January 22, 2030
We had a pretty terrible snow storm last night. The locals say that Texas weather has been weird ever since Atlanta got hit. It didn't snow a whole lot in these parts before then. I'd say right now we have at least six inches of the white stuff.
Part of me wants to build a snowman, just because I remember doing that with Danny in Wisconsin. It is one of those perfect memories though – the kind I don't want to replace with a new one.
The day before the storm hit, I got my first letter from Bass. I've kept it in my pocket ever since. I pull it out and read it over again every chance I get. I miss him so much.
Charlie,
You know what my first thought is every morning when I wake up? I think about that one night where we fell asleep after one of our nights at Marion's. When we realized we'd fallen asleep and spent the whole night there, you were worried. Remember? You said you should go. And you started to, but then you changed your mind. We were already naked – God, I miss seeing you like that. It's not all I miss. Not even close, but I miss it – and you said maybe we had time for a quickie. I will never forget the way you swung your leg over me to settle in and ride. Right there in the dining room with the morning sunlight shining through your hair, and the feel of your body wrapped so tightly around me. That was when I knew. That was when I knew that I loved you.
Miles said he told you I was opening Marion's again. I named it The Happy Place. I know you know why.
That booth – our booth - is off limits to customers. It's my booth and everyone knows it. Even if we're busy, nobody sits there. I call it my office. I think Edna has figured out that it's got some emotional attachment for me. She's a great old gal. Curses like a sailor but makes the best damn pie in Texas.
Miles is kind of back to his old self. He's laughing again and making jokes at the expense of the rest of us so I think he's coming around. He has breakfast at my diner every morning. Our menu is pretty basic. Breakfast is biscuits and gravy or ham and eggs with toast. Lunch is BBQ venison (John Frye's sauce recipe) and corn bread or stew. I close after lunch so we can clean and bake bread for the next day.
Working in the kitchen is turning into something I really love. If you were here, I'd cook for you. Actually, if you were here, I'd make everyone leave and we'd have a meeting in my 'office'.
If you were here, I'd never let you go again.
Love,
Bass
January 24, 2030
I wrote Bass back. My letter was shorter than his, but I did tell him about Aaron's little farm and how I'm enjoying it here. I told him about this awful storm and I told him I miss him. I told him that I also remember that morning. How could I not?
I told him that I'll be home by Spring. Truth is I might not make it that long.
January 30, 2030
Aaron is sick. Really really sick. I'm kind of a wreck. I wish Grandpa was here. This stupid snow is making everything more difficult. I tried to take care of him by myself for the first couple days, but this morning I took Daisy (the big brown mare) into Sherman. There is no doctor in this stupid town. It took a while to find anyone who might be able to help, but I finally found a midwife who had some medical knowledge. She came out to the farm with me. Says Aaron has the flu.
The flu scares the crap out of me. I think before the blackout it wasn't that big of a deal, but now it can be a death sentence. She said there's not much I can do except watch him and keep him hydrated. She gave me some herbal tea that might soothe his stomach.
In the mean time I'm just trying to keep from getting sick myself.
February 6, 2030
Aaron is better. He's got some color in his cheeks and he's able to keep down broth and he's been drinking a lot of that tea. I'm exhausted and might just sleep for a week.
Got a letter from Miles today,
Kid,
Seriously, get your ass back to Willoughby. I'm finally ready to get out and about, maybe even meet a girl but I can't. You want to know why? Because your stupid ass BOYFRIEND won't let me have a night to myself for some me time. I suggested he go to the bar with me while I meet women, and he looked at me like I was crazy.
I am not the crazy one here. He is. He misses you. I think he's almost gone after you a few times but always stops himself. He says you have to come back when you are ready to. I know you have a lot to think about or whatever, but are you about done?
You're a grown up so I'm just gonna tell you how it is. Your Mom was gone for half a year. I was faithful to her, Charlie. I had chances not to be, but I was always loyal. She came back but she wasn't the same Rachel I'd fallen for. When she died I was heartbroken, but now I'm better. I still miss her, but in this world people die. I ain't dead yet though, and I need to get laid. There, I said it.
Now get your ass back here so you can entertain Bass and I can go off and find some entertainment of my own.
Miles
PS I know I should feel guilty for dumping this on you, but I don't. By God, I'm desperate. Oh, and tell Aaron we said hello. Hope he's feeling better.
February 8, 2030
I'm so tired. I can't keep any fluids down. The midwife was here again. Told me what I'd already figured out. I have the flu. Thankfully Aaron is better now and able to take care of me. It's good because I need it. Couldn't do this alone.
I miss Bass so much.
February 10, 2030
The flu is brutal. I have never thrown up so much in my life. All I do is sleep and puke. Now and then Aaron forces me to drink something or have some broth.
February 14, 2030
Today is Valentine's Day. I kind of remember decorating a box for school when I was in Kindergarten. All the kids exchanged silly little cards and ate candy shaped like hearts.
I've kicked the flu's ass - well, mostly - but I'm still tired. My body is taking a while to fully recover. Aaron went through this too. He's been better for a few weeks now, but is still slower going than he used to be.
I wish Bass was here. I wrote him a letter yesterday. I told him I'd been sick but that I was better. I told him about the plans Aaron and I are making for the garden. I told him that I'm ready to come back but I'm still too tired to travel. Besides, there was another snow storm while I was sick. I drew a little heart at the end of my letter. It had 'Charlie & Bass' written inside. That was probably too much, but I was feeling mushy.
Knowing that I'll be seeing him soon helps the ache in my heart.
Now, I'm going to take a nap. I'm just so damn tired.