The Words I Would Say

Letters from Peter at college and from Susan in America

Prequel to Just Believe

Author's note: I posted this story a week or so ago to see if there was any interest in it. There was so I am continuing the story. I started over using what I had already written. I'm trying to make the chapters a bit longer and Edmund, Lucy and Eustace will be included as well. Story is based on the song The Words I Would Say by Sidewalk Prophets. Characters/Events are based on the books by C.S. Lewis. Not specifically from the movie and not solely from the books. Kind of a mix. Also when any of the Pevensies signed their names with a K. or Q. it stands for King or Queen. Hope you enjoy!
Bold and italicized: Words to the song The Words I Would Say by Sidewalk Prophets
Italicized: Letters or character thoughts
Normal: Events that are taking place at the moment

Three in the morning,

And I'm still awake,

So I picked up the pen and the page,

I started writing just what I'd say,

If we were face to face,

Three in the Morning

Dearest Su,

How I miss you and Lucy and Edmund! College is going well. I hardly have time to write with all my studying, but enough about that. It's about two-thirty in the morning here. I wish I could talk to you all face to face right now but it will have to wait until the Holidays. How is America? Are Mum and Dad doing well? Lucy and Edmund have written to me quite often. They have their hands full staying with cousin Eustace. Did they write and tell you about their trip back to Narnia?

Susan dropped the letter like it was a poisonous snake. Narnia. Why did he have to mention Narnia? As much as she tried to control them, her hands couldn't stop shaking.

"Are you ready, Susie?" her friend Hadley called up the stairs of the apartment.

"Um, hold on!" Susan answered. She stuffed the letter under her pillow, took one last look in the mirror and glided down the stairs in her new high heels.

She watched with worry as her siblings marched off to war. Peter, Edmund even little Lucy. Susan turned away from the window. She was stuck at home as usual. Sometimes she wondered why she had to be the Gentle Queen and take care of everything. But someone had to do it and the others certainly wouldn't. Susan ran out into the garden, her bow and arrows on her back.

"Queen Susan?" someone whispered. Susan spun around with her bow ready. She pointed the arrow at the stranger.

"Yes," she answered fiercely.

"I-I'm sorry to disturb you," he apologized. "I'm Prince Leofwin, and I need your help." Susan stared at him curiously.

Susan woke up trembling. Not Leofwin. Her dear, precious Leofwin. She remembered his sparkling blue eyes, his ragged blond hair. Suddenly Susan wanted to see him again. She needed just one glimpse. Susan jumped out of bed and hurried to the window.

"Aslan," she whispered quietly. Susan unclasped the heart-shaped gemstone from around her neck. The crystal ornament was a gift from Leofwin. She held the gem up to the light of the moon. A breeze swept through the room, Susan felt goose bumps rising on her arms, the crystal began to glow green and then blue. At last the color faded and a message appeared on the wall.

My dearest Susan,

I love you now and always. Nothing can keep us apart. I will always be with you. Never forget our love.

Forever yours, Leofwin

Susan wiped the tears away from her eyes. She took the gem out of the light and climbed back into bed, clutching the necklace.

Dear Susan,

Edmund and I are doing fine. Aunt Alberta had promised to take me shopping this week. I can't wait until you are home. Eustace is behaving himself now. Edmund licked all of Eustace's candy that was hidden under the bed. It was funny when Edmund told Eustace! I miss you Susan. Tell Mum and Dad we love them!

Love your sister,

Q. Lucy

Good little Lucy. Susan smiled and began writing her reply.

Dear Lucy,

We are coming home in two weeks. Do you think you can manage? Peter promised to have you home in time to see us as soon as possible. Mum and Dad send their love. Tonight Corporal John McCartney has asked me out to a dance. I think he fancies me.

Lucy rolled her eyes.

"Who is it this time?" Edmund muttered.

"A Mr. Corporal John McCartney," Lucy answered. "I don't think I like him." Edmund chuckled.

"Come Lu, you haven't even met him."

"Nobody will ever be as nice as Leofwin," she reminded.

"I know," Edmund sighed. He wasn't exactly happy that his older sister was going out with strangers across the ocean. He wished he or Peter could be there to look out for her. But Peter was studying for college and he and Lucy were stuck at Aunt Alberta and Uncle Harold's house. There was a knock on the door. Edmund already knew who it was.

"Come in, Eustace," he answered. Eustace entered the room and came to stand next to Edmund. His eyes were fixed on the painting handing over the fireplace. The dragon-headed ship seemed so real.

"I wish I could get back," Eustace said at last.

"I know," Lucy replied wistfully. "Narnia is a wonderful place."

"Anything can happen," Edmund added.

"No fear, no retreat," Eustace answered.