no matter how much you study. It is not worth getting sick again.
Sincerely,
Renzo
VICTORY
It’s official! They’re going to reopen the case.
Micah’s testimony is getting overturned! A few more months and you’ll be out! We did it! I almost can’t believe it after all this time. I told you we could do it! I told you!!! Prepare to be free!