Page 30 of Landon & Shay: Part Two

P.S. SweetTarts for my SweetHeart. You probably shouldn’t eat them, though—they’re from last Valentine’s Day. Hank gave them to Raine, and she hadn’t thrown them out yet. So, unless you are interested in seven-month-old candy, you should pass.

FROM: [email protected]

TO: [email protected]

DATE: September 1st, 2005, 4:23 PM

SUBJECT: How’s your heart?

Satan,

Hey, you. I sent you the notebook about a month ago and realized you might not even be home to receive it. I forgot that your work schedule is so insane. I’m not sure when you’ll actually get back home to check your mail.

In the notebook, I pretty much just gave you an update on life. From my point of view, it’s not too exciting. I mainly wanted to check on you and see how you’re doing after losing your father. I hope you’re taking care of yourself. You can reach out to me at any time. Day or night.

Anyway, this will be a short and sweet letter. Pretend I’m sending you Tootsie Rolls.

Because they are short and sweet.

-Chick

P.S. How’s your heart?

P.P.S. I know it’s silly, and I’m sure you’re okay, but if you’re not, please reach out. I love you and am beginning to worry.

Shay:Hey, Landon. I just thought I’d text to see if you’re okay. It’s been a week since I emailed you, so I figured I’d shoot you a text message. Is everything okay?

* * *

Shay:Hey you. It’s been over six weeks since I’ve heard from you. Please respond. I’m freaking out.

* * *

Shay:Six weeks and four days. Where are you? I don’t know how to get in contact.

* * *

Shay:Two months. I feel like you’re closing off on me, Landon, and that scares me. We were doing so good for so long. I know you’re still struggling after what happened to your father, but please know that you can talk to me. You can open up to me, just as you’ve always been able to do in the past. I’m always here for you. Even if not in a romantic fashion, as a friend. You’re my best friend, Landon, and to think about you hurting on your own makes my chest ache.

If you can’t talk to me, please let me know that you’re talking to someone. Please let me know that you’re not drowning in your own mind. We need you here, Landon. Don’t let the depression pull you under. You’re strong, and you’re not alone. Even if you feel like that some days. I love you times two. Please text me back.

* * *

Shay:I watched an interview of you and saw the fakeness in your smile. I don’t know what’s going on, Landon, but I can tell you’re hurting. You don’t have to be fake around me. If there is one person in this world that you can be real with, it’s me. I’ve seen your scars and they don’t scare me. Come back to me and fall apart. I’ll catch you. I’m here.

8

Shay

One Thursday afternoon in November,I stopped by the mailbox after my class to see if there was a letter from Landon. I checked way too often, even though I knew when the mail carrier delivered the letters.

Still, nothing.

As disappointment settled in my chest from even more silence, I started walking toward the townhouse and I paused when I saw a boy sitting on the front porch steps. My boy.

My heart leaped out of my chest as I hurried over to him. His shoulders were rounded forward, and his head was lowered as he stared down at his shoes. His long, brown hair was covering his face, wet and greasy looking.

“Landon…what are you doing here?” I asked, a million thoughts rocketing through my mind. What did it matter why he was there? All that I knew was I wanted to wrap my arms around him and hold on so tight.

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