Chapter 3: The Surprise
My head races from thought to thought about why he could be here. Is it because he wanted to see me? Did my dad or family invite him? Why is he here?! I don't go over to him I'm trying the "avoid and it will go away" approach. The last time I had to avoid Logan was when Gene and I (well mostly I) dropped that moldy melon on him. That was a scary time I thought for sure I was a goner. I think I have this avoid thing down I've managed to stay in the opposite side of the restaurant with my friends, but when I decide to look over at where he was sitting all I see is an empty booth. I feel a sudden wave of relief pass over me. He must have left. I'm talking to my friends and finally starting to have fun when I feel a hand on my shoulder. I don't even think I just spin around and swing my arm. The person ducks away from my fist and laughs. Its Logan, my heart drops and my mind races once again.
"Calm down Louise!" He says still laughing. "You seem a little on edge."
"I'm fine." I snap back at him. "Why are you here? I would have thought this would be a private party. Friends and family only and last I knew you were neither."
"Can't bygones be bygones?"
"No." I'm finding it hard to keep my composure now. "Stay if you want but don't bother with me. You'll just piss me off."
"I was getting ready to go anyways just wanted to give you this in person." He hands me a small bag. "Figured you'd probably toss it if I did it this way rather than just leaving it for you to toss later. Peace of mind."
I take the small bag and watch him walk out. What did he mean by that? I did end up tossing it much to my friends dismay. The "Why" questions I got after were unbearable but I stuck by my decision to toss the thing. The party went on for some time before we called it a night and sent everyone on their way. I sat at the counter and ate some more cake. I couldn't shake what Logan had said. "You'd toss it...Peace of mind." Something about it seems off. Why would he want me to toss it? How would he know I wouldn't keep it you know free stuff? Why would it give him "Peace of mind"?
I ran over so many questions never giving an answer. I then decided fuck it! I went to the trash and pulled it out placing it on the counter. I sat back down on the stool and stared at the bag before me. It's just a plain paper bag, nothing special about the bag itself. "Why would he want me to toss this?" I say to myself. I want to open it but I couldn't. I reach into the bag and feel around. I feel what I believe to be a card and decide to take it out. It's just a piece of paper folded up with my name scribbled across it. I now have a paper bag and a letter sitting in front of me and I still at a loss as to what I should do.
*Ring* "Louise, baby?" Mom says opening the door to the restaurant "Are you coming up?"
"Yeah," I say tossing the letter in the bag and grabbing it off the counter.
Mom locks up and we both head up to the apartment. When we get up the stairs I head right to my room where I once again sit with the bag and letter sitting in front of me. I take the letter in my hands and trace the letters of my name with my finger. I can feel the indents of the words written inside. I begin to unfold the sheet of paper with shaking hands. I take a deep breath and unfold the last fold and begin to read.
Hey, Louise.
Why would anyone start a handwritten this way a text maybe but a letter?!
I guess that if your reading this it means either you never tossed this or you did and went back for it after the fact. I'm gonna guess that it's the last choice.
Damn he really knows me...hold up is that 'your' instead of 'you're'?! Still an idiot!
I know we have had our problems in the past but I wanted to take the time to say that I was sorry for everything. As a teen I never really thought much about how I acted especially when it came to you.
We were both kids Logan we both we're stupid and didn't care. I don't get it.
I got to thinking when we almost literally ran into each other that maybe things aren't the same as when we were kids and that hating on each other is just stupid and immature. I know we have a lot of differences age being the biggest thing but for some reason I can't shake you from my mine.
You and me both jerk. An 8 year gap is pretty big though he's got that right at least.
I understand if you choose to never speak to me ever but I want you to know that even though things were rocky with us I am sorry if I hurt you in anyway.
-Logan
I studied the letter over and over again trying to figure out what he was trying to say. I understand the sorry but why in a letter and why with a gift? THE GIFT! I tossed the letter aside and tipped the bag over onto my bed. A box and another note fell out this one had an address on it. I picked up the box off my bed and examined it before deciding to open it. Inside was a crystal pink bunny with 'L.B.' engraved on its belly. There was a little card that fell from the box with the bunny 'A pink bunny for the pink eared girl'. I put the bunny on my side table and clear off my bed. I drift off to sleep looking at the cute little bunny.