Letters The unobtrusive white envelope slid under Max's bedroom door. The only mark on it was his name in unrecogniseable handwriting. He got up from his desk, he had been doing homework, and picked it up. It wasn't heavy, not thick either. And it was hand delivered. There was no stamp or address. He slid a finger under the flap, sliding it to break the seal. A single piece of paper, folded, he pulled out. He unfolded it and smiled slightly as he recognised it as Liz's handwriting. The loopy sctchy lettering he had come to love filled the page.
Dear Max, I suppose you'll never read this, but I feel I have to feel like I'm writing this for you. I was sitting on the balcony last night, and looking up at the stars, when I realised something. I love you, Max Evans. And, it's a feeling like I've loved you forever, even before I knew you, I've just always knew the right one was going to come, and I guess you're it. I can't picture myself with anyone else, not that I'd want to. I guess that's all I wanted to say. Love Forever, Liz
Max looked, unbeliving at the letter in his hand. He slowly refolded it and placed it in his desk drawer. He had a sneaking suspicion about the message deliverer.
~
Isabel played with her fingers in nervious excitement. She really wanted to see Max's reaction to the letter she'd delivered "for" Liz. Liz had never actually asked her to give it to Max, but Izzy had seen it on the counter at The Crashdown and had certainly done Liz a favor. She jumped when she heard the loud knock on her bedroom door. That's Max! she thought gleefully, that was uncharistic of her. She supposed she was just busy playing match-maker, that's enough to make anyone happy.
She opened the door. Max looked practically dumbstruck. "The letter...?" he mumbled, and Isabel could hardly make it out.
"What about the latter, Max?" She smiled coyly. She was enjoying playing with his mind.
"Did you give it to me?"
Isabel just nodded.
"Okay, then." He started to turn away, then snapped back. "Will you give Liz my reply?" His eyes lit up. Whatever that letter had said, it sure made his day.
~
Dear Liz, my heart is telling me to respond to your letter, but I'd much rather see you face to face. This may sound rather sudden, but I love you too. I have loved you ever since I first saw you, and even more now. I was afraid to let my feelings show, worried that they would not be welcomed. I have a starnge feeling that you never meant for that letter to be given to me, but trust me, it is for the best. I love you, now and forever. Max
He quickly folded the paper, his mind going 500 miles per hour, his hands couldn't write fast enough. He quickly sealed the envelope, and rushed it to Isabel's room.
"That was quick. I guess you've had that in your head for a while, huh?"
Max almost blushed. "Just get it to her, okay?" His eyes pleaded for her to stop teasing. "Thank you, Izzy."
"You're welcome, Maxamillion."
~
Liz walked home from school rather subdued. Max had been grinning and not able to talk to her. She shook her head and opened the mailbox, as was her habit,and shuffled through the letters. One stood out. All that was on the envelope was LIZ. That meant it had been hand delivered. Hmm, she thought,strange.
She set the rest of the mail on the table, and carried the envelope to her room. She climbed up on the balcony so she could read in peace without being disturbed. She opened the letter.
~
Max paced in Isabel's room. "You're sure you gave it to her?"
Isabel rolled her eyes. "I put it in her mailbox, Max."
~
Liz let the letter drop out of her hand. Her eyes were wide with shock. How had Max gotten that letter? She had only written that note, and she definately hadn't given it to him.
~
The phone rang. Max jumped, and looked to Isabel, who nodded, before he answered. "Hello?" His voice cracked.
"Hi, Max. It's Liz."
"Hi." He took a deep breath. At the same time they both said, "I got your letter." Liz burst into nervous laughter, then stopped.
"How did you get it? I mean, who gave it to you?"
"Isabel." They chorused again. This time Max laughed.
"So, things are different now, huh."
"Yeah, they are."
"So, I guess I'll see you at school?"
"Yeah, um..." Max walked with the phone out of Isabel's hearing range. "I love you."
"I love you too, Max."
"I... I guess I'll see you then. Tomorrow."
"It's a date." Liz giggled.
"Bye, Liz."
"Bye." They both hung up.
~
"So...?" Isabel said expectantly.
Max only smiled. "Thanks for being to post-woman."
"Must have been some letters, to make you smile like that. You're welcome, it was obviously worth it."
Isabel was caught unsuspecting as Max gave her a big hug.
THE END