Message

"I'm glad everything is going good there in Baltimore…. I'm fine, just sorting out the mail… I'm serious, I had a nice quiet day yesterday and a nice peaceful sleep last night, I'm fine… I'll see you when you come back Lon.. ok .. ok bye."

Allie sat down on the coach sorting the mail between her and her parents. She was going through them, separating them when one letter looked peculiar. There was no stamp or postage on the envelope, but just had written on there: "Allie" She opened it up and sure enough she recognized the hand writing.

My Dearest Allie,

I thought about mailing this to you, but given our past history with letters, I thought it would be best for me to hand deliver it. I'm not going to lie, I'm hurt.. hurt bad. I'm angry, heartbroken and I never felt more alone in my life. I'm surprised that you even called me. I thought to myself, what if I had said something different or said something different that you wouldn't be calling me but would actually BE with me. It didn't end up the way I hoped it would, but as I look at the few days we were together, I do not regret a single thing I've done. I put myself out there, 100 percent, completely and honestly.

I realized a lot of things the past couple of days. I realized that after years of denial that I love you and I've always loved you. And that everything I've done after that summer was for you, especially the house. Despite how much it hurts, I want to thank you. – For breathing new life into me, for making me happy even though it was for a short amount of time. I really want you and Lon to be happy. After everything the two have been through, you are still together, I guess that counts for something right ? We end now, with out any doubt or question. It's over. We have the closure that was denied to us all those years ago and has unfortunately held us back, at least now we can both move forward. Loving you hasn't always brought out my best side, but it has made me a better man and for that I am eternally grateful.

Love Always,

Noah

Allie read the letter over and over again. This was the last thing she expected from Noah. She called him two days ago. It was brief, barely lasting a minute, but in that short time, she felt the anger and hurt in his voice. She could tell that he was holding back. She didn't deserve such a letter. Ever since she came home, she was questioning whether or not she made the right choice. It's too late, she told herself. She thought about the last time she saw Noah. And she thought about his last request; "Will you do something for me? Please? You just picture your life for me; 30 years from now, 40 years from now, what's it look like?"

At the time, she saw into the future and couldn't picture anything. She asked herself the same question right now. And in her mind it became so clear. It was staring at her, on the table, scattered pieces of mail. That was her future, RSVP's for her wedding, invitations to socialite parties, banquets, fund raisers. She and Lon would have kids, at least one boy and a girl. They would all grow up proper, go to the finest schools, she will never want of money. They had an apartment in the big city and a country home to go to on weekends and summers. There were polo matches and horse races and old men smoking cigars. It was a set schedule, like how it was growing up, breakfast, then school lessons, and then tennis lessons and Latin lessons. Tears were forming once again.

Her mother walked and sat down next to her.

"What's wrong honey?" She asked stroking her hair. Allie didn't respond but had a blank stare. Her mother saw the note clutched to her hands and knew who it was from.

"Allie, you know how much I love you and how I always done what's best for you. I know now that I've made mistakes. What I think is best for you doesn't matter anymore, it's what you think is best for you. I know how torn up you must be these past few days. Maybe you did the right thing coming back home with Lon, or maybe you didn't? I can't answer that only you can."

"I must look like wreck right now, getting myself all worked out. What's done is done. There's nothing I can do. I am marrying Lon. I love him and he's a good man."

"And Noah?"

Allie started to sob on her mother's shoulder.

"If you're still having doubts, you better do something. Only you know what's right Allie."

Allie looked up at her mom, "That's what Noah said."

"Well then, he's a better man than I thought."

Allie stood up. "I have to go mom, I'll be back in a couple of days."

"Where are you going?"

"Baltimore."

To Be continued….