Page 15 of Unsteady in Love

To:[email protected]

From:[email protected]

Subject: Thank You!

Prue,

You have no idea how much it means to me that you gave me your email address and to hear from you. Even those few words were enough. I needed something good to happen in my life today. I wish I was back in your little town with you, begging you to forgive me for being a stupid idiot. I wish I would have talked to you before I left after graduation. I have so many things I wish I could do over in my life.

I’ve had a lot of time to think over the past few years and after seeing you again, I think I know why you were so sad on that last day. I mean, I know you were sad about your dad, but I didn’t do right by you. I know I didn’t. Never did you imagine getting married by judge without any friends or family there. It wasn’t your dream wedding. How could it have been? If it makes you feel any better, it means more to me than you know and not because of the money. I don’t give a shit about the money. The only things in the world I care about are getting out of here alive and you. I only hope one day you’ll believe me and give me a chance.

Sometimes when I miss home, I sit outside and look up at the stars and wonder if you’re looking at them too. I know it’s not logical because of the time difference, but it helps me. If you ever need me, look up at the stars, and I’ll be there. At least in spirit.

I have to go. Duty calls, but I hope to hear from you soon.

Holden

* * *

To:[email protected]

From:[email protected]

Subject: Re: Thank You!

Holden,

I hope you’re okay. I don’t watch much TV and if I do it’s not the news. It’s too depressing. There’s too much violence and political bullshit in the world. I have to admit, you have me worried. Despite my being mad at you, I don’t want anything bad to happen to you. You have to come home so I can properly scream and yell at you when I’m not in shock. You can email me any time, and I promise to read and try to answer them. You had some questions before and here are your answers.

Yes, I finished nursing school. When we moved, I enrolled in a fast track two-year program. Before I had to take leave and got fired, I worked at a local doctor’s office. I really miss working there. I enjoyed my co-workers and the patients. I haven’t found a new job yet, but I’ve been looking at houses. I asked my friend Alex what neighborhood she lived in, and you would not believe what she told me. It’s a neighborhood owned by Colton Patrick. Did you know he’s from Fairlane? Crazy enough, she met him before she met Luke. Anyway, Alex has helped me look some when she’s had the time. I’ll let you know if I find one.

I don’t talk to anyone back home. The only person I talk to is my old neighbor, Alex. I know it’s sad, but I didn’t have the time with how sick my dad got or the money to do anything. But that’s okay because I wouldn’t trade the time I spent with my dad for anything in the world.

Can you tell me where you are over there?

Do you have many friends there? I know you said it gets lonely.

Prue

10

To:[email protected]

From:[email protected]

Subject: Don’t Worry

Date: March 4, 2018 9:39 pm

Prue,

Don’t be worried about me. I’m sorry I can’t tell you much, not that I’d want to. The more you know the more you’d worry. We are at war here, and we have to stay vigilant about our safety.

Again, I hate that you felt the need to move, but I’m proud of you for becoming a nurse. Don’t feel pressured to find a job. I know you don’t want to sit around doing nothing all day, but I want you to find the right fit for you. Don’t take anything just to have a job. From what I hear, finding, buying, and decorating a house can be a job in and of itself.

Colton Patrick, the movie star? Wow! That’s amazing. I had no idea he was from Fairlane. It’s crazy he’s from such a small town, and now you’re living there. Not to mention your neighbor knows him.

After shutting out my parents and finding out you were no longer in town, I had no reason to keep in touch with anyone. They were all off to college, and none of them were the type to write. I didn’t mind though. You were/are the only one I cared about.

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