Chapter 1: High School
St Martin-in-the-Fields High School for Girls
December 18, 2013
"All right, girls, so today, you will be taking part in a new program that the school has decided to initiate. We call this the Cultural Bridge Program, wherein you will be exchanging letters with other students from South America," Ms. Robinson says with an enthusiastic smile on her face as she stood before the class.
Students in the classroom looked at each other with surprise and curiosity at the prospect of exchanging words with someone they don't know. It's unusual for St. Martin-in-the-Fields High School to conduct such activities, especially when the girls will be given enough freedom to discuss anything in the letter. Most of the time, they are expected to be prime and proper and showed sophistication in their work. But in this program, they are given the liberty to be eloquent.
Margaret Elizabeth 'Peggy' Carter smiled widely in her place as she cherished the idea of knowing someone outside London. She has always been the type of girl that seeks adventure and likes to be unconventional. Her teachers had always reminded her to slow down in being eccentric and be a little more like a lady.
Peggy raises her hand, "Yes, Ms. Carter? Any enquiry?"
"When do we begin? I'm certainly excited to take part in this program," Peggy then smiled at her teacher, who couldn't help but raise a brow at her for a moment before smiling back.
"Well, then that's good to hear. You will be writing your letter at this hour and will be collected by the end of the period. The person you will be exchanging letters with can be anyone. So, it can be a boy or a girl. Now I suggest that you make sure that your letter will be neutral. Introduce yourself and mention how you feel about this exchanging of letters with them,"
"Wouldn't it be a little precarious of telling our names to these people?" one of the girls asks, making Peggy roll her eyes secretly. She then thought about how her classmates lack the sense of adventure of knowing other people outside their comfort zone.
"I can assure you Ms. Wilson that the students you will be exchanging letters with come from a school that we are affiliated with. This program is a joint activity between our school and a school in South America," Ms. Robinson then smiles sweetly at the girl before she claps her hand loudly, startling the students a bit.
Soon enough papers are handed to the girls and they began to write their letters.
... ... ... ... ...
December 10, 2013
Hello!
I am Margaret, but I prefer to be called Peggy. I'm currently a student at St. Martin-in-the-Fields High School for girls here in London, England. I am certainly excited about writing this letter to you as you can possibly be my first pen pal. This is our first time to write a letter to another student outside our country. I believe this is one way of getting to know you and your culture. I am positively enthralled to know more about your country and culture in South America. So from what country are you from? What do you like the most about it?
Here in London, there are a lot of nice places to go to. Of course, there is Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, architectural museums, and Big Ben. I've visited most of the attractions here in London, but I haven't gone to many museums yet. But I'd like to someday.
How about you? What do you like doing most in your country?
Respectfully,
Peggy C.
... ... ... ... ...
As Peggy finishes up her letter, she sees everyone had been done writing. The girls didn't write much and most of them just wrote a brief expression about their enthusiasm. But Peggy thought differently as she believed to seize the moment and explore.
When do you get the chance to know other students from another country and positively earn a new friend? Peggy thought to herself as she folds her letter neatly and inserts it inside the letter envelope.
"Who do I hand this letter to?" Peggy suddenly turns around to face her classmate.
"Oh, we gave ours to Ms Robinson. She's probably just outside," Gemma, her classmate, then shrugs her shoulder before she widens her eyes and pointed at the door. "Oh, there is Mr. Harris! Maybe you can ask him to hand the letter. He was talking to Ms. Robinson moments ago,"
"Perfect!" Peggy then grinned before she stood up and hurriedly went to the door. By the time she was at the hall, Mr. Harris was already walking away from another classroom.
"Mr. Harris!" Peggy calls, making the teacher turn around and stop at the sight of her running.
"Yes?"
"My letter!" Peggy then raised her envelope, "Sorry, I wasn't able to give my letter on time,"
"Oh, it's perfectly fine. I assume you have taken this pen pal activity seriously," Mr. Harris then grinned at the brunette.
Peggy chuckles, "I certainly did…probably more than my classmates would ever be,"
"And why's that?" Mr. Harris asked.
"Well, I prefer knowing people and their culture. I think it's a good source of information about the world. If I confine myself in a place where I am just comfortable, then I'll never know what life is really like,"
Mr. Harris nods his head in pleasure, seeing how Peggy was more of an inquisitive student than a traditional and predictable learner. "Well then, I hope this activity helps you fulfill your thirst for knowledge,"
The teacher takes the envelope and slips it among the others he was already holding. He then smiled at the student, who watched him carefully and soon started walking away. As Peggy turns around and heads back to her classroom, she suddenly realized that she had forgotten to mention that she was from Ms. Robinson's class.
"Oh, bonkers," Peggy mumbles to herself as she stops in her tracks and turns to look back at the teacher. But then the teacher had turned the corner already. She then sighs and says to herself, "Maybe all the letters go to the same country or something…right?"
Peggy sighs again before she shook her head and went back to her classroom.
George Washington High School
January 6, 2014
"Well, would you look at that," Mr. Martinez says as he enters the room, getting the attention of the whole class who were chattering away. "The letters had arrived after weeks of waiting,"
Students in the room then settles properly in their chairs as they looked at their teacher. Mr. Martinez puts down the batch of letter envelopes on the teacher's table and looked at his students.
"So, these letters are all from Africa as I have mentioned last time. In this class, your pen pals are all from Wakanda, so do not attempt to exchange your letter with the other class because I'll know," Mr. Martinez then smirked when some of the students started mumbling.
"This is not some type of romantic pen pal writing, you guys. This is a learning experience,"
Students started chuckling and jokingly said about how the school was trying to be subtle matchmakers between the two countries.
"Okay, I'll be handing each one of you an envelope then you can start reading them. When you're done, you begin to write back to them," Mr. Martinez then begins to walk around the room and handed each student a letter with a piece of paper and a letter envelope.
By the time the teacher reached the last row, with five students in each row, he had three letters left on his hand. The teacher cussed out softly before handing the remaining letters to the first three students of the row.
"Mr. Rogers and Ms. Sullivan, kindly wait for a moment for your letters. It seems that I didn't get enough letters. I'll be right back," the teacher then headed out of the room.
As soon as their teacher was out, the class became noisy and started talking among themselves. Then suddenly a dirty blonde-haired boy sitting in front shouted, "Hey Rogers! It looks like even Wakandans don't want to exchange letters with you!"
Half of the class erupted with laughter as the boy in question only remained unfazed and stared blankly at his classmate.
"Well, I'm not concerned about that. I'm more worried that they'll see right through you," Steven Grant 'Steve' Rogers claps back and some students chuckle at his comment.
"hey, what do you mean?!" the blonde boy shouts.
"Oh, you know…that you don't make sense at all," the blue-eyed student then grins when his bully suddenly gritted his teeth and stood up with a clenched fist.
"What did you say-?!"
"All right!" Mr. Martinez then enters the room just in time to distract the students from a brewing fight, "Mr. Hodge, go back to your seat! Start reading your letter,"
The called student mutters to himself as he returns to his chair. Soon enough, Mr. Martinez handed a letter to the remaining students without one.
"Sorry about that…" Mr. Martinez then stood in between the two students, "So, your letters are not from Wakanda but from Japan and London. Thankfully, the other classes had an extra letter. So here you go,"
The teacher then left and let the students read their letters. When they were done reading, Steve suddenly became confused and unsure. He looked up at his teacher and saw that he was busy writing down his letter. He then sighs and just grabbed his pen and paper to start writing.
... ... ... ... ...
January 6, 2014
Hi Peggy C.,
I'm Steven Grant Rogers, but you can call me Steve. I am writing to you in response to the letter you have sent. Although, I think you should know right away that your letter didn't reach South America. Sorry about that.
I'm from New York, USA. Basically, your letter was sent to the opposite side of South America. I hope that doesn't disappoint you. I hope you wouldn't mind that I got your letter instead because I'd be happy to be your pen pal if you're still amenable to that despite the change of plan.
Anyways, to properly introduce myself, I'm a graduating student at George Washington High School this coming June. Here in New York, there are a lot of things I like, such as art and entertainment. But I'm more into art. Did you know that in New York alone there are more than 80 museums you can go to? Maybe someday you can add one of the museums in New York to your future list of museums to visit. Being surrounded by art is just like heaven to me. I'd love to see all kinds of artwork and admire them. But, just like you, I haven't been to many museums either. It would be a dream to visit all 80 museums.
How about you, Peggy? What do you like doing?
Respectfully,
Steve R.
Peggy's eyes sparkled as Ms. Robinson enters their classroom with letter envelopes in her hand. It has been a month since they wrote those letters for the program. It was exciting to know that one will receive a letter, even from someone they haven't met. Her classmates were at least more thrilled than they were before. They began to settle down when Ms. Robinson stood in front of them.
"All right girls, as you can see, I have your letters. It's official, you have pen pals now for the rest of the year." Ms. Robinson then smiles when the girls sniggered in interest, "From this point on, the faculty office will display a pigeonhole intended for your letters. By the end of every month, we will mail all letters to them. Should you have a reply letter, we'll hand them to you,"
A student suddenly raises her hand and was called to speak, "What if we want to stop exchanging letters?"
"You haven't started, and you want to stop immediately?" Peggy suddenly muttered, making her classmate look back at her with annoyance on her face.
"I'm just asking, Margaret," The blonde girl then whips her hair and looks back at her teacher expectantly.
"Oh, uh…well, technically, you will be required to exchange letters until the end of the school year, which is roughly seven months to go," Ms. Robinson then leans back to the teacher's table and crossed her arms, "After that, it's up to you how you'll say goodbye,"
Peggy then raised her hand and stood up, "But what if we want to continue? Will we be allowed?"
"As far as I know, you can continue communicating, as long as it remains neutral and is propriety." The girls then mumble to themselves and gave a brief glance at the brunette. The teacher then stammered, "It's not that I don't trust you girls, but I'm just—I'm just reminding you girls, to keep conversations in your letters neutral. These are not letters to encourage hatred, judgment, or harmful thoughts. Is that clear?"
"Yes, Ms. Robinson," all the girls answered.
Each student is then handed their letter and immediately opens theirs to start to read. They'd mention whom they got the letter from, and Peggy noticed that the letters came from an all-girls school as well.
When Ms. Robinson approaches her row, Peggy couldn't help but grin in excitement. But then her teacher walked past her and handed a letter to her classmate behind. She shook her head and stilled herself. Wait for your turn, Peggy. Be patient. You'll get your letter soon.
Peggy then kept her eyes on her teacher, as if she was watching like a hawk, observing every movement. When her teacher returned to her table, Peggy's eyes grew wide, and she quickly stood up.
"Ms. Robinson, I think there is a mistake here. I haven't received my letter,"
"Well, that's all the letters I got," Ms. Robinson then raised a brow at her.
"But I gave my letter. You can even ask Gemma, she knows that I searched for you to hand my letter," Peggy reasons out.
The teacher then leans to the side to look at her classmate behind. When their attention was on Gemma, the brunette was stunned for a moment before she nodded her head.
"Uh, yes, Ms. Robinson. Margaret looked for you to hand her letter," Gemma then looked at Peggy, who was gratefully smiling back at her.
"Really?" Ms. Robinson then scrunches her face, "I don't recall receiving any letter from you. Are you sure you handed the letter to me?"
Peggy stared at her teacher for a moment and then remembered everything. She then winces in guilt, "I may not have handed the letter to you directly. I gave it to Mr. Harris, thinking that all letters go to the same school,"
Ms. Robinson then sighs in depletion, "Ms. Carter, I'm sorry to inform you that if you handed your letter to another teacher, most likely, your letter is gone. Each class section is assigned to a different school and country. If your name isn't on the class list, then it's discarded,"
"What?" Peggy widens her eyes in disappointment.
"It looks like Margaret doesn't get to have a pen pal after all," the blonde student makes a snide comment, making Peggy glare at her.
"Shut it, Doreen—"
"Ms. Carter," Ms. Robinson eyed Peggy sternly, and the brunette student was left with no choice but to sigh and take her seat.
Classes went on and Peggy was down the rest of the day. She got excited for nothing. Her classmates got to receive a letter even if they weren't as excited as her. But she, who was anticipating the letter, receives nothing. It was like a punch in the gut for expecting too much.
Walking the hallway to exit the building, Peggy obviously looked dejected with the outcome of her day. She had her bag slung to her shoulder and her eyes cast down.
"Ms. Carter?" a voice called from afar and Peggy didn't hear it immediately. When she was called for the second time, she lifts her head and turns to search.
"Mr. Harris," Peggy suddenly calls as she watched the teacher walk up to her, "I'm sorry if I didn't hear you immediately,"
"It's all right. You look gloomy," Mr. Harris then smiled, "Why is that?"
"Oh, uh…" Peggy thought for a second if she'd admit the truth. But then she realized it was too petty to whine about something that was her fault at the beginning. "Nothing, Mr. Harris, just annoyed with me…for my mistake,"
Mr. Harris then tilts his head before shrugging his shoulders, "Well, then I hope this lifts your spirit," he then smiled widely as he handed a letter to the brunette.
Peggy's eyes then grew saucers as she stared at a letter with her name. She slowly took it and stared surprised at the teacher.
"How—?"
"Well, I thought you were in my class and sent it along with the bunch that I have. Apparently, you are not my advisory class so..." Mr. Harris grimacingly smiled at the student.
"Of course, it was misplaced…" Peggy then looks down at the letter and tilts her head, "Mr. Harris, this is a return mail…from—"
"From the United States of America," Mr. Harris then gave a gentle smile at the student, "If you wish to respond to that letter, you can hand your letter to me. I'll talk to Ms. Robinson about this mix-up,"
Peggy's eyes glowed in excitement as she smiles back at the teacher and nods her head, "Yes! Of course, I will respond. Um, can I have until tomorrow to give my letter?"
"Take your time," Mr. Harris then nods his head and turns away.
When the teacher had left, Peggy quickly turns around and headed out of the school. But before she could even leave the premise of the school she had the envelope opened and starts to read.
"Hmm, his name is Steve Rogers," Peggy then smiles happily as she went home while reading the letter.
January 22, 2014
Hello Steve R.,
Receiving your letter was a delight for me. After all the mix-ups I had with the letter I previously made, I thought I wouldn't receive any letters. By mistake, I gave my letter to a different teacher without knowing that each class section was assigned to different schools and countries. Hence, the reason I assumed my letter was going to South America. But, I guess my letter was just not meant to reach that continent and instead reach yours.
Anyhow, I certainly don't mind having you as my pen pal as I am ecstatic to know anyone outside my country. And to be honest, I find you interesting. I haven't met anyone excited to visit 80 museums. I can tell by that information that you do really love art and I can't question it. I'm not an artist but I do like admiring beautiful pieces of art. It tells so much story. What's your favorite art? Do you happen to make art yourself?
What I like doing is slaying dragons! It's childish but, I like adventure. ANY ADVENTURE. I like going camping, and hiking, and I enjoy doing some martial arts. Many of the things I like are not quite ladylike. For a student of an all-girls school, you probably think I lack the poise of a prim-and-proper lady, but it's who I am.
How about in your school, what is it like?
Respectfully,
Peggy C.
... ... ... ... ...
Steve smiled throughout reading the letter in the library. The moment he received his reply letter after nearly a month, he quickly dashed out of the classroom and headed somewhere private. He didn't want anyone to be nosy. The class figured that he was exchanging letters with a British student and somehow some of the students were interested to know her. Steve wanted to know her first, after all, she was his pen pal now.
Steve then started chuckling as he reread the letter and took notice of the teasing tone of Peggy in her letter. He then starts to wonder what her voice sounds like. For some odd reason, he was itching to sketch her face, wanting to place a face on these letters. It has only been her second letter, and yet, he feels like they would get along well.
Steve suddenly had an idea and pulled out his notebook full of sketches. I'll draw the library, just to show her what the school is like.
By the end of the day, Steve loomed around the faculty area and searched for Mr. Marquez's pigeon box. He'll just have to leave the letter inside and hope that no one would pry or try to open his letter. He then nods his head as he drops the letter. I guess I'll just have to wait for another month to hear from you, Peggy.
"Oh, looks like your letter is full," Gemma mumbles as she leans over her table and glanced over Peggy's shoulder. The brunette then turns to look at her friend.
"Uh, yeah, it seems so. I don't know why, though," Peggy shyly chuckles as she sits properly and looks at her puffy envelope, "I wonder what's inside,"
"Open it," Gemma encouraged with excitement in her voice, "I wonder what this American has to say,"
Peggy briefly glances over her shoulder and smirked, "Oh, he's sensible,"
"It's he?" Gemma curiously asks as she leans closer, "What's his name?"
"Who are you talking about?" Doreen suddenly comments as she stands in between the two brunettes. Peggy looks up at the blonde student and raised a brow.
"I don't think it's any of your business," Peggy then slowly slides the letter under her notebook.
"Oh, come on, Margaret, do you think I'm interested in knowing who your pen pal is? It's no different than ours. It's just another student from Brazil," Doreen then starts to walk away when Gemma suddenly snickers and mumbles.
"Oh, how wrong she is,"
"Excuse me?" Doreen swiftly turns to Gemma, making the girl startle at the sudden attention. When Peggy saw the questioning look of the blonde, she knew that Doreen heard Gemma and she could only curse her luck if the blonde suddenly turns to her.
"Nothing!" Gemma mutters quickly but the blonde quickly found it odd and so, she glanced at Peggy.
"Show me your letter," Doreen demanded, making Peggy scowl at her tone.
"And why would I?" Peggy questioned with seriousness on her face.
"And why wouldn't you?" Doreen throws back with a smirk on her lips.
"Because first and foremost…" Peggy then stood up to face the blonde, "I do not need to show you, my letter. It's my letter, I decide who gets to see it. Second, it's still none of your business. So, go along Doreen. Go back to your seat and read your own letter,"
Doreen suddenly scowls at the brunette, "You act as if you are better than us, Margaret. So self-absorb,"
Peggy flinches at the comment but then Gemma replies for her instead, "And you act so bossy, Doreen. Who told you to act like that? Margaret has a point, just go back to your seat, and mind your own business,"
The blonde student then grunts as she turns away and leaves. When the two brunettes were then left alone, Gemma quickly held Peggy's forearm and grabbed her attention, "Sorry, I shouldn't have been a nosy one. I shouldn't have said that."
"Oh, don't worry about it," Peggy waves her hand and then squeezes Gemma's hand, "If you don't mind, just don't tell anyone about it. I prefer to keep my pen pal as anonymous as possible,"
"But why?" Gemma questioned with a tilt of her head.
"Oh, nothing. I think it would be better like that," Peggy then smiled warmly at her friend, "I'll just go to the garden and read my letter there instead. I'll be back for the next class," and with that she grabs her notebook with her letter tucked well inside.
As soon as Peggy was in the garden, she pulled out her letter and quickly opens it. To her surprise, the letter had an accompanying piece of paper and so she took it and opened it.
"Oh, goodness," Peggy whispers to herself in awe as she stares at a sketch of shelves with books and a half image of a table with a letter on top. Her smile was evident on her face, and she couldn't help but be thrilled with the idea that the sketch of the letter was her letter to Steve.
Peggy marveled over the sketch and at the bottom of the paper was an artist's signage, "S.R.," she mumbles as she lets her thumb run over the sign. She then took out the letter and immediately read it.
... ... ... ... ...
February 10, 2014
Hi Peggy,
I hoped you liked the sketch I included in the letter. It's where I exactly read your letter. I couldn't help but sketch the place, thinking that I wanted to share the exact moment. I know it's not much, it's just a library…nothing fancy. Some other time, I'll draw you something more interesting. I promise.
I'm glad you find me interesting enough. Probably if you met me in person, you'll look past me. I tend to disappear within the crowd. So, I'll try my best to keep this exchange of letters as entertaining and informative as possible. After all, with you slaying dragons seems to be the most astounding hobby I have ever heard of. If you do martial arts, I can just imagine how (badass)(awesome) badass you are. When I say badass, I meant that as a compliment, like you're strong and fierce. I don't mean to offend if I sound like one. I just think you are such a cool person. I can just imagine you fighting off bullies. I don't like bullies, and I guess I can learn a thing or two from you when it comes to defense. I tend to harbor a bruise every fight I confront with a bully.
Anyways, to answer your questions, yes, I do create my own art. Although I haven't tried exploring my options yet in the field of art, that's probably my plan when I graduate high school. I have too many favorites buts mostly are modern art. It always inspires me to just grab my pencil and sketchbook, then start drawing.
My school is no special. Just the typical American school, I guess. But if you'd ask me what makes my school special? Maybe it's having my best friend with me. He's like a big brother. Well, he's really not my brother, but it seems like we are…He's always on my side. How about you? Do you have any siblings? How's it like having one?
Your pen pal,
Steve R.
... ... ... ... ...
Peggy then chuckles at his sign-off, "My pen pal," she then looks up and notices that some students were roaming around the garden. She breathes happily as she relishes the words of her new friend. She glances back at her letter and the sketch, thinking how odd it was that she is considering Steve as a friend quickly.
She is friendly and approachable but there are times that people see her as intimidating. She's not the type of girl that sticks to the social norm that girls should act refined and poised all the time. Her mother had called her out more than once to behave like a lady. Some boys feel entitled to tell her how she should behave. Be a pretty one for me, Margaret.
Peggy then sighs as she recalls that distant memory of her old schoolmate. Experiencing that made her realize that there are just people who will try to put her in a box and label her as what she should be. But it also made her realize that it was up to her to plant her roots and tell people what she can be. Having that mindset led her to achieve more than she'd expected.
But receiving these letters from Steve, a boy, who seems to appreciate her abilities and admire who she is, feels refreshing. With his letters, Peggy couldn't help but believe that there are people out there who are still genuinely good people. Somehow, she had the urge to meet Steve in person.
As Peggy sits on the bench contemplating what to give Steve in return for the sketch, she suddenly notices some of the students were taking photos of the plants and flowers in the garden. At that instant, she had an idea in mind and quickly gathered her things. She then approached the group and sweetly greets them.
"Hi, excuse me," Peggy then smiles at the student holding a camera, "I see that you have an instant camera. Are you taking photos for your botany class?"
"Yeah, we were asked to take photos of various plants. Why?"
"Oh, I see…" Peggy then sheepishly chuckles, "Well, um, this may sound odd. But…can you take a photo of me?"
The redheaded girl then quirks a brow in confusion at her request.
"I know I'm not a plant. But…Can I ask you a favor that you take a photo of me? I need to include it in my letter…for the cultural bridge program," Peggy widely grins as if to convince the girl.
"Um, are you even allowed to include photos?" The student questioned, which made Peggy think for a moment and consider it. It was a legitimate question that she didn't know the answer to. But, she really wanted to share something of her with Steve.
"Um…well, I don't know," Peggy's shoulders then drop as her eyes cast down in disappointment.
"How about you take a photo of these rose bushes with her beside it?" The other student suddenly suggests to her classmate before looking back at Peggy, "But don't directly look in the camera or just give a side view of your face. In that way, your full profile isn't seen,"
Peggy then smiled at the suggestion and nods her head, "I think that's a wonderful idea,"
The student holding the camera then shrugs her shoulders and pointed at a spot, "Stand here then turn your back," she then directed Peggy before looking through the lens of the camera, "Turn your head a bit…hold…"
Ka-Chick!
"Great!" The student pulls the camera away and waits for the photo to print out. When it was done she handed the photo to Peggy.
"Fantastic," Peggy beamed at the photo, "Thank you. I owe you, girls," and with that, she dashes out of the garden and headed inside the building.
"So, Chi Lo had this suggestion that their harvesting machinery should be improved. She even drew their harvest field," Bucky then glances at Steve who was quietly walking next to him, "Hey, Stevie, you still listening?" he then nudged the blonde boy.
"Oh, uh, sorry," Steve shook his head in clarity, "What about Chi Lo again?"
"Harvesting ideas," Bucky simply replies before he shoves both hands into his pockets, "What's up with you? You seem a little out,"
"No, no, I'm good," Steve then tries to smile but it didn't reach his eyes.
"Come on, buddy, I know you. Are you sick or something?" Bucky then pulled a hand out and tried to place it over Steve's forehead. But the boy quickly dodges the hand and incredulously stared at the brunette.
"Buck, I said I'm fine," Steve then heaves deeply before he shoves his hand into his pocket.
"Then what's the matter? You've been sulking since we got out of school,"
"No, I'm not,"
"Yeah, you do."
"I said—"
"I see what I see. Do you think you can fool me, Steve? You can't lie even if your life depended on it," Bucky then nudges the blonde, "What is it?"
Steve huffs in defeat, "I didn't get my letter,"
"That's it?" Bucky then snorts briefly before noticing the annoyed look of the blonde, "Okay, sorry. Why didn't you get your letter? Today's usually the receiving day,"
"I don't know…" Steve then shrugs his shoulder, "Maybe she finally decides it's not worth her time,"
Bucky scrunches his face in displeasure, "What are you talking about, Steve? You are worth the time. If she finds you uninteresting, then her loss," Steve gave a deadpan look at the brunette, making Bucky roll his eyes. "Just forget about your pen pal. Not worth your time being sad about it. You can ask Mr. Martinez for a new pen pal. Janice did that,"
"You can do that?" Steve's eyes grew wide as he felt his heart beat a little faster than usual, "Ask for a new pen pal?"
"Yeah. And so can you," Bucky and Steve then stop at a corner where they usually split up, "Don't worry about it. You can tell Mr. Martinez that you'll need a new pen pal for the program,"
Steve was silent as he waved goodbye to Bucky. As he stood alone in the corner, he had all the negative thoughts running inside his head. Did Peggy ask for a new responder? Maybe that sketch was too much. I shouldn't have done that sketch. But it's just a library. It's a library, Steve. Of course, that would be boring as hell. I shouldn't have done that…
When the next school day came, Steve was still in no better mood. He was obviously silent and a little sadder than usual. His classmates took notice of it. Even Hodge commented on it. But Steve paid them no attention.
"Mr. Rogers,"
Steve looked up, startled, and quickly stood up when Mr. Martinez gestured to him to come forward.
"Yes, Mr. Martinez? Do you need anything?" Steve asked then suddenly looks down when his teacher slides a letter envelope toward him. His eyes then grew wide as he recognizes Peggy's handwriting.
"We had to keep hold of the letter yesterday," Steve looked back at the teacher, waiting for him to explain further. "It seems that a photo was inserted and…"
"You looked into it?" Steve furrows his brow, almost annoyed that his and Peggy's privacy was invaded.
"Well, we had to double-check. But don't worry, we didn't read the letter and just glanced at the photo." Mr. Martinez then gave a tight-lipped smile, looking guilty for overstepping their privacy. "Maybe next time, tell her, photos are not suggested."
Steve was struck for a moment, realizing that his teacher knows who he was exchanging letters to and that there was a photo inside his mail. He quickly grabs it and asked permission to read it in the library with a promise to return for the next period.
As soon as he was alone, Steve pulled out the letter and began to read.
... ... ... ... ...
February 26, 2014
Hello Steve,
First and foremost, I'd like to tell you how talented you are. Your sketch was phenomenal. I can't wait to see more of your sketches that inspired you to draw. I believe that anything you draw will pique my interest as I have never met anyone as good as you at drawing. I probably can draw a few things but mine will never be at par with yours. I'd be delighted to receive a sketch again (EHEM!).
In return, I sent you a photo of where I read your letter. I was at our school garden and I happen to meet some students taking pictures of various plants for Botany. I had to plead my case that even if I wasn't a plant, I requested to be pictured so that I have something to give you. I know that the photo was more of a rose bush than my face, but I had the inkling feeling that photos within the letter are not permitted. So, I truly hope that you get to see the photo before they shred it away.
I'd like to thank you, by the way, for believing in me. Although, you, doubting what word to use to describe my coolness, makes me think that you don't know how to talk to girls. But either way, I'm grateful for your enthusiasm and belief that I'm strong and fierce. It's nice to know that I have found a friend in you. That being said, I think we both should learn martial arts. I agree with you that we must stand up against our bullies, but that doesn't mean we have to get injuries. So, please take care of yourself.
I'm glad that you have a best friend around. Here at school, I don't think I have a best friend like yours. But I do have good friends. But my best friend is my brother, Michael. He's older than me and just like you, he also believes in me. He encourages me to do things that make me happy, even if people may think I'm unladylike. We have the same hobbies, which makes it even more fun since I have an instant companion in things I like. Although, of course, as my sibling, he still likes to tease me about many things. It's a delight to have a sibling, but sometimes it's infuriating.
Anyways, I'm a little surprised that in the months we've exchanged letters, I noticed that every time I'll reply to you, I add a new page. My letters are getting longer and longer, but I enjoy writing to you. I wish I can tell you more stories. But I'll reserve it for next time.
Your pen pal,
Peggy
... ... ... ... ...
Steve then pulls out a photo from the envelope and immediately his breath hitches. She's beautiful. He stared at how perfectly her brown curls fall on her shoulder, how her jaws look sharp, and her eyes were mesmerizing. He wishes he can stare at them closer.
"Hey, Stevie," someone called causing Steve to startle and quickly tuck the photo inside the envelope and looked up. He then sees Bucky walking toward him. "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be in class?"
"I will," Steve then stands up and gathered his things, "I'm heading now,"
"Wait-wait," Bucky then steps in front of him with a raised brow, "Somethings new with you,"
"Huh?" Steve shakes his head as his smile stays in place, "Nothing is new with me,"
Bucky tilts his head in thought before he snaps his finger and points at the blonde, "You're finally smiling again. Did you get your letter?"
Steve suddenly blushes as Peggy's face flashes in his mind, "Um…yeah. I did,"
Bucky stared at the blonde for a moment before he nods his head and stepped aside, "All right. Good for you," he then taps Steve's shoulders before lightly shoving him toward the exit, "Now, go back to class,"
"On my way," Steve then smiles even wider before he leaves the library.
May 26, 2014
"I can't believe next Friday will be our graduation!" Bucky chuckles as he hops in excitement, "College will be next. Are you excited?"
Steve slightly tumbles as Bucky nudges him, "Uh, yeah. I'm all set…well, I've sent my application to Auburndale Art School already and I've had my interview with them. I just don't know if I totally got in,"
"Are you kidding me?" Bucky furrows his brows at the blonde, "Auburndale Art School would be a fool not to accept you. You'll do great there," he then drapes an arm over Steve's shoulder.
"Thanks," Steve then ducks his head.
Steve couldn't shake off the anxiety as it had been months since he applied. The school was focused on accepting students with good grades but at the same time had exceptional skills. His grades were fine, but he was nervous about the quality of his art profile. He had been telling this to Peggy and just like Bucky, she had assured him that his works were one of the best.
"How about you Buck? Heading straight to CUNY?" Steve glances at his best friend, who then pulls his arm away.
"Nah, I'm heading to Kingsborough," Bucky then shrugs his shoulders, "Can't leave my ma alone, right now. She'll need my help from time to time. So, I gotta be around,"
"I can help out," Steve smiles at him, "You go straight to university. Your ma will want that,"
"Stop bossing me around," Bucky then chuckles, "You're just like Chi… It's fine, besides, after two years I'll plan to go to CUNY. Just need to settle things at home first,"
Steve then nods his head, knowing that there was no point in insisting things on Bucky. When Bucky made a decision, it was final. He just needs to support him.
"Hey, I remember, did you get your last letter from your pal already? I don't think the school will be sending out our letters back anymore." Bucky then pulls out his own letter, "I told Chi about the ending of the program so I don't know how I'll reply to this,"
Steve glances at the letter and suddenly felt the weight of his letter inside his bag. He then turns away, trying not to think about how his and Peggy's exchange of letters will suddenly stop.
"Yeah, I got mine. I'll probably insist on sending the letter or tell me how to reach my pen pal. I don't know," Steve then looks back at Bucky, "Will you be stopping exchanging letters with Chi?"
"Maybe, I don't know. It depends on her," Bucky then boyishly smiled at his friend, "She is quite smitten by me," the two then laughs wholeheartedly, finding Bucky's charm adorable and at the same time galling. The boy was indeed famous among girls, but it was just sometimes ridiculous for Steve when the boy tries too hard.
When they reached their usual corner to split up, Bucky suddenly raised a brow when Steve continued to walk further away from his street. "Hey, Stevie! Where are you going?"
Steve half turns to look back, "Brooklyn Bridge! I just need to do something," he then waves goodbye before quickening his pace.
As soon as Steve reaches the bridge, he immediately stood still in the middle of it. He watched people pass by, minding their conversation, while others stayed on the side to admire the east river. He felt cheery seeing how these people were enjoying their time on the bridge in their own way. Brooklyn was home for Steve and he couldn't express how grateful he is to be there. But for some reason, he felt like something was missing. As soon as he felt that, Steve quickly shook it off and settled on the side to begin what he came to do.
Steve pulls out his mail from his bag and quickly opens the thick envelope. Somehow, Peggy had learned to slip a photo in the letter better compared to the first time she did. He'll never forget that first time. If it weren't for that photo, he probably still guessed how she looked.
When he opened the letter, a few petals tumbled out of the fold, making Steve a little panicky that it might fly away. He quickly drops the petals inside the envelope and begins to read.
... ... ... ... ...
May 7, 2014
Dear Steve,
Congratulations on your graduation! I'm saying it in advance given that your next letter will probably come around June. Chances are you would have graduated already and you won't be able to cherish these rose petals. It's from the flowers I planned to give to you but handing a bouquet to my teacher may seem a little odd and at the same time I don't think you'll get the flowers fresh anymore. So, rose petals it is.
I'm excited for you and your upcoming adventure. You'll be in college soon, doing something you really love. I don't know if you've received your acceptance letter from Auburndale Art School yet, but I truly believe that they are not stupid to pass on a student like you. I've kept all of your sketches, and trust me, I've had a lot of people wonder who the artist is. They want to see your artwork! All I can do every time they ask me is just smile, and feel special that I know you.
Can you believe that we've known each other for five months already? I think I've learned about your life more than I've learned from my classmates. The fact that we exchange letters only once a month and yet learn a lot about each other says a lot about us. It's something special. I'm really glad that you're my pen pal, Steve.
Anyways, I still have a month to go before our classes ended but I'm getting excited to spend my summer break. My parents are taking us to our summer house. It has been a long time since Michael and I spent the summer there. It will be lots of fun. Given that, I should probably provide you with a different mailing address in case you decide to send a letter to me. I'd hate to wait till school returns just to get your letter. That got me thinking too, will you still be exchanging letters with me? I'm sorry if I started assuming you will. Please let me know if it will be our last letter exchange.
Your pen pal,
Peggy
P.S.
Here is my address: 58 Priory Road, West Hampstead, NW6, London, England, UK
I slipped a photo of our neighborhood.
... ... ... ... ...
Steve then looks into the envelope and sees the photo. As he pulls it out, his breath hitches again, as always every time Peggy included a photo with her in it. She's so pretty. He quickly shakes his head and clears his throat as if he was guilty of being caught admiring her more than he should.
Steve sits down on the bridge and brings his bag in front of him. He pulls out his sketch notebook and opened it to the back page, where an improvised pocket envelope was taped. He then gently uncoiled the thread to unlock it and swiftly tucks the photo inside. All of Peggy's shared photos were safely kept there.
The bridge was bustling with tourists and locals, enjoying their time on the bridge. Some looked deep in conversation, while others were taking photos, capturing their moment at the bridge. A smile then appears on Steve's face as he thought about Peggy being a tourist in Brooklyn. He then turns his sketchbook to a blank page and begins to draw.
"I'm home!" Peggy calls as soon as she opens the door to her house. No one spoke to greet her back and somehow, she was grateful for that. In that way, she didn't have to explain the frown on her face. She quickly walks up the stairs to hide in her room when suddenly her mother's voice shouted.
"Margaret! I'm in the kitchen!"
Peggy rolls her eyes as she groans in annoyance. Stomping her feet as she descends the stairs and abruptly heads to the kitchen. "Mum, I'm home," Peggy repeats with a monotonous voice, making her mother raise a brow at her.
"What's with you?" Amanda Carter then steps in front of her daughter, who stood by the kitchen doorway, "Are you sick?" she then attempts to touch Peggy's forehead, but the girl quickly leaned away.
"No, I'm not," Peggy then sighs, "I'm just upset,"
"Upset? And why would you be upset?" Amanda then watches her daughter groan and turn away from her. When Peggy starts to leave, she then follows behind to hear her daughter.
"I don't want to talk about it Mum," Peggy then quickens her pace.
"Should I just ask Michael about it?"
Peggy swiftly turns around and widens her eyes at her mother, "No. And why would you ask him? He doesn't know anything about it,"
"If, so, then what is the matter?"
"Can't I just be upset, because…I'm upset?" Peggy then grunts, "That doesn't make sense,"
Her mother then chuckles at her daughter's internal conflict with herself, "What day is it today?"
"It's a Wednesday," Peggy says with annoyance in her tone, "June 11, 2014, don't you have a calendar?"
"Is it your time of the month?" Amanda asked teasingly.
"Mum!" Peggy exclaims with a dash of pink on her cheeks, "No…it's just…it's Wednesday, that's it," she then dashes to the stairs and quickly secludes herself in her bedroom.
That evening, the Carter family ate dinner quietly. Peggy didn't attempt to make conversation with her parents even with her brother. Peggy's foul mood was evident to the others but didn't comment on it while eating. When Peggy had left after eating, Michael looked at his mother and tilt his head.
"What's with Peggy?"
"It's Wednesday today,"
"And so if it's Wednesday? I mean she wasn't like that last week. She was practically energetic and jolly as if she was anticipating something," Michael then stood up and helped his mother clean up the table.
"Exactly, she was waiting for something. Maybe it has something to do with school. What does usually happen on a Wednesday every first week of the month?" Amanda questioned everyone.
"Every first Wednesday of the month?" her husband repeats almost like he sounded confused. They were all then silent, contemplating, when suddenly Harrison looked at his wife with an epiphany. "She tends to hold a letter very dearly. Did she happen to hold one when she got home? Or seemed eager to write a letter?"
"A letter?" Michael raised a brow, "I didn't notice anything like that,"
"Ah, yes!" Amanda exclaims before she snaps her fingers and heads to their living room. She then plucks a mail and hands it to Michael, "Would you be dear to hand this to Margaret? Hopefully, this is something she is anticipating for,"
Michael then takes the envelope and reads to whom the letter came from. He then nods and abandons his task and quickly headed to Peggy's room.
Tok! Tok!
"I'm not really in the mood to talk to anyone," Peggy shouts as she lies in her bed, staring at the ceiling.
"Who's Steven Rogers?"
Peggy abruptly sits up at the mention of the name and gawked at the closed door. She then stood up and slightly opened the door to see her brother standing before her with his hands on his back.
"What did you say?" Peggy questions hesitantly as she eyed her brother.
"What's with the letters?" Michael raised a brow at the younger Carter, "Dad said, every first Wednesday of the month, you tend to hold a letter that mum believes you anticipate every week. How come I don't know anything about this?"
Peggy had her eyes big, baffled at how to explain to her brother without being teased or questioned about the intention of exchanging letters with a boy from America.
"Um, last December, the school started participating in a cultural bridge program, in which we exchange letters with a foreign student to learn their culture. So…every Wednesday we receive letters and we have to reply to them. Why?"
Michael then smirks as he realizes that there was so much more to her sister's enthusiasm in participating in a school program. He then slowly showed the letter to Peggy, "Mum told me to hand this letter to you. Hopefully, this uplifts your spirit,"
Peggy's eyes grew wide and it was certain that her smile had finally reappeared. Michael couldn't help but chuckle at the quick change of mood.
"So, who is Steven Rogers?" Michael repeats his previous question and he immediately noticed the presence of a pink hue on her sister's cheeks. "You haven't told me who he is."
"He's the foreign student that I exchange letters with," Peggy then steps back and tries to close the door but Michael was quick to know that Peggy would attempt that. So he slid his foot into the gap and quickly stops it from closing.
"Where is he from?"
"New York"
"From the USA?" Michael questioned with surprise in his tone, "For how long?"
"Why are you asking questions like that?" Peggy retorts back, deliberately ignoring the question.
"I'm curious," Michael defends, staring sternly at his sister who was growing impatient with his inquisitiveness, "For how long?" He repeats.
"Five months!" Peggy then pushed Michael's foot out of the door and hastily closes the door. Michael just chuckles at his sister before he shook his head and left.
As soon as Peggy heard her brother leave their hallway, she then sighs deeply against the door. She clenched the letter close to her chest, feeling how thick the mail was in her grasp.
Probably there is another sketch inside.
Peggy couldn't help but smile at the thought. She then glances at her work area and sees the different sketches pinned on her corkboard. She feels thrilled to exchange not only letters but images with Steve. He'd give her sketch drawings that he sees before writing his letter, then she'll give him a photo of her surroundings. The last one was a picture of her neighborhood with her standing before the camera, in her Sunday dress. Still, her facial profile wasn't full. She wrote at the back of the picture, this is Hampstead, London. Welcome to my neighborhood.
Some days, she wonders, what he looks like. He'd only drawn landscapes or scenery that he likes to share. But not once did he include himself in the sketch. At least a hand would be fine…I'm just curious.
Peggy pushes herself off the door and sat by her work desk. Like her usual routine, she immediately opens the letter and grabs the drawing first. As she fully opens the paper, she lets out a gasp in amazement.
An inscription was written at the bottom of the paper. Welcome to New York. I can imagine you standing here at Brooklyn Bridge.
Peggy's eyes sparkled in appreciation as she stares at the colored sketch of the Brooklyn Bridge, then another sketch with her standing in the middle of the bridge. He used her image from the last photo she sent, and it was chilling to see how accurate his drawing was.
"Oh, Steve, you've outdone yourself," she mumbles to herself as she lays the drawing flat on her desk. Soon, she took the letter out and began to read.
... ... ... ... ... ...
May 26, 2014
Dear Peggy,
Thanks for your greeting. It was just right on time as next week, Friday (June 6) will be our commencement exercise. I'll probably read your letter again by then just so I can pretend that you greeted me at the actual graduation. The rose petals were a nice touch from you. I think I have associated red roses with you already. I can't believe it myself that we've been lettering to each other for five months, make it six by the time this letter reaches you. For the time we've been talking to one another, it has been a blast for me. Just like you, I'm glad to find a friend in you and I'll cherish the friendship we've built. You're one of a kind, Peggy.
Anyways, you're probably surprised that I sent your letter to the address you gave me. I probably should have told you that months back we were instructed to inform our pen pals that the letter we were sending out before May will be our last one. So, when your letter came, I didn't know exactly how I was going to reply to you because our teacher probably wouldn't send it out anymore. But it seems like the universe gave you the idea of telling me your address. So, I took the chance. In return, I'll give you my address so in that way, we can still exchange letters. I always look forward to your letters.
By the way, Welcome to New York! It's the Brooklyn Bridge. It's famous in our city and it's quite a tourist spot, that's why I drew you too into the sketch. I hope I gave justice to how you look. You look (pretty) (nice) beautiful in your red dress. Red really suits you well. Maybe someday, you'll come to America and see the bridge for yourself. If that ever happens, let me know. I'll be glad to tour you around.
I realized Peggy, we can email each other. I think that will be faster. What do you think? I'll leave my email address just in case you feel like saying hi. At least in that way, we don't have to wait for two weeks just to know each other's story.
Looking forward to your next letter, Pegs!
Your friend,
Steve
P.S.
My address: 1404 Alameda Ave., Brooklyn, New York, USA
sgrogers
To be continued...