Three Little Words
Totally clueless to the fact that it is Valentines' Day Alex enters the squad room, tired and craving coffee. The case that they received Monday has them keeping late hours, what else is new. She scans the room and comes to the realization that it was only six hours ago that she was here.
Pulling out her chair she sits down, no coffee container, she sighs. When she looks across her desk, no Bobby. She frowns, checks the time. No coffee mug, no leather case. He's late? Maybe he's in another department.
As she shuffles to the department coffee maker, that tastes more like mud, strange thoughts go through her mind. Why is he late? He left when I did. Maybe he's sick? She takes a sip of coffee and adds more sugar. No he would have called ten times this morning to inform me of the debilitating disease that he has.
Her mood improves as she remembers last year when he got the flu, her cell phone rang every hour on the hour. Men so big and strong but oh my God when they get sick.
Taking a quick sip of the coffee, she returns to her desk. She frowns as she spies an envelope on her blotter; she looks around the room, no strangers. Written across the lavender colored envelope, 'Alex'. She sits down and opens the envelope. A quick glance at the handwriting, it's from Bobby.
Alex,
I can certainly understand the stress that I have caused you, not only this past year but since the day we met.
She covers her mouth as she stifles her laughter.
If you're done laughing please read on.
She looks up, still no sign of him. Where is he hiding?
I wanted to tell you face to face but every time I opened my mouth to speak, nothing…..nothing came out.
I find that hard to believe Bobby.
You can believe it. It's true.
She looks around the room.
It may sound cliché but my life did indeed change, for the better, the day I met you. It's just that it has taken me a long time to realize how important you are to me.
She can feel her face turn red.
Don't blush, because it's true.
She shakes her head in amazement, and then continues to read.
When I pushed you away that day, so long ago, it was to stop myself from holding you in my arms. You reached out to me and I, as always, since I can remember don't want to let people into the madness that is my life.
She smiles.
You're eyes light up when you smile, which is the one constant thing that I can count on every day. If I need someone to talk too you're there. If I need a shoulder to lean on you're there. Have I ever thanked you?
She shakes her head.
Yes, you can shake your head. I haven't…. Thank you.
Though I have many friends and acquaintances you are very special to me, I hope you realize that. Well if you don't, I'll say it again you are a very special woman.
Once again she scans the room, Where are you?
The way you held my hand at my Mom's funeral, I should have told you then….but I did not.
Three little words that should be easy to say….
I love you too Bobby.
Look behind you Alex the blinds are down.
She cautiously looks around the room, every one busily at their desks. Taking the letter with her she makes her way to the visitors' office.
"Are we being foolish?" she asks as she closes the door.
He sits back in the chair, "For not saying anything before or now?"
"Before," she pulls out a chair and sits down.
"No I don't think so, just cautious."
Holding up the letter, "When did you write this?"
"Last night," he leans forward. "Why I picked this day to confess, that I love you. Is that what you're wondering?"
She smiles, "Yes why today?"
He takes her hand in his, aware of the fact that she has forgotten this day for lovers, "It's Valentines day." He leans in and steals a kiss. "Corny I know but…"
"It's not corny, I love it and I love you."
Happy Valentines Day