seventh entry for the OQ prompt party, sunday.
209 . "How did my parents meet? Well, my dad was in jail, and called the wrong number accidentally, who happened to be my mom, and he didn't wanna waste his call so he told her not to hang up. Boom. They're 24 years married."
Fortuna
.
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Hello?
Yes, hello? It's me.
I'm sorry, who is this?
Wait… you are not Will.
I'm most certainly not. I think you… have the wrong number, I'm sorry.
Wait! Don't hang up.
And… why?
Because… because I'm calling from a prison, miss.
Oh.
Y-yes… and to be honest, I don't want to waste my daily call. Plus, you have a lovely voice, if I may say so.
You're awfully polite for a criminal, sir.
And yet you still haven't hung up on me.
Yes, I'm too curious for my own good. My father used to say that.
Sounds like a wise man. But I assure you, I'm not a criminal. And if I am, it was for a good cause.
A regular Robin Hood, uh?
You're spot on. Actually, my name… is Robin, and I can't tell you how many times I've heard that joke.
The power of a name. How much time do we have left?
I'm afraid it's just two minutes. That's a shame, really. But I'll never forget your voice.
Why, how does it sound like?
I don't know… can you describe freedom?
What a smooth talker. I may have to let you call me again tomorrow.
How can I, when I got the wrong number? Unless fate is so kind to let me guess yours again.
I'll tell you what the number is, if you tell me how much time you have left in that place.
Six months.
That's… awfully long.
And yet, if I can hear from you every day, they'll at least be happy.
Oh. Can I ask… what have you done, to get in there?
I… stole from a man who had too much, to give to my family. But you know, the rich always win.
I see. Well call me back, then. I think I can save five minutes a day for you.
Thank you. You have no idea of how happy I am to hear that. But wait… you never told me your name.
It's… Regina.
Hello there, Regina.
Yes, hello. I'm –
##
Dear Robin,
I've just hung up the phone from our last call, and I already want to call you again. You should let me know when the next visiting hours are, so I can take a day off and drive there. I managed to phone your friend Will, and he was very helpful – he gave me this address, and told me he's actually jealous I get to speak to you on a daily basis.
This may be an unconventional way to start a friendship, and my mother is probably yelling at me from hell right now, but I don't care. I like talking to you, and I'd like to meet you.
By the way, we should maybe let Will have a little time with you too, don't you think?
All my best,
Regina
##
Dear Regina,
I started this as soon as you exited the prison and I was back in my cell. Seeing you – in person, was the highlight of my week, and I actually couldn't believe you're so stunning. I should have imagined – if your voice is any indication, if your witty and ironic remarks are any indication, I should have known.
Thank you for coming, and just so you know, many of my inmates are quite jealous I got to see such a lovely companion.
Until next time,
Robin
##
Hello?
Yes?
Good morning, milady. Slept well?
I told you not to call me that. But yes. You?
Barely. I was thinking of yesterday afternoon.
What about it?
Well, the wonderful cookies you brought me, for starters. Or the way you looked in that blouse.
I can't say I'm not impatient to see you in other clothes than your uniform.
Oh believe me, I am too. I mean, for you to see me. In other clothes. Or…
Or?
I fear I'll be telling you the alternative… in due time.
Somehow I can imagine it.
##
Dearest Regina,
Thank you for your last letter. And for the packet. I think the guards have appreciated your baked goods, but they left a good half for me. The socks were adorable, and I really needed them. I wish I could send you things too – flowers, and scarves, and books. I will, one day. I fully intend to, if you'll have me.
Until our next,
Robin
##
My dear Robin,
Don't worry about the things you can't change. Get well soon! Will told me you were feeling down, and I'm sorry. I do hope the infirmary is good enough to treat you properly, in that place. I enclose a picture – my godson took it yesterday, and I quite like how it turned out.
It may sound awfully romantic of me, and… I never told you this, but when I come to see you, I really hate the glass between us. I wish I could touch you. Just your hand. Or give you a hug.
For now.
Regina
##
Hello?
Yes, hello.
Are you alright, darling?
I can't go on like this another two months.
Regina, my dear. I don't think you imagine how much I love how strong you are. We just have to hold on. Just a little bit. We did so well until now.
But… I miss you. Is it weird? I talk to you every day and I miss you.
It's not weird. I… darling, don't… don't cry. Or I'll cry too, and then the guard here will cry, and the whole prison will cry.
You're an idiot.
But you like me, right?
##
Dear Regina,
Two days. I thank the sky every day, because they made me dial the wrong number. I don't think I'd ever be happy in this place, but you managed to make me a happy man, and I promise it won't go to waste, when I'm out of here. I intend to live my life at its fullest, hopefully with you. If you want.
All my love,
Robin
##
Dear Robin,
Tomorrow is the day – and I cannot say how overjoyed I am. To be able to finally touch you, and hold you in my arms, and don't think I'll wait for our second date to kiss you. I won't waste a single minute. I've waited far too long, and you can bet I'm not going to let you out of my sight at least for the next six months.
Can you imagine, when one day we'll be able to sleep together and I'll wake up at your side, and all troubles will be easier to face because you'll be at my side?
Also, yes.
Yours,
Regina
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