Disclaimer: Same 1-10.

Anna had fretted over the book ever since she had sent it, and now she held a grey envelope in her hand as she sat on her desk chair. This would tell her if he approved or not, and she was nervous to read his reply. Looking at the rough, grey paper she tried to think if she had ever been anxious about opening one of her pen pal's letters before. She had looked forward to them, but she could never recall feeling so wrapped up in what the other person might say. To her, his opinions and feelings were becoming to mean a great deal to her. She cared whether he was happy or sad, and she found herself also wondering what he meant, truly meant, to her.

She slit open the envelope and retrieved the contents inside. Without anymore hesitation, she unfolded the pages.

Dear Anna,

It seems as though I was the cause for us to discuss some very personal matters. If my words caused you to feel like you had no choice but to share with me as well please know that was not my intent. I appreciate you for sharing this with me. I can not properly put into words my condolences on behalf of your parents and your sister. I must be honest and say you are an extremely strong person for continuing on with your life and succeeding at it. I am amazed by you. Please don't be too harsh on yourself when it comes to your sister. We have all done things in moments of anger we wished we hadn't, but isn't making mistakes what makes us human? Addiction can be so gripping especially when life seems too much to handle. It is easy to fall back into it time after time if you aren't completely dedicated to changing your life.

She paused to consider his wording and wondered if addiction was something he had dealt with before.

You are not the cause of Rachael's death, Anna. I know you helped her in anyway possible, and I know it must have been frustrating and heartbreaking at the same time to watch her go through it. Rachael knew how much you loved her and that you were there for her. I am absolutely sure of it.

Stopping, she shook her head with a sad smile. This man could not possibly know the whole circumstance, and yet he wrote to her exactly what she needed to hear. He knew, without really knowing, how she tried many times to help her sister. His surety in the matter drew her to him even more.

I also wanted to thank you for what you said about my mother. I very much look forward to finally paying my respects to her one day. As for my wife, our marriage had always been rocky at best. We married very young almost right out of school. We thought we were in love but found out quickly that wasn't the case. Neither one of us had the nerve to divorce the other, and I know it's wrong to say but I feel freer somehow without her. I never wished death upon her, but we were not meant to be married. She passed away from a severe case of pneumonia of all things. We were never a team. It was actually quite the opposite. We were never meant to be. She was not my soulmate.

She was shocked to read how he felt about his former marriage. Truthfully, she was expecting him to feel grief stricken about his wife, but that was not the case. Him stating she was not his soulmate made her shift in her seat.

I had to pause my writing and come back to it because I received a package from a guard just now. Would you happen to know anything about that? Are you smiling slyly? I wasn't expecting something like this at all, but thank you for this gift.

Anna chuckled and lightly bit her bottom lip. She could tell he was teasing her, and she was more than pleased with herself that he liked the book. She flipped the page.

The book is amazing, and I'm glad you thought of me while picking it out. You've given me something I truly needed.

She figured he meant the book itself, but what if he meant he truly needed someone to believe in him and trust him? The poem she had bookmarked had told him she would do both. Maybe that was his cryptic way of telling her, and to her surprise she hoped that was the case.

The chocolate bookmark was a perfect addition as well. It will make me think of you every time I pick up the book. And while I'm thinking of it I'm glad your work brings you happiness. I was walking in the yard earlier today and I pictured, well what I could I should say, you working away in your shop and giving one too many samples to some overly excited children. I'm not sure if you do really, but it seemed like something you would do. Anyway, thank you again for the absolute perfect gift. This is my first package since I've arrived here, and if you ever need to talk about things that are bothering you or weighing on your mind know that I'm here. I would never dream of not continuing to write you.

P.S. - Thank you for ordering the turkey and cheese. I felt as though I could taste it.

P.P.S.- Chocolate shortbread cookies

227g unsalted butter, softened, 1 teaspoon salt, extra-fine if possible, 198g sugar, 28g dark cocoa, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 206g all-purpose flour

Preheat the oven to 148°C. For thin, crisp shortbread, grease two 20.32cm square pans. For thicker shortbread, grease one 22.86cm square pan. To avoid over-creaming, I recommend that you stir the dough by hand. In a medium-sized bowl, stir together the butter, salt, and sugar until well blended. Add the cocoa, vanilla, baking powder, and flour, and mix until you have a smooth, slightly stiff batter. Press the dough into your prepared pan(s) and prick all over with a fork. Bake the shortbread in two pans for 35 to 40 minutes; the single 22.86cm pan will take about 50 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool for 5 minutes. Invert the pan(s) over a clean sheet of parchment and turn out the shortbread. While still warm, cut each square into 12 pieces. Cool completely before serving.

You'll have to let me know if you make them.

Your friend,

John

She laid the letter on her desk as her heart pounded in her chest. She was trying to decipher how she felt about John thinking of her and trying to picture her. It would be untrue to suggest she had never tried to picture him as well. She more than once thought about a pair of eyes and what may go along with them. Her heart and her brain where having a momentary battle. Yes, she wanted to be John Bates' friend and pen pal, and her brain told her that was more than enough. Her heart on the other hand was suggesting maybe there was more, but her mind was there to block her heart's path. It was a silly thought to think there could ever be more between them wasn't it? For one, she had no idea how long he would be in prison. Secondly, she couldn't have feelings of that kind for someone she had never met. Thirdly, well, she couldn't come up with a third.

Picking up the letter again, she smiled at his teasing and telling her of how he pictured her being overly friendly with samples to eager children, which she did. It was like he knew her already in ways some people she had known a long time didn't. Each letter unfolded another part of him. She was very blessed indeed with his friendship.

John huffed out a sigh of relief as his back hit the mattress. It was a Thursday, so he had had a full first half of the day. He enjoyed the days he got to work. After working, dealing with the dining hall, and their yard time though, he was ready for a break. He propped his head up as best he could with his pillow and then raised the small packet he had received from the guard only minutes prior. The top right corner this time was stamped with a cross with a purple robe draped over it.

Needing to see her words, he carefully opened the envelope. Taking the pages in hand, he noted there were three pages this time. His eyes lit up at all she might have said, and he unfolded them quickly.

Dear John,

You are quite a silly beggar if you think you in any way forced me to share about my parents and sister with you. I told you because I wanted to tell you, and because I wanted you to know everyone has faults. Your words were exactly what I needed. For a couple of years I completely blamed myself and was in a bad place, but with the help of Gwen and some others I slowly started coming out of my self loathing. To know you think that I'm succeeding at life and that I'm strong gives me even more strength and determination to live life fully. Thank you, John. I don't know if addiction is something you've dealt with either personally or in your family. If it is, or was, I hope for the best outcome. I've never had an addiction, though in those rough years I admit I contemplated the idea of losing myself to one. I realized though it would not have brought my family back, and I had too much to give to the world to throw it all away. It isn't my place to ask you if you do, but if so I know you will beat it. I believe in you.

His chest tightened with emotion. He was starting to wonder if her letters would always make him so raw with emotion. He felt himself delighted being called silly beggar, while at the same time felt his insecurity pop up at her speaking of addiction. No, this wasn't the same as her sister's but that didn't mean it wasn't as consuming; Not having access to alcohol was one of the very few things he could thank prison for. What would she think if he did reveal that part of himself? Would she want to have another person in her life who had been down a similar path, but he wasn't exactly in her life was he? He pulled himself from brooding too deeply, so he could keep reading.

I want to be honest and say I didn't expect your comments about your wife. Please do not think I think you are wrong in how you feel because I don't. As you said aren't mistakes what make us human? I'm only sorry you were in a long marriage to someone you didn't feel was your soulmate. You deserve no less than someone who will be just that. You deserve someone who will be your biggest support, your confidante, and someone who makes you deliriously happy. Life is too short to not spend it with the one you dream about.

He closed his eyes for a few seconds to reflect. If only she knew he dreamed of her every night and every day truth be told. She filled his thoughts repeatedly. Opening his eyes, he picked up where he left off.

I myself have never been married. I've only had one serious relationship in my life and that was before my parents passed, and I was young. His name was Kyle, and I thought he was everything I could ever want. At the time that was nice hair, good looks, charm, and money, but when my parents passed he decided that was a good time for us to break up. He didn't 'have the time to be that emotionally available' as he put it. It was a time I thought I could depend on him the most, but he cut all communication with me the every next day.

A surge of anger brimmed just under the surface of him at this Kyle. What kind of man would do such a thing to her? He would have held her and comforted her in any way she needed. That bastard was a fool for tossing aside someone like her. He shuffled to the second page.

Since then I've never really went more than a few dates every now and then. I didn't see a point in a long relationship if there wasn't a strong underlying connect between me and the other person. I believe in soulmates as well, and no one I've come across in person has come close to being the one. So, I sort of understand what you mean when you say you feel freer without her. I thought Kyle hung the moon, but in the end I was much freer without him. Changing subject, I am so glad you like the book. I was hoping you wouldn't think it too forward of me to send it to you. I was leaving work for the evening and decided to look in on some shops near by. There is an older book shop on the corner full of character. I seem to be drawn to it for all my book purchases. I know I could order them online, but something about being inside the book shop and getting to touch the books makes the selecting process much more enjoyable. When I came to the poetry section I couldn't help but think of you, and I just had to send you the book once I saw the collection. I hope the poetry is enjoyable. Your assumption that I give out too many samples to children was correct. I love children and seeing them happy is a great reward. My work does make me happy, and I'm thankful I am able to employ a few people as well. So, how have you been? Yesterday was Easter so Gwen and I attended church. Easter was quite late this year. I don't go to church as often as I should. I believe in God, and I know he has plans for me. But I still don't go to services that much. Prayer has been a part of my life though and has helped me to know there is a God who hears them. Isn't it funny how most people make a fuss over what to wear specifically on Easter and Christmas services? It's one of the times most ladies pull out whatever bonnet or hat they have stored in the closet to wear on Easter Sunday. I did this as well and don't laugh at me! My white bonnet matched my pink dress very well just so you know.

He brought the third page to the front with a grin.

I forced Gwen to wear hers as well in case I was the only one who decided to keep with tradition, but I wasn't. I'm so glad to hear from you, and you can always talk to me about anything as well. I'm thrilled you've decided not to cast me aside just yet. ;) Well, it's time for me to go to sleep. I have to wake up before the crack of dawn to start prep before the shop opens. I love a good lie in though I don't get to often enough. I'm not a morning person, and it takes at least two cups of tea to get me motivated. I'm guessing you're a morning person though. Did I guess right? I'm also making your shortbread ASAP. You are quite good at writing out recipes.

P.S. - Game changer. I'm going by the curry shop sometime at the end of the week. I'll be sending thoughts your way.

Your friend,

Anna

He laid the pages on his chest before lacing his hands behind his head. His eyes closed as he thought of a loving smile, a white bonnet, and pink dress. He felt lighter that he had someone he could talk with. He had been forced to keep his private life under lock and key much like his physical body was in the cell. With Anna, he could tell her things and discuss topics which he couldn't discuss with anyone else. She was his escape from his current reality, but yet more than that at the same time. He thought about her thinking of him and wondered if she thought of him as much as he did her. He knew she had so many things to think about during the day, so it was more likely he thought of her more often. His vision shifted to seeing her smile in the book shop, and this time he was there with her. Even in his day dream he couldn't fully envision her, but he was there in the book shop and he could feel her there with him. They roamed the aisles chatting back and forth about certain authors or titles that interested them. They talked quietly and softly chuckled until they found a novel to purchase. He paid for the book and tucked it under his arm as they strolled down to the park. Sharing a bench, he opened the book and began reading to her as the sun started to reach the horizon. Her head came to rest on his shoulder, and he hummed in satisfaction from the touch.

His eyes snapped open. He carefully moved the sheets of paper to the side before rubbing his hands over his face. He couldn't possibly continue to think the way he was thinking. It was only a day dream, but he shouldn't have dreamed them being close physically. Anna was a young, ambitious, kind, and beautiful person. He didn't need to see her body to know she was beautiful. Her soul told him so. She told him she believed in soulmates, and he knew one day she would find hers. He had a ludicrous wish in his heart that he could maybe one day have a chance to be hers, but he knew that was a slim to none chance. He would be in prison for another almost three and a half years now. Over time as he stayed locked up she would meet someone who would fill what she was looking for, someone worthy of her. His life was like a knotted up ball of yarn, useless until all the knots and kinks were removed which would take more time than anyone would put up with. She deserved a nice life with a home and a family if she wanted them. She didn't need more baggage; she had enough on her own. Friendship was more than enough, and he would continue to tell himself that.

"Gah, why did you ask me to meet you here," Gwen complained as she eyed all of Anna's sweets in the display case.

"Because the cafe is round the corner, and we agreed not to be hauled up in the flat all evening," Anna replied as she finished up cashing out the register.

"I know. Maybe I should wait outside," Gwen responded as she tore her eyes away from the sweets.

"Maybe you should just have a piece," Anna smirked before she secured the money in the safe.

Gwen eyed the case as Anna took off her apron.

"Okay, only one though," Gwen said firmly to herself.

"Which one?" Anna asked as she walked to the case.

"That one. No," Gwen said then changed her mind.

She scanned the case with her pointer finger until she was pointing at a mint truffle.

"That one."

"You sure?"

"Positive."

Anna used a small pair of tongs to collect the truffle and placed it on a small napkin.

"Good pick,"Anna said as Gwen took the treat.

Anna collected her things as Gwen took her first bite.

"Oh my Godddddd," she exclaimed as she chewed.

Anna placed her purse strap over her shoulder and walked over to Gwen with an inward chuckle.

"Good?"

"Never. I mean never offer me a job here even if I come begging for one," Gwen stated before eating the other half of her truffle.

"If you insist. Ready to go now?"

"Mmhhmm..." Gwen replied with her mouth closed as she savored the minty delight.

Anna locked up the shop, and they walked down the street to the bistro. It wasn't busy so they were seated quickly in the front patio area. They placed their orders before they started to talk.

"I licked so many envelopes today that my tongue feels gross," Gwen complained.

She was the secretary to the CEO of Grantham's, Robert Crawley. Grantham's was a very high end home decor chain. There were several spread out among England. Gwen had become his secretary almost a year ago.

"Did your boss have you send out another worthless memo to all employees?" Anna smirked.

"He just likes to send out motivating thoughts and ideas to drive sales. I don't know if it really helps," Gwen responded as their drinks were brought to the table.

Anna took a long sip of her red sangria before teasing, "So, therefore, worthless."

Gwen chuckled, "Maybe but I'm lucky Mr. Crawley is a good and fair employer. He treats all of his employees well."

"I remember how excited you were when you finished your courses in typing and short-hand, and then were offered the post," Anna smiled.

"I was and still am. I know most people wouldn't consider being a secretary a good job nowadays, but I love what I do. The only downside is maybe his eldest daughter, Mary. She is quite intimidating honestly."

"You've mentioned some of his family works for him. Doesn't one of his daughters select most of the inventory they sale?"

"That would be Mary. She oversees what items are to be stocked or removed. She knows what she's talking about because people buy what she selects to place in the stores."

They stopped for a minute as the waiter brought their food. They thanked him politely before picking up where they left off.

"I must have mistaken her for Edith," Anna said.

"I don't know how you could have done that."

"I've never met them, but I remember hearing the name Edith."

Gwen swallowed her food before replying, "That's probably because she works for Contemporary and Lace magazine. She owns the magazine with her husband Bertie Pelham. Grantham's is highlighted in their magazine every month."

"That's right. That's where I've heard the name."

"Enough about work. How are you? It's sad I have to ask that since we share a flat."

Anna laughed. "We do, but we don't talk every day and sometimes we don't even cross paths."

"True, so how are you? How is John?"

"I'm well, and I believe John is too."

"Great."

"I... recently sent him something," Anna prompted.

"What do you mean by sent him something?" Gwen asked before she took a sip of her drink.

Anna fiddled with her napkin in her lap as she answered, "I sent him a book. A poetry book."

"Well, that is something new. You've not sent more than a letter before."

"I know, but it just felt right to send it to him. He told me he really liked it."

"What kind of poetry," Gwen asked with one eyebrow cocked.

"It was a collection of poems by American poets."

"And here I was assuming it would be love poems," Gwen smirked.

Anna looked flustered as she asked, "Why would you think that?"

Gwen placed her fork down on her plate and said, "I don't know. You seem to have different feelings for John than you have your others."

"He's just really easy to talk to," Anna stated.

"He's really easy to talk to, you have some things in common, he's polite, and you sent him a gift. Sounds as if your feelings are starting to go beyond friendship, which again I hope you think about carefully."

"I just thought he could use some cheering up is all. I'm not saying I have deeper feelings for him."

She didn't say it aloud, but maybe she did in fact have deeper feelings.

"No you didn't, but just by how you look when you talk about him I can see something there."

They talked a while longer as the topic of conversation changed. After they finished their meal, they walked back to their flat while Anna thought about what her feelings meant.

A/N: Thank you to kyrandiana for the shortbread theme suggestion. It's adding in nicely to the story.