I could keep writing this. I could turn this into one of those cheezy romance novels where the guy I like falls head-over-heels for me, turning me into a Mary-Sue. But I hate those stories. So I won't write it. That's a good thing, because this isn't one of those stories. As much as this would have pained me to say this ten years ago when I first arrived in Paris, I have to say this. I'm so sorry you have to know this now, before you become me, Jessica, but I have to be honest with you because you are me. Erik and I are not married. We are not madly in love. We are not sleeping together. Ten years ago, I would have seen my arrival into Erik's life as a God-send. I finally got to meet one of the men I had read and fantasized about. This was my destiny-to be with Erik. It's not the case at all. I stayed with Erik for another year or so. After that, we decided that we weren't meant to be lovers. We didn't let our decision ruin what we had, though, as it could have and has been known to happen.
You know what? That sounded incredibly cheezy in and of itself. 'We didn't let our decision ruin what we had.' So cheezy. I couldn't think of something better? Man, I guess not. Well, back to the wrap-up. Erik actually bought me a place for myself outside of Paris, in the woods. The grounds are absolutely gorgeous and quiet. Erik and I actually still spend a lot of time in each other's company. Sometimes I get lonely for the lakehouse, and Erik lets me come and go as I please. Erik spends a lot of time with me in the woods, too. He's given me pointers on my singing, though I still refuse singing lessons, officially. I've got a small piano in my home, so he's got something to play if he wants while he's here.
And, I suppose this is an important point, too, to include, even though I'm sure it's going to break some of you girls' hearts. Erik did get married. Several years ago, in fact. I'm not going to say exactly when or to whom, for their sake. If this is found while either of them or any of their descendants are alive, this manuscript is going to give them a lot of grief. It's the same reason I didn't include the Persian's real name. We really just want to be left alone now. I actually do some baby-sitting for them, too. They've got two kids-a girl and a boy. They're great kids, and they love the outdoors.
I'm still not sure if I'm ever going to get back home to my time. And I'm a bit home-sick. I miss everyone a lot. Rain, Katie, Kathryn, Mandy, Amanda, Angela, Heidi, Ace, Hilary, Arianna, Megan, Rei, my siblings-yes, even Joshua, my parents, my grandparents, and my cats. I miss you all, and I hope time has treated you well. I wonder what would happen if I made it back now? Would it be ten years later, or the next morning after I left? Would I have aged at all? There are so many possibilities as to what could happen. Time travel was never my thing. I always classified it under science-fiction, not fantasy.
However, I really have to cut this off. I'm supposed to be baby-sitting, actually, and the kids are demanding my attention. Thanks for reading, and maybe it will help you deal with and prepare for your arrival in the 19th century. As soon as I get the chance, I'm going to put this where it will be safe until the twenty-first century and you can read it. Though I have no clue where that will be. Maybe Erik will have some idea. Well, as Tigger always said, "TTFN! Ta ta for now!"
A/N and Shame-ed Begging: I've got one last note from Erik coming up still. So, please stay tuned! And please press the purple button and leave me a review!