Chapter 2
Happy season premier, y'all! I'm sad I'm missing it, but I'll catch up on it soon. No spoilers, please!
September 21, 1988
Dear Mom and Dad,
Henry asked me out today! Of course, I said yes. I haven't stopped smiling since. I'll keep you posted.
Love, Elizabeth
Dear Tommy,
I finally got the nerve up to ask Elizabeth out. I stuttered like a fool and nearly had a heart attack, but she said yes anyway. I really hope I don't mess this up. As my guardian angel, I could really use your help with this one.
Thanks,
Henry
September 25, 1988
Dear Mom and Dad,
I thought chivalry was something that men used as a cover to condescended women, but Henry is a true gentleman. He does things not because he thinks I can't, but because he believes that it's the right thing and that everyone should be treated with the highest respect. The best part, though, was at the end. He offered to walk me to the dorm (as I said, he's a gentleman), and I couldn't refuse. As we strolled through the campus, our hands brushed together. In a moment of bravery, I decided to slip my hand into his. To my relief, Henry smiled and wrapped his hand around mine. It might have been my imagination, but I think they fit together perfectly. Just as I was about to go, he kissed my forehead and said, "Goodnight, Miss. Adams." I swear my heart did a little backflip.
Love always,
Elizabeth
Dear Tommy,
Our conversations ranged from debates to everyday things to laughing so hard that our cheeks hurt. I think I could spend my entire life just talking to her. She put her hand in mine, and I swear to God that it was a perfect fit. Just as she was about to go, I got the courage to kiss her forehead. I can't get over how beautiful she is, especially the way that her eyes fluttered open. I want to go out with her again, preferably sometime soon.
October 1, 1988
Dear Mom and Dad,
I think I made a huge mistake. Henry asked me out again on Monday, and initially I said yes. Then, Becky asked me to go with her to the Jane Austen ball with her. She told me that I needed a "girls' night out" to balance out all the studying. The thing is, the ball and the date were both tonight. I canceled on Henry. He looked a little disappointed, but he told me to go have fun. I feel more guilty that I stood him up, and he was so sweet about it. I would feel better if he told me that I'm a jerk, because that's true. I ended up not going to either because I have a paper due soon. I'm going to apologize to both of them tomorrow, but I'm more worried about Henry forgiving me. I hope he'll accept my apology.
Lots of love and bye for now,
Elizabeth
Dear Tommy,
Elizabeth stood me up. I asked her if she wanted to go out again, and she seemed totally on board, but then she called me and told me that her roommate asked her to go to this weird ball dance costume thing. I told her that it was not problem and that it sounded like she would have a great time. I was a disappointed and hurt, but figured that she had just accidentally over scheduled herself. I don't know what got into me, but I decided to go to the dance, just to "accidentally run into her." My friend, Hodges, is going out with this girl in the theater department. I managed to convince her to grab me a top hat and coat from "My Fair Lady." I showed up looking like Oscar Wilde at a pet funeral. I learned the quadrille for this woman. Anyway, I went for the whole time and didn't see her at all. I guess it wasn't meant to be after all. I truly thought it might have gone somewhere.
Until my next letter,
Henry
P.S.- Her roommate said that she pegged off to the library to write a paper. Maybe I'll ask her about it when I see her next…
P. P.S.- You know, I don't think I'm going to let her go that easily. I've never felt this way about anybody else before, and I think that feeling is worth chasing, don't you?
November 8, 1988
Dear Mom and Dad,
It's election day, and Henry and I voted together. It seems like super unromantic, but it was actually a ton of fun. We voted, ate lunch, and took a walk in the park. We've been out on quite a few dates, and they've all gone spectacularly. The main reason I'm writing, though, is to tell you that Henry asked me to go steady with him. Henry wants us to be an official thing, and I'm thrilled! I really like him, but I'm also nervous. I haven't told him about you guys yet, and I haven't really be in any close relationships before. He's so sweet and kind, and I couldn't bear the thought of breaking his heart if he finds out that I'm not what he wants…
Anyway, I hope things go well with us.
Bye for now,
Elizabeth
Dear Tommy,
Elizabeth and I have been going out pretty regularly, so I asked her if she wanted to go out for lunch on today. Then she reminded me that it's election day, so I tried to play it cool, like I meant to schedule that, and I somehow managed to convince her to vote with me. It was actually a fantastic date, complete with lunch, a walk in the park, a brief makeout session, and- wait for it- becoming an official couple! Yup, I stammered through an awkward speech and eventually just flat out asked, "Do you want to be my girlfriend?"
She's really started to open up, but I feel like she's keeping herself guarded. She never talks about her family, and I get the feeling that I shouldn't ask. I hope that with time she'll feel comfortable enough to talk to me about whatever is going on.
I love her name. A beautiful name for a beautiful woman. Elizabeth, Elizabeth, Elizabeth.
-Henry
This is going to have 1-2 more chapters. I've got yet another one-shot after this, and hopefully by then I'll be ready to post the first chapter of my longer story. Thanks for reading! Reviews are welcome!