“Some young kid,” he offered.
“Weird.”
“Weird indeed.” He nodded before turning away.
I took two steps toward the table closest to the door and sat, peeling the wrapping back.
Your Mind is filled with tests and goals and reasons why you should always say no. But I can’t live without you and here are reasons why you should say yes.
I removed a framed eight-by-ten photo of my rules typed in a girlish font that I wondered who helped him pick out.
Cassie’s Rules for a Happy Life:
#1 – Don’t Lie
#2 – Don’t Cheat
#3 – Don’t Make Promises You Can’t Keep
#4 – Don’t Say Things You Don’t Mean
Attached underneath rule number four was a handwritten note taped to the glass.
I know I’ve broken your rules and I don’t deserve a second chance, but I promise you that I’ll never break them again. I think it was Ghandi who said, “Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.” I hope you have the strength to forgive me.
#1 – I lied because I was terrified of losing you. I know that’s not an excuse, but it’s the only reason I have for being untruthful. I’ll never lie to you again.
#2 – This one kills me more than I can put into words. I have no excuse for my behavior that night but I can only tell you that I’ll never even look at another girl again if that’s what it takes. I’ll never drink another drop. Just tell me what I have to do to get you to forgive me. I’m not asking you to forget, just forgive.
#3 – I promise to spend the rest of my life making you happy if you’ll let me.
#4 – I told you once that you were my game changer. I meant it then and it still holds true now. There’s no getting over you.
Tears dropped from my eyes as my heart caught in my throat. All my emotions jumbled together as I tried to sort them out but failed.
Another quick ring of the bell and I didn’t even attempt to wipe my eyes before I answered it. “Hi, Fred,” I said, the tears still rolling down.
“Good tears or bad tears?” His tired eyes widened at the sight of me.
“Good tears.” I snickered.
“Whew!” he exclaimed as he playfully wiped the non-existent sweat from his brow. “Here’s the latest.” He handed me a large manila envelope.
“Thanks again.” I reached for it before closing the door, already undoing the small fastener on the back.
Eye-rolling is bad for you, Kitten, and here are the reasons why.
I laughed out loud as I turned through the pages filled with ridiculous pictures of people and pets rolling their eyes. He attached a few completely made-up articles about “The Unknown Dangers of Eye-Rolling!”
I rolled my eyes as the doorbell rang for the last time. “Fred. I feel like I should just leave my door open for the rest of the night,” I teased.
“This is the last one, Miss Andrews,” he said, handing me the last brown paper-wrapped box.
I breathed in deeply before giving Fred a quick hug. “Thank you for not getting irritated by all of this, Fred.”
“It’s been fun. Have a good night.” He closed the door for me as I settled into the couch next to the box of quarters.
I unwrapped the box more slowly, knowing that it would be the last. There was an envelope taped to the top of the box that said Read Me First. With my emotions in overdrive, I ripped open the envelope, reaching for the paper inside.
Kitten,
Letting go of someone who owns your heart is hard. Sometimes holding on to that person is even harder. I know I’m not the easiest person to love, but you are.
It’s not that I can’t live without you; it’s that I don’t want to. There’s a difference. We all make choices in life and I choose you.
My heart belongs to you. And I’m not asking for it back, even if you don’t want it anymore. I’m just asking for the chance to have yours again. I promise I’ll be more careful with it this time.
Love Always,
Jack
I opened the box, the tears blurring my vision almost completely as I looked inside. The box was empty, except for a lone envelope that sat taped to the bottom with the words Read Me Last written in black Sharpie marker.
My finger tore through the thick sealed paper before pulling out the small note folded over once.
Kitten,
Open your front door.
My head spun around and my mouth opened as I eyed my front door, unsure of what would be behind it. I hopped off the couch, turned the knob, and pulled it open.
“Oh my God.”
Jack stood outside my door carrying a dozen red roses. It was only once he lowered his arms that I could see the uniform he was wearing. The word Mets was written across an all-white jersey with dark blue and orange lettering. It reminded me of his old uniform from college and my mind instantly flashed back to seeing him on the mound. “Why are you wearing a Mets jersey?”