*Two months later*

Belly's POV

I stayed in bed most of the day, rereading the texts Conrad sent me early this morning. School started back up a month ago, so I couldn't stay up as late as I did before to text him good morning. I missed him desperately. His absence was like a sharp pain in my chest mixed with a duller ache in my stomach that wouldn't go away. I sighed to myself when I heard my mom calling for me. Rolling out of bed, I slipped out of my room and walked into the living room. I looked up and into Suannah's eyes. I squealed like a little girl and jumped into her waiting arms. We left Cousins' only a little bit ago, and I was still adjusting to not being in her constant presence.

"What are you doing here? I'm so glad to see you!" I felt myself smile the biggest smile I could manage since Conrad left. Susannah left out a small laugh before responding.

"Conrad sent us a package and put a letter for you in it," she said, pulling out a little envelope. "I thought I would bring it over and check up on you." I felt my heart skip a beat as I reached out to take the envelope. I stared down at it, at my name written by his hand, and couldn't tear my gaze away. I heard my mom clear her throat and peeked up at her.

"Belly," she said, while giving me a pointed look. I glanced at Susannah and saw a small smile playing on her lips. "Thank you so much for bringing this. I really appreciate it." I gave her a tight hug and began to back out of the living room.

"And where do you think we're going?" my mom asked me. I looked up in confusion. Wasn't it obvious?

"Laurel," Susannah said, "let the poor girl out of her misery. You know she's desperate to read the letter. Look at her!" She chuckled at the end of her declaration and squeezed my mom's arm. My mom let out a defeated sigh and I ran to my room. Plopping on my bed, I tore the envelope open and pulled out his letter. A picture fell out onto my lap and I picked it up. Conrad crouched in a giant hole and I could just make out two skeletons beside him in the dirt. Part of me was creeped out by the idea of it, but a bigger part of me was fascinated. I tore my eyes from the skeletons and took in Conrad's crouching frame. He was several shades darker than the last time I saw him. I figured digging outside for hours at a time would do that to you. His arm muscles were much bigger as well, and I pinned that on the digging too. His lips were turned up a little, like he was sharing a secret with the skeletons that the rest of the world wasn't in on. There was an excitement in his eyes that I didn't think I ever saw before, and in that moment I knew he made the right decision to leave. He was exactly where he needed to be, doing exactly what he was supposed to be doing, and he loved it. That much was clear in the photograph. I felt tears form in my eyes as a familiar feeling washed over me. I missed him so much. Letting out a small sigh, I propped the picture against the lamp on the nightstand and turned to the letter:

Belly,

We found these skeletons earlier this week, side-by-side. They had their arms around one another, and as I looked at them, I couldn't help but think of you. They've been buried here for hundreds of years, wrapped up in one another, with nothing standing between them. I've loved the time I've spent here, but I miss you more and more with each day that we're apart. I love you so much, and you steal another little piece of my heart every day that goes by without you. Nine more months, babe. Nine more months.

Love you always,

Conrad

Wiping a few tears from my eyes, I hopped off my bed and headed to my desk. I grabbed some paper and a pen and began writing everything I was feeling.

*One week later*

Conrad's POV

I smiled down at the letter in my hands one more time before tucking it in my pocket and heading to the newest site. I didn't expect to get a letter back from Belly, but it was a surprise I gladly accepted. My heart hurt a little thinking of her response. Nine more months, Conrad. I would wait nine forevers for you if I had to. I love you. God, I loved her so much it hurt. I made a mental note to reply to her letter when I got back to my apartment. For now, digging up centuries old graves would have to fill the void in my heart.